The Turkish lira (TRY) is one of the most volatile currencies in the world: getting your money exchanged before a trip to Turkey calls for a few simple habits so you don't lose out on the rate.
The Turkish lira: a currency under pressure
Turkey remains a major tourist destination, from Istanbul to Cappadocia and the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. But its currency, the Turkish lira (code TRY, symbol ₺, divided into 100 kuruş), has seen high inflation and a marked depreciation against the euro in recent years. In practical terms, the purchasing power of the same banknote in lira can change significantly from one month to the next, and the displayed exchange rate varies every day.
For a traveller, this volatility has a direct consequence: the lira you keep in your wallet can lose value if you exchange large sums too early or all at once. That is why, unlike more stable currencies such as the dollar or the Swiss franc, it is rarely worthwhile to build up a large reserve of TRY several weeks before departure.
How much should you exchange before leaving?
The right strategy is to exchange just enough to be self-sufficient on arrival, then top up locally according to your real needs. Having a little cash from the moment you reach the airport or the station is useful for transport, a meal, a tip or a first purchase, without having to rely immediately on an ATM.
- Before departure: plan for a moderate amount to cover your first few hours and days (transfers, small expenses, unforeseen costs).
- On the spot: adjust as you go rather than exchanging everything at once, to smooth out the effect of rate fluctuations.
- On your return: avoid coming back with a large reserve of lira, which can depreciate and is often exchanged back at a less favourable rate.
Preparing this exchange from Paris saves you from airport bureaux, which are often less advantageous. At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you can reserve your Turkish lira online and come and collect it in store, commission-free. Discover all of our available currencies among more than 53 currencies.
Cash in Turkey: culture and customs
Turkey remains a country where cash retains an important place, especially outside the large chains and hotels. In the bazaars (such as Istanbul's Grand Bazaar), for taxis, small restaurants, markets or tourist sites, paying in cash is often simpler and makes it easier to negotiate, a common and culturally accepted practice.
In very touristy areas, some traders display or quote their prices in euros or dollars: paying in Turkish lira after checking the day's rate is generally still more advantageous. Bank cards, for their part, are widely accepted in cities, hotels and modern shops. Be wary, however, of an option offered by certain terminals and ATMs: dynamic currency conversion, which offers to let you pay directly in euros. Decline it and choose to pay in Turkish lira: the rate applied by your bank is generally more favourable than the trader's.
ATMs are plentiful in the cities, but many charge a fixed withdrawal fee per transaction, sometimes a high one. If you withdraw cash locally, it is better to make fewer, larger withdrawals than to multiply small transactions.
Tips, practical advice and the customs rule
Tipping (bahşiş) is part of the customs: in restaurants, it is common to leave a small extra if service is not already included, and it is appreciated by guides, drivers or hotel staff. Keeping a few small denominations in lira is therefore useful day to day.
A few additional good habits:
- Keep small denominations: change can be scarce for small purchases and taxis.
- Always check the day's rate before exchanging a large sum, as the lira can move quickly.
- Keep your exchange receipts, which can be useful if needed.
On the regulatory side, remember the European customs rule: any transport of cash equal to or greater than €10,000 (or its equivalent in another currency) when entering or leaving the European Union must be declared to customs. For a typical tourist trip, you will stay well below this threshold, but it is good to be aware of it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to exchange euros in Paris or get lira on the spot?
The most convenient approach is to leave with a moderate amount of Turkish lira prepared in advance, then top up locally according to your spending. Reserving ahead of time with an approved bureau avoids the unfavourable rates at airports and lets you keep control of your budget.
Why not exchange all my cash at once?
Because the Turkish lira is very volatile: tying up a large sum exposes you to a loss of value if the rate moves unfavourably. Exchanging in stages, according to your real needs, limits this risk.
Can I pay by card everywhere in Turkey?
In cities and modern shops, yes. But for markets, taxis, tips and small establishments, cash remains essential. Always plan to carry a little cash.
Prepare for your trip with complete peace of mind: reserve your Turkish lira online and collect it commission-free at Paris Change, 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005 Paris), in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Our shop, accessible via the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) and the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame), welcomes you 7 days a week.
