What is Turkish money?

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 money in one of these world currencies, the traveler is nowhere to be lost. But if the task is not to survive in an elementary way, but to spend money wisely, you should understand what the currency of the host country is, where it is better to buy it, what it looks like.

Turkish money (lire) for the entire history of its existence changed several times. Although the new banknotes that came to replace the old ones turned out to be modern and more secure from forgery, it was easy for every citizen of the state to find out the "same" notes in them.

So, Turkish money is not the euro, as some think, but lira. Each consists of 100 kurushas. Lira exist in the form of banknotes of different denominations, ranging from 5 to 200. Kurushi are coins from 1 to 50. 1 lira, as an exception, is also represented by a coin. Regardless of denomination, all modern Turkish money is made with a portrait of Ataturk (great reformer, politician and president, people's respect for which is expressed in this way). Now you know what the Turkish money is called.

Turkish money, rate to the dollar

Those who are going to this warm friendly country for the first time should know that in the markets and in many private shops, they are happy to accept both dollars and euros. But in order not to overpay, it is necessary to orient yourself in local currency exchange rates in relation to world currencies.

Today it costs about 45 US cents (or 0.33 euros). When buying on the market, the traveler should be guided by the fact that instead of 2 lira, a dollar will be taken from him, and instead of 3 - euro. And it will be quite acceptable.

Where is it better to change Turkish money

As in many other countries, the most unfavorable course here will be at the hotel. As for the most comfortable and safe way of exchanging dollars or euros with lyres, it 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 the financial institutions of Turkey is largely far from the pan-European standards, the acceptable comfort and English-speaking specialist here can definitely provide. If the visit to the bank for some reason failed, you should not change money on the street, it's pretty easy to become a victim of local scammers. It is better to lose a little by paying off at a less favorable rate than to be robbed.

How to better pay off

If we are talking about a hotel, a large supermarket or a restaurant, then there are all possible options. The tourist will easily accept a payment card or cash in lira, euro, dollars or even rubles. During excursions to historical places it is better to have small banknotes for purchase of products or souvenirs. Sly traders, motivating the lack of change, strive to sell the travelers more goods, so that the small change will be very useful.

Those who wish to visit local markets (especially in the old districts of cities and small towns) it is better to have lira with them. Some traders here can refuse to accept dollars or agree to pay this currency at a frankly understated rate.