Should I Bring Cash or Exchange Money in Turkey?

The simple answer: bring a small amount of pounds for arrival, and get the rest of your lira in Turkey — the rates are better there than buying lira in the UK. Better still, lean on a fee-free travel card for most of your spending and only exchange the cash you actually need. Bringing a big wad of lira from home, or changing it all at the airport, is how visitors lose money before the holiday even starts.

Here's how to decide.

Should I buy lira in the UK before I go?

Only a little. UK bureaux and banks tend to give a poorer rate than you'll get exchanging locally in Alanya, and they sometimes add fees on top. It's reassuring to land with a small amount of lira in your pocket — enough for your transfer, a drink, a tip — but beyond that, wait. Don't convert your whole holiday budget at the UK end.

Is exchanging in Turkey better?

Generally, yes. The dedicated "Döviz" or "Change" offices in Turkey — especially the ones in the town centre, set back from the seafront — give noticeably better rates than UK bureaux, the airport, or your hotel reception. For exactly where to go in this area, see our guide: Where to exchange money in Konaklı & Türkler.

What about the airport?

Change as little as possible at Antalya or Gazipaşa. Airport exchange desks have some of the worst rates you'll encounter. The sensible move: change just enough for your transfer and first night if you need to, then sort the rest once you've reached Konaklı or Türkler.

Cash or card?

For most visitors, the best answer isn't "cash or exchange" at all — it's card plus a bit of cash:

• Card for restaurants, supermarkets, larger shops and most excursions. A fee-free travel card (Monzo, Revolut, Wise) gives a great rate with no foreign fees.
• Cash (lira) for the dolmuş, the market, small kiosks, street food and tips — exchange a moderate amount locally and top up as you go.

This way you get the best rate on big payments, cash where you actually need it, and a backup if a card is ever declined.

Don't over-exchange

The most common mistake we see: changing too much cash up front, then scrambling to spend the last of it — or changing it back at a poor rate — on the way home. Leftover lira is awkward to convert back. Exchange a sensible amount, lean on your card, and top up only if you run low. For working out the right amount, see how much cash to take to Alanya for a week.

Quick recap

• Bring a small amount of lira for arrival only.
• Exchange the rest in Turkey, at a town-centre office — better rates than the UK or airport.
• Use a fee-free card for most spending; exchange only the cash you need.
• Avoid the airport desks and don't over-exchange.

For the full picture of every way to get lira, see GBP to TRY: the best way to get Turkish lira. Stuck on arrival? Message us on WhatsApp — we're local and happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

Should I bring cash or exchange money in Turkey?
Bring a small amount of pounds for arrival and exchange the rest in Turkey, where rates are better. Better still, use a fee-free card for most spending and exchange only the cash you need.

Is it better to exchange money in the UK or in Turkey?
In Turkey. You generally get a better rate at a town-centre office in Alanya than buying lira from a UK bureau. Take only a small amount from home.

How much cash should I exchange at the airport?
As little as possible — airport rates are among the worst. Change just enough for your transfer and first night, then sort the rest in Konaklı or Türkler.

Do I need to bring cash to Turkey at all?
Only a small amount for arrival. Cards and contactless are widely accepted, and you can exchange or withdraw lira locally.