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Managing Money in Cappadocia
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TL/TRY). Here's everything you need to know about money in Cappadocia.
Currency Options
- Most tour operators accept EUR, USD, TRY
- Hotels usually quote EUR
- Restaurants accept TRY mostly, some EUR
- Shops: TRY preferred
Best Exchange Methods
- ATMs: Best rates, widely available
- Bank branches: Good rates, slow
- Airport exchange: Avoid — worst rates
- Hotel exchange: Convenient but 5-10% worse rate
ATM Tips
- Find ATMs in Göreme, Ürgüp centers
- Use bank ATMs (İş Bankası, Garanti, Akbank)
- Avoid standalone "Euronet" ATMs — high fees
- Withdraw TRY, not EUR/USD
- Daily limit usually 5000 TRY (~€150)
Tipping Culture
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge, 5% if added
- Tour guides: €10-20 per day per group
- Drivers: €5-10 per day
- Balloon pilot: €5-10 per passenger
- Hotel staff: 50-100 TL for luggage help
- Taxis: Round up to next 10 TL
Card Acceptance
- Visa/Mastercard widely accepted
- Amex: limited
- Contactless common
- Some small restaurants cash only
- Always carry some TRY cash for markets, small cafes
Scams to Avoid
- "Dynamic currency conversion" at restaurants — always pay in TRY
- Tourist-area exchange offices with seemingly good rates
- Taxi drivers offering to exchange at "special rate"
Daily Cash Needs
- Breakfast tips: 20 TL
- Lunch: 200-400 TL with tip
- Dinner: 500-1000 TL
- Guide tip: €10-20
- Small purchases: 100-300 TL
Keep most money in cards, 100-200€ equivalent in TRY cash. Refill at Göreme/Ürgüp ATMs as needed.
