What currency does Turkey use? The official currency (currency) of Turkey is the Lira (TL), and 1 Turkish Lira is equal to 100 kurush. As for the Turkish Lira denominations, coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 Kurush and 1 Lira. 1 kurush coins are no longer used. Turkish banknotes are denominated in 5 TL, 10 TL, 20 TL, 50 TL, 100 TL and 200 TL.
Turkish banks in Fethiye are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00, with a lunch break often between 12:30 and 13:30. On Saturday and Sunday, banks in Turkey are closed. There are several local currency exchange offices (doviz) in Fethiye, Oludeniz, and Hisaronu where money may be exchanged during various opening hours (often from 8.30 to 18.30 no operating hours) and lunch break. In addition, practically all Turkish banks provide currency exchange services.
What Currency Should Tourists Bring to Turkey?
We have to admit that many shops and stores (except supermarkets) accept the following currencies – Lira, GBP, USD, EUR and sometimes even Russian rubles, so bringing almost any money into Turkey is not a problem – you can easily exchange them for Currency used in Turkey. There are plenty of ATMs available 24 hours a day, mostly located in and near shops. ATMs are easy to find in Fethiye, Oludeniz and Hisaronu, almost all accept foreign credit cards, all have an English interface, and you can withdraw Turkish lira as well as other major currencies. All Fethiye banks also accept travellers cheques.
However, we always recommend that you switch pounds before you travel to get the best price. Also, if you order travel funds online, you will receive them within a few business days. There are also exchange kiosks at airports and hotels, but the prices are usually not as competitive and you may be charged a commission fee.
If you run out of lira, many shops, restaurants and other establishments in busy tourist attractions will also accept euros, although it’s best to carry the local currency with you. When you’re a tourist street vendor, try to overcharge you anyway. So when you decide to pay in euros, you will be overcharged more.
The Cheapest Way to Get Lira
The most affordable way for tourists is to go to an ATM and choose the lira you want. Do not select Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Because only your own bank will charge you for the former method. However, banks in Turkey will also give you lira when you choose converted euros (by selecting dynamic currency conversion), but otherwise, money changers at currency exchange offices will usually charge you more.
It is also advisable not to withdraw money at the airport if possible. Bank clerks at airports (and their ATMs) also charge extra.
Using Bank Cards in Turkey
In popular tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Marmaris, Antalya and Bodrum, you can use your credit or debit card in shops, restaurants, hotels, nightlife and major attractions without any hassle. However, it’s always worth contacting your bank before making any transactions to make sure you won’t be charged any fees. This guide will answer what currency should you use in Turkey and how to exchange in the cheapest method.
How to Withdraw Cash
Cash machines or ATMs, known as “bankamatik” in Turkey, are a convenient way to withdraw your lira when you’re in a hurry. You will be charged a fee for each withdrawal, although this should not exceed a fraction of the transaction. Whenever you withdraw money from an ATM, make sure you remain vigilant as fraud is common.
In more remote areas, ATMs may not be widely available, so be sure to bring enough cash just in case. If you need to exchange British pounds to buy Turkish currency, you can go to a bank or travel agency, but remember to have your passport on hand.
Additional Tips for Holidays in Turkey
It is best to avoid using traveler’s cheques while on holiday in Turkey as these are generally not accepted and are no longer required due to the availability of ATMs. If you think you need to withdraw cash on a regular basis, make more withdrawals and use less ATMs to minimize fees. Before you take off, don’t forget to notify your bank to let them know of your upcoming trip. Sometimes banks may block transactions if they suspect suspicious activity, especially if you use your card several times a day.
