Is the euro accepted in Turkey?

Heading off on a trip to Turkey? Whether you’re going for the beaches, food, culture, or something else, it’s a good idea to sort out the money situation before you go.

This guide explores if you can use euros in Turkey, and what the best ways to pay are. We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a smart way to spend and withdraw Turkish lira without hidden fees.

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Does Turkey use the Euro?

Turkey is outside the European Union and the Eurozone, so the euro can’t be an official currency there. Instead, they use the Turish lira (₺), which is abbreviated to TRY.¹

Turkish lira was introduced as the national currency in 1844. It underwent a reform in 2005 which is when the current denominations were introduced. The currency is broken in lira and kurus, with 100 kurus being equal to one lira. Like most countries there are banknotes and coins in circulation:

• Notes: 5₺, 10₺, 20₺, 100₺, 200₺
• Coins: 1 kr, 5 kr, 10 kr, 25 kr, 50 kr, 1₺

Looking at the banknotes you’ll notice they feature the same man; it’s Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey.

Can you use Euro in Turkey?

While the Turkish lira is the official currency and is accepted nationwide, there are businesses that will accept euros, or even request it as the preferred currency.

The businesses accepting euros are often bigger and can often be found in larger cities, border areas or tourist hubs. Be aware though, that the exchange rate you get may not be as favourable as what your bank would give you, and any change would be returned in lira and kurus.

Should I use euro or Turkish lira in Turkey?

When travelling in Turkey it’s best to pay in the local currency. While there are Turkish businesses that accept euros, paying this way often results in higher costs for you, due to poor exchange rates and added fees.

This is especially important to consider when you may be given the option to pay in euros using a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). When you choose DDC, the money is converted using the merchant or ATM’s exchange rate (which most likely will be different from the mid-market rate) instead of your card provider. It’s often worse for you financially, so choose to pay in Turkish lira if prompted.

If you’re carrying euro cash, you can exchange at banks or local exchange offices. Before you make the exchange it’s a smart idea to compare the rate you’re being offered to the mid-market exchange rate, so you can spot any hidden markups.

Wise card: Pay directly in Turkish lira

If you don't want to worry about getting in line to exchange your money and also want transparent exchange rates, the Wise card might be your best travel companion.

This card is connected to the Wise Account (a multi-currency account), and for a one time fee of 7 EUR, you get access to a debit card that allows you to:

• Spend in +40 currencies (including Turkish lira) from your account. If you're paying in the currency you have in your account it means that there are no currency conversions needed, and there are no spending fees.
• Don't have enough money in the local currency? No problem. Thanks to the Smart Conversion technology, money will be automatically deducted from the currency where the exchange rate is the best.
• Withdraw money at ATMs abroad for free up to the monthly limit*
• Get your money converted always at the mid-market exchange rate.

Open your Wise Account
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Should you pay in cash or card in Turkey?

Historically, cash was more used in Turkey but this has changed in recent years with a conscious effort to move towards becoming cashless.² In major cities, tourist hotspots and at larger businesses you should have no problem using your card, especially if it’s Visa or Mastercard.

That said, smaller businesses like food vendors, market stalls, as well as rural businesses, may still favour cash. As a result it’s a good idea to keep some Turkish lira on you, just in case.

Ideally you want a card with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate, that can also be used to withdraw a bit of cash as needed. This is where the Wise card can be a great option.

With a Wise card you have the flexibility to spend in TYR, including directly from your TYR account, and withdraw local currency from ATMs for free*, all while avoiding hidden fees and poor exchange rates.

* You get 2 free withdrawals per month, up to 200 EUR. For amounts over 200 EUR, a 1.75% fee applies to the excess. After your two free withdrawals, each additional withdrawal costs 0.5 EUR. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 23 July 2025