🔵 THE SHORT ANSWER
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), and it is almost always better to pay in lira. Some hotels, tourist shops, and excursions in resort areas do accept euros (and sometimes dollars or pounds), but the exchange rate they give is usually poor, so you lose money. For the best value, use lira for day-to-day spending.
📝 A Local’s Note
When an ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency or lira, the screen is often designed to make the home-currency option look like the “recommended” choice with a highlighted button. Always pick lira, that highlighted default is usually the worse deal for you, not a genuine recommendation.
A few smaller neighbourhood exchange offices away from the main tourist strips consistently offer noticeably better rates than the well-lit ones on the harbour front. If you’re changing anything more than a small amount, it’s worth comparing two or three rates rather than using the first booth you see.
🔵 PRACTICAL TIPS
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, and paying by card in lira often gives a fair rate. Carry some cash lira for markets, taxis, small cafes, and cash-only ancient sites. Withdraw from ATMs (choose to be charged in lira, not your home currency, to avoid bad conversion fees), and avoid changing large amounts at the airport where rates are worst.
Do they accept euros in Antalya?
Some hotels, tourist shops, and tours do, especially in resort areas, but the exchange rate is usually poor. You will get better value paying in Turkish Lira.
Should I bring cash or use cards?
Both. Cards work widely in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but keep some cash lira for markets, taxis, small cafes, and cash-only sites.
Where should I exchange money?
Use ATMs or reputable exchange offices in town rather than the airport, where rates are worst. At ATMs, always choose to be charged in lira, not your home currency.
More money & practical tips
Page last updated: August 2026.