Going on an excursion to Istanbul or on a beach holiday in Antalya, tourists, as a rule, take with them dollars and euros. In principle, having enough funds in one of these world currencies, the traveler will not disappear anywhere. But if the task is not to survive in an elementary way, but to spend the savings wisely, you should understand the name of the currency of the host country, where it is better to buy, what it looks like.
Turkish money (lira) has changed several times in the history of its existence. Although the new banknotes, which replaced the old ones, turned out to be modern and more protected from fakes, every resident of the state could easily recognize “the same” banknotes in them.
So, Turkish money is not the euro, as some people think, but lira. Each consists of 100 chicken. Lyres exist in the form of banknotes of various denominations, ranging from 5 to 200. Kurushi - coins from 1 to 50. 1 lira as an exception is also represented by a coin. Regardless of the face value, all modern Turkish money is made with a portrait of Ataturk (the great reformer, politician and president, the respect of the people to which is expressed in this way). Now you know what Turkish money is called.
Turkish money, the rate against the dollar
Those who are going to this warm, welcoming country for the first time should know that both in the markets and in many private stores they are happy to accept both dollars and euros. But in order not to overpay, you need to be guided in the rates of the local currency against the world.
Today it costs about 45 US cents (or 0.33 euros). When buying in the market, the traveler should be guided by the fact that instead of 2 lire they will take a dollar from him, and instead of 3 - euro. And that will be perfectly acceptable.
Where is it better to change Turkish money
As in many other countries, the most disadvantageous course here will be at the hotel. As for the most comfortable and safe way to exchange dollars or euros brought with you for lira, this will undoubtedly be a visit to the bank. There you can exchange the available currency for Turkish money.
Despite the fact that the service in Turkish financial institutions is far from European standards, acceptable comfort and an English-speaking specialist can definitely be provided here. If visiting the bank for some reason failed, you should not change money on the street, then it is quite easy to become a victim of local scammers. It’s better to lose a bit by paying at a less favorable rate than to be robbed.
What is the best way to pay?
If it is a hotel, a large supermarket or a restaurant, then all possible options apply. The tourist will easily receive a payment card or cash in lira, euro, dollars or even rubles. During excursions to historical places it is better to have small bills with you for buying groceries or souvenirs. Tricky merchants, motivating by the lack of change, strive to sell travelers more goods, so a trifle here will be very helpful.
Those who wish to visit local markets (especially in the old districts of cities and small towns) are better off carrying lyres. Some merchants here may refuse to accept dollars or agree to pay with this currency at an openly understated rate.