Money & Tipping
What to carry, where to change it, and what to leave on the table.
In short
Cards almost everywhere, cash for the small things
Turkey runs on Turkish Lira (try). Cards work in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and most shops. Carry small lira notes for taxis, market stalls, hammam staff, and the cay vendor at Ephesus.
What to do
A working approach
- Withdraw lira from a bank ATM (Garanti, Akbank, IsBank) on arrival; airport ATMs charge more
- Bring a fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut, Monzo) for daily spending
- Avoid changing money at hotel reception; rates are uniformly poor
- Tip 10% in restaurants if service is not included; 5% to a taxi driver who helps with bags
- Hammam attendants and tour guides expect a small tip; carry 20-50 lira notes
A note on inflation
Prices change quickly
The lira has moved a lot in recent years. Quoted prices on hotel websites and our own pages may sit a step behind reality. Always confirm current rates with the hotel before booking; the gap usually works in your favour.
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