Currency & Payment

The currency is the Turkish lira (TRY, symbol ₺), divided into 100 kuruş. The lira has been volatile in recent years, so prices and exchange rates can move quickly. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but keep some cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Change money in smaller amounts as you go rather than all at once.

Exchange offices (döviz) in cities usually give better rates than airports or hotels, and euros, US dollars and pounds are easy to change. Rates can vary widely, so compare a couple of offices and check there is no hidden commission. Count your money before leaving, keep receipts, and avoid changing large sums at once given lira volatility.

Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets in cities and tourist areas; contactless is common. Bazaars, small stalls, taxis and rural areas often prefer cash. Watch for dynamic currency conversion — always choose to be charged in lira for a better rate. Notify your bank of travel to avoid blocks.

Contactless card payments are widespread, and Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted — hotels, shops, restaurants and many transport systems. Local wallet apps exist but usually need a Turkish bank account, so travellers mostly rely on international cards plus some cash. Tap-to-pay makes small purchases easy in cities.

Türkiye has VAT (KDV) included in prices, and visitors can often reclaim it on eligible purchases through tax-free operators such as Global Blue. Shop at stores displaying a tax-free sign, ask for the form with your passport (a minimum spend applies), then get it validated and claim your refund at the airport before departure. Confirm the current minimum, process and any fee.