Turkey Currency Guide
The currency of Turkey and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.
Currency
Turkish Lira
TRY
Checking rates
Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go
The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.
Payment Tips to Remember
Always pay in the local currency
If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.
Set up a travel card before you fly
Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.
Airport exchange counters: last resort
Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.
Check ATM fees on screen
Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.
Keep some small cash
Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.
Cards for Abroad
Explore the Wise multi-currency card
One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.
Learn more
Local data
Get an eSIM for Turkey before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
Airalo
Yesim
Saily
Drimsim
Check prices and availability on the booking sites.
City Guides in Turkey
Istanbul
Turkey's largest city and former capital, Istanbul straddles Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus Strait. Beyond the European district, a center of history and commerce, travelers can enjoy the unique experience of crossing between two continents.
Edirne
A city at Turkey's westernmost edge, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. As the capital of Edirne Province, it makes a great stop on a cross-border travel route.
Ankara
Turkey's capital and its second-largest city after Istanbul. It's known for being safer than many other European cities, making it a reassuring place to travel.
Antalya
The capital of Antalya Province, set on the Mediterranean coast and surrounded by mountains. It's also well known as a favorite training-camp destination for European professional football teams.
Bursa
A city in Turkey's northwestern Marmara region and the capital of Bursa Province. As one of Turkey's leading industrial cities, it offers the lively atmosphere of a major metropolis.