With Turkey still outside of the Euro zone many Brit’s will are planning to spend their summer holidays travelling to Turkey to make the most of the better exchange rates. With the Pound weakening against the Euro, holidays within the Euro zone have become extremely expensive. A holiday in Turkey not only offers you great value for money but also gives you fantastic weather and beaches to enjoy during your summer get-away.
The currency of Turkey is Turkish Lira which is made up of smaller denominations called Kurus. 100 Kururs are equal to 1 Turkish Lira. Turkish Lira was until the 1st January 2009 called New Turkish Lira but since this date Turkey has dropped the word new and the currency is simply called Turkish Lira (TRY). Turkish lira notes are available in the following denominations; 200 Turkish Lira, 100 Turkish Lira, 50 Turkish Lira, 20 Turkish Lira, 10 Turkish Lira, 5 Turkish Lira and 1 Turkish Lira. Turkish coins are in the denominations of one Turkish Lira, 50 Kurus, 25 Kurus, 10 Kurus, 5 Kurus and 1 Kurus.
When travelling in Turkey you will find that many shops or stalls will not accept large Turkish Lira bills as payment for small goods. It is advisable that you carry smaller denominations where possible to avoid any problems. As a general rule I would always suggest never using a note that is more than double the value of the item that you are paying for. (For example… do not use a 50 Turkish Lira note to pay for an item that costs 10 Turkish Lira.)
Best Currency Exchange Rates
Before you travel to Turkey it is advisable that you buy your travel money. Visit our travel money tables to find out who is offering the best foreign exchange rates. We have trailed the high street and travel money online to bring you the best foreign exchange rates available.
Do not use a bank when purchasing your holiday money. As you will see from our travel money table banks offer a far lower exchange rate than other leading UK travel money providers. If you convert your British pounds into Turkish Lira at your local bank you will end up feeling rather short changed. The same applies if you wait until you are at the airport to buy your foreign currency. Airport bureau de changes have absolutely no competition so can and will offer you a far poorer exchange rate than you could potentially get online. Buy currency online now.
Buying currency whilst in Turkey
Although I would always recommend purchasing your travel money before you go on holiday there are still many occasions where people find themselves running low on funds and need to withdrawal or convert more money into Turkish Lira. In Turkey Bureau de Changes (or Doviz Burosu as they are known locally) usually offer commission free currency exchange whilst Turkish banks do change a commission. If you wish to make a large purchase in Turkey make sure that you keep your currency conversion transaction receipt as you will be required to prove that you legally obtained the currency.
Debit and credit cards can be used in ATMs, airports, large hotels, restaurants and some gift shops. Where ever the Visa or MasterCard symbol is displayed you will be able to use your card. If you cannot see a symbol check with a member of staff before you start a meal.
Bank opening hours
In Turkey banks are open Monday-Friday 0830-1200 and 1330-1700.
At Compare Currency we offer impartial information that allows you to compare currency exchange rates using our travel money comparison tables. Find out which leading UK travel money exchange provider is offering the best holiday currency exchange and buy travel money online now.
