Cards: contactless is now universal
In 2026, contactless Visa and Mastercard work essentially everywhere a British traveller goes: hotels, mid-market restaurants, harbour-front taverns, taxi apps, supermarkets, and ironically the Grand Bazaar. American Express acceptance is patchier (better in chain hotels and luxury restaurants). We recommend Revolut, Wise, Starling, or Chase as your primary travel card for fee-free FX; Halifax Clarity is the legacy alternative.
When you actually need cash
Tips for porters, drivers, guides, and tour leaders. Small market stalls, traditional tea-houses, and very small village restaurants. Hammam attendants. Small souvenir purchases in bazaars. Tolls on intercity roads if you're driving. Estimate £100 worth of lira for a 7-night trip per couple, more if you're rural-touring.
How to get lira
Best rates: ATMs at Turkish bank branches (Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, Yapı Kredi, Akbank) using your UK debit card. Charge typically 2–4 lira per withdrawal. Avoid ATMs at airports (poor rates), Bureau de Change kiosks (worst rates), and any 'no-fee' currency-exchange office (the rate makes up for it). Don't change at the airport on arrival — change £20 if you must, then find a Turkish bank ATM in town.
Tipping: the British-friendly summary
Restaurants: 10% in cash if possible, even if a service charge appears on the bill (the service charge often doesn't reach the waiter). Taxis: round up. Hotel porters: £1–2 per bag. Hotel housekeeping: £2–3 per night, left in an envelope on the bedside table. Drivers (full-day): £15–25. Guides (half-day): £15–25. Hammam attendants: £5–10 (£10–15 if it was an excellent service). Captain and crew at end of gulet charter: 5–10% of charter fee, divided by the captain among the crew.
What to avoid
Traveller's cheques — Turkey effectively does not cash them in 2026. 'Dynamic Currency Conversion' at point of sale (you'll be offered the choice — always pick to be charged in lira). Carrying large sums of cash. Exchanging more than £30 at the airport on arrival.