Guide to spending money in Turkey
From the thermal pools of Pamukkale and the 'fairy chimneys' of Cappadocia to the western Turquoise Coast, Turkey is a very special country to explore.
The country is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for British holidaymakers, and it’s only a three to four-hour flight from the UK. With its bustling cities, breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, shopping and cuisine, there’s much to experience.
Here, we break down the local costs and how best to spend your Turkish lira when visiting the country.
What money is used in Turkey?
How much cash should you take to Turkey from the UK?
Working out how much spending money you’ll need for Turkey can be tricky when there’s so much to see and do. As a rough guide, budget for around £40-£50 a day per person to include food, transport and sightseeing.
Travelling with cash is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit local markets outside of the main cities. You may need coins and small notes for tipping, public transport tickets, and small purchases as soon as you arrive.
It’s also sensible to have a credit or debit card as a backup, just in case.
How much do things cost in Turkey?
With living costs less than half that of the UK, your holiday spending money will stretch much further here. So make the most of eating out, sightseeing and shopping in the famous bazaars!
Here are some typical costs to help you work out how much money you need to take to Turkey:
Average costs in Istanbul
Museum visits: free - 450TL (Dolmabahçe Palace)
Guided tours (full day): 1,000-5,000TL
Mid-level hotel (per night): 1,000-3,000 TL
5* Luxury hotel (per night): 5,000-10,000TL
Average costs in Antalya
Museum visits: free- 30TL
Guided tours (full day): 800TL -2700TL
Mid-level hotel (per night): 1,000-3,00TL
5* Luxury hotel (per night): 5,000-15,000TL
Villa rental (per night): 10,000TL+
The information above is correct as of 23 August 2023. Data sourced from numbeo.com. Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.
Tourist tax in Turkey
From 1 January 2023, Turkey introduced a 2% tourist tax. This will already be included in the price of your accommodation if you booked your holiday this year. But if you booked before the new tax came in, check with your tour operator whether you will have to make any additional payment on check-in.
| Hotel type | The average hotel night cost | Tax amount | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level | 2,000TL per night | 40TL | 2,040TL |
| Luxury | 10,000TL per night | 200TL | 10,200TL |
Tax costs are correct as of 14 July 2023. Data sourced from taxenews.ey.com
The information above is correct as of 23 August 2023. Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.
How much does it cost to travel around Turkey?
Stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, there are plenty of ways to get around and explore.
Airport transfer to city centre
A Private transfer service (usually a fixed price per group/person) is no more expensive than a taxi. It’s also bookable and hassle-free. Some hotels may offer this as a service to guests, so make sure to check their website or contact them directly to arrange an airport pick up.
How much should you tip in Turkey?
When deciding how much money to take to Turkey, don’t forget to factor in tips. Tipping is common in many of the usual situations as a sign of appreciation.
Tipping in restaurants
It’s always advisable to leave a tip in a restaurant as a sign of respect. Tip a small percentage of the total in cash directly to the person who served you. You can’t usually include the tip on a credit card.
| Tip | The total cost of a meal | Tip amount | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | 3-course meal for 2, mid-range restaurant 500TL | 50TL | 550TL |
| 15% | 3-course meal for 2, mid range restaurant 500TL | 75TL | 575TL |
Shopping and souvenirs
When working out how much spending money you’ll need in Turkey, make sure there’s enough to take full advantage of its open-air markets, covered bazaars, and boutiques.
Prices are around 60% cheaper than in the UK, and haggling is usually all part of the experience!
Other currencies
We’ll make it quick and easy for you to buy Euros, so you can focus on packing for your European adventure.
We can help tick off that one thing on your USA to-do list when you order US Dollars online from us.
Off to Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Here’s how you can buy UAE dirham for your upcoming trip to the UAE.
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