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Turkey

Located in Western Asia and South-Eastern Europe, Turkey is a land of vast open spaces, huge mountain ranges and a beautiful rugged coastline. Istanbul is still the pulse of the nation, and is dotted with Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and stunning palaces.

Turkish currency

Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira, TL (Türk Lirası). From 2005 until 2008, the currency was called New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası, YTL or TRY). In 2009, the ‘New’ (Yeni) was dropped and updated notes were issued. Each note depicts a famous Turkish personality, rather than geographical sites or architectural features of Turkey.

For a breakdown of denominations, have a look at the table on the right.

Currency restrictions

Turkey has no restrictions on the import or export of local currency, but the import and export of foreign currency exceeding US$5,000 must be declared.

Banking hours

During the week, Turkish banks are usually open from 8:30am to 12pm and from 1:30pm to 5pm. Some banks
in tourist areas and large cities open at the weekends too.

Taking lira with you is advisable, to avoid poor exchange rates once you get to Turkey.

Eating out

Istanbul is a wonderful place for restaurant dining, no matter what your budget. From simple sidewalk cafes
to lavish culinary terraces, Turkish cuisine can be
enjoyed by all.

The average price for a meal at a ‘cheap’ restaurant is about 20 lira. A mid-range restaurant will charge around 45 lira per person for a 3-course meal. You’ll also find lots of restaurants offering set menus at a good price (30 lira for three courses).

Tipping

As most restaurants apply a service charge, tipping in Turkey is optional. 5%-10% of your total bill is considered to be a good tip. In high-end restaurants, 10%-15% is usually more appropriate.