Turkish money and currency
Before visiting İzmir, it’s helpful to know a little about Turkish currency and how it works. Take a look at this guide to the Turkish Lira, from using cash machines to contactless payment.
Turkish currency: all about money in Turkey
Get the essential information on coins and currency in İzmir.
- The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira (₺/TRY).
- Turkish banknotes come in denominations of 5₺, 10₺, 20₺, 50₺, 100₺ and 200₺. Coins come in 5 kuruş, 10 kuruş, 25 kuruş, 50 kuruş and 1₺.
Currency exchange in İzmir
İzmir has numerous bureaux de change, often located inside banks, travel agents or post offices, as well as at İzmir’s airport and city center.
Currency converter
To get the best deal when exchanging money, you should look around. Compare the different exchange rates and ask about any fees. Ask how much money you will get in total after all the fees have been taken out.
Credit cards and contactless payments
In İzmir, most restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops accept most credit and debit cards. Though it is recommended that you bring another way to pay with you during your visit.
In Turkey, many people use contactless payment cards, and many stores accept them. There is a limit of 300₺ per transaction for contactless payments. In İzmir, people can use public transportation without an İzmirim card if they have a contactless card. On Transport for İzmir, you can also use your phone downloading İzmirim card app HERE.
When non-Turkish cards are used for contactless payments, an overseas transaction fee may be charged. Before tapping your contactless card in İzmir, you should check with your card issuer or bank about fees.
Cash machines (ATMs)
There are a lot of cash machines (also called cashpoints or ATMs) spread out all over İzmir. Most cash machines will accept cards from other countries, but you should check with your bank or card issuer before you go.
If you have a bank account outside of Turkey, you will almost always have to pay a fee when you take money out. Talk to your bank before you leave to find out more.
There are cash machines in some corner stores, streets, but they often charge a fee to use them. If the cash machine has a fee, it will tell you what the fee is and give you a chance to cancel the transaction before you’re charged.
