Money Talks: Making the Most of Your Lira in Turkey
15/04/2025
Packing for a trip to Turkey? We don’t blame you, with its cascading temples, magnificent Turkish bazaars, and hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia at sunrise, it’s a destination that is too breathtaking to miss.
But wait! Before you jet off, we’re rounding up the top tips to help you manage your Turkish Lira (TRY), so you can get the most out of your travel money with the best foreign exchange deals. Be quick and pop into your local branch to grab your cash!
Lira Life: Food, Drinks & Fun in Turkey
Turkey is notorious for being a moderately priced country with reasonably priced food, accommodation, and transport. So, here is a rough idea to get your holiday budget started:
Meals – Eating out in Turkey is very budget-friendly, with a casual meal costing around 350 TRY (£7.50). If you're in the mood for something special, a fine dining experience may set you back about 1,200 TRY (£52). These prices don’t include a tip and it’s not mandatory but is widely appreciated.
Drinks – Raise a glass to good value! A local beer typically costs around 300 TRY (£3), and a cup of coffee at a local café is about 200 TRY (£2).
Excursions - Excursions in Turkey are great value for money! Boat tours along the coast usually cost around 800 TRY (£20), often including lunch. If you're heading to Cappadocia, a hot air balloon ride is a bit more of a splurge at 6,000 TRY (£150), but it's an unforgettable experience!
Managing Your Money in Turkey
Turkey is a country that is cash-friendly no matter where you go, whether you’re on public transport or dining out, but it’s important to be mindful of your foreign exchange fees, so here are a few tips on making the most of your cards and cash:
Notify your Bank - Before you travel, give your bank a quick heads-up to let them know you’ll be using your card in Turkey. This helps avoid your transactions being flagged or blocked for suspected fraud.
Pay in Turkish Lira – Always choose to pay in Turkish Lira when using your card. Some card machines may give you the option to pay in GBP, but this usually comes with a worse exchange rate. It’s also worth noting that GBP isn’t accepted in shops, restaurants, or for transport.
Hays Travel Money Card - The Hays Travel Money Card is a secure and easy way to spend abroad. You can load it with Turkish Lira before you go, lock in your exchange rate, and avoid foreign transaction fees. It’s chip-and-PIN protected, accepted anywhere that takes Mastercard. Plus, you can top it up easily via the app while you're away.
Turkish Delights That Won’t Break the Bank
One of the best things about Turkey is there are so many breathtaking attractions that are completely free! By incorporating nature into your itinerary, you can enjoy unforgettable experiences without spending a Lira. Here’s how:
Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Wander through the surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and ancient cave churches carved into the rock. This UNESCO World Heritage site is perfect for hiking, photography, and soaking in the beauty of Cappadocia's unique terrain—all for free!
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Step inside one of Istanbul's most stunning landmarks, the Blue Mosque, with its striking blue tiles and towering minarets. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring place to explore, and entry is free—just remember to dress modestly and be mindful of prayer times.
Thermal Pools, Pamukkale
Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Pamukkale’s famous white terraces, formed naturally over thousands of years. The terraces offer stunning views, and you can dip your feet in the waters for a relaxing, free experience. It’s like nature’s spa!
Take Advantage of Travel Money Experts and Pre-Order Currency
One of the best ways to stretch your Turkish Lira is to pre-order your travel money before you leave. Here’s why:
Track Exchange Rates – Keep an eye on exchange rates in advance and lock in a great deal before you go. This way, you’ll get the most bang for your buck (or Lira)! Plus, you’ll avoid any surprise rate changes once you’re already on the move.
Convenience – Pre-ordering your currency with Hays Travel means you’ll have it ready when you arrive. No need to rush to ATMs or currency exchange kiosks at the airport, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday instead of worrying about money matters!
Avoids fees – Pre-ordering your currency means you’ll have it ready when you arrive—no need to rush to ATMs or currency exchange kiosks at the airport. With your Lira sorted ahead of time, you can focus on enjoying your holiday instead of worrying about money matters!
Order your travel money via click and collect today to secure a great rate!
Need to purchase your Turkish Lira? Hays Travel is offering great rates online and instore right now! With the convenience of Click & Collect or Home Delivery, plus expert advice with dedicated forex staff in-store, it's never been easier to buy your travel money.
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