Spending money in Turkey

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Never been to Turkey. We usually on hols just use our cards or get out a bit of cash from the atms.

Is it recommended to do the same in Turkey? Or better to take euros with? Not sure whether the current inflation situation makes it better to do that or just go for lira from the atm/card when there?

You can do exactly what you always do - get money out at an ATM for day to day spending and pay on cards, like any other holiday destination (though unless you've got a card that doesn't charge abroad that's an expensive way to do it). Inflation isn't like German in the 30s where the money is worth less and less each day and you need a wheelbarrow of cash to buy a loaf, it's just something the Turks have to live with, just as we live with it here at the moment. Just being there for a couple of weeks you really won't notice the difference day-to-day. The thing for us though, is it makes it very cheap to eat out and shop.

I wouldn't take Euros - I do sometimes if I have some left over from somewhere else but you would have to buy them here, which isn't a great rate, then change them there. Lots of restaurants/shops won't necessarily take Euros in place of Lira even in places like Istanbul and effectively you'll be paying to exchange here and then again in Turkiye. Not worth it.

Turkiye is lovely - have a great time.

i wouldn’t bother taking lira- I’ve been going to Turkey since childhood and there’s never been a time they didn’t take “hard” currency - I used to pay dollars in the market.

Thanks for the insights!

I live in Europe so can get EUR from the cash machines here before flying if needed.

Just read on TripAdvisor that there’s no longer ATMs in the resort we’re going to…. Hmmm.

A friend of mine was agonising over this recently. She reported back today she should have just taken sterling with her. Presumably Euros would be just as good if you live in the Eurozone.

I have a friend who owns home in Turkey. He takes local currency, but not such touristy spot. He did report that things have got very expensive since his last trip only a few months ago, paying similar prices for dinner and drinks as UK now.

I've been to Turkey over 30 times over the last 20 year. They'll take any currency.
If you are going to the Dalaman area id say lira and sterling. Antalya probably more euro and lira. But we were In Fethiye last month and also used some euros we had.
They'll just convert it at whatever the rate is for said currency for whatever you have.

People used to say to change it there and you do feel like you're getting more but it's a small amount over a large change (£10 in £200 maybe).

A lot of places accept card now too. Maybe a revolut or Halifax clarity if that's what you prefer. Be aware a lot of the ATMs in Turkey charge a large fee and also be aware of the exchange shops that charge ridiculous commission (such as near point centre or harbour marmaris)

Thanks! Sounds like cash is king!

I went to Istanbul a few weeks ago and just used a card everywhere. No need for cash at all.

We used Lira in the restaurants and £ sterling in the shops - they prefer it as the exchange rate for Lira is so good. I took a card last year but be aware you are often charged quite alot at the cash machines. I am hearing the Revolut cards are a good idea if you don't want to use cash.