Turkey — Currency & Money

The Turkish lira (TRY) has run persistent double-digit inflation, so prices shift week to week — check rates the day you land. Cards (contactless included) are accepted in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and İzmir hotels, restaurants, and taxis; cash is needed for markets, small bars, and outside the west. Exchange at licensed döviz bureaus (Grand Bazaar rates are competitive), not airports.

ATMs from Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, and Akbank generally waive their own fee but your home bank may still charge. Wise and Revolut cards work well. Tipping is ~10% in restaurants; round up taxi fares. Hairdressers and hammam attendants expect TRY 100–200.