Currency, Payment & Tipping in Turkey

The official currency of Türkiye is the Turkish lira (TRY, ₺). Prices are set in lira, although some tourist businesses quote in euros or US dollars. Paying in lira lets you see exactly what you are paying; if a business quotes in foreign currency, ask for the lira price. State museum tickets are an exception: the Ministry of Culture and Tourism publishes them in euros and charges them in lira.

The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye issues banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira. Coins are in kuruş (100 kuruş = 1 lira) and lira. Small vendors may struggle to change a 200 lira note, so carry a mix of smaller notes.

Lira prices and exchange rates can change quickly, so check the current rate shortly before your trip and again while you travel rather than relying on older figures.

The rate you get depends on where and how you change money, and the differences add up over a trip. Compare the rate you are offered with the current market rate before you change larger amounts.

Airport exchange desks are convenient on arrival, but compare their rates with what you find in town; if you use one, change only what you need for your first day. Bring clean, undamaged notes: the UK government warns that some banks and exchange offices may refuse 50 or 100 US dollar bills because of counterfeits.

ATMs (bankamatik) are common in Türkiye's towns, including Cappadocia's main towns. Major Turkish banks with ATM networks include Ziraat Bankası, Garanti BBVA, İşbank, Yapı Kredi and Akbank.

Most ATMs accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Check with your bank which networks your card uses, and carry a backup card on a different network in case one is not accepted.

In Cappadocia, most hotels, mid-range and upscale restaurants, tour operators and larger shops accept Visa and Mastercard. Cash is still needed for many everyday payments.

Contactless (tap-to-pay) cards are widely accepted at card terminals; above a certain amount you may be asked for your PIN.

Phone wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work only where both the terminal and your card issuer support them, so carry your physical card as well.

Tipping in Türkiye is appreciated but not as rigidly expected as in North America; it is seen as thanks for good service rather than an obligation.

In sit-down restaurants, leaving a tip for good service is common; check first whether a service charge is already on the bill. At lokantas and cafés, rounding up is enough. Never feel pressured to tip a set percentage.

Tip in cash, even if you pay the bill by card, and hand it directly to your server, guide or driver when you can.

Most money-related tricks aimed at visitors are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is the most common. When you pay by card or withdraw from an ATM, you may be offered the "convenience" of seeing the charge in your home currency. The exchange rate is set by the merchant or ATM operator, not your bank, and is usually worse. Insist on being charged in Turkish lira.

Bargaining is a long tradition in Türkiye's bazaars and markets. In Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Avanos pottery shops and souvenir stalls throughout Cappadocia, prices are often a starting point for negotiation.

Be friendly, patient and willing to walk away. A respectful back-and-forth is part of the exchange; it is conversational, not adversarial.

Show interest without appearing too eager. Ask the price, make a lower offer and expect a counter-offer; you will usually meet somewhere in between. If you cannot agree, say thank you and start to leave — this often brings a final offer.

Do not haggle in restaurants, supermarkets or shops with clearly posted fixed prices. Bargaining fits bazaars, open-air markets, carpet shops, ceramic stores and souvenir stalls.

Visitors who live outside Türkiye can reclaim the VAT (KDV) on goods bought at stores showing the "Tax Free" logo and taken out of the country. A minimum purchase amount applies, so ask the store whether your purchase qualifies.

At the time of purchase, ask for the Tax Free form, fill in your passport details and how you want to be refunded (for example cash or credit card), and have it signed by the shop clerk. The goods must leave Türkiye within three months of the invoice date.

When you leave, take the purchases, the refund form, the invoices, your boarding pass and your passport to customs, which approves the form. The refund is then paid in cash or to your card, as you chose on the form.