Currency in Turkey: the Turkish lira
Turkey uses the Turkish lira, written TRY and shown with the symbol ₺. The lira is a free floating currency with a history of large moves, so the rate you get can change quickly. That makes the exchange counter, the card terminal and the timing of your spending worth more attention than in a pegged market.
Reviewed 5 November 2026. Rates update automatically.
Updated · Latest mid-market rate
Mid-market rate for guidance only. Banks and transfer providers add a margin and may charge a fee. This site does not handle, hold or transfer money.
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Rate context
Over the last 30 days of published data, 1 USD moved between 49.3900 and 50.2290 TRY, with an average of 49.8278. The change over the period was +1.70%.
| You send | Mid-market value |
|---|---|
| 10 USD | 502.7761 TRY |
| 50 USD | 2,513.88 TRY |
| 100 USD | 5,027.76 TRY |
| 500 USD | 25,138.80 TRY |
| 1,000 USD | 50,277.61 TRY |
The lira floats freely, and the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey sets policy. Inflation, the current account, domestic demand for foreign currency and political risk have all driven large moves over the past decade. For travelers, that means the exchange rate can shift meaningfully during a trip, and the difference between a good and a poor exchange counter is worth checking.
Rates are indicative and can change. About our rates.
Turkish Lira key facts
A floating lira and a fast-moving price tag
The Turkish lira is divided into 100 kuruş. The ISO code is TRY, and the symbol is ₺. The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey issues the currency.
The lira is the legal currency in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. Some tourist businesses may quote prices in euros or dollars, especially in resort areas, but the lira is the currency you will use for everyday purchases.
What the live rate means for your trip
The mid-market rate on this page is a reference. Exchange offices, banks and hotels add a margin, and the gap can be wider than in more stable markets. Compare the rate you are offered with the mid-market value before changing a large amount.
The lira can move quickly. If you are planning a trip, watch the rate for a few weeks and avoid changing all your money at once. A card with no foreign transaction fee can reduce the cost of everyday purchases.
Cards, cash and the lira question
Cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Cash is still useful for markets, small cafes, taxis and rural areas. Carry a mix of notes and keep some small denominations.
ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Use a machine inside a bank or a busy public place, check the operator fee and choose to be charged in lira if the machine offers a choice.
Changing money in a tourist economy
Use a bank or a licensed exchange office and compare rates before you change money. Airport and hotel counters are convenient, but their margins can be wider. Ask for the total lira you will receive, including any commission.
Count your money before you leave the counter and keep the receipt. Avoid exchanging money on the street. If you pay in euros or dollars, check the conversion rate the business is using.
Tipping and the service charge
Tipping is common in restaurants, hotels, bars and for guides and drivers. Check whether a service charge is included, then leave a small amount based on the service. Rounding up a taxi fare is also common.
Keep small notes for tips and small purchases. If you use a card, check whether the terminal offers dynamic currency conversion and decline it if you want to pay in lira.
Large notes and small scams
Use bank ATMs and licensed exchange offices rather than street exchangers. Count your change, agree taxi fares before you get in, and be careful with large notes in busy markets and tourist areas.
If a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, decline it and pay in lira. Keep your passport and main cards separate from your everyday cash, and use a backup card if one is lost.
Budgeting when the rate moves
Use the converter above to turn your budget into lira, then add a margin for exchange and card fees. Because the lira can move, a budget set weeks in advance may need adjusting.
If you are traveling during a busy season, book accommodation early and keep a cash reserve for places that do not accept cards. A mix of card and cash covers most situations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the currency in Turkey?
The Turkish lira (TRY) is the legal currency. It is divided into 100 kuruş and issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
Can I use euros or US dollars in Turkey?
Some tourist businesses may accept euros or dollars, but the lira is the legal currency. You may receive change in lira and a less favorable conversion. It is usually simpler to pay in lira.
Are ATMs available in Turkey?
ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Use a machine inside a bank or a busy public place, check the operator fee and choose to be charged in lira.
Do I need cash in Turkey?
Cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for markets, small cafes, taxis and rural areas. Carry a mix of notes and keep some small denominations.
Why does the Turkish lira change so much?
The lira floats freely, and inflation, the current account, domestic demand for foreign currency and political risk have all driven large moves. The rate can change significantly over a short period.
Useful links
CurrenciesLive is an informational tool. It does not process, hold or transfer funds. Rates are indicative mid-market values, not quotes from any provider.