Buy Turkish lira online
Our currency calculator is a quick and easy way to check our latest foreign currency exchange rates.
Why buy Turkish lira from M&S Bank?
Jetting off to Turkiye? Whether you're taking in the country's rich culture in the colourful mosques of Istanbul or enjoying the beaches of Antalya, there's plenty to experience in this diverse country.
We offer a number of benefits when you buy Turkish lira with M&S Bank.
- Our stores are open 7 days a week†
- Buy Turkish lira online and collect from your local Bureau de Change
- Exchange any leftover currency when you return using our buy back service
TRY Turkish lira exchange rate
The exchange rate may differ depending on the day you order your currency.
Find today's Turkish lira exchange rate here. Or use our Turkish lira converter to see how much you could get for your pound.
How to sell back Turkish lira
Do you have left over Turkish lira from your recent trip? We can buy back foreign currency from you.
How to order Turkish lira
Our online and in-store services make ordering your Turkish lira simple:
- Order your Turkish lira online with our Click & Collect currency service. Choose your collection date and collect from your local Bureau de Change. Or order before 4pm and collect in store the same day, using our SameDay Click & Collect service*.
- Or visit your local Bureau de Change to buy Turkish lira*. You can find our Bureaux de Change in M&S stores nationwide. Many are open seven days a week late into the evening, so you can buy your Turkish lira at a time that suits you.
Countries that accept Turkish lira
As well as Turkiye, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also accepts the Turkish lira. Outside this region, the remainder of Cyprus will only accept the euro (EUR). If you're visiting Cyprus, you may need to bring two sets of travel money.
You may be able to use Turkish lira in southern Bulgaria, particularly in petrol stations close to the border. However, you should always try to pay in country's respective currency to make payment easier.
Why visit Turkiye?
If you're hoping to cross both mainland Europe and Asia off your travel bucket list, Turkiye might be the perfect destination for you!
The city of Istanbul bridges Europe with west Asia, and the blend of culture has created some of the most unique architecture in Turkiye. For history lovers, the Roman ruins of Ephesus and the Antalya Archaeological Museum give great insight into Turkiye's past.
Turkiye is also renowned for tea and coffee. If you find yourself in a traditional Turkish teahouse, you'll definitely need some travel money to pay for your hot drink.
The good news is that with our currency converter you can see how much Turkish lira your pound will buy, and plan the perfect trip.
Turkish lira facts and history
The Turkish lira (TRY) is the official currency of Turkiye.
The currency unit 'lira' comes from 'libra', the Roman unit of weight. The lira was first introduced in 1844 as the Ottoman lira. Following Turkiye's independence in the 20th century, the Ottoman lira was renamed as the Turkish lira.
The Turkish lira is divided into 100 kurus and we can represent it using the code TRY.
Turkish lira comes in both coins and banknotes. Coins include:
- 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kurus
- TRY1
Banknotes include:
- TRY20
- TRY50
- TRY100
- TRY200
You can buy Turkish lira online using our Click & Collect service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my bank card in Turkiye?
Credit and debit cards are accepted across Turkiye, particularly in large cities and tourist areas.
Tourist hotspots like Istanbul and Bodrum may even let you pay in euros (EUR), but it's always best to pay in Turkish lira. Paying in Turkish lira protects you from any additional costs.
Smaller businesses like teahouses and cafés will usually prefer payments in cash. If you're visiting a market or bazaar, bring some travel money and expect to haggle for the right price.
Can you use other currencies in Turkiye?
In major tourist areas or cities closer to mainland Europe, you may be able to pay in euros.
However, the TRY to EUR exchange rate will change from shop to shop. This means you could pay more in euros than in lira. Wherever possible, you should pay in Turkish lira.
Do you need a visa to visit Turkiye?
UK citizens can visit Turkiye without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
If you want to stay a little longer or earn some Turkish lira, you'll need to apply for an appropriate visa or work permit.
Other passport holders should check the entry requirements with your country's embassy.
You should always research the most up to date visa guidelines before planning a trip.
Should I tip in Turkiye?
It's normal to tip in Turkiye for excellent service in restaurants or bars.
Tipping between 10% and 20% of the total bill is a good way to show your appreciation. You can also leave a cash tip of about TRY10 for other workers, including:
- hotel workers
- cleaning staff
- spa attendants
- bath attendants
- salon workers
- taxi drivers
What languages are spoken in Turkiye?
The official language of Turkiye is Turkish, and it's the most widely-spoken language across the country.
Turkiye is also home to a large Kurdish minority, so you may hear Kurdish and Zaza along your travels.
There are a number of foreign languages recognised in Turkiye as well, including:
- English
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Balkan languages (Bulgarian, Greek, Bosnian)
What is the latest government travel advice for Turkiye?
Turkiye is rich in natural beauty and history, but it can also be home to extreme weather.
Mountainous regions can experience unpredictable weather, with bushfires and floods being common.
You can visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest government travel advice for Turkiye.
What is the best time of year to visit Turkiye?
Like any destination, the best time to visit Turkiye will depend on what you want to do and the weather you want.
If you want to explore the historical side of Turkiye, consider visiting between April to mid-June. The weather is pleasant during this period, making it ideal for sightseeing and visiting historical sites.
Turkish summers are hot, particularly in coastal areas. If you want a beach holiday, this is the perfect time to visit the Turkish Riviera or the Mediterranean coast. Major cities may be more crowded during this time, so you may need to book in advance to secure your holiday!
Important documents
M&S Travel Money Terms and Conditions (opens in a new window)
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Other popular currencies
If you are planning a future holiday or a trip that takes in multiple destinations, these other currencies may be useful:
euros
Hungarian forint
Bulgarian lev
*Subject to availability
† Subject to store opening hours