Getting Turkish Lira for Your Trip

Turkey has become increasingly popular with British travellers, offering a unique blend of East and West, stunning coastlines, rich history, and incredible food. From the bazaars of Istanbul to the beaches of Antalya and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey delivers unforgettable experiences.

The Turkish Lira (₺ or TRY) has been highly volatile in recent years, which actually works in favour of GBP holders — your Pounds go much further than they did a few years ago. However, this volatility means you should be strategic about when and how much you exchange.

Key insight for 2026: Due to the Lira's volatility, the best strategy is to exchange or withdraw money as you need it, rather than taking large amounts of Lira. Use a fee-free travel card and withdraw from Turkish ATMs. Rates in Turkey are generally better than exchanging in the UK.

Best Ways to Get Turkish Lira

1. Fee-free travel cards (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Withdraw Lira from Turkish ATMs at excellent rates. Don't exchange too much at once due to volatility.
2. Turkish bank ATMs — Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, Yapı Kredi, Ziraat. No foreign card fees typically, but always decline DCC.
3. Turkish exchange offices (Döviz) — Competitive rates in Istanbul and tourist areas. Compare a few before exchanging.
4. Paying in GBP/EUR/USD — Some tourist shops accept foreign currencies, but rates are usually poor. Pay in Lira for best value.
5. UK bureau de change — Very poor rates for Turkish Lira. Avoid exchanging in the UK.

Using Cards in Turkey

Where Cards Work Well

• Hotels and resorts — All accept cards
• Restaurants — Most in tourist areas accept cards
• Shopping malls — Card-friendly
• Supermarkets — Migros, CarrefourSA, BIM accept cards
• Major attractions — Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, etc.

Where You'll Need Cash

• Grand Bazaar and markets — Cash preferred for bargaining
• Local restaurants and lokantas — Many are cash-only
• Taxis — Usually cash, though this is changing
• Street food — Kebabs, simit, etc. require cash
• Small shops — Especially outside tourist areas
• Tips — Always cash
• Dolmuş (shared minibuses) — Cash only

Important: If paying by card, always pay in Turkish Lira, not GBP. Shops may offer to convert to Pounds — always decline as the rate will be terrible.

ATMs in Turkey

Recommended Bank ATMs

• Garanti BBVA — Green logo, widespread and reliable
• İş Bankası (İşbank) — Blue logo, one of Turkey's largest banks
• Yapı Kredi — Blue/yellow, good coverage
• Ziraat Bankası — State bank, green logo
• Akbank — Red logo, reliable

Critical: Decline Currency Conversion

Turkish ATMs aggressively push Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), offering to charge you in GBP. Always decline and choose Turkish Lira. The GBP option typically uses a rate 5-10% worse than you'd get from your card provider.

ATM Withdrawal Limits

Most Turkish ATMs limit withdrawals to 2,000-5,000 TRY per transaction. You can do multiple transactions if needed, though fees may apply each time.

Money Tips by Turkish Region

Istanbul

Most card-friendly city in Turkey. Tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Kadıköy have good card acceptance. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are cash-dominant. ATMs everywhere.

Antalya & Turkish Riviera

All-inclusive resorts handle most things, but nearby restaurants and shops prefer cash. Beach vendors are cash-only. Good ATM coverage in resort areas.

Cappadocia

Tourist hotels and balloon operators accept cards. Local restaurants and cave hotels may prefer cash. Withdraw in Göreme or Ürgüp.

Bodrum & Aegean Coast

Upmarket Bodrum has good card acceptance. Beach clubs and marinas accept cards. Local markets and restaurants prefer cash.

Fethiye & Ölüdeniz

Tourist restaurants accept cards, local places prefer cash. Paragliding and boat trips often want cash payment.

Bargaining and Tipping in Turkey

Bargaining

Bargaining is expected in bazaars and markets. Start at about half the asking price and work up. Cash gives you bargaining power. Fixed prices in shops and restaurants.

Tipping

• Restaurants — 5-10% for good service, or round up
• Hotels — 5-10 TRY for porters, 20-50 TRY per day for housekeeping in nice hotels
• Taxis — Round up to the nearest 5-10 TRY
• Hammam attendants — 50-100 TRY for a good experience
• Tour guides — 50-100 TRY per person for full-day tours