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.
Currency in Turkey: The Basics
| Currency | Turkish lira (TRY, written ₺ or TL) |
| Subunit | 100 kuruş = 1 lira |
| Euros, pounds, dollars | Accepted in some resort hotels, tourist shops and tours, usually at a poor rate |
| Cards | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; contactless is common |
| Cash still needed for | Markets, some taxis, small cafés, tips, toilets and some site ticket offices |
| Exchange rate | Moves often, so check a live rate on the day rather than relying on an old figure |
Because the lira’s value changes quickly, prices on menus and in shops can rise during the year. That is also why many travel guides, including ours, quote some costs in euros as a rough guide: you will still pay the lira price on the day.
Lira or Euros: Which Should You Pay In?
| Situation | Best way to pay | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants, shops, supermarkets | Card in lira, or cash lira | Fair rate, no conversion margin |
| Card machine asks “EUR or TRY?” | Always TRY | Paying in your home currency adds a hidden margin |
| Hotel bill quoted in euros | Pay as agreed, compare the rate if they convert | Some hotels price in euros by contract |
| Markets, taxis, tips, small kiosks | Cash lira | Cards are not always accepted |
| Tours and private transfers | As quoted (often euros), confirm before you book | Many operators set prices in euros |
Getting Lira: ATMs, Exchange Offices and Cards
ATMs are everywhere in Antalya and are the easiest source of lira. Most Turkish bank ATMs charge a withdrawal fee for foreign cards, shown on screen before you confirm, and your own bank may add a fee, so take out fewer, larger amounts. When the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and choose lira.
Exchange offices (look for “Döviz”) often beat bank rates for cash euros or pounds. Compare two or three, check the buy rate on the board, and count your money at the counter. Airport exchange desks are convenient for a small amount but rarely the best rate.
Travel cards and multi-currency apps such as Wise or Revolut work well in Turkey for card payments and often for ATM withdrawals. Check your own card’s foreign-transaction fees before you travel.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency is used in Turkey?
The Turkish lira (TRY, ₺ or TL). Euros and other currencies are accepted in some tourist businesses, but lira is the official currency and almost always the better-value way to pay.
Should I choose euros or lira on a card machine?
Always lira. Choosing your home currency lets the shop’s bank set the exchange rate, which is usually worse than your own card’s rate.
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: October 2026.
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