Reply To: Currency for Istanbul

[Aston100]

ATMS from Halk, ING and a couple of others are fee-free (obviously decline DCC when offered) and should have a presence at IST and SAW airports.
Cards accepted in most places.
In addition, ATMs from PTT (the post office) are fee-free and there should be a few around the city.
As above, don’t take out too much cash as the Lira is on a downward spiral.
Use Lira if cash payment is unavoidable. Don’t be a wally and pay in Euros unless you’ve got some lying around.
Tip in cash, but don’t feel the need to tip excessively – you can round up your taxi fare to the next 50 or 100 Lira. You’re not in the USA or western Europe.
Make sure taxis turn on their meter, otherwise get out and find another (chances are they’ll call you back and turn the meter on after all).