Is cash still widely used?
Yes, alongside cards. Istanbul, Ankara, and major tourist areas have excellent card acceptance. However, bazaars, local markets, dolmuş (shared minibuses), street food vendors, and smaller businesses across the country prefer or require cash.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist areas. Ziraat Bank, İş Bankası, and Garanti BBVA ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 30 TRY per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Many ATMs offer a choice of currencies — always choose TRY to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees
- ATM availability is good even in smaller tourist towns
Card acceptance
Good in Istanbul and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Grand Bazaar and local markets are predominantly cash-based.
Tips for travelers
- Always pay in Turkish lira at ATMs and shops — never accept dynamic currency conversion
- Carry lira for bazaars, dolmuş rides, and street food
- Turkey’s inflation has been high — check current exchange rates before your trip
- Keep small denomination notes for tips and transport