What is the Currency in Turkey?

What is the Currency in Turkey?

If you’re heading to Turkey—whether for a beach holiday in Antalya, a cultural trip to Istanbul, or a cruise along the Aegean—it’s important to understand the local currency and how best to manage your money. This guide is written for UK travellers and covers the currency used in Turkey, payment methods, and useful travel money tips.

What currency does Turkey use?

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira as its official currency. It is abbreviated as TRY and represented by the symbol ₺. All transactions in Turkey—whether in restaurants, shops, taxis, or hotels—are made in lira.

You may occasionally see prices quoted in euros, particularly in tourist resorts, but payment will still be made in Turkish lira.

How is the Turkish lira structured?

The lira is a decimal currency, divided into 100 kuruş (similar to pence). Common denominations include:

• Banknotes: ₺5, ₺10, ₺20, ₺50, ₺100, and ₺200

• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş, and ₺1

At the time of writing, £1 is worth approximately 40–42 lira, but this can vary due to fluctuations in the Turkish economy. Always check current exchange rates before converting money.

Can you use pounds or euros in Turkey?

In tourist-heavy areas, some shops or hotel staff might accept euros or pounds as a courtesy. However, these transactions are unofficial and often come with a poor exchange rate. The official and most reliable currency for purchases is the Turkish lira.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Turkey?

Turkey is increasingly card-friendly, particularly in larger cities and resorts. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless and mobile payments like Apple Pay are also becoming more common.

That said, cash is still important—especially in markets, taxis, small cafés, and rural areas. You should carry a combination of cash and a fee-free travel card, such as Monzo, Starling or Revolut, to give yourself flexibility and reduce costs.

Where to exchange money in Turkey

You can bring British pounds with you and exchange them in Turkey at:

• Banks

• Currency exchange bureaus (döviz bürosu)

• Hotels (though often at less favourable rates)

ATMs are widely available and offer an easy way to withdraw Turkish lira using a UK debit card. Just be sure to check your bank’s overseas charges before you travel.

Always choose to be charged in lira, not pounds, when withdrawing cash or paying by card—this avoids dynamic currency conversion, which typically results in worse exchange rates.

Tips for managing money in Turkey

• Keep small denominations handy for tipping and local purchases

• Exchange only what you need—rates can vary widely between providers

• Use ATMs connected to major banks and avoid independent machines that charge high fees

• Tipping is common—10% is typical in restaurants if service isn’t already included

• Be cautious when using cards in markets—cash may give you better bargaining power

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is assuming you can use euros or pounds freely throughout Turkey. While it might work in limited situations, you’re much better off using lira to avoid confusion or being overcharged.

Another is accepting a card machine's offer to convert your payment to GBP—always choose to pay in local currency for the best rate.

In summary

Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While card payments are widely accepted, cash remains essential for many everyday transactions, particularly in local settings. UK travellers should plan to use a mix of travel-friendly cards and cash, always pay in lira, and exchange money through reputable sources.