Can you pay in euros in Türkiye: a complete guide for travellers from France
Can you pay in euros in Türkiye? If so, where is this currency accepted, and how can you avoid unnecessary bank fees when using a euro card in Türkiye?
For a stress-free trip, travel with the Wise card: you’ll enjoy fair and transparent pricing on all your withdrawals and payments in Türkiye. Your euro–Turkish lira conversions are done at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden markups.
Can you pay in euros in Türkiye?
Most everyday transactions in Türkiye are carried out in the local currency — the Turkish lira (TRY).
However, in some tourist areas and international hotels, you can also pay in euros.
Here’s the current exchange rate:
- 1 € = 48.96 TRY
- 1 TRY = 0.020 €
Official rate as of October 20, 2025.
Where can you pay in euros in Türkiye?
Euro payments are usually accepted in the following areas:
- Tourist resorts: Antalya, Bodrum, Çeşme, Alaçatı…
- Large cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa…
- Busy commercial areas: especially in central Istanbul.
- Airports and transport hubs: Istanbul Airport (LTFM), Sabiha Gökçen (LTFJ), and other major terminals.
Which businesses accept euro payments?
You may be able to pay in euros at:
- International hotels and restaurants: especially those catering to foreign visitors.
- Souvenir shops: located in tourist zones, but note that prices are often inflated. Always compare against the Turkish lira price.
- Rental or travel agencies: often accept euros for car rentals, excursions, or packages.
- Markets and bazaars: some accept euros in popular tourist areas, but always check prices and feel free to negotiate.
- Large supermarket chains: certain international stores near tourist areas sometimes allow euro payments.
Please note: paying in euros is not a right, but a convenience offered by some merchants. They often apply their own conversion rate or a markup, meaning you’ll pay more in euros than if you paid in Turkish lira.
How to exchange euros at the best rate for spending in Türkiye
Need cash in lira? Exchange some euros before leaving France or upon arrival.
Some exchange offices offer better rates when you book online rather than exchanging money directly at a counter.
See our guide on where to exchange your money →
Beware of dynamic currency conversion (DCC)
Some shops and ATMs offer to charge you directly in euros — this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
While it may seem convenient to know the exact euro amount you’ll pay, this option usually comes with a poor exchange rate and extra fees.
It’s generally best to refuse DCC and choose to pay in the local currency (TRY) instead.
Paying with a euro card in Türkiye: how to save on fees
Here are a few easy ways to reduce costs when using your euro bank card to pay in Türkiye.
Prioritise payments over withdrawals
Banks often charge higher fees for cash withdrawals than for card payments. Whenever possible, pay directly by card instead of withdrawing cash.
It’s safer too — you’ll avoid carrying large amounts of money.
Use a low-fee bank card
It’s always smart to travel with a backup debit card in case of loss or malfunction.
The Wise card lets you pay and withdraw money worldwide at the mid-market exchange rate. This means no hidden markups and transparent pricing on every transaction.
It’s also one of the few cards that consistently uses the mid-market exchange rate for conversions.
Consider an international option with your French bank
Many French banks offer international plans that reduce or remove foreign transaction fees for a monthly subscription.
If you travel often, this can be a convenient add-on to your existing account.
For maximum savings, pay in euros at the mid-market rate with the Wise card
The Wise card allows you to spend euros in Türkiye at fair and transparent rates. How? Wise applies no markup to the EUR–TRY conversion, only a fair conversion fee.
There are no monthly charges or hidden costs — you only pay for what you use.
More information
on the Wise card
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
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