Currency in Turkey

The currency in Turkey is New Turkish Lira.

You will get roughly 2.54 Lira to the GBP, figures correct as of 9th April 2008.

Until 1st January 2005, the currency in Turkey the old Turkish Lira was in operation, which had six extra zero’s on the end of the number, creating total confusion, especially with tourists! The currency was re-evaluated in on 1st January 2005; changing to ‘New Turkish Lira’ which operates in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Lira denominations and Kurus; 100 Kurus = 1 Lira.

Euros, dollars and pounds sterling are all widely accepted as currency in Turkey, however keep in mind that they’re not accepted everywhere, so be sure to carry an alternative.

Exchange rates are good inside Turkey, so there’s no need to worry about getting currency before you arrive. Try to change your money at a bank where possible, as they tend not to charge a high commission. On that note, it’s probably best to spend all your Lira prior to leaving Turkey, as you’ll struggle to find an exchange rate outside of Turkey that makes changing them back worthwhile.

Traveller’s cheques are usually not worth the trouble, as finding a bank, hotel or any other place that accepts them is quite difficult.

There are ATM machines all over Turkey, which accept most debit cards, and have the option to have the instructions in English.

Note that exchange receipts must be kept until the end of your visit to prove that you used legally exchanged currency in Turkey.

Sometimes currency can throw up problems in the process of purchasing property overseas as the prospective buyer has to decide whether to hold the current exchange rate or gamble on the rate decreasing before the next payment date. However, with International Property Agents this is not the case. All our transactions are done in GBP, meaning clients don't have any problems with the exchange rate, making the process easier, and far less stressful.