Can I pay in euros at shops in Turkey, and what exchange rate will be used for change in Turkish lira?

From messages by 6 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 46 days ago

TL;DR

Major chains such as Migros and LC Waikiki accept euros and usually give change in Turkish lira. LC Waikiki’s rate can be close to an exchange-office rate: one reported example was €1 = 55.14 TRY versus 55.50 TRY at an exchange office.

What the community said

At LC Waikiki, a reported euro payment rate was 55.14 TRY per €1. The official rate was 56.23 TRY and an exchange office offered 55.50 TRY, so the store rate was only slightly lower than exchanging cash.

LC Waikiki — €1 = 55.14 TRY

At small shops, change for a euro payment is generally expected in Turkish lira; ask for the rate before paying.

Change in Turkish lira

Prices displayed in euros are often aimed at tourists. You can ask for the price in Turkey’s official currency, Turkish lira, and compare the final amount.

Turkish lira (TRY)

Migros accepts both US dollars and euros and gives change in lira at the store’s current rate. Similar arrangements are available at large clothing chains including LC Waikiki.

Migros, LC Waikiki

For small purchases, some sellers may treat €1 as equal to US$1. If an item is priced in euros, paying in dollars under that conversion can be poor value.

€1 = US$1 for small purchases