Money, cards and ATMs in Turkey

Prices are a moving target

Annual inflation was 31.75 percent in July 2026 and the lira traded at about 47.74 to the US dollar on 11 August 2026, down 17 percent over a year.

• Every price in this guide, and every price in any guide, is dated. Treat lira figures as a rough scale rather than a quote.
• The "cheap Turkey" of a decade ago is gone in Istanbul and the smart coastal resorts. It is still very good value for food and transport, and no longer cheap for hotels.
• Do not prepay far in advance in lira unless the price is fixed. Conversely, a hotel quoting in euros has already priced the risk in.
• Carry a card and a little cash. Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis and small cafes.

Changing money

• Exchange offices, marked "döviz", give better rates than banks or hotels, and much better than the airport.
• The airport is the worst rate in the country. Change 20 or 30 euros there to get into town and do the rest properly.
• Count what you are handed before you walk away, every time.
• The FCDO warns that counterfeit US banknotes circulate, so be careful accepting dollars in change.
• ATMs are everywhere. Use bank-branded machines, decline the machine's own conversion, and take lira.
• Always be charged in lira, not in your home currency. Dynamic currency conversion here is a notably bad rate.

Tipping and bills

• Restaurants: round up or leave about 10 percent, in cash where you can, because card tips do not always reach the staff.
• Check for a service charge before adding to it.
• Taxis: round up to the next convenient note.
• Hotel porters and housekeeping: a small note is normal.
• Hairdressers, hamams and guides all expect a tip, and roughly 10 percent is the norm.

Bargaining

• Bazaars and carpet shops: yes, and it is expected. Start well below and be pleasant about it.
• Shops with marked prices, supermarkets and restaurants: no.
• Walking away is the strongest move you have and is not rude.