30/07/2026
Traveling to Turkey soon? Before you exchange money, here’s what every first-time traveller should know.
💶 Don’t assume euros or US dollars are the best choice.
Hotels, tour companies and shops in places such as Istanbul, Antalya and other tourist areas
may accept euros or US dollars. However, paying
in foreign currency can cost more than paying in Turkish lira.
Outside the main tourist areas, expect to need lira for local cafés, markets, transport and smaller
businesses.
💡 Extra tip: Don’t buy euros or US dollars specifically for Turkey. If you already have US cash,
be aware that some Turkish banks and exchange offices may refuse US$50 and US$100 notes
due to concerns about counterfeits.
💳 Use a three-part travel wallet
Take:
✅ A travel card such as Wise or Revolut
✅ A separate backup bank card
✅ Some Turkish lira in cash
Cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations, but foreign cards don’t always
work in taxis. Cash becomes more important when visiting villages, rural areas and smaller
independent businesses.
🏧 At the ATM, always choose Turkish lira
An ATM may offer to convert the withdrawal into Australian dollars for you. Decline that option
and continue the transaction in TRY. Otherwise, the Turkish ATM provider chooses the
exchange rate and any associated conversion costs.
Always check the withdrawal fee before confirming.
🤝 Keep smaller lira notes for tipping
At sit-down restaurants, leaving around 5–10% is common when a service charge hasn’t
already been added. Taxi drivers generally don’t expect a percentage tip; simply round up the fare.
Tips are usually left in cash, preferably Turkish lira. Visiting a traditional hammam? A tip of
roughly 10–20%, shared among the attendants, is customary.
✈ The best strategy?
Bring enough lira from Australia for your arrival, transport and first day. Then use a combination
of cash and card throughout the trip rather than relying entirely on either one.
Need some Turkish lira before departure? Check RedRate’s current exchange rate before you
fly.
📌 Save this before your trip—future you will thank you.
