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Money & duty free for Turkey
Exchange rates:
New Turkish LiraC$1 = YTL2.63
€1 = YTL3.68
£1 = YTL4.38
US$1 = YTL3.53
Currency & Money
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY; symbol ₺), divided into 100 kuruş. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 lira. Coins come in 1 lira and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kuruş values.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and larger businesses. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used, while American Express is accepted less widely. Smaller markets, family-run shops and rural areas may operate on a cash-only basis, so carrying some cash is advisable.
Mobile and contactless payments are increasingly used in Turkey, particularly in big cities.
ATMs are readily available in cities, towns and airports. Most accept international cards, though withdrawal fees may apply depending on your bank. Machines usually offer both Turkish and English language options. Travellers should be mindful that some ATMs dispense high-denomination notes, which may be difficult to break in small shops or on public transport.
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish lira that travellers may bring into Turkey. When departing, visitors must not take Turkish lira worth more than US$5,000 out of the country. Those carrying foreign currency worth more than US$5,000 must declare it to Turkish Customs before departure.
Currency exchange offices are easy to find in major cities, tourist areas and airports. Rates vary, and dedicated exchange bureaus often offer better rates than hotels or shops. A passport may be required for larger transactions. Banks also provide exchange services, though their opening hours are more limited.
Turkey duty free
Travellers over 18 years of age may import the following into Turkey without incurring customs duty:
Tobacco Products:
• Up to 600 cigarettes.
• 100 cigarillos.
• 50 cigars.
• 250g shredded tobacco (with 200 cigarette sheets).
• 250g pipe tobacco.
Alcoholic beverages:
• 1 litre of alcohol exceeding 22% alcohol by volume.
• Alternatively, 2 litres of alcohol less than 22% alcohol by volume.
Others:
• Up to 600 ml of perfume, cologne, lavender water, essence, or lotion. Each bottle should be less than 120 ml.
• 1 kg of coffee, 1 kg of instant coffee, 1 kg of tea, 1 kg of chocolate, and 1 kg of confectionery.
• Gifts up to the value of €430 (reduced to €150 for travellers under 15 years old).
Prohibited or restricted imports into Turkey include narcotics (including CBD-related products and medical cannabis), counterfeit goods, pornographic materials, and certain agricultural or food items (meat, dairy). This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult Turkish Customs or the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for current import restrictions.
Turkish law prohibits or strictly controls the export of archaeological artefacts, cultural property older than 100 years, weapons, ammunition, and certain strategic goods. Exporting prohibited items may lead to confiscation and criminal penalties. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult Turkish Customs or the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for current export restrictions.
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