Money Exchange in Istanbul: Lira, ATMs, Cards and Tipping

Turkey's currency is the Turkish lira (TRY, written ₺ or TL). In Istanbul you can pay by card almost everywhere, but you will still want some lira in small notes for taxis, market stalls, tea gardens and tips. The way you get that cash makes a real difference: the gap between a good and a bad rate, or between a fee-free and an expensive ATM, can easily be several per cent.

For context, on 21 October 2026 the market rate was about ₺49.6 to the US dollar and ₺55.7 to the euro. The lira moves often, so check the day's rate before you change money. Everything below is as of October 2026.

Quick answers

Lira notes and coins

Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira; the 200 is the largest note in circulation. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 kuruş and 1 lira, though prices are rarely precise enough to need the smallest ones. There has been public discussion of 500 and 1,000 lira notes, but as of October 2026 none had been issued.

Because the 200 is the largest note, larger cash payments mean a thick wad of 200s. Ask for a mix including some 20s, 50s and 100s, as small kiosks and taxis may not have change for a 200.

Changing money at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST) says it has 43 Global Exchange offices, including on the arrivals floor across from Exit Gates 10 and 12 and next to Exit Gate 13. They are convenient, but airport exchange counters generally offer wider spreads than offices in the city. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) also has exchange counters and ATMs in arrivals.

A sensible approach is to change only what you need for the first day, or take a small amount from an ATM, and do the rest in town. Before handing over notes at any counter, ask how many lira you will get for the full amount: that final figure is the only number that matters.

Exchange offices in the city

Exchange offices (döviz bürosu) are everywhere in central Istanbul. Most do not charge commission; they earn on the difference between the buying and selling rate. The best rates are usually in busy market areas where offices compete for local business, such as the streets around the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Offices on the main tourist strips in Sultanahmet and around Taksim are often less generous.

• Compare two or three offices. Look at the rate at which they buy your currency (the "alış" column), not just the headline board.
• Avoid any office that charges commission or will not show its rates clearly.
• Bring clean notes. Euros, US dollars and British pounds are easy to change. Torn, marked or very old notes may be refused or given a lower rate.
• Count your lira at the counter before you walk away, and keep the receipt.
• Mind the opening days. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, though many offices nearby and elsewhere open daily.

Using ATMs in Istanbul

ATMs (bankamatik) are easy to find. At Istanbul Airport, for example, the international arrivals area at Gate 4 has ATMs from DenizBank, Halkbank, İş Bank, TEB, Yapı Kredi, VakıfBank and Ziraat Bank. Foreign Visa and Mastercard debit cards work in almost all of them. What varies is the cost.

• Operator fees differ by bank. Some Turkish banks charge foreign cards a withdrawal fee and some do not. Traveller reports and money-transfer companies often name Ziraat, Halkbank and PTT as cheaper options, but this changes and we could not confirm current fee tables from the banks themselves. The fee is shown on screen before you confirm, so cancel if it looks high and try another bank.
• Always decline the conversion. If the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency at a "guaranteed" rate, say no and choose lira. That conversion usually costs far more than your own bank's rate.
• Expect per-withdrawal limits. Machines cap how much you can take in one go, and your own bank has its own daily limit. Fewer, larger withdrawals keep fixed fees down.
• Check your own bank's charges. Many cards add a foreign cash fee on top of anything the Turkish bank charges.
• Use ATMs at bank branches during opening hours where you can, so you can get help if the machine keeps your card.

Paying by card

Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and museums, and contactless payment is common. Visa and Mastercard are the safest choice; other cards are accepted less widely. When a card machine asks whether to charge you in lira or your home currency, choose lira for the same reason as at the ATM.

Taxis must now have a fiscal device linked to the meter that accepts cards, but in practice some still claim the machine is broken; carry enough lira for the fare. Our Istanbul Airport taxi fares guide explains the current tariff. For public transport, you will use an Istanbulkart; see our Istanbul public transport guide.

Paying in euros or dollars

Some hotels, tour operators, carpet and jewellery shops will take euros or dollars, and some quote prices in them. It is convenient, but the rate they use is often rounded in their favour. For everyday spending (restaurants, cafés, small shops, markets), pay in lira. If someone offers a price in euros, ask for the lira price too and compare.

When you still need cash

• Street food, simit and tea stalls, and small family-run restaurants.
• Tips for waiters, hotel staff, hammam attendants and guides.
• Bargaining in the bazaars, where cash can help you get a better price.
• Public toilets, which often charge a small fee.
• Taxis, in case the card reader "is not working".

Tipping in Istanbul

Tipping is customary but not compulsory. Since 30 January 2026, a change to Turkey's price-labelling regulation bans restaurants, cafés and patisseries from adding a service charge, cover charge or table fee under any name. Voluntary tips are still allowed but cannot be made mandatory. If a bill includes a "service" line, ask for it to be removed.

Money scams to watch for

• The note swap. You hand over a large note and are told you gave a smaller one. Say the value out loud as you pay, and keep large and small notes apart.
• "No commission" with a poor rate. The rate is what counts. Ask for the final lira amount before you hand over your money.
• Conversion at the card machine. If the receipt shows your home currency, you were charged at the merchant's rate. Ask to redo the payment in lira.
• Short change in busy places. Count your change, especially at night or in crowded tourist spots.

For more on staying safe in the city, see our guide Is Istanbul safe?

Bringing cash into Turkey

There is no limit on how much foreign currency you can bring into Turkey, but cash of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent) should be declared to customs. If you plan to carry a large amount, check the Ministry of Trade's customs guidance before you travel.

Getting into the city without the exchange queue

If you land late, are travelling with family or simply want to change money in town at a better rate, a fixed-price transfer avoids the problem. A driver waits inside arrivals with a name sign, and you pay on arrival in EUR, USD or TRY. Prices are per vehicle for up to 6 passengers and 12 suitcases, with tolls, parking and waiting included: Istanbul Airport to Taksim is $65 (VIP Vito $75) and Sabiha Gökçen to Kadıköy is $65 (VIP Vito $75). Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up. Read more in our Istanbul Airport guide and eSIM and SIM card guide.

Istanbul VIP is operated by Regatta Turizm (TÜRSAB licence 10138).