Tool 13 — Money & Budget

Airport vs City Exchange Loss

The real cost per €100 across the four most common exchange options.

What this solves

Currency exchange in Turkey has unusually wide spreads: a €100 bill can become ₺3,400 at the airport kiosk or ₺3,500 at a city döviz bürosu, with no visible commission. The cost isn't just the spread — it's that the "best rate" advertised is rarely what you receive, the ATM adds a fixed fee on top, and hotels are the worst of all. This tool nets everything.

Compare exchange options

Currency you bring

Amount you bring

Card type

Option	Effective TRY/€	Lira you receive	Loss vs mid-market	Notes

How to read the result

The mid-market rate on a date can be checked at ECB or xe.com.
The loss column shows what you "gave away" to the conversion channel.
ATMs usually beat döviz bürosu for amounts > ₺3,000; döviz for smaller.

Limitations

Bank ATM fees vary wildly by issuing bank. Wise / N26 / Revolut are nearly mid-market.
Some döviz bürosu in tourist areas display "0 commission" but bake the spread into the rate. Always check the math.

FAQ

Should I bring cash or use card?

Card for hotels, restaurants, big purchases (with the right card). Cash for taxis that don't take apps, tips, small bazaars. Bring ~₺1,500 in cash for arrival.

Are exchange offices regulated?

Yes — by SPK (Capital Markets Board) and the Treasury. They must display the rate. Receipts are mandatory.

Best card for Turkey?

A card with no FX markup (Wise, Revolut, N26, Capital One Venture X). Avoid cards charging 3% FX fee — that's effectively a 9% loss vs ATM.