Currency Regulations


Limits: There is a limit on the cash amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, more than 5,000 USD worth of Turkish currency may not be brought in to or taken out of the country.

Currency: The currency in Turkey is Turkish Lira, TL in short.

- 1 TL is 100 KuruÅŸ (Kr).


General Information

Banking Hours: Banks are open during the week days from 08:30 am. to 05:00 pm. Some are open at weekends as well. Branches in major hotels are available. Bank ATMs are available at almost every corner.

Drinking Water: Bottled water is recommended although the tap water is chlorinated in almost all cities and is safe for shower, teeth brush etc.

Electrical Appliances: The electric current in Turkey is 220 Volts AC in all parts of the country. The major hotels in the main cities have adaptors and converters available guests' use.

Time: Turkish standard time is two hours ahead of Greenwich mean time; one hour ahead of central European time and 7 hours ahead of U.S. eastern standard time.

Passport & Visa

While planning your trip to Turkey do not forget to check your passport if it is valid for at least 3 months. Depending on your nationality most probably your stay as a tourist is limited up to 3 months (for one entrance).  In case you loose your passport you should immediately contact your country's nearest embassy or general consulate in Turkey.

US and UK citizens can buy a three-monts valid entry visa at the Turkish airports or any other entry port to Turkey.

Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

Major Credit Cards and Traveler's checks are accepted in big cities, however you may need to carry some cash with you. US dollars and Euros are also widely excepted. Turkish money is a convertible one but DO NOT exchange your money to Turkish liras in your home town, the rate you get is much lower than what you get in Turkey. You can easily exchange money on arrival at airports or borders.

Checks: Euro checks can be cashed immediately; so can traveler's checks upon producing identification.

Credit Cards: The most widely accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard & Eurocard. You can exchange traveler's checks at Post Offices (PTT) in resort places and at certain banks.

Exchange rates for foreign currencies are published daily. You can check the value of your currency from the Currency Converter. You may exchange your money either in Post or Bank offices (open daily - except Saturdays and Sundays - between 09:00 to 17:00), Exchange offices (in resort areas are generally open until midnight), or at your hotel. You usually get the best rates at the exchange offices and the lowest at the hotels.