Money & Costs in Turkey Travel

Traveling to different places can experience the life and culture of people in different places. In recent years, more and more people choose to travel to Turkey. How much does it cost to travel to Turkey?

Turkish currency

The current banknotes used in the Turkish lira are divided into: 500,000, 1 million, 5 million, 10 million and 20 million lira; coins are also divided into 50,000, 100,000, 250,000 and 500,000. Turkey has implemented currency reform since 2005, and the old lira has ceased to circulate. The ratio of the new lira to the old lira is 1 new lira = 1,000,000 old lira. The current currency values of the lira are: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 new lira. The front of the new coin is printed with the portrait of the founding father of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and the back is different in different colors and colors. Turkey will also issue 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 small currency unit "Kurosh" coins. 1 lira = 100 kuru.

Foreign currency can be used in seaside resorts and big cities. If you plan to go to some small cities, it is better to switch to Turkish Lira. Credit cards or UnionPay cards that you carry with you can also be withdrawn at local ATMs, which can generally be found at airports.

Credit cards are also generally accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Traveler's cheques and foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or private currency exchange offices, and the exchange rate is calculated according to the current exchange rate.

Tips in Turkey

Turkey has VAT, which is generally shown on the bill as the "duty-paid value" (KDV), which includes both VAT and service charges. Signs that read "Fiyatlarimizda KDV Dahildir" (taxes are included in the price) are found in many places of consumption. If you want, you can list the dutiable value separately on your bill. Some hotels and shops also offer discounted rates if you agree not to have an official receipt.
In theory, if tourists buy bulky goods, such as carpets, leather clothes, etc., they can ask for a "duty-paid value" or a tax rebate. But because not all stores participate in the "duty-paid value" activity, you should ask the merchant if you can get a "duty-paid value" tax refund receipt after you purchase. With this tax refund receipt you can refund your taxes and fees in cash at the international airport or any bank at the exit customs when you leave Turkey.
Tipping in restaurants is generally 10% of the consumption, and in high-end restaurants and hotels, a service charge of 10-15% is usually automatically added to the bill. Tipping is not required in cheap hotels or cheap local-style bistros. The standard tip for hotel porters is generally equal to 2% of the room rate. A small tip for seating is required when taking a Turkish bath in the hamams.
bank
The business hours of general currency exchange booths (bureaux) are 9:00-19:00. The exchange booths at the airport are open 24 hours a day and can exchange dollars and euros, and the exchange rate of different exchange booths is not very different. A passport is required to exchange cash.
ATMs are very common in Istanbul. Basically, they can provide multilingual services such as English, French and German. Visa and Mastercard can be used. The regulations of each bank are different, but on average, the maximum amount of cash withdrawn from ATMs is 600 per day. Lira (VISA) and 800 Lira (Mastercard).
All major banks and some small banks in Turkey have ATMs, the most common being Akbank and Yapı Kredi.

Tips

The business hours of general currency exchange booths (bureaux) are 9:00-19:00. The exchange booths at the airport are open 24 hours a day and can exchange dollars and euros, and the exchange rate of different exchange booths is not very different. A passport is required to exchange cash.
ATMs are very common in Istanbul. Basically, they can provide multilingual services such as English, French and German. Visa and Mastercard can be used. The regulations of each bank are different, but on average, the maximum amount of cash withdrawn from ATMs is 600 per day. Lira (VISA) and 800 Lira (Mastercard).
All major banks and some small banks in Turkey have ATMs, the most common being Akbank and Yapı Kredi.

Consumption level

Turkey's price level is relatively high. The consumption level of Istanbul, Antalya, and other major popular travel destinations exceeds that of domestic first-tier cities. Turkey is a paradise for meat eaters, but the price of cattle and sheep has also been rising in recent years. The per capita consumption of a full meal is around 20 lire, and good restaurants should increase accordingly. A (small) bottle of mineral water costs 1-2 lire (about 3-6 yuan), and a large bottle costs 2.5-3 lire (about 9 yuan). For self-driving people, gasoline is also not cheap, and the level is higher than domestic. The price of accommodation is generally lower than that in Europe. A standard room is about 200-250 yuan (RMB) per night, and rooms with popular attractions or good views are more expensive. However, many hotels will have regular discounts. Pay attention and book in advance. Great cost savings on travel.