You can get very far with a card in Istanbul – but we wouldn't travel with no cash at all. Here is what you really need and what to watch out for when exchanging and paying.
Do you need cash in Istanbul? Can you pay by card, where do you exchange money and how do you avoid typical traps? Our practical summary.
We plan Istanbul by routes and neighbourhoods – and we count money by category, not by flat rates. How to build a budget is explained in What Does Istanbul Really Cost?. This article is about the paying itself.
- The currency is the Turkish lira. Exchange rates and prices change quickly – we deliberately don't quote amounts here.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and larger shops.
- For markets, small shops, snack stands and some taxis, a little cash is practical.
- Larger amounts are better exchanged in Turkey than at home; we wouldn't exchange much at the airport.
- Bring a credit card as a second card – debit cards may work only to a limited extent outside Europe.
Do you need cash in Istanbul?
In short: A little, yes. In restaurants and hotels you usually pay by card; at markets, stalls, in the bazaar and in small shops, cash is easier. Plan a mix of card and some lira in small notes.
Especially for street food, weekly markets and small purchases, small change saves you discussions. Where we ate and which addresses are typical you can see in the food overview.
Can you pay by card in Istanbul?
Yes. Card payment is widespread in Istanbul, especially in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are common. Expect to enter your PIN – even with credit cards.
According to Sparkasse, debit cards such as the Sparkassen-Card may be usable only to a limited extent outside Europe; a credit card as a second card therefore makes sense. Before your trip, check with your bank whether your cards are enabled for Turkey and which fees apply.
Lira instead of euro at the terminal
If the card terminal or the ATM asks whether you want to pay in euro or in lira, usually choose the lira. The conversion into euro right at the terminal is usually less favourable than the settlement by your bank.
Where do you exchange money?
Exchange larger amounts in Turkey rather than at home – Sparkasse also recommends this because of the fluctuating rate. We wouldn't exchange much at the airport; in the centre there are more exchange offices and therefore more chances to compare.
- Only exchange at official exchange offices and keep the receipt.
- Compare the rates of several exchange offices before you exchange.
- Count the notes right away.
ATMs
In Istanbul you can withdraw cash with a credit card or a PIN-enabled bank card. Check your bank's fees beforehand. It is often advised to prefer machines belonging to banks and to avoid free-standing machines with high extra fees.
Taxi, bazaar and markets
- Taxi: We take taxis more as an exception and then with the meter running. Small change helps so that you don't depend on getting change back.
- Bazaar: The first bazaar stall is not automatically the best price. Compare before you buy – more on this in the costs article.
- Weekly markets: Many locals shop there; we have sometimes found very good prices there.
Typical money traps
- Restaurants without prices on the menu – ask for the price beforehand.
- Wrong change in the taxi – count it.
- Excessive bills in bars to which strangers invite you. More on this in Istanbul Safety and Theft Protection and Food: Avoiding Tourist Traps.
What we sort out before the trip
- Enable cards and check fees.
- Carry some cash in small notes.
- Sort out mobile internet in advance so that banking apps and maps work: eSIM for Istanbul.
- Local transport with the Istanbulkart: Istanbulkart and Transport.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash should I take?
Flat amounts don't help much. Plan according to your travel style and top up via a credit card rather than carrying a lot of cash.
Where do I find the current exchange rate?
Check with your bank or in a currency app shortly before the trip; rates change quickly.
– Amra
