Buy Turkish Lira Online

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is available in both coins and banknotes. Coins are in 1 kuruş, 5 kuruş, 10 kuruş, 25 kuruş, 50 kuruş, and 1 Lira denominations. Banknotes are in TRY 5, TRY 10, TRY 20, TRY 50, TRY 100, and TRY 200 denominations. It’s ideal to have a mix of small coins and larger notes for everyday transactions.

Yes, cash is still widely accepted across Turkey, especially in local markets, shops, taxis, and smaller businesses. However, credit and debit cards are also commonly used in larger establishments such as hotels, malls, and restaurants. Contactless payments are becoming more popular, so it’s a good idea to carry both cash and a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for convenience.

When using a credit or debit card in Turkey, you may incur foreign transaction fees, typically ranging from 1% to 3%. To avoid these charges, consider using a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY), and it is the best currency to use. While some businesses in tourist areas may accept Euros or US Dollars, the exchange rate is usually less favorable. It's recommended to use TRY for all transactions to avoid unnecessary fees and to ensure smoother purchases.

Tipping in Turkey is customary, though not mandatory. It’s appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and hotels for good service. Typically, a 10% to 15% tip is given in restaurants if service charges are not included. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common. Hotel staff and tour guides also appreciate tips of TRY 10 to TRY 20 for their services.

The cost of a meal in Turkey can vary based on location and dining preferences. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost between TRY 40 to TRY 100 per person. In cities like Istanbul and Cappadocia, prices may be higher, with a three-course meal in a good restaurant costing up to TRY 150. For more budget-friendly options, street food and local cafes offer meals ranging from TRY 15 to TRY 40.

The amount of Turkish Lira you should buy depends on your travel duration and how you plan to manage your finances.

The best time to buy Turkish Lira is when exchange rates are favorable. Monitor TRY exchange rates leading up to your trip and consider purchasing Lira in advance to lock in a better rate. The Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card is an excellent option for this, allowing you to load TRY at competitive rates before your departure.

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency of Turkey and Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey). It is not widely accepted outside of Turkey, so you’ll need to exchange your TRY into the local currency if traveling to other countries.

We’ll buy back any foreign currency purchased with our Buy Back Scheme so you’re not out of pocket after your big adventures.

At Hays Travel you have several quick and easy methods to buy your currency. You can click & collect, call into branch, or choose home delivery.

You can also buy the Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card and load currency before your departure. ATMs are widely available in airports, hotels, and city centres.

In Turkey, both cash and cards are widely accepted, but using cards is typically more convenient for larger purchases like shopping or dining at upscale restaurants. Cash is helpful for smaller transactions, tips, taxis, or places that do not accept cards.

Carrying cash in Turkey is generally safe, but it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Use a money belt or secure wallet to protect your Lira. Turkey is a relatively safe destination for travelers, but like any tourist location, it’s important to keep your cash and valuables secure. Using a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for larger transactions is often a safer and more convenient choice.