turkey travel money

The Cost of Travel in Turkey: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Turkey is one of the most underrated countries in the world.

Hardly anybody mentions it when they talk about their favourite spots in Europe or Asia, but to me, it has so much to offer its visitors.

Istanbul is a phenomenal city, with mosques scattered across the skyline, an incredible food scene, and so much history to delve into. The ruins of Ephesus are some of the most impressive I’ve seen, and exploring the site of Troy was breathtaking. I even chartered a yacht for 10 days along the coastline of Turkey and saw some of the most beautiful, untouched parts of the country.

Turkey’s home to some breathtaking landscapes, too — whether it’s taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise through Cappadocia or splashing through the other-worldly salt pools of Pamukkale. On top of that, you’ve got some incredible cuisine to delve into — Turkish breakfasts are my favourite on the planet — and friendly locals to get to know.

And I haven’t even mentioned the beaches yet.

I’ve been fortunate to have spent six weeks travelling in Turkey, and I’ve managed to see a hell of a lot of the country over that time.

I spent two weeks exploring the different neighbourhoods in Istanbul, then travelled overland to Fethiye with stops in Cannakale, Troy, Selçuk, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. From Fethiye, I spent 11 days sailing a yacht around the southwest coast of the country, visiting Göcek, Gökkaya, Kekova Roads, Kalkan, Karakaören, Kaş, Kayaköy and Uçagiz.

I then finished my time in the country with a week-long stay in the small village of Kadikalesi, close to Bodrum. On my return visit, I crossed off my biggest oversight from the first trip: Cappadocia.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable. I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each and every destination you visit.

Today, it’s Turkey’s turn.

Keep on reading for more detail on how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Turkey in 2024. A quick note before we start: because of the high rate of inflation, anything priced in lira (the local currency) goes up all the time. The exchange rate to other currencies goes up with it, though, meaning you’ll still pay about the same in Euros or USD. For that reason, all of the prices below are in US dollars, even though you’ll probably see them advertised in lira when you’re there.

How to Save Money on Flights to/From Turkey

If you live in Europe or the Middle East, you’re in luck! You won’t have to worry too much about the cost of flights to Turkey, thanks to the wide range of budget airlines in the region. As always, I recommend heading to Skyscanner  to snag yourself a bargain — they’re the only aggregator I use to find cheap flights.

Unsurprisingly, you’re going to find it easier to score a great deal if you have flexibility in your plans. As an example, if you don’t mind which airports you fly into and out of, you may find it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Ankara rather than Cappadocia. You can use Skyscanner to find the best airport option by entering Turkey as your destination, rather than an individual city. Additionally, I like to set my departure date in Skyscanner to be across an entire month: this brings up the cheapest dates to fly and ensures you land the best possible deal.

As with almost every country on the planet, you’ll find it cheapest to fly to Turkey outside of high season, which coincides with the European summer vacation dates (June to August). In Turkey, May and September are categorised as the shoulder season, with October to March marking  the low season, where you’ll find the cheapest prices. If you do have the option of visiting in the shoulder season, I highly recommend it. No only will the weather be perfect but prices will be lower, crowds will be thinner, and accommodation will be emptier. 

But what if you’re not European?

There are several ways to get to Turkey from other parts of the world. My North American readers can score direct flights from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C, and Toronto, whereas my Australian and Kiwi readers are going to be looking at a layover in Southeast Asia or the Middle East first.

Regardless of whether you go for a direct flight or opt to have a layover to break up the journey, you’re going to have a long and tiring journey ahead of you.  Fortunately, getting to Europe can be reasonably cheap these days, and in shoulder season, I wouldn’t expect you’d need to pay more than around $500 for a return ticket from North America or $1000 from Oceania. Allow me to introduce you to one of my favourite websites in the world: Secret Flying ! I’d estimate that 80% of the flights I book these days are due to a deal I’ve found on Secret Flying.

But if you strike out and can’t find anything on Secret Flying, get your search kicked off with Skyscanner  using the tips I mentioned above.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Turkey

I know I have a ton of readers who are all about that backpacking life, so I want to kick off this section by running through some of the accommodation options that are out there for budget travellers.

Free Accommodation

Couchsurfing  is a great way to save money while taking a deep-dive into life in Turkey. You’ll stay with a local for free, sleeping on their couch, and learning about their day-to-day life in the country. It’s not the most comfortable of travel experiences, of course, but you’ll learn more about what it’s like to be Turkish than you would by staying in a hostel or hotel. You can browse a list of Turkish Couchsurfing hosts  on the Couchsurfing site .

It’s also a good idea to take a look at housesitting . Essentially, housesitting involves taking care of someone’s house and pets while they’re away, in exchange for free accommodation. This option is ideal for long-term travelers or retirees with the flexibility to go and stay where needed, as you’re obviously more limited with dates and destinations.

If that’s not a problem for you, housesitting is an excellent way to reduce travel costs, stay in beautiful homes, care for cute animals, and experience living like a local. For those interested in getting started with housesitting, Trusted Housesitters is the best site, as it has the highest number of listings by far.

And finally, if you’re travelling long-term and don’t mind getting your fingers dirty, you could look at WWOOFing or WorkAway as a way to cut down your costs while working on a farm in exchange for accommodation and food. It’s not the most glamorous of experiences, but getting to live for free in a foreign country is incredible, so if you’re backpacking around Europe, this may be the way forward for you.

Cheap Accommodation

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these is  hostels . In Turkey, you’ll find hostels all over the country, from the big cities to the small villages to beachside hideaways. They’re one of your best options for saving money, and aren’t just for the backpackers.

Hostels in Turkey are much cheaper than equivalents in Western Europe, with the big exception being Istanbul over the summer, but even then, it’s still far from outrageous. You can expect to spend around $18-25 for a dorm bed in most spots in Turkey, including Istanbul.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around $50-75 a night for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or a partner, you may find it costs about the same for some privacy versus settling for two beds in a dorm room.

If you’re put off by the thought of nights spent in hostels, you shouldn’t be! Private rooms are usually quiet and clean, and most hostels are modern, safe, and centrally located. They tend to have a little more personality than generic hotels, and the staff are fantastic at offering travel advice. As long as you check the reviews of any hostel before booking it to make sure nobody refers to it as a party hostel, you’re all good to make a booking there. I use HostelWorld to find the cheapest hostels.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which usually start at around $75-100 a night for a good midrange option and go up from there. You’ll have slightly more luxury and comfort in hotels, so it’s up to you to work out whether this is worth the additional expense. I always use Booking to find guesthouses and hotels when I travel.

My Accommodation Recommendations for Turkey

So if you’re not a budget traveller and just want to stay in a lovely, well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse that’s good value for money and has all the things you need from a place to lay your head, I’ve got you! When I visited Turkey, I opted to spend most of my trip in well-reviewed guesthouses in central locations. Here’s my pick of them.

Istanbul: Hotel Poem ($220 a night) — Where to stay in Istanbul? It’s such an enormous city that I spent two weeks hopping from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, trying several on for size. My favourite area ended up being Sultanahmet and the best hotel? Easily Hotel Poem. With a life-changingly good homemade breakfast (I warned you I’m going to talk about Turkish breakfasts a lot!), gorgeous rooms, an incredibly central location, and helpful staff to assist you with planning your itinerary, it’s easily one of the best spots in all of Istanbul. It’s more expensive than other spots on the list, but I do think it’s worth it.

Selcuk: Hotel Mary’s House ($125 a night) — If you’re going to be staying in Selcuk, it’s most likely because you want to spend time exploring Ephesus! Well, the owner of Hotel Mary’s House works as a tour guide, so is only too happy to answer all of your questions and tell you more about the history of this area. Throw in an excellent breakfast, a fantastic location close to the best restaurant in town, and a peaceful courtyard, and you’ve got everything you need to make the most of your time in Selcuk.

Bodram: Oalis Boutique Hotel ($76 a night) — I make so many of my decisions around where to stay based on the proximity of the best restaurants, and that’s exactly why I’m recommending Oalis Boutique Hotel! You’re minutes away from some great eateries, just one minute from the beautiful beach, yet in a quiet area for when you need to get some sleep. As an added bonus, the rooms are so lovely and the hotel so well decorated!

Fethiye: Ten Apart Hotel ($46 a night) — Ten Apart Hotel’s selling point is its swimming pool: it’s beautiful! But not only that, you’re a 5-10 minute walk from the beach, close to some great local restaurants, and have a big balcony to relax on throughout the day. With friendly staff and a quiet neighbourhood thrown into the mix, too, there’s no reason not to choose to stay here.

Cappadocia: Wish Hotel ($156 a night) — Wish Hotel offers such great value for money, given that it has one of the best views of the Cappadocia balloon releases from its rooftop terrace. Onder, the lovely owner, will be able to help you out with hot air balloon tickets if you want to experience the area from the air. And the hotel’s location is in Uchisare, which is so much nicer than Goreme! And the breakfasts? The final cherry on the top. And you guys know how much I love Turkish breakfasts! This is one of the best.

How to Save Money on Transportation in Turkey

Transportation is fairly inexpensive in Turkey, so you won’t need to worry about it upping your travel budget by too much. Still, it’s a large country and travel days can sometimes be long and tiring. Let’s look into the different options and how much you can expect to spend for each.

We’ll start by looking at how to get around the cities and towns you visit.

Several cities in Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Bursa) are large enough to have a metro system, and they’re all easy to use and inexpensive. Taking the metro is usually my favourite way to get around, as I find them less baffling than buses and minivans, so I primarily use the metro in these cities. Prices start from $0.50 for a single ride.

I’m also a huge fan of the tram in Istanbul, and riding them through the city was such a fun and wonderful experience. If you plan on spending a lot of time exploring Istanbul by public transport, it’s worth investing in an Istanbulkart for $2.50 , as it gives you almost half-priced rides on the metro, trams, buses, and ferries across the city.

Outside of the main cities, I like to use the local dolmuşes to get around. Dolmuş (pronounce dul-moosh) is the Turkish word for a minibus, and they’re one of the best ways of getting around the cities, as well as travelling short distances between towns and villages. Dolmuşes are more comfortable than the buses while still remaining affordable, and significantly cheaper than taking a taxi.

You’ll spot them all over the country and can catch them from stops with a blue-and-white D signposted above them. You’ll typically pay $0.10-0.60 depending on the length of the journey, although it might be more for long trips.

The buses in Turkey will take you pretty much anywhere you need them to, are reasonably comfortable, and exceptional value for money. They’re the cheapest option for travelling both short and long distances across the country, and usually offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a snack on board. As an example, a bus from Istanbul to Izmir takes 8-10 hours depending on traffic, and costs just under $20 .

So what about driving?

Driving can be a wonderful way to explore Turkey, as long as you’re a confident driver with a lot of experience. Turkish drivers can be a bit wild at times, jumping red lights, overtaking on corners, and generally speeding their way around the country. You’ll want to exercise a lot of caution while on the road, but you’ll more than likely be fine.

Turkey has fewer traffic-related fatalities than the U.S., so you won’t be putting yourself in grave danger by opting to hire a car. Prepare to use your horn a lot. They drive on the right in Turkey and manual transmission is far more common. I’ve used a lot of rental car companies over the years, but always seem to score the cheapest deals with Discover Cars , so that’s who I stick with these days. Renting a medium-sized car to and from Istanbul Airport for a week, for instance, is typically under $20/day .

I typically recommend avoiding flying within a country, as flights tend to be pricey and time-consuming when you include packing, travelling to and from the airports, passing through security… and all of those wonderful experiences that travel involves.

That said, in Turkey, flying can still sometimes be the best option.

Domestic flights can be extremely inexpensive and with a country as large as Turkey, you’ll likely save time — especially if you want to travel from, for example, Istanbul to Cappadocia. It takes 12 hours by bus but just 90 minutes by plane. I took a flight from Izmir to Istanbul when I noticed it was just $40  to do so, and it saved me so much hassle by doing so. Like I mentioned earlier, it would have taken anything up to 10 hours by bus, but the flight only took an hour.

How to Save Money on Food in Turkey

Good news: not only is food in Turkey delicious, but it’s exceptionally cheap, too! There are plenty of ways to save money on food and drink while you travel around the country. Let’s start with those options first.

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely save money by cooking rather than eating out, so if you’re willing to sacrifice some of your meals, this is an excellent way to stay on track with your budget. Hostels usually offer a shared kitchen, and if you’re opting for an Airbnb, the owners often give you access to the kitchen. If that’s the case, you can head to a local market (a great cultural experience) and stock up on ingredients.

Many hostels and hotels offer free breakfasts within their room rate, so if that’s the case, I always recommend eating later in the morning and eating a lot, as you may find you’re too full to have lunch. But, as I’ve mentioned several times in this post already, Turkish breakfasts!!!!  The breakfasts in Turkey are so fantastic that I’d recommend having them outside of your accommodation as often as possible.

The real budget-buster when it comes to food and drink in Turkey is, relatively-speaking, alcohol. There are huge taxes on alcohol, to the point where Turkish drinkers pay more than double the price for alcohol than locals in the EU. Not only that, but the local beer, Efes, is, um, kind of terrible.

I usually recommend skipping out on the alcohol while you’re in Turkey, but if you’re determined to have a drink while you’re there, expect to spend more than you would in neighbouring countries. A draught beer, for example, might be $6 or $7 in a popular bar: not outrageous , but potentially more than you’re spending on food!

Unfortunately, the tap water in Turkey isn’t safe to drink, so I’d recommend investing in  a GRAYL water purifier to ensure every drop of water you drink is safe and clean — I used mine to drink the tap water in Turkey, but also in places like Mozambique and the Congo and didn’t once get sick! Not only will you keep yourself safe, but you’ll also cut down on your plastic consumption through not buying water bottles, and will save money in the long-term.

So let’s take a look at some of the best local eats you should try in Turkey, along with the typical cost of these meals.

When it comes to breakfasts, the options in Turkey are going to change. your. life. A traditional Turkish breakfast consists of fresh bread, olives, cured meats, tomatoes, spicy sausages, feta cheese, honey, and lots of delicious tea. You can expect to spend around $11-14  for an epic breakfast in Turkey, or $5-7 for a smaller, simpler version. 

Menemen is another great Turkish dish comprising scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, and served on top of a slice of fresh, crusty bread. You’ll pay $3-5 for it, depending on where you are and exactly what’s inside it.

Lunches are just as fantastic and you’ll be spending a lot of time snacking on kebabs and pides, with lamb a common option for meat. If you’re vegan or fancy skipping out on the meat, you’ll be able to opt for fresh salads and crusty bread at most restaurants across the country. But let’s talk about pide, as that’s one of my favourite Turkish dishes.

It’s a type of Turkish pizza, but with the pizza-esque toppings served on flatbread. One of my favourite toppings is lamb, spinach, and local sheep’s cheese. You can expect to spend around $2-3  on pide and $4-6  on kebabs and kofte. 

Dinners are — you guessed it! — always delicious. If you’re going to be spending time in Istanbul, I recommend hunting down one of the city’s most iconic treats: balik ekmek, which is a sandwich containing grilled fish, onions, and tomatoes. It’s one of the best cheap eats in the city and only $2.50 . You have to try this while you’re in town!

If you’re at all familiar with Turkish food, you’ve probably come across a meze plate before. In my experience, though, there’s meze elsewhere in the world, and then there’s meze in Turkey, and there’s simply no comparison between the two! From the amazing stuffed grape leaves to creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush, tzatziki, eggplant salad, and who knows what else, each plate is slightly different, but equally delicious! Meant to be shared as an appetizer and often priced per dish, it’s really up to you how much you spend, but it usually won’t be more than about $5-7 per person.

Can’t enough of the local seafood? I’m not surprised: it really is amazing, and there are so many different local dishes to try that include it. Karides Guvec is my pick here: it’s a delicious shrimp casserole in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, bell peppers, and red pepper flakes, all baked in a clay pot. Honestly, I could have eaten this dish every single day I was in Turkey and still not got sick of it. It’s usually about $8-10 .

If you’re after something even more substantial, look no further than hunkar begendi, which translates as “Sultan’s Delight”. It’s a rich, slow-cooked lamb or beef stew with tomatoes, onions, and a range of aromatic spices that are often unique to the chef. The creamy eggplant puree is really what sets this dish apart, as much for velvety texture as the flavour. Be sure to try it out, especially if you’re in Turkey at a cooler time of year. It’s typically around $7-9.

And when it comes to desserts and sweet treats, you’re not going to want to stray far from baklava ( $3-6 per kg) and Turkish delights — you can get these all over the country and they’re so much better than the stuff you’ve likely tried at home. I recommend picking some up from the Istanbul Spice Bazaar and opting for the pomegranate flavour for a fun take on the treat. You’ll be looking at around $12  for 1kg of extremely high-end Turkish delights. 

You can always ask the locals for food recommendations, too! Ask at your accommodation for recommendations on the best budget eats, or simply walk around and see which restaurants are full of locals.

How to Save Money on Activities in Turkey

I’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, but let’s face it: you’re not going to have the trip of a lifetime if you skip out on entrance fees and activities! Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the entrance fees you’re likely to encounter while travelling around Turkey:

• Entrance to Tokapi Palace: $50
• Entrance to Hagia Sophia: $27
• Entrance to the Blue Mosque: free
• Entrance to the Basilica Cistern: $20
• Entrance to Ephesus ruins: $43
• Entrance to Goreme Open Air Museum: $16 (+ $4.50 for the Dark Church)

There are plenty of free activities to participate in, too, while you’re in Turkey, and I know that I had a fantastic time simply wandering through the cities, exploring local markets, sunbathing on beaches, and making the most of the museums that don’t charge for entrance.

The Blue Mosque, in particular, is incredible to walk around and totally free to enter, and the neighbourhood of Sultanahmet is so wonderful. You can still gain a lot from Cappadocia by wandering through the city without jumping on the expensive hot air balloon rides or taking tours of the caves.

Markets are always a great way to get a taste of the local culture without spending any money, and simply heading out for a stroll through some of the more local neighbourhoods will introduce you to lesser-visited parts of the country. My favourite market was the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul — amazing! So many flavours and scents to experience. The Grand Bazaar is another spot that you’re not going to want to miss while you’re in town.

I do recommend booking your Cappadocia balloon ride in advance, however, if you do plan on heading to this Insta-famous spot. Places do sell out several weeks in advance, so it’s best to book as soon as you know when you’ll be in town. You can double-check current availability for the rides using the widget below:

If, like me, you love taking tours to get to know a country better, I recommend heading to Get Your Guide for inspiration. They have a whole range of activities and tours available, in Turkey. These are the highest-reviewed ones:

• Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia with champagne : $260
• Turkish coffee tour and coffee-making class in Istanbul : $124
• Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul : $33
• Istanbul food and culture tour : $108
• Pamukkale day trip from Bodrum : $75
• Paragliding over Oludeniz : $113

Miscellaneous Items to Buy for a Trip to Turkey

A Turkey guidebook : A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Turkey’s culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. Fodors receive the best reviews for their Turkey guidebook , published in 2022.

A dry bag :  Turkey is all about the water, so I highly recommend packing  a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

• On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
• On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
• I chartered a yacht in Greece and relied heavily on my dry bag while I was there. When mooring in tiny bays, I was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
• I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. It’s tough going to the beach when you’re travelling alone because you’ll need to bring nothing with you, risk getting robbed while you’re in the ocean, or stay on the sand at all times. If you have a dry bag, you can fill it up with your valuables and take it for a swim with you, rather than leaving them on your towel and hoping nobody will grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my champion is the  Ultra-Sil 8L  — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by kidney stones and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died while you’re overseas and now you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use and recommend  SafetyWing  for travel insurance in Turkey, as they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy insurance after you’ve left home. Finally, they have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always a bonus.

How Much Did I Spend on My Trip to Turkey?

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Here’s what I’ve spent on average over my six weeks in Turkey:

Accommodation: $109 per day  (shared, so $54.50 per person ) Transportation: $8 per day Food: $32 per day Activities: $26 per day

My average daily cost of travel in Turkey was therefore: $121.50 per day . Not bad at all!

Related Articles on Turkey 🇹🇷 20 Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey 📆 How to Spend Two Weeks in Turkey: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🧕🏼 What’s it Like to Travel in Turkey as a Solo Woman? 🏛 A Hater of Ruins Explores Ephesus 👽 Pamukkale: One of the Strangest Landscapes on Earth

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Do you remember the name of the restaurant where you had breakfast? Would love to go!

Thanks for providing me with all the essential information I needed to explore Turkey, but especially for Istanbul. I’m traveling there next spring and found your tips very helpful for planning my budget.

No problem! Glad you enjoyed the post!

Thanks so much for this info – I’ll be In Turkey for a week with some friends (we’re flying out of Istanbul). Any recommendations on how to get to Cappadocia or which hotel/hostel to stay in? :)

Great blog post. I try to visit Istanbul every two or three years and tend to spend a similar amount to you. Thanks for the reminder of the great Turkish breakfasts! I sure do miss the food in this wonderful country.

I really enjoyed your advice for traveling in Turkey. We hope to retire in Fethiye. However, I’m very interested in learning about your sailing experience to the islands. Did you drive a yacht or did someone else do it for you?

We chartered one through Sunsail. My friend can sail, so he took care of the sailing and navigation. You can hire somebody from Sunsail to sail the yacht for you if you don’t know how to.

Great site – Thank you! Do you recommend booking the hotels you suggested ahead of time as well as the internal flights? Just wondering how much we have to plan and how often we can decide once we are there…

What time of year will you be there? If it’s peak season (the summer), then I’d definitely recommend booking ahead. You should be fine outside of then, though.

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Best travel money and currency options for Turkey

Learn more about the best card and currency to use, if you should use a uk debit card and other ways to take spending money to turkey..

In this guide

What is the best currency to take to Turkey?

Low cost travel money options for turkey, how much lira do i need to bring to turkey, exchange rate history, which exchange rate is the best, should you take a travel card, a debit card or a credit card, buying lira in the uk, exchanging cash, atm withdrawals in turkey.

• Why you'll need a combination of travel money options to take to Turkey

For Brits travelling to Turkey, it pays to know a thing or 2 about the right type of travel money to take with you.

The best currency to take to Turkey is the local currency, the Turkish lira. It is the most accepted currency in Turkey. Although you can pay with euros in some places, you’ll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. Get Turkish lira from ATMs using your debit card or travel card. Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted, especially in the big cities.

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Can i use my debit card in turkey.

Yes, you can use your debit card in Turkey. In general debit cards are accepted at most local businesses including shops, restaurants and bars. However it is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash as certain smaller businesses may not accept card. Be aware that your bank may charge you overseas fees. It can be a good idea to open a separate account with a bank or e-money provider that has low or no overseas fees that are designed for travel.

Much like a prepaid travel money card, a travel debit card lets you spend your own money. You can use a debit card over the counter and to withdraw money from an ATM where Visa and Mastercard are accepted throughout the country.

Using credit cards

Credit cards give you a line of credit to use for emergencies, large purchases or over-the-counter transactions. Remember that your purchases will collect interest though, so either use interest-free days by paying your account in full each month or take up a card with a low or 0% purchase rate. Using your credit card at an ATM will cost you a high cash advance fee as well as interest and international ATM fees.

You’ll also want to pick a card that doesn’t charge currency conversion fees as these will add up each time you use your card to pay in a foreign currency. Credit cards designed for overseas use often come with additional perks such as complimentary travel insurance and rewards programs that could come in handy.

• Tip: Some credit cards with no currency conversion fee also offer travel insurance when you pay for your return travel ticket, which is a further saving.

Using prepaid travel cards

A travel money card is a fairly safe way to take money abroad. However, unlike a debit card, it is not linked to your bank account to prevent identity theft. If it is lost or stolen, a replacement can be sent to your holiday address. Once you’ve received and activated your card, you can top it up and use it as you would a debit card in merchants and shops across the world. Once you are home, you can continue to use it or simply withdraw all the remaining funds.

• Tip: Travel cards can be issued as dual card accounts, so you’ll get 2 cards. This can come in handy if your first card is lost or stolen, so make sure to keep the second card in a safe place.

Using traveller’s cheques

It’s far more convenient (and it can be cheaper) to use your travel-friendly debit card or prepaid travel card to make ATM withdrawals rather than a traveller’s cheque when you need cash. Traveller’s cheques must be cashed at banks and they are not accepted at exchange offices or businesses.

Paying with cash in Turkey

Always have lira on you when you’re out and about in Turkey as you’re bound to run into situations where a business won’t accept your card. Cafes, small eateries and tea houses are all cash-only. Larger stores are likely to take cards but some of the best experiences such as shopping in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are largely a cash affair.

• Tip: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash as tourists are often the target of criminals, especially in areas of Istanbul. Common sense is the best approach.

Using digital banking apps

If paying by cash or traveller’s cheque even is old hat by your standards, then you should consider using a digital banking app on your travels. These apps, including big names such as Starling , Revolut and Monzo , provide a straightforward way to make payments while abroad without incurring any transaction or withdrawal fees.

Most if not all of them are supported by Visa or Mastercard, so you won’t have to worry about your card being rejected. If this sounds good, all you need to do is download one from the App Store or Google Play and get set up.

If you’d like to know more about the quickly evolving world of mobile banking apps, read our guide here .

Turkey is a value destination for British travellers. Like all places in the world, Turkey is as cheap or expensive as you want it to be.

*Prices are approximate and based on summer seasonality and are subject to change.

The pound sterling has strengthened against the Turkish lira in recent years. If you believe this trend is set to continue, you can take advantage of weakening lira by using your card for the card scheme exchange rate, which is close to the market rate.

*2024 rate is for 1 January to 21 March 2024.

Transactions on Visa, Mastercard and American Express branded credit cards and debit cards use the card scheme exchange rate. This is as close to the market rate as you’re likely to get when you exchange funds from pound sterling to Turkish lira. Travel cards use a different rate. The financial institution which provides the travel card applies a margin when you exchange funds between currency wallets.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Turkey. American Express cardholders may have issues with card acceptance, especially outside the major cities. There is an abundance of ATMs in Turkey and if you think you’re going to have an issue using your card in a particular destination, make a withdrawal and use cash instead.

There are debit cards that waive the currency conversion fee as well as the international ATM fee. This is preferable to using a travel card in Turkey as no prepaid travel cards support the Turkish lira.

A quick summary of travel money options for Turkey

This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.

While you can buy lira in most high streets or online travel shops, you will get a better deal if you wait to purchase lira in Turkey as the rate is likely to be worse than what you’ll get from an exchange office or ATM when you arrive. You can compare travel money services here .

If you have a no currency conversion fee and no international ATM fee card, ATMs are the best way to get lira in Turkey. When you use your card to withdraw cash, you’ll get the card scheme foreign exchange rate, which is a better rate than what you’ll get at exchange offices or banks. If you have cash to exchange, most exchange offices will buy pound sterling and sell you lira. You can find these businesses in tourist areas, for example, Taksim in Istanbul, and unlike banks, you may not pay a commission. Avoid exchanging cash at the airport, the rates are poor.

You can use a Visa or Mastercard debit card, credit card and travel card to get cash from Turkish ATMs. Most ATMs give you the choice of withdrawing Turkish lira or euros. Lira is the currency of Turkey, so you’ll need to use lira for cash purchases to avoid losing out by “over the counter” foreign currency exchange rates.

• Tip: Turkish bank ATMs do not charge a local ATM operator fee. There are instances when the transaction times out, if this is the case, try a different ATM. If charges are applied for a transaction and you don’t get cash, contact your bank to have the situation rectified.

Why you’ll need a combination of travel money options to take to Turkey

You won’t have any problems using your Visa and Mastercard credit card and debit card in Turkey, but a thousand things could happen to your card when you’re away. So you should always have more than one way to access your money in Turkey, or anywhere for that matter. A debit card is ideal for ATM withdrawals, especially so if the product waives the international ATM fee.

Meanwhile, a credit card gives you a line of credit that can come in handy for large or emergency purchases. Remember that most credit card purchases will incur interest though, which can heighten your expenses.

Turkey is the gateway to Europe and the meeting point between the East and the West. Travel cards are not the best product to take to Turkey. However, if you’re travelling to the eurozone as well, these products may be worth comparing. Use the right product for the right situation and you’ll save yourself enough for an extra beer, meals, souvenirs or even a night out by the end of your trip.

Compare travel money products that let you spend in foreign currencies and make cheap ATM withdrawals so you can avoid giving your bank a slice of your budget that should be spent enjoying yourself.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use . When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.

Charlie Barton

Charlie Barton was a publisher at Finder. He specialised in banking and investments products, including banking apps, current accounts, share-dealing platforms and stocks and shares ISAs. Charlie has a first-class degree from the London School of Economics, and in his spare time enjoys long walks on the beach. See full profile

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6 Responses

It’s our first time to Turkey. Could you please advise what currency or currencies to take with us?

Thanks, Nick

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

You need to have lira with you as most businesses that accept cash only would ask you to pay in lira. Please note that most exchange offices will buy Pound Sterling and sell you lira.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Jeni

Does Turkey currently accept English notes

Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

Turkey accepts English pounds and Euros. Turkey uses the lira and although you can pay with euros in some places, you’re always going to get a better deal if you transact in the local currency. You can get lira from ATMs using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit is not advised — Visa and Mastercard cards will work all medium to large businesses throughout the country.

Cheers, Joel

We have been told not to take euro or dollars to Turkey when we go in 4 weeks on my lira and our British pound is this correct? My daughter is in Belek at the moment and said some places were not happy to take lira and put there prices up so they changed their money to euros.

Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

Usually, it would be a good idea to have Lira, the local currency, as your money when in Turkey. However, at the time of this writing, the Lira currency has lost about 40% of its value for the last few weeks. Moreover, Turkey is on the brink of a financial crisis. This could be the reason that more and more merchants want to be paid with Euros and not Lira.

I would recommend that you read more about this issue and know how to deal with it when you go to Turkey.

I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Joshua

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Money in Turkey: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange

Visiting Turkey and wondering how to manage the money there? This article is for you!

I will tell you all about withdrawing from an ATM, exchanging currency, and paying by card.

Do you want to know which ATMs don’t charge an access fee? ( hint: Ziraat Bank )

Do you wonder if you can use Revolut, Wise, or other similar cards in Turkey? ( Yes, no problems at all )

This is the full guide to money in Turkey for tourists and backpackers!

Currency in Turkey

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira with code TRY.

It’s been persistently dropping in value since 2007. Inflation in Turkey is a big problem and prices change monthly. It’s funny how the new price on museum tickets is plastered over the previous ones 3 or 4 times – when you go to Turkey you will understand what I’m talking about!

The Turkish Lira is divided into 100 kuruş . With the lira having lost so much value, these are used less and less. I didn’t see a single kuruş coin during my 35 days in Turkey.

The banknote denominations are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.

All coins’ tails and the obverse side of all banknotes feature Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Yes, he is a big deal in Turkey. Read my top fascinating facts about Ataturk , the father of modern Turkey.

Can you use your card in Turkey?

Yes, you can use your foreign card to pay in Turkey.

Foreign card payments are common in big cities and seaside resorts. These places will accept a card:

• Fancy restaurants in big towns like Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara and Antalya;
• Entrance tickets for super popular places (like Hagia Sophia for example);
• Shopping centers and trendy malls
• Luxury hotels
• Some coffee shops in Istanbul and Antalya
• Expensive tours (if it’s under 30 USD, you should probably pay cash)

On the other hand, smaller stores, traditional bazaars, guesthouses, intercity dolmus ( the minibuses ), small cities’ museums, street vendors and pretty much all places in rural areas will only accept cash .

All kinds of cards are accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro with the first two being the most widely.

ATMs in Turkey

ATMs are abundant in Turkish cities. You won’t have to walk more than a few meters to find an ATM.

Even in smaller ones, there will still be an ATM or two in the town square. You don’t need to carry large quantities of cash unless you’re going to the wilderness for days on end. And there why would you need cash at all?

Turkish ATMs accept all kinds of cards. The maximum withdrawal limit is usually 5000 TRY per withdrawal.

Withdrawal Fees

Here comes the tricky part – avoiding those pesky ATM withdrawal fees. I’m not talking about the fees you get charged from your bank – those you can avoid by using a FinTech solution like Revolut, Curve, or Monese .

Most ATMs in Turkey charge a withdrawal fee between 50 and 150 TRY (1.7-5$). But there are a few ATMs that have 0 fees up to a limit!

ATMs without withdrawal fees

The only 2 banks that never charge for withdrawals are Ziraat and HSBC.

Travelers have reported that ING and PTT bank also don’t charge for withdrawals, but I haven’t used them to confirm. Let me know in the comments.

All the other major banks including Akbank, Denizbank, Garanti, QNB Finansbank, SekerBank, ISbank, VakifBank, and YapiKredi charge a withdrawal fee .

Ziraat Bankası is relatively common in Turkey and you shouldn’t have a problem finding one of its ATMs nearby.

Look for the stylized wheat ear in red on a white background.

Paying Directly in Foreign Currency

In Antalya and the region, paying in USD, EUR and GBP is more widespread than you can imagine. The city is a massive tourism hotspot, usually ranking in the top 10 most visited cities in the world every year.

This is not to say that you should. You will be paying extra for convenience in the form of a bad exchange rate.

Outside of Antalya, even in Istanbul, it’s not that common to pay in foreign currency. However, with the Lira being so volatile and losing value by the week, I wouldn’t be surprised if some vendors started listing prices in more stable currencies.

Exchanging Money in Turkey

First things first – Do NOT exchange for Lira in your country. The rates are definitely poorer than in Turkey where it is THE currency.

Also, you don’t need to exchange money in Turkey if you have a debit or credit card with low fees. Exchanging physical cash will probably turn out to be more expensive than withdrawing cash from an ATM due to the exchange rate margins, especially given the galloping inflation.

But I understand if you carry cash when traveling and exchange it for the local currency. It’s normal and safe. So here’s how to be prepared to exchange money in Turkey.

What currency to bring

Euro, US dollar, and British Pound are the best currencies to carry.

You will also be able to exchange most other European currencies and larger world economies (Canada, Australia, etc.) too.

Where to Exchange Money

Turkey is a popular travel destination and exchanging money is common, widespread, and standard.

According to Turkish Law , it’s illegal to exchange money anywhere other than a bank or an authorized money exchange office. These are also the places most likely to update their rates daily, even hourly.

Even with inflation changing prices and the value of the currency quickly, the currency black market is not popular.

To avoid getting scammed or worse – caught breaking the law – exchange in an office in the center of a big city.

The most popular exchange bureaus and banks to exchange money in Turkey are:

• Aksa Döviz ;
• Albaraka Türk ;
• DenizBank ;
• Garanti Bank .

How much cash to bring to Turkey?

This depends on the duration of your stay, what kind of activities you will be partaking in, and what your budget is. Using your card in Turkey is pretty easy so there’s no need to carry too much physical cash.

My advice is to have at least 200$ just in case something goes wrong with your bank cards and you need emergency cash until you sort it out.

When I went to Turkey I had exactly that much stashed away but since I exclusively used my Revolut and Curve cards , I didn’t exchange at all.

If you’re asking how much money you need to travel to Turkey, you can check out my backpacker’s budget report for Turkey .

Bargaining is an inseparable part of shopping in Turkey.

The rule of thumb is that if a price tag is displayed, no haggling is required. This rule can be disregarded in very popular and touristy markets like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

The first price you will hear is usually 3-4 times higher than the real price. You will never get the real price, but with some friendly banter, you will meet the vendor in the middle.

Tipping is customary in Turkey.

You are expected to tip 10-15% in restaurants and bars. Round up the amount to the nearest 10 lira ( or 50 with inflation being so high nowadays ) for taxi rides. Tip however much you think your masseuse deserves in massage parlors and hammams.

No need to tip for street food like kebabs and Kahramanmaras ice cream – even if the famous “I tricked you” performance is included.

The rule of thumb about tipping in Turkey is that if you pay first, you don’t tip. If you pay after – you may tip but it’s not compulsory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some of your most burning questions about money in Turkey.

What is the ATM withdrawal limit in Turkey?

ATMs commonly have a withdrawal limit of 5000 TL.

Can you use US dollars in Turkey?

With the Turkish Lira being so volatile and losing value every day, paying in US dollars (or Euros or British Pounds) may even be preferred in some places.

However, you will always be paying at a very bad exchange rate.

Can you use Revolut in Vietnam?

Yes, Revolut cards work in Turkey. Both VISA and Mastercard work. You can withdraw from ATMs and pay on POS terminals with your Revolut card.

Similar fintech apps like Wise, Monese, Curve, N26, and Starling also work there.

If you’re going to neighboring Georgia, check out this guide to money in Georgia too!

You will also like:

• Money in Kyrgyzstan: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Money in Kazakhstan: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Money in Indonesia: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Money in Timor Leste: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Money in Thailand: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Money in Cambodia: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Money in Fiji: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange

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Currency in Turkey: Your Complete Guide - 2024

Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish lira.

This guide includes everything you need to know about getting and using Turkish lira, with some top tips to help you get the best possible deal when you switch your hard earned pounds to lira, ready for your holiday.

Before you head to Turkey, learn about:

Using a card in turkey, can you use gbp in turkey.

How to buy Turkish lira before your trip

How to buy currency when you get to Turkey

What lira notes and coins look like

What currency is it used in Turkey?

Turkey’s official currency is called the lira.

The currency code for lira is TRY, and the symbol you need to look out for is ₺.

You can’t use pounds in Turkey. Prices will be shown in lira, and you’ll need to use TRY notes if you pay in cash. If you use a card, you’ll find your bank or travel money card can convert pounds to lira automatically, which can also be a convenient option.

More on how to manage your money in Turkey - including how you can convert currency for your holiday cheaply and conveniently - coming right up.

As we’ve mentioned, you can usually use a card in Turkey, either to pay in stores or to make cash withdrawals at ATMs. Using your normal bank debit card may mean fees (and using a credit card is even more expensive) - but getting a travel money card can be a convenient and cheap way to spend in lira while you’re away.

Travel money cards are usually issued by specialist providers, and linked to handy digital accounts you can use to manage your money with just your phone. You’ll need to add money to your account in GBP with a bank transfer or using your card,  and then convert to TRY in advance or let the card do the conversion when you buy something or make a cash withdrawal. Travel money cards are normally cheap to get and use, and often have lower fees and better exchange rates compared to banks.

Here are a couple of popular travel debit cards you could take to Turkey, to give an idea of their features:

Wise travel debit card

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies including GBP and TRY - use your Wise card in Turkey and 150+ other countries

Mid-market rates apply to all currency exchange, with low fees from 0.43%

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, with low fees after limits exhausted

No ongoing fees and no minimum balance requirements

Service fees apply depending on how you use your account

No cash pay in or out option

7 GBP fee to order your card in the first place

Read here a complete Wise review

Revolut travel debit card

Standard plans have no monthly fee, or if you use your account often you can upgrade to a higher tier account with monthly charges

Hold and exchange 25+ currencies including TRY in your Revolut account

Some fee free ATM withdrawals and currency conversion - free transaction limits depend on your account plan

Other options, like accounts for kids, investment and insurance available, depending on your account tier

You’ll need to pay a monthly fee to access the full range of features

Fair usage fees apply once you exhaust your account plan limits

Out of hours and exotic currency fees apply

Read here a complete Revolut review

Learn more about how the Revolut debit card can help you

Is it cheaper to convert currency in the UK or Turkey?

Turkey’s currency has seen major fluctuations in value over the past few years. That can make it hard to know whether you should change your money before you travel, or wait until you arrive.

If it looks like the exchange rate is trending in your favour it’s tempting to hold onto your pounds in the hope of getting a better exchange rate once you’re out there. If the rates are going the other way you may want to lock in your travel money as soon as you can.

The reality is that there’s no best way to exchange your travel money - and it becomes even trickier to decide with a currency that has seen swings in value.

Because of the uncertainty, it’s not really possible to say whether it’s cheaper to convert currency in the UK or Turkey. Keep an eye on rates, with tools like those available here on Exiap, and shop around to see what’s available near you.

If you don’t want to carry lots of cash but still want to be able to leave it as late as possible to convert your funds, using a travel money card to make ATM withdrawals on arrival can be a good option. Choose a travel card from a service like Wise or Revolut, and you’ll also get a pretty good exchange rate and cheap or free withdrawals.

Don’t bother changing your money at places like airports and hotels. Services here are convenient, but as there’s no competition you’ll usually find high fees and poor rates. Head to a city centre exchange if you’re switching over cash on arrival instead.

Buying Turkish lira before your trip

Let’s walk through some key options if you’re planning on getting your TRY before you travel.

Using a travel card

Travel money cards from services like Wise and Revolut make it easy to manage and convert your holiday money - even after you’ve left the UK.

You will need to plan in advance to use this option, as you’ll need to open an account online or through an app and have your card delivered to your home. But once you have your card you’re free to add money in pounds and then either switch immediately to lira, or just let the card do an automatic conversion when you make a purchase. Whichever you choose, this can mean better rates than a bank, with low or no fees, depending on the provider and card type you pick.

If you want to carry lira in cash when you travel you may be able to get a better GBP-TRY rate by ordering your travel money online. Some banks, the Post Office, and services like Travelex let you  get your money brought to your doorstep for low or no delivery fees, or allow cash collection at branches around the country.

Home or Office Delivery

Here’s a quick look at the collection and delivery options for one popular UK service - Travelex:

Order for home or office delivery - or get your money in a store instead

Home delivery can be next day if you order Monday - Thursday before 3pm

Delivery is free if you exchange more than 600 GBP; fees apply otherwise

You’ll need to be home to collect your cash, and may be asked for ID

Exchange rates are likely to include a markup - which is a fee

Money Changers

Brick and mortar money changers on your local High Street may be among the fastest ways  to get travel money - but they are also often expensive. Fees vary but there is almost always a markup added to the exchange rate used to convert your pounds to Turkish lira. Call ahead to check the  money changer you’ll use has TRY in stock.

Some popular UK banks still offer cash currency exchange, but you’ll probably  need to order TRY in advance and collect at a branch a day or two later. As with any currency exchange service it’s worth double checking the rates to check you’re getting good value.

As tempting as it may be, airport currency exchange services should be avoided if at all possible. That’s because there’s normally no competition nearby, which means they'll usually be expensive.

If you’re going to need cash as soon as you arrive, you’re usually able to get money out of an airport ATM on arrival in Turkey. This can be cheaper as you’ll usually get a reasonable exchange rate - plus you may have no ATM charge and a low (or no) foreign transaction fee if you use a travel money card for your withdrawal.

How to exchange currency in Turkey

If you take clean and undamaged GBP notes with you when you travel, you’ll be able to use currency exchange services in major Turkish cities or popular tourist areas. As always, shop around to get the best available rate and lowest fees.

More about the currency used in Turkey

Get set up for your trip with a quick lesson on the currency used in Turkey.

Denominations of Turkish lira

Let’s take a closer look at the Turkish lira notes and coins, so you’ll be familiar with TRY money when you arrive.

Turkish lira notes are available in the following values:

Each lira is split into 100 kuruş (shortened to kr).

The TRY coins you’ll see are:

Travel money tips for Turkey

Here’s a summary of some of the best tips to do more with your money when you’re travelling in Turkey:

Use a travel money card - specialist cards from services like Wise or Revolut let you add money in GBP, and spend with the mid-market rate and low fees when you arrive

Carry different ways to pay - keep a travel money card, local UK debit card, and some cash on hand, just in case your preferred payment method isn’t accepted

Avoid airport currency exchanges - they aren’t subject to much competition, and travellers may not pay much attention to the costs by this stage, which usually means high fees and bad rates

When you’re in Turkey, pay in TRY - you may be asked if you’d rather pay in GBP when using your card. In this case it’s best to say no. When you pay in pounds the merchant chooses the exchange rate, which usually means higher overall costs

Read your card fees carefully - for example, you may pay ATM fees each time you withdraw, making it more cost effective to take out fewer, larger amounts

Avoid using a credit card to get cash - cash advance fees, foreign transaction fees, and interest add up quickly making this an expensive option

Don’t carry too much cash - tourists are frequently victims of opportunist theft

How much does a trip to Turkey cost?

Let’s take a quick look at some key costs you may encounter when you visit Turkey from the UK. Each trip is different so you’ll need to research and draw up your own budget as well, but this gives a flavour.

Visa cost: No visa usually required for trips for up to 90 days

Transport in Turkey: Local transport tickets are around 10 TRY each way

Taxi: Around 14.5 TRY to start, then just over 16 TRY per mile

Car hire: Cheapest compact cars are likely to start from 600 TRY per day (around 17 GBP)

Room at a hotel: Very varied - in Istanbul,  the lowest costs for a mid to high end option in central areas may be 2,000 TRY or so per night (in the region of 60 GBP)

Dinner at a mid- range restaurant: 500 TRY for 2 people (around 15 GBP)

Where comparisons are given to GBP, the exchange rate is correct at time of writing, 14th August 2023 - rates and costs change all the time, so do double check before you plan your trip.

Track GBP-TRY exchange rate

It’s easy to keep an eye on the mid-market rate for Turkish lira, so you can compare the rates offered by different currency exchange services.

Use the Exiap rate tracker to view and track the live mid-market exchange rate for GBP - TRY, so you can spot the best deal on offer. Compare GBP to EUR rate

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Home > Turkey On A Budget In 2024 – Affordable Türkiye Guide

Turkey On A Budget In 2024 – Affordable Türkiye Guide

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

I have been living in Türkiye for more than 12 years now, and prices have been going up exponentially. Here are my local tips on how you can save money in Turkey during your holiday.

In my guide, I have all the tips for traveling to Turkey on a budget, as well as what you can expect to pay for items like beer, ice cream, and food. I wrote this to show you that Turkey is a budget-friendly destination for both budget travelers and people who like the finer things.

Turkey is one of the hottest countries to visit in southeastern Europe right now. That’s hardly surprising when you think about the fantastic summer weather, the wealth of history and culture to experience and see, and the beaches that glisten in the sun.

Whether you’re thinking about heading to the Mediterranean coast and hitting the beach , looking for some cosmopolitan city time in Izmir , or considering immersing yourself in culture in Istanbul , Ankara , Trabzon, Adana, or Bursa, there is plenty to see and do in Türkiye. However, nothing comes for free.

However, the great news is that you can save a large amount of cash in Turkey by being smart with your money and knowing the hacks to keep your hard-earned Lira in your pocket.

The Turkish Lira is at an all-time high against most other currencies at the moment, which means you get a lot more Lira than you ever could before. So, when visiting Türkiye , you have more to spend from the get-go.

To help you make the most of your cash while visiting this beautiful and cultural country, let’s check out some hacks to save money in Turkey.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Hacks To Save Money In Turkey

1. be savvy when choosing accommodation.

It’s a good idea to avoid all-inclusive resorts on the south coast , instead opting for a self-catering apartment.

Yes, you save money on food and drink when staying at a resort, but trust me, all-inclusive food in Türkiye is never delightful, and you’ll end up going out for a meal in a top restaurant nearby anyway.

Suppose you opt for a self-catering apartment, on the other hand. In that case, you can buy some essentials cheaply at the local supermarket (there are always plenty around) for daytime meals while going out and trying some authentic Turkish cuisine in the evening.

Catering for yourself is almost always cheaper than the cost of an expensive all-inclusive getaway, no matter how many things and services are “free” or “complementary.

2. Don’t Be Afraid Of Hostels

If you’re staying in a city , try a hostel instead of a hotel. You’ll find countless high-quality hostels in Istanbul, many of which are in the Taksim, Fatih, or Sultanahmet areas. Many also offer private rooms.

Hostels are a great way to socialize with other like-minded travelers. You can enjoy the hostel bar and go out for delicious local food while saving cash on an expensive hotel.

• Best Hostels In Istanbul

3. Cook If You Can  

Don’t be afraid of cooking if you’re staying in an apartment or have a shared kitchen in your hostel. You can cook a seriously impressive meal for a much lower price than in a restaurant. All you need to do is head to the local bazaar and pick up plenty of delicious vegetables, meat, and fish.  

4. Fill Up At Breakfast

We know that Turkish breakfasts are pretty large, and most traditional breakfast places serve breakfast until late into the afternoon. In that case, indulge in a late breakfast and fill up . You won’t be hungry until much later; it’s incredibly healthy, and you’ll save on lunch! 

• What Is A Turkish Breakfast
• Guide To Turkish Breakfast In Istanbul

5. Eat Where The Locals Eat

If you want to eat out, the same advice applies to Turkey as most other tourist destinations: eat where the locals eat, and you’ll save money and enjoy more authentic, delicious food.

All tourist hotspots in Türkiye have a tourist area. In Istanbul, that’s Taksim . In every tourist resort, it’s beachfront, while in Izmir , it’s the waterfront. These areas have plentiful bars and restaurants, but the prices are higher, and the food, while good, cannot compare with authentic Turkish fare.

Be a real traveler and try something different! Venture away from the tourist streets and head to an ockabasi. This is a traditional BBQ restaurant where you’ll fill your belly with meat, meze, bread, and all manner of other delicious treats for a quarter of the price of a tourist-focused restaurant.

Of course, you can always head back to the tourist areas for a drink afterward because you’ll have saved plenty of cash on your meal.

If you’re in Istanbul , try some of the street food—super-cheap and delicious! This way, you’ll keep cash in your pocket without going hungry.

As a side note, avoid Sultanahmet in Istanbul if you’re looking to eat out. Sure, it’s great for history during the day, and it’s a must-visit because of that, but the “authentic” restaurants around here are vastly overpriced. Moreover, the food isn’t as good as the fare you enjoy at a traditional restaurant in a non-touristic area.

• Where To Eat In Istanbul On Any Budget

6. Use Your Debit Card

If you have a Visa debit card, it’s a good idea to use it in large bars and restaurants to pay your bill. Not only will you benefit because of the exchange rate against major currencies, but you also don’t need to have large amounts of Lira on you.  

• Guide To The Turkish Lira

7. Always Change Your Money When You Arrive

Never change your money before you arrive in Turkey , as you’ll always get a lower rate. Also, avoid changing your money at the airport because their prices are usually lower than the exchange offices at your resort or the city you’re staying in.

If you want to keep a little local cash with you for when you arrive to tide you over for a day, keep it minimal. Remember that tourist resorts and cities have numerous ATMs to draw out Lira using your international card.

You’ll also find many exchange offices around. You need to find the one offering the best rate and change your cash there. Do check; they don’t charge commission first, though!

• Where To Exchange Money In Istanbul For Turkish Lira

8. Get An Istanbul Museum Pass

Suppose you want to visit several locations around Istanbul . In that case, you can purchase a museum card, which gives you cut-priced admission to major attractions while also giving you cheaper public transport.  

You’ll find different prices for different packages when visiting large attractions, not only in Istanbul. E.g., You’ll be told you pay x price for the basic access, and you pay extra to get into another part. The question is whether you need to pay the extra; from experience, you can see everything you want with the basic price.  

• Turkey Museum Pass Options
• The Istanbul Museum Pass

9. Get Your Haggle On

Don’t be shy! When you’re browsing for souvenirs at the markets and the bazaar, you’re expected to haggle . If you do this well, you’ll save a lot of cash, which you can then spend on experiences and create even more memories.

On a side note: don’t attempt to haggle in shops, though, or anywhere that has marked prices on goods.

However, prices are usually fair game on markets and in large open and closed bazaars. It’s great fun to try and see how cheap you can get your items. It’s almost like a game of cat and mouse; once you get over the cringe factor, it’s quite an entertaining activity!

• Turkish Souvenirs To Bring Home
• Best Shopping Places In Istanbul

10. Avoid Buying Excursions From Your Rep

Most hotels in the beach resorts have an in-house rep who’ll try and sell you their excursions. Avoid doing this and, instead, head out onto the street and buy from one of the local operators .

These trips are almost always the same and far cheaper. By doing this, you’re also doing your bit to support the local economy and make your travels a bit more sustainable.

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s even better to head off and see the local sights on your own without having a tour guide with you.

However, this is not always possible for some trips, such as boat trips or jeep safaris. They might sound touristy, but they’re great fun, so don’t miss out.

• Tours From Istanbul To Ephesus
• Best Cappadocia Excursions
• Bosphorus Cruise Tours

11. Avoid The Buy-One-Get-One-Frees

This isn’t so much of an issue in Istanbul and other cities. Still, if you’re visiting tourist resorts like Bodrum , Alanya, Side, Kemer, Marmaris, Icmeler, Gumbet, etc., you will see the inevitable BOGOF offers everywhere. They might seem like a great idea, but they’re false advertising, especially on alcoholic drinks .

BOGOF cocktails are no stronger than just one drink, and most of the time, it’s so watered down that you might as well have bought a regular spirit for a lower price.

It’s far better to stick to locally produced drinks, such as Efes beer, which are far cheaper and very enjoyable to drink, too.

• Turkish Alcohol & Drinking Laws
• Turkish Drinks To Try On Your Travels

12. Travel Outside Of July And August

Every place and everything in Turkey is more expensive during July and August. This is the peak tourist high season , and flight prices, accommodation rates, and everything else shoots through the roof.

Instead, June and September are great months to visit for both lower prices and smaller crowds. October is also an excellent time for anyone who doesn’t mind the slight possibility of rain, with very cheap deals to be found.

One of the best tips to save money in Türkiye we can offer you is to plan to go to Turkey in June, September, or October.

If you’re visiting Istanbul , December is always very busy. The New Year period is packed, and you’ll struggle to find a hotel that isn’t extremely expensive. However, January is a cheaper month, on the other hand, and will show you the authentic way of life in this beautiful city .

• Why Visit Turkey In The Winter
• Istanbul In January
• Turkey In December – Is It A Good Idea?

13. Use Internal Flights  

If you’re flying to Turkey and you have a specific place you want to go to, e.g., Cappadocia, the ancient city of Ephesus , etc., it’s a good idea to fly into Istanbul first. You’ll find cheaper cost of flights to this huge city, and you can then find a domestic flight to your desired location. These are pretty cheap, even with rising costs, and it saves many hours on a bus.  

Domestic flight prices vary according to the time of the week and day, so set your search parameters to ‘whole month’ to find the best prices.  

The amount of money you need per day in Turkey can vary depending on various factors such as your travel style, accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities. On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Turkey, EXCLUDING accommodation.

However, if you prefer mid-range or luxury restaurants or engage in more expensive activities, your daily expenses will be higher. It’s always a good idea to plan your budget based on your specific travel plans and preferences to get a more accurate estimate of how much you’ll need per day in Turkey .

Here are some examples in USD to help guide you to know how much you need per day in Turkey:

• $10 to 30 a day for meals. It will be more expensive when you are in Istanbul or eat in touristy areas
• $10-20 a day for miscellaneous things like drinking drinks and souvenirs
• $5 a day for tips
• $15-30 for tickets and activities

14. Choose Accommodation Away From Tourist Spots

It might sound counterproductive because you want to see those areas, but choosing to stay right in the heart of a busy tourist area is going to cost you more, especially in Istanbul, or if you decide to stay on the beachfront of one of the south coast resorts.

Instead, don’t be afraid to venture a bit further back; you can always use Google Maps to help you find out how far it is to walk before booking.

15. Eat The Hotel Breakfast

If you choose a hotel that offers breakfast, you’ll save money from the get-go! A Turkish breakfast these days isn’t cheap; you’re looking at around 450TL for two people at least.

However, if you eat the breakfast buffet, you’re basically getting the same as you would in a restaurant, and it’s free! Most breakfast buffets include the usual eggs, omelets, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheese, and bread combination; that’s what you’ll get in a restaurant, too.

16. Avoid Private Transfers

I know it’s tempting to pay a little more and get a private transfer to your hotel after a long flight, but you’ll save more if you use a shuttle bus. If you’re visiting the South Coast resorts, search for shuttles, and you’ll be able to share with several other people and save cash.

You can also use the Havas bus from all major airports to most resorts and neighborhoods. HavaIst is the main option in Istanbul and travels to both airports.

• Is There Uber In Turkey?

17. Use Long Distance Buses To Get Around

If you want to travel around to other parts of the country, you could use domestic flights, and sometimes you’ll find a cheap option, but long-distance buses are always cheaper and surprisingly comfortable.

Pamukkale, Metro, and Kamil Koc are the main options that cover the whole country, and while travel times might be extended (it is a big country, after all), you’ll save cash and see the passing landscapes as you go.

• Bus Travel In Turkey

18. Use Free Tours The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Tours

In most cities, you’ll find free walking tours or local tours for a cheap price. For instance, in Istanbul, you’ll find walking food tours and history tours.

These teach you a lot, you see plenty, and you have a great experience without spending a fortune. Many tours also ask you to pay the guide what you think the tour was worth, and while you should always be fair with what you tip, it isn’t going to be as much as a commercial tour.

Brands We Use And Trust

Logistical costs to help you plan.

Now you know how to save money , you’ll still need a few general numbers to help you plan your break before you go.

Remember that the cost of living is rising worldwide, so the numbers you see here may not be exact. However, they are ‘rough estimations’ that should help you determine how much cash you might need for your break.

Getting To & Around Türkiye

You can find cheap flights as long as you avoid the peak summer months, and even then, if you use sites like Skyscanner and try using indirect flights or arriving and departing from different airports, you can sometimes grab a bargain.

Again, the cost of flying is rising, but generally speaking, you can often find return flights from a European city, such as London, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, etc, to Dalaman on the south coast for around 350 euros, including baggage.

Remember, this is approximate and depends on the airline – budget airlines like Peguses vs. Turkish Airlines are the way to go!

If you find a cheap flight to Istanbul and you want to visit another part of the country, the good news is that getting around the country is very easy and cheap. You can take a domestic flight from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gocken Airport to most large cities around the country or take a long-distance bus using companies such as Pamukkale , Metro, or Kamil Koc.

The only downside to using a bus is the length of time it takes to get from A to B. A journey from Istanbul to Marmaris on the south coast takes around 11 hours! However, buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, have WiFi, and you’re offered refreshments regularly. You’ll also get to see the country for a bargain price.

Domestic flights can be as low as 30 Euros, but the earlier you book, the cheaper they tend to be. You can fly from Istanbul to Izmir in an hour. If you want to go to Cappadocia , you can fly to Konya in just over an hour and then take a bus for a couple of hours.

Once you’re at your location, getting around is very easy. Some minibusses travel through resorts and cities and get you around cheaply. For instance, a dolmus (minibus) from Icmeler to Marmaris ( south coast resorts ) costs just 10 lira – less than 1 Euro!

Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya all have public transport cards you can top up and use on different public transport methods, therefore saving money. And if you choose to get a taxi, make sure you ask the price before you get in to avoid scams .

Accommodation Costs

We’ve mentioned you should try and use hostels wherever possible, but how much do regular hotels and apartments cost?

Well, it depends on where you want to go, the type of area, the star rating, and the time of year you visit. However, if you’re savvy and you see out-of-peak times, choosing a site that isn’t totally central but isn’t too far away from where you want to be either, you can grab a bargain.

For instance, five-star resorts in Antalya can cost anything from 130 Euros per night upward, but you can also choose to stay somewhere less fancy and spend your time exploring the place instead of sitting in your room. Hostels start at around 10 – 20 Euros per night, whereas a 4-star hotel costs somewhere between 50-70 Euros per night.

• Best Hotels In Istanbul
• Hotels On The Asian Side Of Istanbul
• Top Hotels In Cappadocia
• Where To Stay In Izmir

Unexpected Costs To Think About

As with anywhere in the world, there are hidden extras you need to know about. These can be a little unpleasant if you’re not aware of them!

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but very much appreciated. If you enjoyed the service, tipping 10% is a good suggestion. For taxis, round up the amount to the nearest whole if you want to tip the driver, but again, it’s not a definite thing you have to do.

• Tipping In Turkey

Most beaches are free to enter, and if there is a fee, it’s because it’s a special location, e.g., Incekum Beach in Marmaris or the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz. You’ll know about this before you get to the beach, and it’s likely to be a low cost anyway – often around 50 lira per person at most.

However, some public beaches do charge for sun loungers or parasols. If you go to a beach owned by a hotel (if they allow non-residents), a bar, or a restaurant, you’ll usually have free access to facilities as long as you buy food and drinks throughout the day . But if it’s a standalone beach, there will probably be a charge.

For a full day, sun loungers and umbrellas tend to be anywhere between 50-100 lira (2.50 – 5 Euros).

• Best Beach Towns & Coasts In Turkey
• Best Beaches In Istanbul
• Sandy Beaches In Turkey You’ll Love

You may be charged a fee if you’re using an overseas bank card in a Turkish cash machine. This depends on the Turkish bank and whatever rules are in place for your particular bank. Some Turkish banks charge for foreign card use, while others don’t. However, you’ll be warned on the screen before you go ahead with the transaction so that you can make an informed decision.

At most, a fee will be 100 liras maximum (5 Euros). You might also be charged a cash conversion fee by your own bank if you take out foreign currency, so that is something to check before you travel if you intend to use your card in ATMs.

Public Transport

You might look at Türkiye’s public transport system and panic, thinking it’s too hard to use and you’ll never master it. Yet, try it once, and you’ll wonder what you were worrying about.

Taxis are always expensive, and you run the risk of getting into the cab of a driver who wants to make a little extra cash. One of their tricks is taking you longer “the scenic route” to your destination and charging you for the “experience.”

However, if you take the bus or Metro, you can save a lot of money in Turkey , and you’ll have done something authentic!

Istanbul has many different public transport options to choose from. All you need to use is an Istanbul Kart, a prepaid card you top up at local markets or Metro stations. You can use this card on the ferries, Metro, buses, and trains .

Other cities have regular bus and train services, which are all very clear and easy to use. This includes Izmir, which has a very effective and reliable train service to other nearby cities.

In the beach resorts , you’ll find that you’re relying on dolmus. These are smaller local buses than regular ones, but they’re cheap and run frequently.

In Marmaris , for example, it will cost you 10 Lira to go from the town center to Icmeler, the neighboring resort. Compare that to the taxi price of 130 Lira, and you can understand why the bus, albeit busy, is a better option! The journey is picturesque, too, taking you along the mountaintop overlooking the sea.

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Average Costs Last Year (2023)

Prices in Turkey have increased a fair amount over the last couple of years, so it’s helpful to have a general guide on how much things are likely to cost. Remember that things can fluctuate at any given time, but below, you’ll find a table of average price for the most common things you’ll need to add to your daily budget.

Is Türkiye a cheap travel destination?

Turkey is known for being a budget-friendly travel destination, offering affordable accommodations, food, and attractions compared to many other countries.

Can you have a cheap holiday in Turkey?

Absolutely! With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a cost-effective and enjoyable holiday experience in Turkey without breaking the bank.

Is Türkiye expensive to visit?

No, Turkey is generally considered to be a reasonably priced travel destination, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Saving money in Turkey is easy; you must know the hacks to keep cash in your pocket!

• Best Places To Visit In Turkey For Every Type Of Traveler
• Incredible Black Sea Resorts
• Hotels In Cappadocia Turkey
• What To Pack For Turkey
• Should You Visit Southeastern Turkey
• How To Get From Istanbul To Cappadocia
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride Tips
• Guide To Hiking The Lycian Way
• Greek Island Budget Trip From Southern Turkey
• Turkish Bath Tips To Know Before You Go
• How To Get From Pamukkale To Cappadocia
• Things To Do In Kas, Turkey

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Currency in Turkey - A Full Guide 2024

Planning a trip to Turkey? Whether you’re heading there for work or pleasure, you’ll need to know how to pay your way as you travel.

This guide covers all you’ll need to know about the official currency in Turkey, where to get it and how to keep your costs down during your trip.

What is the currency in Turkey?

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira, which is issued and overseen by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey. If you’re buying your travel money online you may also see the official code being shown - TRY. In stores and restaurants, Turkish Lira prices are likely to use the currency symbol ₺.

Once you’re in Turkey you’ll see costs of items shown in TRY and you’ll need to start paying for things in local coins and notes which are often found in the following denominations:

banknotes - 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 TRY and coins - 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 Kuruş; 1 TRY.

Can you officially pay in CAD when you are in Turkey?

You’re unlikely to be able to officially transact in CAD in Turkey, which is why it’s time to start getting used to TRY and learning more about the currency exchange rates so you’ll know what you’re spending on your trip.

This guide will walk through all you need to know, including Canadian dollar/Turkish Lira rates and where best to get your travel money from.

TRY coins and banknotes

Here’s a full rundown of the TRY coins and banknotes you’ll need to be familiar with when you’re in Turkey.

History of Turkish Lira currency

The Turkish Lira (TRY) has its roots in the Ottoman lira and was introduced in 1923 after the Republic of Turkey was established. The currency underwent severe devaluation over the decades, leading to a massive redenomination in 2005 to curb inflation by slashing six zeros from the old currency. The new series of banknotes and coins were called 'New Turkish Lira'. In 2009, the 'new' was dropped, and it reverted to the Turkish Lira.

Is CAD accepted in Turkey?

As we’ve seen, the official currency in Turkey is TRY. If you carry CAD with you on your trip, you’ll probably need to exchange it before you can spend.

Sometimes when you’re away on a trip abroad you’ll find that merchants will take payments in a selection of major foreign currencies. However, the chances are that where this is offered, you won’t get a good exchange rate for your CAD. Planning smart and convenient ways to spend in TRY when you’re away is likely to mean you save on costs in the end.

Usually, having a few different ways to pay and get cash is the best option for travelers and tourists. That’s because you’ll have a back up plan in case one payment method isn’t accepted for any reason, and you can pick the method that’s best suited to the specific transaction. Having a multi-currency card from a provider like Wise , plus your normal bank debit card, and some local cash in TRY should mean you’ve always got options. You can use your cash for small purchases and tipping, and make low cost payments and cash withdrawals with your multi-currency card, while keeping your bank card in reserve for emergencies.

Use a travel card on your next trip to Turkey

Using a travel debit card in Turkey is usually cheap, safe and convenient. A few providers in the UK offer multi-currency cards which come with a linked payment account that lets you convert, hold and spend in TRY. That allows you to add a balance in CAD and switch over to TRY to lock in the exchange rate and set your travel budget.

Once you have TRY in your account there are no extra fees to make payments, and you’ll not have foreign transaction charges to worry about, either.

Here’s a quick overview of a couple of handy travel debit cards you may want to order and use in Turkey.

Wise travel card

Order a Wise travel card online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies and manage your money from your phone. You’ll be able to spend conveniently in TRY - and all currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with no markup.

Card holders get some free ATM withdrawals available every month, and there’s no annual or monthly fees to pay, and no minimum balance requirement.

Read a full Wise review here

What is the currency exchange rate for £ 1 CAD/TRY?

It’s helpful to get to know the live CAD/TRY rate so you can easily calculate how much things are costing you while you’re on your trip abroad. The rate you need to focus on is the mid market rate, which is the one banks and major currency services get when buying and selling currencies. This rate isn’t always passed on to customers. Instead you may find that the CAD/TRY rate you get when exchanging travel cash includes a markup - an extra fee.

Find the CAD/TRY mid-market rate from a currency conversion site or a website like this, so you can keep an eye on the market and compare the rates you’re offered as you travel against the mid-market rate easily.

Should I exchange CAD to TRY before traveling to Turkey?

It’s a good idea to exchange CAD to TRY before you head off to Turkey, as you can often find a better exchange rate and lower overall costs before you travel.

When you’re in Turkey you’re going to need TRY in cash for some of your spending - particularly when tipping or making smaller value purchases. Buying your TRY travel money in advance can get you better CAD/TRY exchange rates, and saves you wasting precious time shopping around for a good deal once you arrive in Turkey.

Tips for exchanging money in Turkey

There’s a good network of ATMs across Turkey, and card payments are also widely accepted. Always pay in CAD to avoid sneaky extra dynamic currency conversion costs and to make sure your money goes further.

2)Avoid using exchange providers at airports or hotels in Turkey as they usually offer pretty poor exchange rates because they have a captive market and little competition nearby

3)Today’s mid market exchange rate for CAD/TRY is 0.67881 - look for this or as close as possible to it when you exchange your travel money

4)Use a travel debit card like the Wise card while you’re in Turkey for fast and cheap conversion between currencies and easy ways to manage your money from your phone

Best place to exchange currency in Turkey

You can get your TRY in Turkey in a couple of ways.

You’ll be able to use a travel debit card from a provider like [wise-affiliate-name-links] to make convenient payments and cash withdrawals and to convert funds online.

Or if you prefer an offline solution you can carry some cash in CAD to exchange when you arrive. Currency exchange providers are often in airports and hotels, although the exchange shops in a city center are likely to be cheaper overall.

How to pay in Turkey?

You’ll need to have TRY to spend in Turkey. However, generally having a few different payment methods is a good plan. That means that if a merchant won't accept one, you’ve got a back up. It’s also reassuring to know you have a different way to pay if you were unlucky enough to have a card or some travel cash stolen. Here are your key payment options in Turkey.

1. Debit or credit card

Card payments can be helpful in shops, restaurants and hotels but there will be places where cash is also important. Order a travel card from a provider like Wise for cheap and fast transactions, including card payments and cash withdrawals as and when you need travel money in TRY.

2. TRY cash

Cash is widely used in Turkey, so it’s worth having some with you at all times. You may want to exchange money to TRY before you leave, but it’s also usually convenient to make ATM withdrawals locally once you arrive in Turkey.

You’ll usually find you can use a card to make payments in Turkey, but carrying some cash in TRY is also reassuring. It’s often easier for tipping and making smaller purchases, plus you’ve got a nice backup if your card is ever out of action for some reason.

It’s a smart idea to have both a card and some cash in TRY when you’re in Turkey. Some merchants will prefer cash, but having a card for higher value payments and in busier more tourist places is also convenient. Consider using a travel card from a provider like Wise alongside your cash for flexibility.

Paying for the trip in CAD

If you’re paying for things in Turkey with a CAD bank card you might find a foreign transaction fee is added. This pushes up your costs when you spend in a foreign currency, and can be tricky to calculate.

Travel debit cards don’t always work this way. When you make purchases in Turkey using the [wise-affiliate-name-links] card you can either choose to convert your account balance to TRY in advance in the Wise app, or just leave your balance in CAD and let the card handle the transaction when you pay. You’ll always get the lowest available fee and there are no extra foreign transaction charges.

Conclusion - Currency in Turkey

You won’t be able to pay in CAD when you visit Turkey - so learning about the currency you need is essential. Whether you decide to use a travel debit card from a service like [wise-affiliate-name-links], or stock up on TRY in cash in advance, knowing the mid-market exchange rate can help you get the best available deal. Use this guide to learn all you need to know about the options, rates and fees for exchanging CAD to TRY, and make your money go further while you’re away.

The official currency in Turkey is TRY. You can’t usually pay in CAD in Turkey, so you’ll need to plan in advance to get your travel money sorted. Consider ordering a travel debit card from a service like Wise, for low cost conversions to TRY and convenient spending and withdrawals - and remember that knowing the CAD to TRY mid-market exchange rate is essential to check you’re getting a fair deal on currency exchange.

FAQ - Currency in Turkey

What is the currency in turkey called.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. You may also see the code TRY and the currency symbol ₺.

What's the currency in Ankara?

The official currency in Ankara is the Turkish Lira. You’ll only be able to spend in TRY while you’re there.

What is the old Turkey currency?

Today the currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. If you’re worried about currencies changing, why not get a travel debit card from a service like [wise-affiliate-name-links] which will automatically pick the currency needed in your destination when making a payment - with no penalties or inflated fees.

What is the best currency to take to Turkey?

You’ll only be able to spend in TRY while you’re in Turkey. Carrying some money in cash and using a travel debit card from a service like [wise-affiliate-name-links] is usually the best way to spend while you’re away from home.

Discover other currencies around the world

Is Turkey Expensive to Visit? How to Travel on a Budget in 2024

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

One of the questions we get asked the most is; is Turkey expensive to travel to? The simple answer is no, Turkey is a cheap place to visit when compared to other European countries, but it’s getting more expensive.

In recent years, we have found that more hotels, restaurants and tour companies have increased their prices to accommodate for the declining value of the Turkish Lira.

We also found that some destinations are more expensive than others, and the time of year you visit also factors into how much you will spend.

The truth is, visiting Turkey today isn’t as cheap as it once was, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel to Turkey on a budget.

If you’re wondering how much does a trip to Turkey cost? How cheap is it really? In this guide, we’ll be breaking down the cost of everything from transport, food, accommodation, and attractions, so you know exactly how much to budget for your Turkey trip.

At A Glance: How Much Does A Trip to Turkey Cost?

If you’re in a hurry and need a quick answer to how much Turkey is going to cost you, here’s a table showing estimates for how much you’re looking to spend.

After this, we will go into detail about how much each factor costs and how you can save money. All prices listed are in USD($) .

Note that prices tend to be higher in the summer season, and also depend on where in the country you visit, so use this as an estimate for budgeting purposes.

The estimated daily costs do not factor in long-distance transport or the price of alcohol, as this will largely depend on the individual. If you don’t drink or plan to travel around Turkey, your daily budget will be cheaper.

Prices vary depending on your travel style, time of year, and where in Turkey you visit.

Coastal regions such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Antalya tend to cost more as they are popular tourist destinations.

Cost of Transport in Turkey

Transport is where the majority of your budget gets eaten up. You can save money on attractions, food, and even accommodation, but the price of transport is not something you can haggle down and is also a necessity.

Here is how much you will need to budget for transport in Turkey.

Cost of Flights to Turkey

The cost of flights to Turkey will largely depend on where you are flying from. Since Istanbul is the most popular airport for layovers, flights from all over the world travel here.

There are two airports in Istanbul , Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW),  and  Istanbul International Airport (IST) . Istanbul International Airport is where all international flights depart and arrive. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is really used to domestic flights only these days.

You’re more than likely going to fly into Istanbul International Airport. The average price of a flight to Istanbul is as follows:

• From Europe and the United Kingdom: $120-$300
• From Asia: $400-$600
• From the United States: $700-$1000

The price of the flight will depend on how far in advance you book. The earlier you book, the cheaper the price (usually)!

If you’re flying from the United States, Turkish Airlines are the only airline to operate direct flights. You can fly from the following airports:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• Boston (BOS)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
• Houston (IAH)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York (EWR) & New York City (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle / Tacoma (SEA)
• Washington (IAD)

The longest direct flight is from Mexico City which takes 14 hours. You can also fly direct from these major cities:

• Kuala Lumpur

Cost of Internal Flights in Turkey

So your flight to Istanbul will be your largest expense. From here on out, it’s cheap, cheap, cheap! Fortunately, internal flights are really affordable in Turkey.

Most internal flights are operated by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, or Sun Express. You can fly direct to and from Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Cappadocia.

If you want to fly from Cappadocia to Izmir, you will need to change in Istanbul.

However, even if you need to change flight in Istanbul, the flights are really affordable and quite quick, with layovers only lasting between 1-2 hours.

This is because a lot of people take these routes, not just tourists but locals as well. So they are strategically timed to allow you to transfer quickly.

The average cost of internal flights in Turkey is $80-$120 per flight . If you are booking the day before, then you might have to pay up to $150, but it’s very rare to exceed $100 if you’re organized.

Related Reading: How To Get From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Airport To Istanbul City Center: 4 Easy Ways

Cost of Long Distance Buses in Turkey

Long-distance buses are the most affordable way to travel across the country. If you’re planning an epic Turkey itinerary , this will be your most affordable way to get from city to city, and it can also be quite convenient too.

Most long-distance bus journeys are night buses . This is because the roads are quieter and safer at night. Since you’ll be traveling for 14-17 hours, we highly recommend you take a night bus if you have the choice to choose between the two. You also get to save on a night’s accommodation!

The price of long-distance buses is usually between $25-$40 depending on the route you take . Istanbul to Cappadocia is a long journey, so it might be at the top end of the budget. From Cappadocia to Antalya , you might find the prices are a little cheaper.

Top tip: we recommend you book your bus ticket locally using the tour providers . We booked using FlixBus, and it turned out they used the local companies anyway, so we would have saved money by booking direct.

Make sure to book a day in advance, as the buses are usually full and you can’t buy a ticket from the bus driver.

The Cost of Inner City Transport

Getting around the cities in Turkey is super easy. In major cities in Turkey, there is a tram network, metro and bus route. The tram is the most affordable way to travel.

The tram network usually connects the suburbs to the city center, and passes by the top attractions. A single trip on the tram can cost you around $0.10 USD.

If you don’t get the tram, the metro and the bus are just as convenient and affordable. The average price of one journey on the metro or bus is $1.00 USD.

You can use your contactless payment card on any mode of transport in the cities, such as metro, tram or bus.

📚 Read more: Getting Around Istanbul

Taxis are the most expensive way to get around, largely because drivers try to scam you. Very rarely do taxi drivers use the meters, and if they do, they like to take the “scenic route” which ends up costing you more. We recommend you take Uber in Istanbul and major cities, so you know how much you are paying up front.

The average cost of a taxi fare in Turkey is between $0.50-$0.70 USD per 1km

You can also save money on the metro in Istanbul or Ankara by getting a monthly pass, if you plan on staying a while.

📚 Read More: Can You Use The Euro In Turkey? Currency In Turkey Guide

Average Cost of Accommodation in Turkey

Your accommodation is really where you can save your pennies. You can find a bed in a hostel dormitory for around $12 USD per night, or you can splash out on a five-star resort on a beach in Antalya for $300 per night. It’s really down to you.

You can find hotels for as high as $500 per night, but those are really for romantic getaways and honeymoons. For the average traveler, or family, you wouldn’t expect to pay this much (unless that’s what you’re looking for!).

To break it down for you, here are the average costs of accommodation:

• Hostels – $8-$20 per night for a dorm bed, $34-$75 per night for a private room
• Hotels – $45-$80 for a 3-star hotel, $65-$120 for a 4-star hotel, $150-$250 for a five-star hotel.
• Vacation rentals – $70 per night for a room, $120 for entire apartments, $250 for houses

Are you reading this from Turkey? Maybe you need a VPN!

If you’re already in Turkey, there is one thing you absolutely NEED: a reliable VPN .

You may find some of your favorite websites and apps are blocked in Turkey , such as popular hotel site booking.com

A VPN allows you to get passed this ruling and enables you to browse these sites without any hassle, and it’s completely legal.

We use Express VPN when we’re in Turkey and we’d recommend it to anyone. It’s affordable, quick, and easy to use.

Cost of Food in Turkey

The best thing about Turkey is the food. The cost of food and drink prices in Turkey is very low, and you can honestly spend less to nothing on food, which makes it one of the most affordable places to visit for foodies.

The average cost of a meal in Turkey is anywhere from $4-$8 per dish. You might pay up to $20 if you include drinks and desserts, which you definitely should because Turkish desserts are just yum!

Street food in Istanbul tends to be really cheap too, but do be careful when trying the stuffed mussels as the price racks up. Generally, stuffed mussels are charged per mussel. When we visited, the going rate worked out to about $0.35 USD per mussel. Bargain!

We ended up eating 20 mussels, which came to around $7 USD. It’s not a lot but if you go crazy, it adds up. We also bought an ice cream later in the day for about $0.40 USD and then went to town in the Grand Bazaar.

Top tip: If you’re in Istanbul and you’ve spent a large amount of your daily budget already, head to Eminou and get a fish sandwich for your dinner at just 15 Lira ($0.56 USD). Here’s an image of the shop below so you know what to look for.

Don’t forget you have three meals a day on average, so remember this when you’re putting your daily food budget together.

Cost of Groceries in Turkey

You can save a lot of money by shopping at the supermarket and cooking for yourself.

To help you estimate the cost of your groceries, here is the average cost of some staple food items such as fruit, vegetables and meat:

Cost of Alcohol in Turkey

Alcohol in Turkey is really cheap and you can also find some exceptional Turkish wines from the Cappadocia region. We bought a bottle of wine in Cappadocia for about $2 and were able to bring it into a restaurant with us to have with our meal.

You should note that alcohol is rarely served in restaurants since it is a Muslim country. However, most places don’t mind you bringing your own but do ask before you whip out a bottle and start chugging.

In places like Antalya or Bodrum, you’ll find many bars serving alcohol. These cities have a nightlife culture, so you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs here serving a variety of drinks, from local beers, to international beers, and spirits.

The average price of alcohol is as follows:

• Wine by the bottle – $2 – $7.00
• Wine by the glass – $0.50 – $0.85
• Beer – $1.48 for a local beer, $2.50 for an international beer
• Cocktails – $7.50

Cost of Attractions in Turkey

After transport, your second biggest expense is your attractions. Depending on where you are in Turkey, you can expect to pay quite a bit for tours.

However, you can save money by either visiting attractions yourself and planning your own transport. Or taking tours from nearby towns and cities, rather than from Istanbul.

For example, a trip to Ephesus from Izmir is going to cost you $200 from Istanbul if you include flights, transport, and the entrance ticket. But from Izmir, it will come to $35 if you include the transport and entrance fee.

Booking tours save you time in planning, but it tends to cost a bit more than doing it yourself. It can sometimes cost a bit more to book online than by purchasing from a local tour company, but it can also sometimes save you money – it really depends on the tour and the time of year.

We do recommend shopping around before booking attractions to see the most economical way of seeing things.

Fortunately, many things to do in Istanbul are free, such as mosques, parks, and visiting landmarks such as The Grand Bazaar. In Cappadocia, it’s free to hike any of the valleys.

You can also save money on attractions by getting an Istanbul Tourist Pass, which is a tourist pass that gives you discounts at 75 attractions in the city.

You can always find good deals for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia when booking online.

The average cost of attractions is anywhere from $20 – $80 per attraction , depending on whether you need to organize transport and the type of attraction.

📚 Read more: The Best Tours in Cappadocia

Cost of Souvenirs in Turkey

Everyone wants to get a souvenir on vacation and Turkey is the best place to do some shopping.

When shopping for luxury brands, you will find the same prices in high street brands like Zara and H&M as you would anywhere else in the world. You will find cheaper deals by shopping in local stores.

You can take home all manner of souvenirs and gifts for friends and families, and with places like the Grand Bazaar being full of thousands of stalls, you can get really carried away when shopping.

To help you work out how much to expect, here’s the average cost of souvenirs in Turkey:

• Turkish delight – $6 – $30, depending on whether you get one or a box
• Turkish towel or textiles – $9-$18
• Turkish tea / coffee – $12-$18
• Turkish lamp – $48
• Turkish rug – $50 – $100 USD (the cheaper ones tend to be factory-made knockoffs)
• Nazar Amulet (Evil Eye) – $14
• Herbs and spices – $1-$2
• Ceramics – $12-$18
• Baklava – $18 – $36

If you’re not sure what souvenirs to take home with you, here’s a complete guide to souvenirs in Turkey .

Note: you can sometimes haggle at markets such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, but prices in stores are fixed price.

Additional Costs to Consider

We have pretty much covered all the usual expenses for a vacation to Turkey, but there are some additional costs you should allow for in your budget.

We recommend you add 10% to your daily budget to cover any unforeseen purchases, such as medicine from a pharmacy or snacks.

Here are some other expenses to consider:

• Water. Bottles of water tend to cost around $0.26 – $0.48. However, tap water is drinkable in many cities. You can also take a water filtration bottle such as Grayl or LifeStraw and save money on buying water.
• Sun loungers or umbrellas at the beach. If you’re planning on visiting one of the many beaches in Bodrum , Antalya or Fethiye, then you may have to pay for a sun lounger. Some places allow you to use a lounger outside a restaurant if you buy a drink or snack. Otherwise, the going rate is about $5.38 (100 Lira).
• ATM fees. Depending on your bank account, you may get charged ATM fees. Most ATMs don’t charge a fee, but your bank might. Check with your bank before visiting.
• Tipping. It’s customary to leave a 10% tip in Turkey. Places that usually require tipping is restaurants and cafes, and sometimes hotel chambermaids. You don’t have to tip your taxi driver, but they usually appreciate you rounding up the fare.
• Resort tax. Some five-star hotels and resorts will charge an extra 1% of the total stay price as tax per night. This isn’t a huge amount but it can add up.
• Visa. Some countries require a visa for Turkey. Americans can no longer get a Visa on arrival and must pay $85.00 for the Visa plus there may also be a service fee.
• SIM card. You’re going to want a SIM card so you’re always connected to the internet, right? The cost of a SIM card can vary depending on the data plan you go for. Here’s a comprehensive guide to sim cards in Turkey to help you decide.
• Travel insurance. There are many different providers who offer travel insurance, so it’s a good idea to shop around. You should make sure your travel insurance covers hospital bills and medical emergencies. Obviously, we don’t want any accidents, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared. You should also make sure it has trip cancellation cover, especially if you plan to visit Bodrum or Fethiye in the summer. This is because wildfires can sometimes happen and disrupt your travel plans.

Cost of Living in Turkey

Are you considering moving to Turkey? Or are you planning to stay for a month or more working as a digital nomad? Then you might be wondering whether the monthly cost of Turkey is expensive to live in.

The short answer is no. The typical cost of an apartment is around $530 USD per month . On top of this, you have utilities such as internet costs which are around $11 USD per month .

On average, a family of four spends $70 a month on utilities , which covers electricity, water, and garbage disposal.

You will also need to think about healthcare. The average cost of a dental visit, which includes consultations, cleaning, x-rays, is about $30 USD per visit . If you need fillings, it will be $60-$100, or $150 for a root canal per tooth.

To see a doctor, a standard appointment without the need of x-rays or special examinations, is around $7-$10 USD .

You can also find affordable coworking spaces in Istanbul that are as little as 100 TL per hour, if you do need to hire a hot desk space or private office.

After that, the cost of living comes to around $350 per month on average, if you cook meals yourself and take public transport.

It’s estimated that the cost of living in Turkey is about 61.25% less than in the United States, with rent coming at a whopping 86.29% lower than in U.S.

FAQs About Turkey Prices & Travel Costs

Here’s what people usually ask us about whether Turkey is expensive:

Is Turkey expensive for a holiday?

No, Turkey is cheap, especially if you opt for budget accommodation and dine at local restaurants. However, it’s not as cheap as it used to be because of the declining currency rate.

How much is a Coke in Turkey?

Coca Cola costs on average around $0.50 USD.

How much is a beer in Turkey?

In restaurants and bars, a beer will cost between $1.88-$2.42 USD depending on whether you get local or international.

Is food and drink cheap in Turkey?

Yes, food is very cheap in Turkey. You can get a kebab, gyro, or pide for as little as $4 USD.

When is the cheapest time to visit Turkey?

Those wanting to know when Turkey is cheap to visit, will need to plan their trip for the winter months, from November until February. You will find the highest prices in Turkey in the summer, from June until September.

Final Verdict: How much does it cost to travel to Turkey?

So there you have it, this is how much it will cost you to travel to Turkey. As you can see, there is a lot to consider when planning your trip and working out your budget. I bet you thought it was easy, right?

It’s really easy to get carried away and go over budget, especially with booking tours and shopping for souvenirs.

To make matters easier, here’s how much we would recommend for a daily budget in Turkey:

• Solo travelers or backpackers – $60 per day
• Couples – $100 per day
• Families – $180 per day

As we mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to add 10% to cover emergencies – though we hope you don’t need to use it!

Our final tip for those budget travelers out there is that you can save considerably by traveling off the beaten path and not sticking to the usual tourist trails.

The average salary for a Turkish local is about $600 USD per month, so you can’t expect them to pay the same prices as tourists, right?

So, how expensive is Turkey really? By now you have a rough idea of what it will cost you to travel in Turkey and what kind of budget you need. If you have any more questions or would like to add something to this guide to help a fellow traveler out, reach out to us in the comments!

Note: The prices listed in this article are estimates based on the prices we found on our visit in December 2023 and are subject to change. This is because the Turkish Lira is always fluctuating and prices tend to be higher in the summer – so to ere on the side of caution. We have used summer prices in this guide. Who knows, it may even be cheaper when you visit!

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

6 thoughts on “Is Turkey Expensive to Visit? How to Travel on a Budget in 2024”

A friend went to kusadasi. Last week and she said she paid 9.000 tL for 3 meals and drinks also she was charged 55 euro service charge. I cant believe prices has gone up that much?

Hey Isobell, that is a lot of money even outside of Turkey. Kusadasi is a resort town so it is a little bit more expensive than other parts of Turkey, but 9000 TL for 3 meals is ridiculous. Unless she went to a very luxurious restaurant in Kusadasi, or she got scammed.

I love the content of your page. And i very much agree on you about Turkiye. Been visiting Turkiye couple of times and i cant get enough of it. And going through your page i came to learn more and putting it on my tab for next visit. Thanks for sharing all the information needed to maximize the trip on a budget.

Thanks for sharing such info on this page. Türkiye is really increble to visit.

The inflation inside the country has left many Turks worse off financially and they will always be trying to price gouge you. All day you will be haggling to get the correct price. It can get very tiring, which is not what you want from a relaxing holiday. It all starts when you land and you try to exchange for Turkish Lira. And when you step outside and order a taxi, you will literally be taken for a ride. Hotels will charge you all sorts of extras and restaurants will add all sorts of items such as water and treats which you might think are free and “service”. And your alcohol will taste watery. But once you go out of the touristy areas things get a lot better.

Hi George, yes you are right, the declining value of the Lira has caused many hotels, restaurants and tour operators to push their prices up. You will also find that right now is peak tourist season and is why you can expect to see higher prices. This guide was updated in August 2023 which was the last time we visited, so we do think the prices in this guide are accurate. The summer is not the cheapest time to visit Turkey and it also depends on which city you visit – though you will find cheaper prices in most coastal towns in Turkey than in other countries in Europe. I highly recommend you withdraw money from the ATM machine (no more than 1000 lira at a time or you lose out to the declining Lira) as you will find a better rate doing this than exchanging money, especially at the airport. You are right that prices are cheaper off the beaten track.

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Turkish Liras & Money in Turkey

Last Updated on May 31, 2024

The official currency as well as the unit of Turkish money is the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası, TL or TRY) . A unique symbol (₺)  was introduced by the Turkish Central Bank to denote the Turkish Lira.

Banknotes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 liras.

The lira is divided into 100 Kuruş (koo-ROOSH), with coins in denominations of 10, 25 and 50 (Kuruş).  Read more about the history of the Turkish lira which was used before the new Turkish Lira.

Where to Obtain Liras

It's usually best to obtain your Turkish liras in Turkey rather than before you leave home, as the exchange rates outside Turkey are generally not as good as those inside the country.

The easiest way to get cash liras is to stick your home bank card or credit card into a Turkish ATM (bancomat/cashpoint, cash machine).  While withdrawing cash, choose the option to be charged in the local currency (Turkish Lira) instead of your home currency to avoid the hidden costs of dynamic currency conversion (DCC).

You can exchange foreign-currency cash at a Currency Exchange Office (Döviz Bürosu). Note that exchange rates at international airports in Turkey are usually worse than rates in city centers. In Istanbul or tourist areas, it’s easy to find places to exchange your money, but you may need to provide your passport and other details at exchange offices in order to exchange money.

Exchange Rates

Here's the current exchange rate for the Turkish Lira Currency Converter

Using Credit and Debit Cards in Turkey

Turkey is a country that happily accepts credit and debit cards , which are widely used in cities and tourist destinations. Remember to inform your bank about your travels to Turkey so that your card doesn't get blocked due to suspicious overseas transactions. Travelers Checks are a bother, and not recommended.

As digital wallets gain popularity around the globe, Turkey is no exception. Mobile payments are becoming more common, particularly in larger cities and tourist destinations. The adoption of mobile payment platforms such as Paycell and BKM Express is on the rise, offering the convenience of secure and quick transactions.

However, not all vendors may accept mobile payments or even debit and credit cards, particularly in rural areas or local markets. Hence, it's still essential to carry some cash in Turkish Lira. Apple Pay, Paypal, Google Pay, and many other global wallets are not currently in use.

Cash vs. Card

While cards are quite popular, cash is used widely in local markets, small shops, or when taking a ride in the famous Turkish dolmuş (minibuses). If you are venturing off the city or visiting smaller towns and villages, you'll definitely need cash. The good news is that ATMs are easy to find in Turkey, so you won't have trouble withdrawing cash when needed.

Tax-Free Shopping

You can benefit from tax-free shopping in Turkey if you're from outside the EU. This means you can get a refund for the VAT you pay on your purchases, but there's a process to follow. First, make sure the store you're shopping at offers Tax-Free Shopping services. When paying, ask for a Tax-Free form. Fill it out and have it stamped by the store. Before you leave Turkey, show your purchases, receipts, and your stamped form at the customs office at the airport to get your VAT refund.

Bargaining and Tipping Customs in Turkey

Don't be scared to bargain while shopping in Turkey, especially in bazaars and markets! It's part of the shopping venture. Start by suggesting a price lower than what you're willing to pay and work from there.

When it comes to tipping, it's a common practice in restaurants, cafes, and taxis. The usual amount is around 10% of the bill, but feel free to give more if you've received excellent service. A service charge might be added to your bill in some upscale restaurants or hotels, in which case extra tipping is unnecessary.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Turkey varies greatly depending on where you are. Generally, big cities like Istanbul and Ankara are more pricey than the smaller towns and countryside.

For example, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is quite affordable, but it’s possible to find high-end establishments whose prices mimic the cost of Europe or North America.

Note that Turkey has been facing high levels of inflation in recent years and the prices of goods and services, as well as the exchange rate for foreign currency, can change rapidly. As such, many places that cater to tourists might have a price list in a foreign currency. However, Turkish lira is the only official currency in Turkey and it is always possible to pay in Turkish lira.

Cost of Traveling in Turkey

To give you a rough idea of daily costs, a budget-conscious tourist could get by on less than $100/day. This includes meals at affordable restaurants , public transportation , and budget accommodations. You should budget more if you plan to visit museums and historical sites or enjoy the nightlife.

Tour operators and establishments that cater to tourists will often post their prices in foreign currencies such as USD, Euro, or Sterling.

Read more about the cost of traveling in Turkey.

Banks in Turkey

Banks in Turkey typically operate from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. They're usually closed on weekends and public holidays. But don't worry, ATMs are widespread and open 24/7, allowing you to withdraw cash whenever needed. Remember that transactions might come with fees, especially if you're using a foreign bank card.

Safe Travels

Most people in Turkey are welcoming and honest, but like everywhere, a few might try to take advantage of travelers. For example, be cautious of overly friendly strangers inviting you to bars or restaurants, which can lead to abruptly high bills.

Also, be aware of the classic taxi hoaxes, where drivers take longer routes to charge more or use rigged meters. Always demand using the meter in taxis, and consider using ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi, which offer transparent pricing.

—by Tom Brosnahan , updated by Can Turan

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Get the best Turkish lira exchange rate

Compare the latest Turkish lira exchange rates from the UK's best currency providers

Best Turkish lira exchange rate

The lira has been the official currency of Turkey since 1923 after it was introduced by the newly-formed Turkish government in the aftermath of World War I. In recent times, the lira has experienced periods of extreme volatility due to economic and political instability, which have caused its value to plummet and led to a significant devaluation in the Turkish lira exchange rate.

If you're travelling to Turkey, it's important to shop around and compare currency suppliers to maximise your chances of getting a good deal. We can help you to find the best Turkish lira exchange rate by comparing a wide range of UK travel money suppliers who have Turkish lira in stock and ready to order online now. Our comparisons automatically factor in all costs and commission, so all you need to do is tell us how much you want to spend and we'll show you the top suppliers who fit the bill.

Compare before you buy

Some of the best travel money deals are only available when you buy online. By using a comparison site, you're more likely to see the full range of deals on offer and get the best rate.

Order online

Always place your order online, even if you plan to collect your currency in person. Most supermarkets and high street currency suppliers offer better exchange rates if you order online beforehand.

Combine orders

If you're travelling with others, consider placing one large currency order instead of buying individually. Many currency suppliers offer enhanced rates that improve as you order more.

The best Turkish lira exchange rate right now is 38.7657 from Travel FX . This is based on a comparison of 16 currency suppliers and assumes you were buying £750 worth of Turkish lira for home delivery.

The best Turkish lira exchange rates are usually offered by online travel money companies who have lower operating costs than traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores, and can therefore offer better currency deals than their high street counterparts.

For supermarkets and companies who sell travel money online and on the high street, it's generally cheaper to place your order online and collect it from the store rather than turning up out of the blue and ordering over the counter. Many stores set their 'walk-in' exchange rates lower than their online rates because they can. By ordering online you're guaranteed to get the online rate and you can collect your order from the store as usual.

Turkish lira rate trend

Over the past 30 days, the Turkish lira rate is up 0.78% from 38.7657 on 20 May to 39.0681 today. This means one pound will buy more Turkish lira today than it would have a month ago. Right now, £750 is worth approximately ₺29,301.08 which is ₺226.8 more than you'd have got on 20 May.

These are the average Turkish lira rates taken from our panel of UK travel money providers at the end of each day. You can explore this further on our British pound to Turkish lira currency chart .

Timing is key if you want to maximise your Turkish lira, but the best time to buy will depend on the current market conditions and your personal travel plans.

If you have a fixed travel date, you should start to monitor the Turkish lira rates as soon as possible in the period leading up to your departure so that you've got time to buy when the rate is looking favourable. For example, if the Turkish lira rate has been steadily increasing over several weeks or months, it could be a good time to buy while the rate is high.

Some people prefer to buy half of their Turkish lira as soon as they've booked their holiday, and the remaining half just before they depart. This can be a good way of maximising your holiday money if the exchange rate continues to rise after you've bought, but will also help to minimise your losses if the rate drops.

You could also consider signing up to our newsletter and we'll email the latest rates to you each month.

If you need your Turkish lira sooner and don't have time to wait for the rates to improve, you can still save money by comparing rates from a range of different providers before you buy. Online travel money suppliers usually have better Turkish lira rates than high street exchanges, but supermarkets are a good compromise if you want to collect your currency in person and still get a decent rate. Just remember to buy or reserve your Turkish lira first before you collect them from the store so you benefit from the supplier's better online rate.

Turkish lira banknotes and coins

Turkish lira are governed and issued by the Central Bank of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası), while Turkish lira banknotes and coins are produced by the Turkish State Mint and Printing House Corporation which has facilities in Ankara and Istanbul.

One Turkish lira can be subdivded into 100 kuruş (kr). The word 'kuruş' (pronounced 'koo-roosh') means 'fraction' in Turkish.

There are six denominations of Turkish lira banknotes in frequent circulation: ₺5, ₺10, ₺20, ₺50, ₺100 and ₺200. Each denomination features a portrait of a notable Turkish figure on the obverse, and a design inspired by different periods of Turkish history or culture on the reverse.

Coins are available in six denominations: 25 kr, 50 kr and ₺1 which are used most frequently, and 1 kr, 5 kr and 10 kr which are used less-often due to their low values. Although they remain legal tender, 1-kuru coins are no longer minted because the cost of their production is more than their face value. Consequently, most cash transactions in Turkey tend to be rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 kuruş.

The symbol for Turkish lira (₺) has an interesting history. Unlike most currency symbols which are centuries old, the lira symbol was created by a Turkish citizen after a country-wide competition in 2012. The symbol is based on the letters 'T' and 'L' crossed in the middle by two lines to form an anchor-like shape which is supposed to represent the stability of the lira. The two horizontal lines symbolise Turkey connecting to Europe in the West and Asia in the East.

There's no evidence to suggest that you'll get a better deal if you buy your Turkish lira in Turkey. While there may be better exchange rates available in some locations, your options for shopping around may be limited once you arrive, and there's no guarantee the exchange rates will be any better than they are in the UK.

Exchange rates aside, here are some other reasons to avoid buying your Turkish lira in Turkey:

• You may have to pay commission or other hidden fees to a currency exchange that you wouldn't have paid in the UK
• Your bank may charge you a foreign transaction fee if you use it to buy Turkish lira when you're abroad
• It can be harder to spot scammers and fraudulent currency exchanges in Turkey

Lastly, it can be handy to have some cash on you when you arrive at your destination so you can pay for any immediate expenses like food, transport and tips. You don't want to be searching for the nearest currency exchange when you've just landed and you're desperate for a cup of tea - or a cocktail!

Tips for saving money while visiting Turkey

Naturally, the cost of a holiday in Turkey will vary depending on where you go and what you do. You can expect to pay more for goods and services in major cities like Ankara and Istanbul which have a higher cost of living than many other parts of Turkey, and resorts on the Aegean Coast tend to be more expensive than those on the Black Sea, but overall Turkey is considered to be an affordable holiday destination for British travellers.

• Plan your itinerary: There are hundreds of free attractions to visit in Turkey: from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, to the Pamukkale in Denizli which is known for its white terraced pools of mineral-rich hot springs, and the ancient city Ephesus in İzmir which is home to some of the best-preserved ancient structures in the world including the Odeon theater and the Temple of Artemis. Research free attractions in whatever city you're staying in and plan your itinerary around these.
• Use public transport: Local buses are the most affordable way to travel around towns and cities in Turkey, followed by metros. All major cities in Turkey have fast and reliable metros that allow you to travel around the city on a single ticket or a rechargeable card. Or, if you prefer travelling by road, consider using Dolmuş instead of hiring a private taxi or rental car. Dolmuş is a shared taxi or minibus service that operates on a fixed route. It can be a flexible and affordable way to get around, especially in smaller towns and more rural areas.
• Haggle for prices: Haggling is common practice in Turkey, so don't be afraid to haggle for a better price on goods and services. Find out the value of whatever you want to buy by looking around or asking locals, then start by offering a lower price than you're willing to pay. Be prepared to negotiate, and above all; be patient and respectful and you could end up with a bargain!
• Research your accommodation: Instead of booking a hotel, consider staying in a pension. Pensions in Turkey are small, family-run guesthouses that offer budget-friendly accommodation for travellers. They are usually located in historic neighborhoods or in the countryside and they provide an authentic experience compared to staying in a hotel. Pensions usually have basic amenities such as shared bathrooms and simple furnishings, but they provide a comfortable and clean place to stay at an affordable price.
• Eat like a local: Turkey is famous for its affordable and delicious street food. Kebab houses can be found everywhere and they serve a variety of grilled meat dishes including doner kebab, shish kebab, and adana kebab which are typically served with rice, salad, and bread. If your accommodation has a kitchen, consider shopping in the local markets and creating your own Turkish-inspired dishes.
• Take cash: Using cash will help you to stick to a budget more easily than paying by card, and you'll also avoid foreign transaction fees. If you do take a card with you, look out for ATMs that are affiliated with your UK bank to avoid ATM fees, and if you're asked whether you want to pay in pounds or Turkish lira - always choose Turkish lira. If you pay in pounds the merchant can set their own exchange rate which won't be in your favour.

Choosing the right payment method

Sending money to a company you might not have heard of before can be unsettling. We routinely check all the companies that feature in our comparisons to make sure they meet our strict listing criteria, but it's still worth knowing how your money is protected in the unlikely event a company goes bust and you don't receive your order.

Bank transfer

Your money is not protected if you pay by bank transfer. If the company goes bust and you've paid by bank transfer, it's unlikely you'll get your money back. For this reason, we recommend you pay by debit or credit card wherever possible because they offer more financial protection.

Debit cards are the most popular payment method and they offer some financial protection. If you pay by debit card and the company goes bust, you can instruct your bank to make a chargeback request to recover your money from the company's bank. This isn't a legal right, and a refund isn't guaranteed, but if you make a chargeback request your bank is obliged to try and recover your money.

Credit card

Credit cards offer full financial protection, and your money is protected by law under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Section 75 states that your card issuer must refund you in full if you don't receive your order. Be aware that many credit cards charge a cash advance fee (typically around 3%) for buying currency, so you may have to weigh up the benefits of full financial protection with the extra cost of using a credit card.

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Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

The Guide to Using Money in Turkey

People visiting Turkey usually want to know about the money first. After all, it makes the world go round and whether or not, you have a budget, knowing about the currency, exchange rates, fees, and charges, means you will spend wisely. So let’s get started by discussing the relevant facts about using money in Turkey first.

What is the Currency of Turkey?

The currency is Turkish Lira, and this is recognized by the symbol,  although you may still see some places using the old abbreviation of TL, and banks, credit card companies may also use TRY. Known as the new Turkish lira, it replaced the old currency that automatically made everyone a millionaire. Be aware that some old Turkish people still refer to millions of Turkish Lira purely out of habit.

Turkish lira banknotes come in six denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Each has their own colour but be careful because the 5 lira and 50 lira are remarkably similar. Coins known as kurus are in denominations of 5, 10, 24, and 50. It then progresses up to the 1 lira that is a coin.

Best Place to Exchange Money in Turkey

The exchange rate fluctuates every day but currently foreigners are getting a good deal. I use Yahoo Currency Converter that shows up to date exchange rates as they happen. Avoid changing money at the airport in your home country because the commission rates are heavy, and you will get less than if you exchange money in Turkey.

So, when you get here, there are three options. Banks, currency exchange shops and occasionally jewellery shops or travel agents also do it. For the first two, you need to show identification, which is usually your passport, but these places generally offer a better rate. It depends on how much money you are exchanging as to whether it is worth your time to use them instead of the local jewellery shop or travel agent that are fast, open every day and are convenient.

Can I use Euros, Dollars, or British Pounds?

Touristic shops, restaurants, and travel agents will accept most currencies. The Antalya region that is popular with Europeans even display prices in Euros while on the Aegean, prices are sometimes shown in pounds because it is popular with Brits. Touristic places in Istanbul seem to take any currency as long as it has value. Just bear in mind that these establishments will often use their own exchange rate if the bill is in lira.

Using Money in Turkey : ATM / Cash Machines

Known in Turkey as bankamatik, it is far safer and easier to rely on ATMS / cash machines to withdraw Euros, USD, Turkish Lira, and British pounds. However, before you depart from your home country, inform your bank that you are travelling to Turkey otherwise they may block your account because of suspicious activity.

Likewise, also ask about charges for using your cash card abroad. Some banks don’t charge for foreign transactions while others do. The daily limit you can withdraw is still the same stipulation as in your home country.Some ATMs have the English language option on the keyboard, while others don’t and likewise, some cash machines do not give foreign currency.

Most importantly though is that some areas have a high case of fraudsters hanging around machines. Don’t accept help from anyone or let them see your pin number. Also, check the keypad to make sure it is not removable. Clever fraudsters are able to replicate a keypad that is placed on the original, and it records all your details including your card number and pin.

Using Travellers Cheques and Credit Cards in Turkey

Avoid using traveller’s cheques in Turkey. They are old-fashioned, many places do not accept them anymore, and with the advance of cash machines, there just isn’t a need for them. Most places in Turkey accept credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) but likewise; notify your credit card supplier that you are travelling to the country. Establishments like hotels, shops, and restaurants have the swipe and pin number cash machines, as do travel agents, but while the former do not charge commission, some travel agents do, so check before booking.

Transferring Money in and out of Turkey

One of the growing ways to transfer money in and out of Turkey is through a specialist FOREX (foreign exchange) transfer company. These companies are able to transfer your funds between bank accounts but at a much lower cost than just using your bank that is a relatively expensive option.

The main advantage is that instead of being charged 5% and sometimes more to move your money, costs are usually 2% or lower. That 3% or more is a lot of extra Turkish Lira arriving in your bank account.

To choose the best company to transfer money to Turkey, it helps if they have an office in the country you are sending money from. Most companies have an operation in the UK because of the relatively friendly regulatory environment (and it is London – the financial capital of Europe), but the options quickly diminish if you are moving money from other parts of the world like USA, Australia and other parts of Europe.

If in doubt, choose a reputable company that has a physical operation in a country like the UK, USA, or Australia because they will be regulated in those countries. For more information, check out this page which shows where some of the bigger transfer companies have their offices.

Taking Cash Out of Turkey

Originally, the limit of taking money out of Turkey has always been $5000 USD, however, this report by Al-Monitor says there was an amendment to this law in December 2015. Quote…

“Under the Dec. 30 amendment, travellers exiting Turkey with cash of more than 25,000 lira ($8,263) or more than 10,000 euros or an equivalent sum of foreign currency are now obliged to declare the money to customs at airports and border crossings. A newly added provision says that in cases where the money is not declared, or incorrect or misleading declarations are made, the money in question will be taken by customs and considered suspicious. Customs officials will then notify MASAK and refer the case also to prosecutors on charges of trafficking.”

Tax, Refunds, Receipts, and Invoices

All goods sold in Turkey already have 18% tax added onto them. If you need a receipt for your purchases, ask for a fis (fish) or a fatura if you want an invoice. If you are a non-resident of Turkey and have spent less than 6 months in the country, you are eligible for tax refunds on purchases over 108 TL, as long as they are from a registered tax-free outlet.

Claim the refund at the airport when you are leaving Turkey and Global Blue, the company operating the scheme have offices in most international airports. (Find out more here.) Once you have signed up for one of their cards, you can also use it in other countries around the world.

Save Money While in Turkey

If you are sticking to a budget, there are certain ways to grab yourself a real bargain or save money while here, and I’ve listed them in a separate article . Alternatively, this article talks about means to fund your lifestyle if you want to travel extensively or live here.

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Guide to spending money in Turkey

Turkey travel money guide.

Tips on spending money in the Land of Four Seasons  

From the thermal pools of Pamukkale and the 'fairy chimneys' of Cappadocia to the western Turquoise Coast, Turkey is a very special country to explore.

The country is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for British holidaymakers, and it’s only a three to four-hour flight from the UK. With its bustling cities, breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, shopping and cuisine, there’s much to experience.

Here, we break down the local costs and how best to spend your Turkish lira when visiting the country.

What money is used in Turkey?

The currency is Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası). This is the official tender used in the whole country. You will see how much things cost quoted with TL or TRY and the symbol ₺.

You may also see prices in Euros or Dollars in some places.

How much cash should you take to Turkey from the UK?

Working out how much spending money you’ll need for Turkey can be tricky when there’s so much to see and do. As a rough guide, budget for around £40-£50 a day per person to include food, transport and sightseeing.

Travelling with cash is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit local markets outside of the main cities. You may need coins and small notes for tipping , public transport tickets, and small purchases as soon as you arrive.

It’s also sensible to have a credit or debit card as a backup , just in case.

How much do things cost in Turkey?

With living costs less than half that of the UK, your holiday spending money will stretch much further here. So make the most of eating out, sightseeing and shopping in the famous bazaars!

Here are some typical costs to help you work out how much money you need to take to Turkey:

Average costs in Istanbul

Museum visits: free - 450TL (Dolmabahçe Palace)

Guided tours (full day): 1,000-5,000TL

Mid-level hotel (per night): 1,000-3,000 TL

5* Luxury hotel (per night): 5,000-10,000TL

Average costs in Antalya

Museum visits: free- 30TL

Guided tours (full day): 800TL -2700TL

Mid-level hotel (per night): 1,000-3,00TL

5* Luxury hotel (per night): 5,000-15,000TL

Villa rental (per night): 10,000TL+

The information above is correct as of 23 August 2023. Data sourced from numbeo.com . Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.

Tourist tax in Turkey

From 1 January 2023, Turkey introduced a 2% tourist tax. This will already be included in the price of your accommodation if you booked your holiday this year. But if you booked before the new tax came in, check with your tour operator whether you will have to make any additional payment on check-in.

Tax costs are correct as of 14 July 2023. Data sourced from taxenews.ey.com

There’s so much to explore when it comes to Turkish cuisine. When visiting, it's best to find local restaurants and market stalls if you’re in the mood for something authentic and delicious. You’re also more likely to find more affordable options.

Here’s how much things would typically cost in Turkey:  

Cost of beer & beverages

Beer (bottle): 50TL - 150TL

Wine (bottle): 150TL - 1,000TL

Coke/Pepsi (bottle): around 13TL

Mineral water (bottle): 20 - 30TL

Turkish coffee: 30 - 44TL (generally served with water and Turkish delight)

Cost of eating out

Prices are based on eating at a mid-range restaurant, per person:

Breakfast: 120-200TL for a large buffet with tea

Lunch: 60-80TL for a wrap or salad, 30-40TL for a drink

Dinner:   120-200TL for a meat-based dish, 40-50 TL for appetisers (meze)

The information above is correct as of 23 August 2023. Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.

“We walked past an ice cream vendor after travelling across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. They like to put on a show by offering you a cone and pulling it away (like the videos on social media). My little sister was desperate for one, but it cost us an extortionate amount! They were friendly, but it’s better to watch them from afar if you don’t want to pay for overpriced ice cream.”

Joao Rami Partner & Graphic Designer at John Lewis Finance

How much does it cost to travel around Turkey?

Stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, there are plenty of ways to get around and explore.

For experienced drivers, hiring a car is a fairly inexpensive option, with prices from around 500TL – 1000TL a day for a compact car (excluding insurance and road tolls). 

There’s a good network of cheap, quick domestic flights for longer journeys. 

For public transport, city metro rides start at a reasonable 10TL. If you plan to explore by public transport, get a discount travel card.

Intercity buses are very affordable and frequent:

Istanbul to Ankara:  300 - 400TL

Antalya to Adana: 300 - 420TL

Airport transfer to city centre

A Private transfer service (usually a fixed price per group/person) is no more expensive than a taxi. It’s also bookable and hassle-free. Some hotels may offer this as a service to guests, so make sure to check their website or contact them directly to arrange an airport pick up.  

Taxi: 350TL, 50 mins

Airport bus: 67TL, 1hr 40 mins

Taxi:  250-300TL, 25 mins

Airport bus:  75TL, 1 hour

How much should you tip in Turkey?

When deciding how much money to take to Turkey, don’t forget to factor in tips . Tipping is common in many of the usual situations as a sign of appreciation.

Tipping in restaurants

It’s always advisable to leave a tip in a restaurant as a sign of respect. Tip a small percentage of the total in cash directly to the person who served you. You can’t usually include the tip on a credit card.

Tips for taxi drivers

Tipping isn’t essential, but if you are happy with the service, it’s normal to round up the fare. For instance, a fare of TL96 would round up to TL100.

If you’ve hired a driver for the whole day or for a private airport transfer, it’s customary to tip 5-10% of the agreed total.

Tips for hotel staff

It’s customary to tip the housekeeper at the end of your stay. There may be an envelope with the guest information in your room or a tip box at reception or in the breakfast room.

Shopping and souvenirs

When working out how much spending money you’ll need in Turkey, make sure there’s enough to take full advantage of its open-air markets, covered bazaars, and boutiques.

Prices are around 60% cheaper than in the UK, and haggling is usually all part of the experience!

Other currencies

We’ll make it quick and easy for you to buy Euros, so you can focus on packing for your European adventure.

We can help tick off that one thing on your USA to-do list when you order US Dollars online from us.

Off to Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Here’s how you can buy UAE dirham for your upcoming trip to the UAE.

This article is for promotional or information purposes only. You must not rely on it as advice. Please contact a financial adviser if you need advice before you buy a financial product or service.

John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are both trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN. Registered in England (Registered Company Number 233462). John Lewis plc introduce the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, whom each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Foreign Currency online from both John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited registration number 04287490 (Money Service Business licence number MLR-64068), whose registered office is at Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF England.

For UK clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by HiFX Europe Limited. HiFX is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, registration 462444, for the provision of payment services. HiFX is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 3517451. Registered office: Maxis 1, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RT.

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What’s the Best Currency to Take to Turkey? All About Currency in Turkey for Travellers in 2023

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Are you travelling to Turkey soon and wondering which currency you should take there? Curious whether you should take British pounds or US dollars along with you or whether it's best to buy the local currency at the airport? Then this short guide is for you!

Turkey uses the Turkish lira as its currency, meaning that, except in tourist establishments, airports, or hotels, you normally won't be able to use your home currency to pay your way , even if it's a popular tourist currency like the British pound or the euro.

As we'll see, to pay while you're visiting Turkey, you'll either need to buy lira banknotes before or during your trip, use your ordinary credit or debit card, or (cheapest of all) use a savvy multi-currency debit card like Revolut 's or Wise 's travel debit cards.

In a rush? Here are our recommendations for how to pay in Turkey if you're...

• from the UK: Revolut
• from the USA: Chime 's VISA debit card
• from Canada: KOHO 's debit Mastercard
• from the EU, Australia, or Singapore: Revolut
• wanting lira banknotes: ChangeGroup

In this short guide, we'll discuss what's the best currency to take to Turkey, how you should pay when you're there, and what your cheapest options are to avoid paying hefty exchange rate charges.

Key Facts About Turkish Currency for Travellers

Best currency to take to turkey.

• 01. Currency in Turkey scroll down
• 02. Best currency to take to Turkey scroll down
• 03. How to pay in Turkey scroll down
• 04. FAQ about currency in Turkey scroll down

Overview of Currency in Turkey

As we saw earlier, the currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira .

As the official legal tender in Turkey, it's the sole currency recognized by the Turkish government, and you can use it to settle all financial obligations in the country, from paying for your hotel stay, to the entrance fee at the Hagia Sophia, to a bite to eat in Sultanahmet.

Turkish Lira Inflation

Over the past few years, the lira has taken a big hit on foreign currency exchange markets, battling soaring inflation, high interest rates, bank runs, and financial instability.

Although lira inflation likely won't impact you as a tourist in Turkey, it's worth keeping in mind if you plan to buy a large sum of lira banknotes and you end up bringing them home unused with you after your holiday. In this case, you'll probably get a bad deal on the exchange rate by swapping liras back into your home currency since most banks and exchange offices mark up the lira more than usual, partially to account for its inflation. This means that if you buy lira banknotes, you should try to budget carefully to avoid bringing any home.

You can learn more about the Turkish lira currency here .

Because it's the local currency and because you won't have any trouble buying goods with it, the best country to have on hand and spend while visiting Turkey is, unsurprisingly, the Turkish lira .

However, if you arrive in Turkey with another currency on hand, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't be allowed to pay in Turkey. Especially if you're carrying a popular tourist currency like the pound sterling, the euro, or the US dollar, you'll find it easy to exchange them for liras at banks or currency exchange offices across Turkey — even if those currencies aren't official or used commercially in Turkey.

You can check out the prevalence of a few of the most popular tourist currencies in Turkey below:

You cannot use British pounds to pay while visiting Turkey. However, you can withdraw lira from Turkish ATMs or exchange your pounds for lira at a local bank or currency exchange office (called döviz in Turkish). Note that Turkish banks no longer accept the old style £20 and £50 banknotes. If you're from the UK, we recommend using Revolut 's travel debit card, which has market-low currency exchange charges.

US dollars aren't accepted in Turkey, but you can sometimes pay with dollars at the airport, hotels, or shops and restaurants in major tourist areas. If you're from the USA, we recommend using Chime 's debit card, which charges no foreign exchange fees, to make low-cost card payments while travelling in Turkey. However, out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees and over-the-counter advance fees may apply.

Despite the proximity of the Eurozone, euros aren't accepted in Turkey. However, you can sometimes pay with euros at the airport, in hotels, or at shops and restaurants in major tourist areas. If you're from the European Union or EEA, we recommend using Revolut 's or N26 's debit cards, both of which charge no foreign exchange fees, to make low-cost card payments while travelling in Turkey.

Canadian dollars are easily converted for lira banknotes in Istanbul and other major tourist centres, but they'll not be accepted if you try to buy something. Exchanging Canadian dollars for liras is typically slightly more expensive than exchanging US dollars or pounds. We recommend checking out KOHO 's debit card for international travel. KOHO charges zero foreign currency transactions abroad if you have the Extra or Everything plan, which beats most credit cards and other debit cards in Canada.

Although the Turkish lira is the best currency to use and other tourist currencies can be easily exchanged, exchanging currencies in the form of cash almost invariably leads to poor exchange rates for tourists (we've seen as high as 20% commissions, although the average is between 5% and 15% of the amount exchanged).

For this reason, it's generally a better idea to use your credit or debit card to pay at local points of sale wherever possible or (if cash is urgently needed — which can happen in Turkey) to withdraw some money from a local ATM. This will let your card provider handle the conversion, which is usually, although not always, a better deal than bringing foreign currency into Turkey and exchanging it there. However, as we'll see below, a conversion-friendly debit card is the best choice of all!

ChangeGroup

ChangeGroup  is a reliable option if you need physical Turkish lira in cash on hand before your flight abroad to Turkey. Although it's generally more affordable than exchange offices in Istanbul for buying lira banknotes, it's still quite pricey compared to using your card, hovering around 15%. This is why we tend to recommend Revolut and Wise for spending in Turkey.

• FX Margin to Lira: 10% - 16%
• Home Delivery: For a fee
• Cash Pick Up : Free
• Guaranteed Buyback: For a fee
• Availability: UK, USA, Australia, Germany, France, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland

How to Pay in Turkey

When it comes to paying your way in Turkey, you'll have the following three options broadly speaking:

Method 1: Cash

As we mentioned earlier, cash is an important medium of exchange in Turkey. Pretty much all shops, restaurants, and commercial establishments around the country will accept Turkish lira banknotes, and we recommend having some on hand when you travel. Foreign cash can be purchased before your trip from your bank in your home country, or during your trip at a local Turkish bank or currency exchange office or (most affordably) from an ATM.

Note that in Turkey, currency exchange offices normally go by the name döviz , so if you want to exchange your home currency for Turkish lira, be on the lookout for signage with this name.

• Cash Prevalence in Turkey: Very prevalent
• Cost to Exchange: 5% - 20% on average

Method 2: Credit Card

Although cash is king in Turkey, credit and debit cards issued by major global providers like VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted too. If your card is issued by American Express, Diner's Club, or another card company, there's a good chance they'll also be accepted in Turkey, but we recommend checking with your bank or card provider directly to make sure that Turkish lira currency conversion is indeed supported, and that card machines and ATMs in Turkey commonly support cards of this type.

• Card Prevalence in Turkey: Prevalent
• Cost to Exchange: 2% - 5% on average

Method 3: Travel Debit Card

Just like credit cards, prepaid debit cards (which are also normally issued by VISA or Mastercard) provide an excellent way to pay while visiting Turkey, the main difference being that you normally pay lower fees and exchange rates . Depending on where you live, you'll probably have options from your bank or a third-party provider to use a commission-free debit card or a multi-currency card which can help you dodge high Turkish lira conversion costs, including DCCs .

According to our analysis of dozens of providers, the top two options for travelling to Turkey, in general, are the following:

Revolut is an excellent option for paying in Turkey. Its mobile all-in-one finance app and debit card offer competitive exchange rates to the Turkish lira and low fees. Moreover, you can easily manage everything through your money through Revolut's user-friendly app.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3
• Monthly fee: $0
• Card type: Mastercard debit
• Card payment cost in Turkish lira: 0.5% - 1.5%
• Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
• Turkish lira balance: Yes
• Turkish lira bank details: No

Wise Account

The Wise Account is another great option for paying in Turkish lira. It gives you the lowest possible currency exchange rates with complete transparency and no hidden fees. It also allows you to hold and manage over 50 currencies in one account and provides fast and secure cross-border money transfers at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4
• Card type: VISA debit
• Turkish lira bank details: Yes

Wise and Revolut are excellent options that are available in many countries around the world. However, depending on where you live, you might have access to better deals still. We go over a few of them below:

United Kingdom

• Revolut : Best spending and budgeting app.
• Wise : Best for multiple foreign currency balances.

United States

• Chime ®: Best all around; no fees for non-USD transactions.
• Revolut : Best all-around spending app.
• Wise : Best for foreign currency spending and holidays.
• KOHO : No foreign transaction fees on Extra or Everything plans.
• Wise : Best for foreign currency spending and holidays.

European Union

• Revolut : Excellent for spending abroad.
• N26 : Best full bank account with low fees (even abroad)
• bunq : Best credit card (also a fully-licensed bank).

FAQ About Currency in Turkey

The best currency to take to Turkey is the local currency, the Turkish lira. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices. However, instead of converting physical banknotes, the cheapest way to pay in Turkey is to use a multi-currency travel debit card like Revolut or Wise .

Generally, we don't recommend exchanging currency before travelling to Turkey. Although having some Turkish lira cash on hand can be helpful, we recommend drawing some from an ATM once you've arrived in Turkey using a prepaid multi-currency card like Revolut to avoid the hidden currency exchange fees.

It depends on the country you're visiting and the expenses you will have. Credit cards are widely accepted in many countries, including Turkey, and can offer benefits such as rewards points and fraud protection. However, some places may only accept cash, especially in more rural areas. It's a good idea to have both cash and credit cards on hand and to research the best way to access your money while travelling.

The best way to avoid currency exchange fees when travelling to Turkey is to pay using a multi-currency travel debit card like Revolut or Wise . This way, you can make low-cost conversions to the Turkish lira every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Other excellent debit cards that don't charge conversion fees include Revolut in the UK and Chime in the US.

Take a Look at These Related Guides

Travelling to Another Country Too?

Take a look at the best currencies to take to other countries:

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The 6 Best Travel Cards for Turkey in 2024

Travel money cards can be a safe, and convenient way to pay for things when you’re abroad. Plus, there are plenty of different travel card types on the US market, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards. What all of these different cards have in common is that they’ve been optimized for travel use, so you can take your pick from varying options to access great exchange rates, low fees, and extra perks when you’re away from home. 

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise – good value debit card for Turkey

First off, let’s introduce the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend lira, as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise accounts have the flexibility to hold and exchange more than 40 currencies, plus you can get a linked Wise card for a one-time delivery fee. You can either top up your account in dollars and switch to TRY before you travel, or you can let the card automatically switch currencies as required. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with fees from as low as 0.43%. 

You can also get TRY and USD bank account details, as well as local account details for several other major currencies, to receive convenient payments to your Wise account. 

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card , to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

What is a travel money card?

No matter which type of travel money card you pick, you’ll get an international payment card you can use in a similar way to any other credit or debit card you may already hold. While different cards may have their own features, you’ll usually be able to use them seamlessly in multiple currencies, for chip and PIN or contactless payments, shopping online, and for cash withdrawals. 

The big difference with a travel money card is that the card features are aimed at travelers and people living an international lifestyle. Depending on the specific card you select, you may get access to a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, options to earn cashback, or no foreign transaction fees for example.

6 travel money cards for Turkey compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for Turkey line up side by side:

As you can see, the features of different travel money cards can vary pretty widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice perks like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might run into interest and late payment charges, depending on how you choose to pay.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, US customers are able to select a travel money card from either a bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards for Turkey

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, no matter where in the world you are.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

Wise is a good value travel money debit card for Turkey.

There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

• No fee to open a Wise account , no minimum balance requirement
• 9 USD one time fee to get your Wise card
• 2 withdrawals, to 100 USD value per month for free, then 1.5 USD + 2%
• Hold TRY and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate
• Get local account details to receive TRY and 9 other currencies conveniently

Travel debit card Option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from Standard plans which have no monthly fees, to the 16.99 USD/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies including TRY, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. 

• No fee to open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 16.99 USD/month 
• Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier
• All accounts have some fee free currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that
• Standard plan holders can withdraw 400 USD overseas per month for free
• Hold TRY and around 25 other currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Turkey

How to choose the best travel debit card for turkey.

Shopping around is the best way to find the right travel debit card for Turkey based on your personal preferences and spending habits. Lots of travel money cards come with a linked account that you can use to hold and exchange dozens of different currencies - these can be super handy because you’ll be able to keep and reuse your card conveniently on your next trip.

For a multi-currency account and card with no monthly fee and a large selection of supported currencies as well as TRY , check out Wise . Or you may decide that Revolut is a good option if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of fee free transactions and extra perks.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Turkey?

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for Turkey

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards are accepted globally, so you’ll need to check network coverage in your destination country.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Bluebird American Express prepaid debit card

You can order a Bluebird prepaid debit card for free online. You’ll then be able to top up in cash or from a bank account. You can also add checks or have funds deposited by others - fees apply for some top up methods. While this card doesn’t allow you to hold foreign currencies, you won’t pay a foreign transaction fee to spend your USD balance abroad, which makes it a good choice when you’re away from home.

• Get a card for free by ordering online
• Top up in a range of ways in USD
• No foreign transaction fee when spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees of 2.5 USD or the equivalent when overseas
• American Express cards are not always accepted internationally - check coverage before you travel
• No interest to pay 

Prepaid travel card option 2: Discover it Secured

Discover it Secured is a credit card, but we’ve included it in our roundup of prepaid cards because it’s a secured card, which means you’ll need to pay an upfront deposit, and can then spend to that deposit level every month. Clear off your bill in full to avoid interest, and you could build a credit score, earn cashback and get no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas, too.

• No annual card fee, although interest charges and late payment fees do apply
• No foreign transaction fees for spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees may apply including a 10 USD cash advance fee
• Earn cashback on spending and build credit as you do so
• Discover network is not always internationally supported - check your destination before you travel

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Turkey

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for turkey.

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for Turkey - the right one for you will depend on what’s important to you. We’ve picked out a couple of quite different cards here for you to compare and consider - the Bluebird card option may work for you if you’re looking for a prepaid card with no foreign transaction fee. Or, the Discover it Secured may be a winner based on the availability of cash back and the fact you can start to build a credit history while you spend. 

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in Turkey?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can  vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards for Turkey

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Capital One Venture Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards card has no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas. There’s also a comparatively low cash advance fee when you use an ATM, at 3 USD or 3% whichever is higher. You’ll need to repay your bill in full every month to avoid fees and interest, but can earn travel rewards and miles on your day to day spending.

• No foreign transaction fee
• Earn travel rewards on spending 
• Get extras like lounge access and free travel insurance
• International spending uses the network exchange rate 
• Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a variable interest rate with no foreign transaction fee to pay. However, you’ll need to pay a 95 USD annual card charge to get your card in the first place. Currency conversion uses the network exchange rate - plus there are benefits and rewards available for cardholders.

• Variable interest rates and a 95 USD annual fee
• Check your eligibility and order a card online easily
• Network exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Turkey

How to choose the best travel credit card for turkey.

Credit cards aren’t the right option for everyone - but they can be a handy way to earn rewards if you pick the best travel credit card for Turkey based on your spending patterns. When comparing your travel credit card options it’s useful to compare the potential fees against the benefits and rewards, to find the one that balances out best for your specific needs and preferences.

Which cards are accepted in Turkey?

Different cards are issued on their own card networks - and while all the cards we’ve covered in this guide are globally accepted, some networks are more popular in one country than they may be in another. Visa and Mastercard are usually a good bet for  a card you want to use in Turkey - but it’s helpful to know that some other card networks which are commonly used in the US, like American Express and Discover cards, are less likely to be accepted in some countries and regions. 

Generally the best idea - in Turkey or anywhere else you may travel - is to have more than one means of payment with you, as a back up plan. For example you might want to take a credit card and a specialist travel money card which has been issued on a different network, plus a little cash, so that you always have options if your preferred payment method isn’t available.

Related: How to buy Turkish lira in the US

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Turkey?

Using a travel money card for secure spending and withdrawals in Turkey can be a good option, and may also mean your money goes further.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise account . Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Bluebird American Express debit card which can be linked to a fee free account. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees. 

Use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

FAQs - Best travel cards for Turkey 2024

1. Which card is best to use in Turkey?

There’s no single best card to use in Turkey. Which is right for you will depend on your preferences and spending patterns. One good option is to get a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise or Revolut which you can use in Turkey and on future trips, too, as you’ll be able to hold, spend and exchange TRY alongside dozens of other major currencies.

With multi-currency accounts, you can also open a bank account in Turkey . In your Wise account, you can open a TRY balance, get local account details in Türkiye, hold and exchange Turkish lira using mid-market exchange rate.

2. What is the best way to pay when traveling in Turkey?

Spending with your card is convenient when traveling in Turkey, but you’ll be best off having several different payment methods just in case your first choice isn’t supported. For example, you could choose 2 different debit or credit cards, issued on different networks, and you could also get lira in advance so you have some cash on you for those times when cards aren’t available.

3. Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in Turkey?

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in Turkey at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in TRY.

4. Can I use a US card in Turkey?

You can use your US card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in Turkey, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Turkey.

5. Are prepaid cards safe?

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

6. What are the main fees for travel cards when traveling?

The fees applied for travel cards can vary widely depending on the provider and the card type. With debit cards you may find ATM fees, and costs for converting currencies, although specialist providers like Wise and Revolut have linked multi-currency accounts which can bring down the costs of currency conversion. Credit card fees include cash advance charges, foreign transaction fees and interest.

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‘Don’t book with them, they’ll take your money’: Vacationers arrive in Turkey with nowhere to stay and no funds after travel agents snatch their money and vanish

We all love a fun trip abroad, especially when it’s to a place we’ve never visited. The downside is that if anything goes wrong , we’re left to fend for ourselves in unfamiliar territory, but people rarely think about that when booking their dream destinations ⏤ and they should.

Sadly, some folks found this out the hard way when they arrived in Turkey, only to find out they had nowhere to stay. Someone known only as Liv on TikTok (@9kowska) exposed the situation on the social media platform, claiming that travel agency Love Holidays “ran with [their] money” without securing a hotel room for its clients to sleep in. Naturally, mistakes can happen, which is why it’s important for clients to be able to contact their agencies in such situations. In this case, that wasn’t possible.

When the vacationers tried to call the agency’s emergency line, they obtained absolutely no help. No one picked up their calls, leaving Liv and her travel companions to figure out a sleeping arrangement in a foreign country at 3am. Perplexed by the situation, the TikToker tagged Love Holidays in the caption of the video, requesting an explanation and advising others to not trust the agency: “DON’T BOOK WITH THEM, they’ll take your money.”

@9kowska @loveholidays explain yourself?? DONT BOOK WITH THEM they’ll take your money #fyp #avoid #avoidloveholidays ♬ Stereo Love(Remix) – 初梦

In the video’s comment section, Liv explained that she ended up having to book another hotel by herself the following day. Unfortunately, she’s not alone in this, as evidenced by other users’ comments. “This is the 2nd TikTok I’ve seen in 30 seconds about Love Holidays taking money,” one person pointed out, while another wrote:

“Same here, arrived in Turkey 12.06 and was informed Love Holidays did not pay and my reservation was deleted. Had to pay €1000 from my pocket, still do not have refund.”

Throwing accusations around isn’t pretty, but the number of complaints from travelers who have used Love Holidays is concerning, to say the least. In May, the agency issued a statement claiming that multiple scam accounts have been impersonating its team members and requesting that people do not engage with them. Not all clients believe this version of events, though, affirming that Love Holidays is behind the scams.

You’re the scammers ! — chelsea Labinskyj (@ChelseaAmySalt) May 12, 2024

According to a McAfee survey , one in three people have been victims of scams when booking or taking trips, and 34 percent of them have lost $1,000 or more as a result. This only goes to show that you should be extra careful next time you’re planning a vacation, lest it turn into a disaster. There are enough travel horror stories out there; you don’t need to add another one to the list.

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How to Get a Turkish Airlines Refund

Aaron is a freelance contributor to the travel team at NerdWallet. He has been a credit card and travel rewards enthusiast since applying for his first credit card the day he turned 18. While a student at Iowa State University, Aaron combined his knowledge of credit card rewards with a resale business to help pay his way through college. After finishing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Michigan, Aaron used points and miles to travel for six months across five continents, including a month traveling overland through Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China on the Trans-Siberian Railway Network.

He has written hundreds of articles about miles, points, travel and credit card rewards for publications, including The Points Guy, Bankrate.com, Forbes, Rolling Stone and Robb Report. He is passionate about helping others leverage their wallets into increasing their financial security and fulfilling their travel dreams.

Aaron is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but his favorite airport is Amsterdam Schiphol.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

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Table of Contents

Turkish Airlines refund policy

Situations that might entitle you to a turkish airlines refund, how to claim a turkish airlines refund, what if turkish airlines won’t refund you, can you get a turkish airlines refund yes, in most cases.

If you need to cancel a Turkish Airlines flight, you might be entitled to a refund depending on how you booked your fare. The Turkish Airlines cancellation policy for its own domestic flights is relatively generous — most domestic fares can be canceled for a small fee.

In most cases, canceling an international ticket will require you to pay a fee, which may vary by the specific fare you purchase. Fortunately, if you need flexibility, Turkish Airlines refundable tickets can be purchased that allow refunds with no deductions.

Here’s how you can get a Turkish Airlines refund.

Turkish Airlines publishes a general refund policy based on the type of fare you purchase and whether you purchase an international or domestic ticket. Additionally, in some cases you can get a Turkish Airlines refund, even if your airfare does not allow a refund.

Turkish Airlines cancellation policy within 24 hours

Since Jan. 1, 2023, Turkish Airlines has complied with the U.S. Department of Transportation's 24-hour reservation requirement. You are entitled to a refund for any Turkish Airlines ticket to or from the United States within 24 hours of purchase, provided you purchase your ticket at least seven days prior to the flight departure date and time.

This rule only applies to flights to or from the United States. For any other flights, you’ll be subject to the standard Turkish Airlines cancellation policy for your ticket.

Turkish Airlines domestic refund policy

Turkish Airlines sells its domestic flights under its domestic Turkish Airlines flight cancellation policy. The following rules apply to all Turkish Airlines ticket refund requests domestically:

Ticketing service fees are not refunded.

Special refund rules generally apply to flights between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Turkish Airlines will not refund your ticket if you do not show up for your flight and request a refund after the flight has departed.

EcoFly is the Turkish Airlines domestic economy airfare and includes restrictions on cancellations. Here’s the refund policy for this fare for domestic travel:

No cancellations may be made within 12 hours of departure.

12+ hours from departure: A fee of ₺525 Turkish Lira ($16.25) will be deducted from the ticket price. The fee is ₺985 Turkish Lira ($30.49) for TRNC flights.

Fare classes Q, T, L, V, P, W, and U are nonrefundable. (L, V, P, W, and U are nonrefundable for TRNC flights).

ExtraFly is a slightly less restrictive airfare that allows a larger checked bag. Here’s the airline's domestic flight ExtraFly refund policy:

No cancellations may be made within one hour of departure.

1-12 hours from departure: A fee of ₺560 Turkish Lira ($17.34) will be deducted from the ticket price. The fee is ₺720 Turkish Lira ($22.29) for TRNC flights.

12+ hours from departure: A fee of ₺375 Turkish Lira ($11.61) will be deducted from the ticket price. The fee is ₺500 Turkish Lira ($15.48) for TRNC flights.

Fare classes V, P, W, and U are nonrefundable.

PrimeFly fares allow a full refund when you cancel 12 or more hours prior to departure. Here’s the PrimeFly refund policy for flights within Turkey:

1-12 hours from departure: A fee of ₺490 Turkish Lira ($15.17) will be deducted from the ticket price. The fee is ₺655 Turkish Lira ($20.28) for TRNC flights.

12+ hours from departure: No deductions for cancellations.

Business c lass fares offer an additional checked bag, but Turkish Airlines charges a higher fee for refunds for Business Class than PrimeFly. Here’s Turkish Airlines' business class refund policy for domestic flights:

1-12 hours from departure: A fee of ₺820 Turkish Lira ($25.39) will be deducted from the ticket price. The fee is ₺1440 Turkish Lira ($44.58) for TRNC flights.

» Learn more: Things to know before flying Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines branded international refund policy

Turkish Airlines sells its own “branded” airfares under its EcoFly, ExtraFly, PrimeFly, BusinessFly and BusinessPrime branding. Here are the refund policies for these fares when you travel on the airline outside of Turkey.

Economy Class branded international refund policy

EcoFly: No changes, cancellations or refunds.

ExtraFly: Changes permitted for €60 ($70). No refunds are permitted.

PrimeFly: Changes permitted to same-day flights without fare difference. Changes are permitted with no fee. €120 ($140) fee for refunds.

Economy Class Exceptional branded international refund policy

These rules apply to flights to Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Oman.

ExtraFly: Changes are permitted for a fee. No refunds are permitted.

PrimeFly: Changes are permitted to same-day flights with no reissue fee. A deduction applies for refunds.

Business Class branded international refund policy

BusinessFly: Ticket reissue fee of €60 ($70) applies for changes. No refunds are permitted.

BusinessPrime: Changes permitted to same-day flights. Refunds with no deduction are allowed.

Business Class Exceptional branded international refund policy

BusinessFly: Changes are permitted for a fee. No refunds permitted.

Turkish Airlines non-branded international refund policy

Turkish Airlines also sells non-branded airfares on its global partners. Most non-promotional fares can be refunded, subject to refund deductions which are specified in the fare rules.

Turkish Airlines international non-branded fares are a discounted fare option offered by Turkish Airlines that doesn't fall under any of its existing fare categories (like EcoFly or BusinessFly). It usually comes with a lower price but might have limitations on baggage allowance, seat selection and other features.

Here are the refund policies for these flights:

Promotion: Cancellations and refunds are not permitted. Taxes may be refunded.

Semi-flexible: Refunds are permitted, subject to deductions specified in the fare rules.

Flexible: Refunds are permitted, subject to deductions specified in the fare rules.

Business Promotions: Cancellations and refunds are not permitted. Taxes may be refunded.

Business Semi-Flexible: Refunds are permitted, subject to deductions specified in the fare rules.

Business Flexible: Refunds are permitted, subject to deductions specified in the fare rules.

In some cases, you may be entitled to a refund, even if you have purchased a nonrefundable fare. Here are a few examples.

Flight delays. If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you may receive a refund of your ticket fare. Delays under five hours are not normally entitled to a refund.

Cancellation of flights. If Turkish Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund of your airfare if you choose to not accept alternate transportation.

Diversion or misconnection. If your flight is diverted or if you misconnect causing you to be rerouted to an alternate airport, you may receive a refund of your airfare rather than accept transportation to an alternate destination. In the case of a misconnect, you must misconnect on an itinerary containing both your arrival flight and your onward flight at the connecting airport on the same ticket.

Overbooking. If Turkish Airlines overbooks your flight and you are not able to travel on your originally booked and confirmed flight because a seat is not available, you are entitled to a refund of your fare if you choose not to accept alternate transportation. If you are downgraded as a result of overbooking, you are only entitled to a refund of the difference in fare.

» Learn more: The guide to the Turkish Airlines cancellation policy

Turkish Airlines refunds can be claimed online through a form on its website or through its call center.

If it is less than 72 hours prior to your flight, Turkish Airlines recommends that you contact its reservation center for a refund request. Many tickets are nonrefundable within 12 hours of departure and if your refund is not processed by that deadline, the airline may not refund your ticket.

In most cases, if you have significant time before your flight’s original departure time, the best way to request a Turkish Airlines refund is to use the Turkish Airlines refund request form .

Submitting a refund request is fairly simple. All you’ll need is your:

Reservation number or ticket number.

Email address.

Phone number.

Once Turkish Airlines processes your request, you will receive your applicable refund to your original method of payment.

» Learn more: Which European budget airlines are worth flying?

If your ticket isn’t eligible for a refund, then there might be another route for you to get your money back: Travel insurance .

Travel insurance is usually purchased from separate travel insurance companies, or sometimes through your travel agent. Sometimes you don’t even need to pay for trip insurance , as many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk to customers who pay for their trip on that card. See the best travel rewards cards that provide travel insurance here .

Of course, not even trip insurance is a surefire guarantee of a refund. Unless you’ve purchased a Cancel For Any Reason policy , which is usually more expensive and sold as an upgrade, you’re only entitled to a refund if you cancel for a covered reason, which can vary by insurer.

Most of Turkish Airlines’ domestic airfares and many of its international fares are refundable.

You may be required to pay a fee and have your refund request processed more than 12 hours before departure, but if you’ve booked a domestic Turkish Airlines flight or a flexible international flight you no longer plan to take, there’s a good chance you can get at least some of your money back.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review  here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review  here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review  here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Frugal Traveler

Where to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

American travelers going abroad this summer will find their money buys more in some unexpected countries, including Japan and Australia.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

It’s the backpacker’s call to India, the sunseeker’s attraction to Mexico, and the digital nomad’s drive to get to Thailand: Go where the dollar buys more.

The evergreen budget travel strategy is getting a boost this summer: The dollar has surged against a number of foreign currencies, including the Japanese yen, thanks to high interest rates offered by the Federal Reserve — attracting foreign investment, which bolsters the dollar.

“A destination’s weaker currency spells greater value for U.S. tourists,” said Erina Pindar, the chief operating officer and managing partner at SmartFlyer , a global travel agency based in New York City.

“This economic advantage could make far-flung bucket list destinations in Asia, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan, or in South America, like Peru, Argentina and Chile, more accessible than ever before,” she added.

Distant destinations are usually more expensive to fly to, which, along with the physical toll of jet lag, helps make the case for the country’s North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico , where the exchange rates have long favored the dollar’s buying power.

But this year there are some new contenders with attractive exchange rates to consider, including the following destinations.

Currently, the U.S. dollar is worth about 1.50 Australian dollars, up about 16 percent over the last three years.

The hurdle, of course, is the long flight, which can easily run over $1,000 round trip. But the travel search engine Kayak lists some attractive summer round-trip fares between the West Coast and Sydney starting at $770, with the best availability in August.

Getting around Australia by air isn’t cheap either, especially since the recent collapse of the low-cost carrier Bonza. Jetstar offers lower fares, including, recently, $50 one-way tickets between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Camper vans can be an affordable way to take an Australian road trip, with companies like Jucy , Britz and Apollo offering vehicles that include beds and cooking facilities. Jucy recently priced a two-person van rented for a week in July at about $53 a night.

The Northern Hemisphere summer is Australia’s winter. If you’re planning a ski vacation in the Australian Alps, Tourism Australia suggests avoiding mid-July when schools are on break and many families head to the slopes.

Australia does not have a culture of tipping, potentially saving travelers 20 percent on restaurant meals, according to Craig Bradbery, the chief operating officer of Baillie Lodges, which includes the newly rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge , a luxury property on Kangaroo Island.

Bali, Indonesia

Many destinations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, offer compelling exchange rates. In Indonesia, the rupiah is at a four-year low against the dollar.

“I would send clients to Bali, Indonesia,” said Rob Huie, the owner of Luxury Travel Services by Rob , based in Millsboro, Del., noting that the cost of living is low on the island. “The caveat is a higher upfront cost to fly there, but once you’re there you are able to stay at three- and four-star hotels at very affordable rates, have meals for $10 to $25 per day and massages for $10 to $30.”

Travelers with Marriott loyalty points can cash them in at the Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta (rooms from $57 a night). IGH Reward members can spend or earn points at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach (from $138).

Tripadvisor’s list of the top budget hotels in the central highlands around Ubud includes options under $100.

Bali is a good place to look for a vacation rental, according to the home rental platform HomeToGo . Its data shows the median per-night price for a rental property on Bali this summer is $86, compared to the median price of a rental in the United States at $388.

“Despite the strength of the U.S. dollar on a global scale, prices across the states continue to rise, prompting travelers to look to international destinations where their dollar can stretch further,” said Eleanor Moody, a travel expert at HomeToGo, who added that searches for rentals in Indonesia have more than doubled in the past year.

South America — including Argentina where inflation has spiraled, and Peru where the sol has softened against the dollar — is another place to look for value.

“Stop going to Europe,” said Cecile Blot, the owner of the travel agency Boundless Travels in Washington, D.C., praising “destination dupes” in South America. “Many of the countries on the southern continent offer the entire package — history, culture, nature, culinary delights, world-class accommodation — at a fraction of the price.”

One of these is Colombia , where the dollar recently equaled about 3,935 pesos, a gain of roughly 20 percent over the past five years.

“Colombia has something for everyone,” said Stefanie Pichonnat, the owner of AAV Travel , based in Terre Haute, Ind., citing Cartagena on the Caribbean as a budget-friendly substitute for a European capital, and coastal Tayrona National Natural Park as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica.

“Coffee aficionados can spend days touring the coffee fincas, passionate hikers can challenge themselves with a trek to the páramo desert and bird watchers will find an abundance of options to explore,” she added.

Air service is frequent and affordable. A recent search for round-trip fares from the New York area turned up summer departures starting from about $290 to the capital of Bogotá and $320 to coastal Cartagena.

From Bogotá, visitors can reach Chingaza National Natural Park in the eastern Andes or spend a few days in the laid-back colonial city of Villa de Leyva . But Colombia’s mountainous terrain and perilous roads often require travelers to fly domestically to see other areas.

Among tour operators that do the planning for you, Responsible Travel , based in England, offers a customizable 12-day trip to Colombia that visits Bogotá, Medellín and the central coffee country, including the lush Cocora Valley with its nearly 200-foot-tall wax palm trees (from $2,990 a person).

The U.S. dollar is currently worth about 156 Japanese yen, a gain of more than 11 percent over the past year.

Demand for Japan was already booming when the economic picture improved. BWH Hotels , which includes Best Western Hotels & Resorts, said occupancy and rates have grown steadily for the past two years because of demand and a shortage of employees, especially in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido.

But with careful planning, Americans can still exploit the exchange rate. IHG Hotels & Resorts , which operates hotel brands in the country from the design-focused Voco to the high-end InterContinental, suggested traveling by early July for the best rates (an overnight at the Voco Osaka Central starts at $135).

The Japanese-owned Hoshino Resorts tend to be upscale, but their OMO line offers more entry-level accommodations, from capsule hotels to full-service locations. The OMO5 Kyoto Gion , for example, offers rooms that sleep up to six people and include kitchens, starting at 24,000 yen, or about $153. Staff guides offer free tours to temples in the area.

While many temples, parks and shrines are free, travelers in the capital can get the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2,500 yen (about $16) that includes admission to more than 100 museums and attractions around town.

Among its tips for budget travelers, the tourism office of Japan recommends making lunch your big meal as many restaurants offer midday specials.

There are a number of cost-conscious ways to get around Japan, including trains (a Japan Rail Pass starts at 50,000 yen, or about $320, for seven days), low-cost airlines like Peach and Zipair and overnight buses .

Or consider walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route that connects sacred shrines in the Kii Mountains. Walk Japan has a self-guided seven-day trip, including accommodations and most meals, starting at 224,000 yen.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?