Best Currency to Use in Turkey for Indians

When planning a trip to Turkey from India, knowing which currency to use might help you manage your travel expenses more easily. Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), and while foreign currencies such as the Euro or US Dollar can be used, the Turkish Lira is the most commonly used currency. In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know relating to the currency in Turkey, which currency is best to use, and how to change Indian Rupees (INR) for Turkish Lira.

Currency of Turkey

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira, TRY. It is often represented by ₺ or TL. One lira has 100 kuruş. You will see lira both in coins and in notes. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kuruş and 1 lira coins. Banknotes are for 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lira.

Euros and US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, particularly in hotels or large restaurants, but the Turkish lira is the currency of choice widely accepted everywhere. Payments made with foreign currencies result in unfavorable exchange rates, so it's best to have some Turkish lira on hand during a stay in Turkey.

Which is the Best Currency to Use in Turkey

The most convenient and practical money for an Indian tourist visiting Turkey is the Turkish Lira, which can be used anywhere in the country from large cities like Istanbul and Ankara to small towns and villages. Dollars and Euros are just as common as Lira, especially in tourist areas, however, using Turkish Lira ensures you get the best value for your money because vendors frequently provide low exchange rates when you pay in foreign currencies.

That said, there are a few payment methods you should consider:

• Cash: The Turkish Lira is widely used, particularly in local markets, smaller shops, and public transportation such as buses and taxis. Having cash on hand is a good idea, especially when traveling to rural locations where card payments may not be accepted.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in cities and tourist spots. However, it’s essential to notify your bank in India that you will be traveling to avoid any blocks on your card due to foreign transactions​.
• ATMs: ATMs can be easily found in all regions of Turkey. You can withdraw Turkish Lira directly from the ATMs using your Indian debit or credit card. This approach normally provides a favorable exchange rate; however, keep in mind that your bank may incur overseas withdrawal costs. Using bank-affiliated ATMs is recommended as they are safer and less vulnerable to fraud.

How to Exchange Indian Currency to Turkish Lira

There are several ways to exchange your Indian Rupees (INR) for Turkish Lira (TRY). Here are the most convenient options:

• Currency Exchange in India: You can change INR to Euros or US Dollars at any currency exchange institution or bank in India before traveling to Turkey. There is a possibility that direct conversion of INR to TRY will not be available,  so it’s better to convert to one of the more widely used currencies like USD or Euro, which can be easily exchanged in Turkey Currency for Turkish Lira.
• Currency Exchange in Turkey: Once you reach Turkey, you can exchange your euros or US dollars for Turkish Lira at the local exchange offices called Döviz Bürosu. You can find these offices easily in the cities and tourist areas. It’s recommended to avoid exchanging money at airports and hotels as they tend to offer high exchange rates​. However, one should choose those exchange offices that are in the city center, for instance, near the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Because the competition among currency exchangers usually leads to better exchange rates.
• Using ATMs: Another popular and convenient option for most Indian travelers is to withdraw Turkish Lira from ATMs using their debit or credit cards. Usually, this provides a fairly reasonable exchange rate, but the bank might charge international withdrawal fees. Therefore, it is wise to use bank-affiliated ATMs, as these are relatively safer and less prone to fraud too.
• Traveler's Checks: It is typically not advised to utilize traveler's checks in Turkey. They are becoming outdated, and if you do find a location that accepts them, the taxes and exchange rates can be extremely high. Using cash and cards is a more convenient option.

Tips for Getting the Best Exchange Rates

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• Avoid Airports and Hotels: The exchange rates offered at airports and hotels are typically much lower than what you can get at local currency exchange offices. It's best to only exchange a small amount of money at the airport if absolutely necessary, and wait until you reach a more competitive location for larger exchanges.
• Check out the mid-market rate: Always stay informed about the mid-market rate; that is, the actual exchange rate before you go to change your money. This way, you can judge whether an exchange office or ATM is offering you a reasonable rate. You can use online currency converters to see the latest exchange rates.
• Clean and Undamaged Bank Notes: When carrying cash to exchange in Turkey, ensure that the notes are clean and undamaged, as torn or marked notes may be rejected at exchange offices.

Conclusion

The Turkish Lira is the best currency that can be used by Indian travelers in Turkey. Even though other foreign currencies like the Euro and the US Dollar are often accepted in some tourist areas, it will be more advantageous for you to use Turkish Lira because you can get better value and greater convenience. In order to make the most of your trip, make sure to exchange a small amount of your Indian Rupees into Euros or US Dollars before reaching Turkey so you can exchange those for Turkish Lira once you arrive there. You can also withdraw cash Lira directly from ATMs; be sure to first verify that your bank would not charge you for that withdrawal.

Knowing how to exchange money, and handling your expenses in Turkey, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about currency issues.