Image credit: alozarWhen you are in Istanbul, the Turkish Lira (TRY) notes will be your best friends as it can make any of your payments done smoothly, especially at teahouses and market stores.
You will find the Lira notes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Liras. There is also 1-lira coin, which is equivalent to 100 Kurus.
A money changer in Istanbul is called a change office by locals. When you see the word “doviz“, which means foreign exchange, in front of a place, then you know that you are going to walk past a change office.
Those planning to exchange currency in Istanbul’s airport, at hotels or banks should think twice. Because most airport money changers charge a commission, which can be as high as 5%. And most importantly, rates offered by the above-mentioned service providers are not the best one can find in town.
So where can we look for money changers with rates that will make us say yes happily?
Just like the way it is in Singapore and Hong Kong, good money changers in Istanbul usually get together in commercial areas and major tourist places. You can find many of them at the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Sultanahmet, Laleli, and Taksim. This is such a nice combination, bringing convenience to visitors.
A useful rule of thumb is that always ask a change office if there is a commission or surcharge. And choose to go with the money changer with the narrowest difference between buying and selling rates.
If you bring traveler’s cheques with you on your trip to Istanbul, then you are advised to have them exchanged at post offices. Because they are the only service providers that won’t collect commissions for this kind of service. 9% fee is the amount that is charged as commission at most of the money changers in town when dealing with traveler’s cheques.
Note that post offices (PTT) also offer currency exchange services that apply to US Dollars, Euros, and UK Sterling.
Image credit: hypnocreativeThe Grand Bazaar is probably one of the most visited landmarks in Istanbul. Chances are you will also find yourself exploring this attraction like 90 million people who visit the bazaar annually. It is very convenient to include currency exchange in your trip to this market.
Currency exchange kiosks are located all around the Grand Bazaar. Feel free to compare rates before deciding which is your right money changer. The best rates are often offered by change offices in the gold dealers’ section, which is near the Mahmutpasa entrance.
Best rates for
– USD
– AUD
– CAD
– GBP
– JPY
– SAR
– DKK
– MYR
– SGD
– PHP
– INR
– HKD
– CNY / RMB
Recommended money changers
1. Merkez Doviz
– Today-exchange-rates
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Beyazıt Mh., Keseciler Cd. 105-107, 34126 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 520 4034
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 18:00
2. Kur Borsa Doviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Molla Fenari Mahallesi, Çuhacı Han Sokak No 8, 34126 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 511 2256
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
3. Haznedar Doviz
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Mollafenari, Çuhacı Han Sk. No: 8, 34120 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 514 2474
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 18:00
4. Gazi Doviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Mollafenari, Ç. Nuruosmaniye Cd. No:28, 34000, Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 511 5868
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
5. Yazici Altin Doviz
– Providing currency and gold exchange services since 1996
– Address: Kapali Çarsi Kavaflar Sk. No: 61 Beyazit, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 514 8282
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 18:00; Saturday 9:00 – 16:00
How to get there
– By tram: The nearest tram stop is Beyazit
– By metro: The nearest metro stations are Vezneciler and Marmaray Sirkeci
Image credit: Agaoglu DovizSultanahmet is the heart of Old Istanbul. It is home to many Istanbul’s famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the Byzantine Hippodrome.
If your hotel is in this tourist hub, then you can have your money exchanged in the area with ease. Just make your way to Divan Yolu Road or Vezirhan Road and you will find many change offices situated along these two roads.
Best rates for
– USD
– EUR
– GBP
– CHF
– SEK
– AUD
– SGD
– MYR
– INR
– PHP
– HKD
Recommended money changers
1. Aydin Gold and Change Office
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Divanyolu Caddesi Divan Center No:56/38, 34122, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 513 8698
– Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 21:00
2. Arkent Doviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Sultanahmet Mh., Divan Yolu Cad. No:32, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 520 4121
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 19:00
3. Ser Kıymetli Madenler
– More than 30 years in service
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Molla Fenari Mh. Şeref Efendi Sk. Şener Center No:28/5 Nurosmaniye, 34120, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 522 9309
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 07:00 – 17:00
4. Dadas Doviz
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:36, 34120, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 514 5958
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 18:00
5. Agaoglu Doviz
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Yeniçeriler Caddesi No: 25-b Beyazit, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 638 3737
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 – 18:00
Note: The nearest tram stops are Sultanahmet and Cemberlitas.
Image credit: Ye-Ye DovizMany visitors book a hotel room in Taksim for their Istanbul trip. If you choose to do the same, you will receive a bonus from the area: Having many currency exchange services within reach of your temporary home. Most of the money changers are clustered at the northern end of Istiklal Cadessi, near Taksim Square.
Besides change offices, you can also find retail shops and restaurants on Istiklal Cadessi street.
Best rates for
– USD
– EUR
– GBP
– CHF
– AUD
– SEK
– NOK
– DKK
– JPY
– SAR
– CAD
Recommended money changers
1. Ye-Ye Doviz
– Today-exchange-rates
– Currency and gold exchange company since 1992
– Address: İstiklal Caddesi 131/B, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 252 7358
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 20:00
2. Nizam Doviz
– Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, İstiklal Cad. No:31, 34433, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 252 6428
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:30
3. Cetin Doviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, İstiklal Cad. No:31, 34433, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 252 6428
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:30
4. Cozum Doviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Meşelik Sk. No:1, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 244 62 71
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
5. Aral Doviz
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Gümüşsuyu, Sıraselviler Cd. No:17, 34437, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 530 3554
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
How to get there
– By tram: The nearest tram stops are Taksim, Galatasaray, and Tunel.
– By metro: The nearest metro station is Taksim.
Image credit: Angun DovizThe Spice Bazaar, also known as Egyptian Bazaar, is one of the best places to convert currency in Istanbul. It is located right next to the New Mosque (Yeni Cami), near the ferry docks of Eminonu.
Remember to get your Lira notes before hunting for good deals on spices, jewelry, souvenirs, and Turkish delicacies at the market.
Currency exchange kiosks in the area spread from Spice Bazaar all the way to Ankara Road near Istanbul Railways Museum.
Best rates for
– EGP
– EUR
– GBP
– CHF
– AUD
– CAD
– TWD
– CNY
Recommended money changers
1. Muteber Doviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Hamidiye Cad. Doğubank İş Hanı No:29 D:33, Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 522 1212
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
2. Angun Doviz
– Today-exchange-rates
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Hobiyar Mh. Yenicami Cd. 2/1 Sultanahmet Meydanı Eminönü, 34112 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 522 1111
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
3. Zeki Doviz
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: Büyük Postane Cad. 23/B, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 520 3232
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
4. Narin Doviz
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: 74 Sabuncu Hanı Sokak, Tahtakale, 34116, Fatih, İstanbul
– Phone: +90 212 528 4980
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
5. Yalim Doviz
– Has 2 branches in Eminonu area
– Services: Currency and gold exchange
– Address: 59/B Ankara Caddesi, Hobyar, 34112 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 513 4545
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00 – 19:00
How to get there
– By tram: The neareast tram stop is Eminonu.
– By metro: The nearest metro station is Marmaray Sirkeci.
– By train: The nearest train station is Sirkeci.
Image credit: Martur DovizLaleli is loosely referred to as the Russia Town of Istanbul. The most famous landmark in the area is Laleli Mosque.
Laleli is mainly a shopping district where you can buy cheap clothes, shoes, and accessories in bulk. Its main road, Ordu Cadessi, is lined with hotels, shopping centers, and small retail stores.
So, if you want to get a taste of Russia in Istanbul or shop for cheap clothes, visit Laleli and find time to exchange your money at any of the currency changers in the area. They can be found along Ordu Cadessi road near Laleli Mosque.
Among the change offices on this street, Temiz Doviz and Atasal Döviz are open until 21:00 and 22:00 respectively. Head toward them if you find yourself in need for some local currency at that time – the time when most of the money changers on Ordu Cadessi road and in town have closed their doors.
Best rates for
– RUB
– EUR
– USD
– GBP
– CHF
– INR
– NZD
Recommended money changers
1. Aklar Doviz
– Providing currency and gold exchange services for more than 24 years
– Address: Beyazıt Mh., Ordu Cad. Kalaycı Şevki Sok. No:20, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 518 3689
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 06:30 – 19:30
2. Martur Doviz
– Currency exchange service since 1993
– Address: Ordu Caddesi, Çara Plaza D:207, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 516 2656
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 20:00; Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
3. Elmacıoğlu Döviz
– Providing currency and gold exchange services since 1993
– Address: Ordu Caddesi, No. 60/B Laleli, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 522 0151
– Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 18:00
4. Temiz Doviz
– Registered currency and gold exchange company since January 1998
– Address: Mesih Paşa, Ordu Cadessi No:271, 34130 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 513 6100
– Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 21:00
5. Atasal Döviz
– Services: Currency exchange
– Address: Ordu Caddesi, No:263, Laleli, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
– Phone: +90 212 518 5050
– Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 22:00
How to get there
– By tram: The nearest tram stops are Laleli and Aksaray.
– By metro: The nearest metro station is Vezneciler Station.
