Heading on a trip to Antalya? Good choice, you’ve picked a beautiful spot! Antalya is the perfect Turkish destination for relaxing on the beach, enjoying historic sites and dipping your toes into Turkish culture. But before you pack your bags, there’s a handful of practical matters you’ll want to find out before you head on your way – including “what’s the currency in Antalya?”, what packing essentials you need and other practical considerations. So, without further ado let’s dive into the details and ensure you have all you need for your upcoming trip…
CURRENCY IN ANTALYA
What’s the currency in Antalya?
The official currency in Antalya is the Turkish Lira (TRY) although many people end up taking Euros with them as its widely accepted throughout the city and often preferred by traders. So, which should you take? Turkish Lira or Euros?
What’s the best currency to use in Antalya: Turkish Lira or Euro?
The age-old debate of whether to take Lira or Euro! This has to be one of the most frequent questions I get asked and in short it really comes down to preference. At the moment the Turkish Lira has a very favourable exchange rate, meaning if you’re changing your GBP into Lira, you’re going to get a lot more for your money then transferring from GBP to Euro. So, in that respect, it’s technically better to use Lira in Turkey.
However, the main problem is that the local traders want to trade in Euros (so they can exchange it when the exchange rate is favourable and get more bang for their buck). Therefore, tourists arriving with lots of Lira can really struggle to get rid of the currency. Even if you’re able to pay for a few things in Lira, they’ll almost always give you Euros in change. Again, it only really pays off to get Lira if you’re actually able to use it all before you get back (you don’t really want to be exchanging back and forth).
At the end of the day take what you feel most at ease with. When I ended up taking lots of Lira, I really regretted it because I just struggled to get rid of it and even had lira refused at some times. So, I ended up bringing Euros for shopping, tourist attractions hotels etc. and just keeping a very small amount of Lira for tips. If you’re unsure, it’s probably best to take a mixture of the two.
Is it better to exchange money in UK or Antalya?
If you’re choosing to convert your GBP to Turkish Lira, it’s generally better to do this upon your arrival in Antalya because local exchange offices and ATMs generally offer more competitive rates than in the UK.
How to get Turkish Lira currency in Antalya:
Getting your hands on Turkish Lira is relatively straightforward in Antalya. Banks, exchange offices, and ATMs are scattered across the city, all with pretty favourable exchange rates. While most hotels also offer currency exchange services, it’s generally best to compare rates with those found in local businesses to ensure you’re getting the best deal and making the most of every Lira! (Again, if you’re choosing to bring Euros with you instead, you can do this before you arrive in Antalya, or use your left-over Euros from your last European trip)
- Antalya Currency Exchange Offices: There are numerous currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Compare rates and choose a reputable exchange office to get the best value for your money.
- ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Antalya, and many accept international debit and credit cards. However, be mindful of withdrawal fees and conversion rates that your bank may apply.
- Banks: Banks in Antalya also offer currency exchange services. While their rates might be competitive, banks usually have fixed operating hours.
- Hotels: Some hotels might offer currency exchange services, but their rates may not be as favourable as those at dedicated exchange offices.
TIPPING CULTURE & CURRENCY IN ANTALYA
Do you Tip in Antalya?
Yes! It’s generally seen as a courteous way to express appreciation for exceptional service during your stay.
How much do you tip in Antalya?
Tipping in Antalya generally follows the 10-15% rule. For restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage of the total is customary. Similarly, tipping hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers is a gracious gesture that’s welcomed with open arms.
WHAT ELSE TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO ANTALYA
Okay, so we’ve covered in detail what the currency in Antalya is, but what else do you need to pack on a trip to Antalya? Read on for all my top tips…
Do you need a travel adapter for Antalya?
Yes, Turkey uses the Type F power outlet, so don’t forget to pack that trusty travel adapter to keep your gadgets charged and ready to go.
How to dress when visiting Antalya
Antalya’s climate ranges from Mediterranean to subtropical, so pack your wardrobe with breathable fabrics, swimsuits, and comfortable footwear. For exploring historical sites or visiting places of worship, a modest outfit that covers shoulders and knees is advised as a sign of respect for the local culture (especially if you’re planning to visit any mosques during your visit)
Antalya Packing List Essentials:
- Swimsuits
- Comfortable footwear
- Type F Travel Adapter
- Cover-ups for historical sites and places of worship (shoulders and knees covered)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Scarves for visiting Mosques
- Toilet paper (public toilets don’t always have toilet paper!)
TRAVELLING TO ANTALYA FAQS
You’ve booked and planned, and now it’s time to address the FAQs that might have crossed your mind. Read on for my most frequently asked questions when visiting Antalya:
1. Is it safe to drink tap water in Antalya?
While tap water is generally considered safe, sticking to bottled water for drinking is recommended, especially to avoid any potential stomach troubles!
2. What’s the time zone in Antalya?
Antalya operates on Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+3.
3. What’s the language spoken in Antalya?
Turkish is the official language, but you’ll find that English is spoken in most tourist areas.
4. Is Antalya Expensive to Visit?
This really depends on what you’re planning to do, but generally no, Antalya is not known for being an expensive place to visit. And that’s mainly because Antalya is within the top 7% of the cheapest places to live! (meaning prices at local level are fairly cheap.) Nevertheless, Antalya is a tourist hub and if you want the best prices, you’ll need to bargain and haggle (Traders will inflate their prices for tourists)
5. What are the Best Things to do in Antalya?
- Explore the historic streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming old town.
- Marvel at the stunning Düden Waterfalls
- Take a boat tour along the coastline
- Head on an excursion to the ancient city of Perge or Termessos
- Wander through the vibrant Antalya Bazaar
- Relax on Konyaalti Beach or Lara Beach
- Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Aspendos, known for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre.
- Take a day trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis
- Test your limits and go paragliding!
FINAL WORD: CURRENCY IN ANTALYA, PACKING & THINGS TO DO
And that’s it! Now that you’ve familiarised yourself with the local currency in Antalya, tipping customs, packing essentials and common queries, you’re well equipped to navigate your upcoming trip to Antalya with confidence. Whether you’re planning to explore historical sites, indulge in local cuisine or soak up the stunning coastal landscapes, you’ll have all you need to ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip to Antalya. Enjoy!
