Should I pay in foreign currency or Turkish lira in Antalya shops?

If you must pay cash in foreign currency, US dollars are usually better than euros in small shops: sellers often treat the dollar and euro as equal at 1:1 face value, even though the real exchange rate is different.

Another way to get lira without using a separate exchange office is to make a purchase at Carrefour for about 1,500 lira and pay with a $100 bill. The reported rate in this case was around 46.65 TRY per USD.

Sometimes exchanging money at the hotel reception offers a better rate than buying at the current market rate — it is worth monitoring the rate and comparing options.

When exchanging dollars for lira, a rate of around 46 lira per dollar is considered good. Slightly below that is still acceptable, but if the rate is significantly worse, it is worth looking elsewhere.

Shops and market stalls accept dollars and euros, but the exchange rate is set by the seller and always works against the buyer. For example, a price equivalent to $1.40 in lira will be rounded up to $2. Pay in lira when prices are listed in lira, and don't forget to haggle.

A handy trick: at Migros supermarket you can pay in US dollars and receive change in Turkish lira. The rate is generally fair — better than most street shops.

Public buses in Antalya do not accept foreign currency at all — you must pay in Turkish lira. Exchange money before using local transport.

General advice: exchange your money into Turkish lira before shopping. Prices in Turkey are in lira, and paying in lira is always more cost-effective than on-the-spot conversion at the seller's rate.