Where to Exchange Currency in Istanbul

Turkey’s unit of currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). You can exchange currency at popular tourist areas like Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, around Taksim Square and Istiklal Cadessi, etc. Rates are said to be best at the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet but the differences may be insignificant. You won’t get the best rates at the airports so if you need to exchange currency to get into the city, then you should only change a small amount.

Instead of exchanging currency, a common practice by travelers in Turkey is to withdraw TL from an ATM instead. That’s what we did. Not only is it the quickest and most convenient way to get TL, but ATMs are said to give the best rates as well. There are plenty of ATMs in istanbul, including the airport. Depending on which one you use, your bank may impose daily withdrawal limits and charge you a processing fee per withdrawal. You should clarify this with your bank before your trip. You may have to activate your ATM card for overseas use as well. I did.