The currency used is the Turkish Lira, written as TL. Smaller change is known as kuruş (pronounced "kuurush"). Turkish Lira notes start from 5TL and go up to 200TL.

Exchange rates have been favourable for UK visitors in recent years. As a guide, rates in January 2026 were around 57TL to the pound, representing excellent value compared to longer-term averages. As with all currencies, rates fluctuate, so it's worth checking current rates closer to departure.

Exchange rates are almost always better if you change money in Turkey. A good approach is to take enough local currency for your first day or so, then exchange the rest once you arrive.

There are exchange facilities at arrival airports, though rates there are often poor compared to post offices, banks and the many resort shops offering currency exchange. In the UK, the best rates are often found by pre-ordering online and collecting from your departure airport, although the Post Office and retailers such as Marks & Spencer can also offer competitive rates.

Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted in Turkey. However, ATMs are plentiful and credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Turkey offers significantly better value than most other European destinations, and the quality of holiday accommodation, restaurants, and goods and services is often a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors.

Prices vary by destination. You will generally pay the most in Turkey's major cities, such as Ankara and Istanbul, with better value often found in areas where tourism infrastructure is lighter, including the mountain villages behind Kalkan and other resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

For those who self-cater, grocery prices are broadly comparable to the UK, with the notable exception of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are excellent value when bought from local markets.

When researching exchange rates, you may see the Turkish Lira abbreviated to YTL or TL. In 2005, six zeros were removed from the original Turkish Lira following years of inflation, creating the "New Turkish Lira", initially abbreviated to YTL before later reverting to the simpler TL still used today.