What currency should I use for my payments while on holiday in Turkey?

When it comes to spending on your holiday in Turkey, you have the convenience of being able to make contactless credit card payments almost anywhere. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and decide on the best payment method for you. Whether you choose to use your credit card, cash, or a combination of both, it's always a good idea to have a plan in place to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.

1- Payment by credit card

It is now possible to pay with contactless credit cards everywhere in Turkey. The point to be noted here is, does the seller withdraw the payment from your card in euros or in TL? If he withdraws the euro price given to you for the product you bought from your card, there is no risk here, but if he withdraws TL from your card, you should be very careful with the euro exchange rate calculated by the seller. Example: You have a payment of 10€. If the Seller withdraws 10€, ie euros, from your Credit card, there is no problem. If the seller is withdrawing in TL for 10 €, be very careful that the exchange rate is the daily rate. On 21 June 2023, the TL equivalent of 10 € is approximately 26 TL.

When traveling abroad, it's important to be aware of exchange rates and potential scams when making payments with credit cards or cash. In some cases, you may be charged high exchange rates when paying in local currency, leading to unexpected expenses. Be sure to research the local currency and exchange rates before your trip to avoid any surprises.

2- Paying with cash Euro

This is the safest way. You can even pay with euro coins. The only point you need to pay attention to here is that you do not carry large amounts of cash with you on vacation. You can use the safe in your hotel room and take your money from the safe as much as your daily spending. Do not forget to take your money from the safe at the end of your holiday. You can also withdraw euros from ATMs.

3- Paying with cash Turkish lira

Question: Where will you buy TL from?

Answer to the question: If there is an opportunity to buy Turkish Lira in your country, you can do it in your country. If this is not possible then you have 3 options:

a- You can buy it at the airport in your own country, or at the destination Airport in Turkey (not recommended at all due to low exchange rates)
b- Any bank in Turkey (recommended)
c- In official exchange offices (recommended)

If you pay in euros (or dollars) in supermarkets, they will give you the change in TL, and in such a case, you will lose with the low exchange rate that the market will use. The best way to pay in supermarkets is by credit card. However, option 3 above would be good for Russians, as russian cards do not work in Turkey.

Do not exchange Euros (or other currencies) in any place other than banks and official exchange offices in holiday resorts in Turkey.

You can withdraw foreign currency from ATMs in holiday regions, unless there is an economic crisis in Turkey. For example, after the elections on 14 and 28 May 2023, it was not possible to withdraw foreign currency and TL at bank machines for a while.

You can see the prices in euros everywhere (restaurants, bars and bazaars) in holiday resorts, except shopping malls and supermarkets. It is recommended to pay with your credit card in shopping malls and supermarkets.

When withdrawing money from ATMs, do not give credit to those who come to you to help you, and refuse help harshly. If possible, take your card and leave without making any transactions at the ATM. If your card gets stuck inside the ATM, never leave the ATM without using the "exit" or "cancel" button.

If your card is stuck in the ATM while you are at the ATM, and if someone you do not know says to you "there is a police office there, go there and report that your card is stuck in the ATM", never believe it and leave the ATM. In such a case, the thing to do is to close the ATM session by pressing the "exit" or "cancel" button while your card is inside the ATM.

Be very careful against counterfeit Turkish Lira in holiday areas. To avoid this, do not exchange your money outside of banks or official exchange offices. Banknotes with "ÖRNEKTİR" written on them are counterfeit.

Have a smooth and enjoyable holiday in Turkey for you and your family!

The information contained herein is advisory. The final decision should be the vacationers' own decision.