Money and duty free for Turkey
Currency and Money
Currency information
New Turkish Lira (TRY; symbol YTL) = 100 New Kurus (Ykr). Notes are in denominations of YTL200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of YTL1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 New Kurus.
Credit cards
Visa is the most popular, closely followed by MasterCard. American Express is accepted in top-flight hotels, restaurants and some gift shops. ATMs are widely found in most areas. In all smaller restaurants, bars, guesthouses and shops cash is preferred. Many establishments in resort areas will accept Euros.
ATM
ATMs are easily found in most urban areas. As with all transactions be careful with your card, taking care to keep it in sight, and be discreet with cash.
Travellers cheques
Traveller's cheques can only be exchanged in banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars. Credit cards are far more convenient.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1700. Some banks in tourist areas and large cities are open daily. Cash can be exchanged in currency exchange offices (döviz bürosu) in all major cities and towns. Banks charge commission.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local. The import and export of foreign currency exceeding US$5,000 must be declared.
Currency exchange
Cash can usually be exchanged commission free in currency exchange offices (döviz bürosu). Banks usually charge commission. Traveller's cheques can only be exchanged in banks with a passport. Travellers planning to exchange currency back from Turkish Lira to their own country before leaving Turkey, or those making a major purchase which may need to be declared to customs, must retain transaction receipts to prove that the currency was legally exchanged.
Turkey duty free
Overview
Visitors over 18 years of age may import the following into Turkey without incurring customs duty:
• Up to 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 200g tobacco and 200 cigarette paper, or 200g pipe tobacco or 200g chewing tobacco or 200g tobacco for nargileh or 50g snuff.
• In addition to the above given allowances for tobacco products, each passenger over 18 years of age is also allowed to purchase 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g pipe tobacco in Turkish duty free shops when entering the country.
• 1 bottle of 100cl or 2 bottles of 70cl or 75 cl of wine and / or spirits.
• 600 ml perfume & cosmetic (maximum 120ml of each).
• 1.5 kg tea, coffee, 1.5 kg instant coffee, 500 g tea, 1kg chocolate, 1 kg confectionery.
• Gifts to the value of €430 (reduced to €150 for those under 15 years old).
Banned Imports
Narcotics. Sharp implements (including camping knives) and weapons require a special permit.
Banned Exports
The export of souvenirs such as carpets is subject to customs regulations regarding age and value. The export of antiques is strictly forbidden, with harsh penalties for those caught doing so. Minerals may only be exported under licence from the General Directorate of Mining Exploration & Research. You can't export tea, coffee, grain products or spices.
