Where to Exchange Money in Konakli & Turkler
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If you're staying around Konaklı or Türkler, here's the short answer: change your pounds into Turkish lira at one of the dedicated exchange offices in town — not at the airport, and not at your hotel reception. You'll get noticeably more lira for your money, and there are several of these offices within easy reach of the main resorts.
Here's how to do it properly, and the few small traps worth knowing about.
Use a "döviz" exchange office, not the hotel
The little kiosks right on the beach strip and the desk at your hotel reception are convenient — and convenience is exactly what you pay for. Their rates are usually the poorest in the area, because they're banking on you not wanting to walk far.
The dedicated exchange offices are easy to spot once you know what you're looking for: signs saying "Change," "Exchange," or the Turkish word "Döviz." These shops trade on volume, so their rates sit far closer to the real market rate. The gap might not sound like much, but on a few hundred pounds it can easily be the cost of a couple of nice dinners out.
You don't need any Turkish to use one. You hand over your pounds, they hand you lira, and the rate is shown on a board. There's no awkward negotiation — the rate is the rate.
Where the offices are: town centre beats the beachfront
This is the single most useful thing to know in Konaklı and Türkler: the exchange offices set back in the town centre almost always give a better rate than the ones right on the seafront.
The shops closest to the beach and the busy tourist strip are paying premium rents and serving people who don't want to walk — so their rates reflect that. Walk a few minutes inland, into the everyday part of town where locals actually shop, and you'll find the offices competing harder for business. The rate improves the moment you step away from the sand.
In Konaklı, that means heading back from the seafront toward the main town centre. In Türkler, the offices along the main road through the resort do the same job. If you're staying at one of the larger hotels along this stretch, the centre is either a comfortable walk or a very cheap dolmuş (shared minibus) ride away — well worth it for the better rate on a week's spending money.
Always check these three things
Reputable offices are completely straightforward, but it's worth a ten-second check anywhere in the world:
- The rate on the board. Glance at the real GBP/TRY rate on your phone before you go in. A fair office will be within a small margin of it.
- Commission. "No commission" is the norm at good offices, but ask anyway. Confirm the exact lira amount you'll receive before you hand anything over.
- Count your lira at the desk. Just good habit — count it before you walk away, not in the street outside.
Don't change much at the airport
If you flew into Antalya or Gazipaşa, you'll have seen exchange desks the moment you landed. Their rates are among the worst you'll come across. Change just enough to cover your transfer and a first-night drink if you need to — then do the rest once you've reached Konaklı or Türkler. If you've booked a private transfer, you won't even need much on arrival — see our airport transfer service.
Do you even need cash?
Probably less than you think. Most restaurants, supermarkets, and larger shops in the area take cards, and many take contactless. But you'll still want some lira for the dolmuş, small kiosks, the local market, and tips. A sensible approach is to withdraw or exchange a moderate amount and top up as you go rather than carrying a week's worth at once.
If you'd rather lean on your UK card, that works well here too — see our guides on using your UK bank card in Turkey and ATMs near Eftalia and Konaklı. Not sure whether to bring cash or exchange on arrival? Our guide on whether to bring cash or exchange in Turkey walks through it.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to exchange money in Konaklı?
At a dedicated exchange office ("Döviz" or "Change") in the town centre, set back from the seafront. These give better rates than the beachfront kiosks or your hotel reception.
Is it better to exchange money at the airport or in Alanya?
In Alanya. Airport rates at Antalya and Gazipaşa are among the worst you'll find. Change just enough at the airport for your transfer, and do the rest in Konaklı or Türkler.
Do I need cash in Türkler and Konaklı?
Some, but less than you'd expect. Cards and contactless are widely accepted, but keep lira for the dolmuş, kiosks, the market and tips.
Should I exchange pounds or use my UK card?
Both work well here. Many visitors do a mix — exchange some cash for small everyday spending, and use a UK card (Monzo, Revolut, Wise) for larger payments.
For everything money-related in one place, see our Alanya money guide. Stuck finding an open office? Message us on WhatsApp — we're local and happy to help.
