Istanbul Currency Guide 2026
Turkish Lira (TRY) · ₺
32 TRY = $1 (approx. — check current rate, lira has significant volatility)
Istanbul Travel Guides
Cash is Essential in Istanbul
Many places are cash only — always carry local currency
Daily Budget Guide
🎒
Budget
$25–45 (hostel, street food, public transport)
🏨
Mid-Range
$60–120 (hotel, sit-down restaurants, Uber)
✨
Luxury
$200+ (5-star Bosphorus view hotel, fine dining)
ATM Tips for Istanbul
Garanti BBVA, Ziraat Bank, and İş Bankası ATMs are most compatible with international cards
The lira has experienced significant inflation — check the current rate before travel as published rates go stale fast
Maximum ATM withdrawal is typically 2,000–5,000 TRY per transaction depending on bank
Dynamic currency conversion: always choose TRY — the "guaranteed rate" offered is always worse
Card Payment Tips
Visa and Mastercard accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and major shops in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar and Spice Market vendors strongly prefer cash — and are better for bargaining with lira
Local transport (Metrobus, metro, ferries) requires an Istanbulkart — buy one at any station for reloadable contactless transit
Some restaurants near mosques and in conservative neighbourhoods are cash only
Currency Exchange Tips
✓ Best method
Exchange at PTT (Turkish Post) offices for competitive government rates. Avoid airport exchange. Garanti, Ziraat, and İş Bankası ATMs are most reliable.
✗ Avoid exchanging at
- ×Istanbul Airport exchange booths (10–15% markup)
- ×Grand Bazaar money changers (risk of short change)
- ×Hotels (worst rates)
Tipping in Istanbul
10% at restaurants if no service charge. Round up taxi fares. 10–20 TRY for hotel porters.
Useful Denominations
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency do they use in Istanbul?
The Turkish Lira (TRY, symbol ₺). Istanbul is in Turkey, which is not part of the Eurozone. Euro and USD are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates.
Is Istanbul cheap for tourists?
Istanbul offers excellent value — budget travellers can live well on $25–40/day. Street food (simit, döner, balik ekmek) costs $1–3. Museum entries have increased but are still affordable by European standards.
Should I exchange money before going to Istanbul?
No — exchange rates at home for TRY are poor. Use ATMs in Istanbul (Garanti, İş Bank) or PTT exchange offices for better rates.
Is the Turkish Lira stable?
The lira has experienced significant volatility and inflation. Always check the current exchange rate immediately before travel. This also means Istanbul becomes progressively better value for foreign tourists over time.
Before you go to Istanbul
Istanbul Packing List
Everything else you need for your Istanbul trip