Create your order
Select the currencies you want to purchase and lock in your price.
Your cart is empty. Choose a currency to get started.
Buy Turkish lira before you travel to Türkiye
Buy Turkish lira online from US First Exchange and arrive in Istanbul, Antalya or Cappadocia with cash ready to spend. We are a Los Angeles currency exchange registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business. Choose your amount in the order form on this page and see your full price before you pay.
Where you will need lira
Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul's hotels, restaurants and chain stores. Cash is still the easiest way to pay in bazaars, small shops and cafés, for taxis and minibuses (dolmuş), for tips, and to top up an Istanbulkart transit card.
Some tourist shops quote prices in euros or US dollars, but paying in lira usually gets you the local price.
Buy only what you plan to spend
The Turkish lira has lost a large share of its value against the US dollar in recent years, and prices in Türkiye can rise quickly. That makes the lira a poor currency to hold. Buy enough for your trip, and sell any leftovers back soon after you return.
Turkish lira banknotes at a glance
Turkish banknotes are issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye. We source lira as orders come in, so the exact mix of notes depends on availability at the time of your order.
| Note | Typical use |
|---|---|
| ₺5, ₺10 and ₺20 | Tips, tea, simit, public toilets |
| ₺50 and ₺100 | Taxis, meals, everyday spending |
| ₺200 | Larger purchases and shopping |
How to buy Turkish lira online
- Choose your amount. Select Turkish lira and enter how much you want. You can add other currencies to the same order.
- Pay securely. Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order.
- Verify your identity. Upload a valid US government-issued ID, as federal rules require.
- Receive your delivery. Choose FedEx 2Day or Overnight and track your package.
See how to get foreign currency delivered to your door or the full process on how it works.
Payment and delivery
Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order. We do not accept bank wire, ACH or PayPal payments.
| Payment method | Time to clear |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Up to 72 business hours |
| Check, e-check, cashier's check or money order | Up to 7 business days from the day payment is received and processed |
Check payments take longer because of our due diligence checks. Once your payment clears, your order ships by FedEx with full-value insurance and tracking.
| Shipping option | Cost |
|---|---|
| FedEx 2Day | $24 |
| FedEx Overnight | $34 |
| Orders of $5,000 or more | Free |
An adult (18+) must sign for the package. We deliver to every U.S. state except Texas, Illinois, Washington and New Mexico; Alaska and Hawaii are treated as international deliveries.
Because we source lira to order, allow a little extra time and order well before your trip.
Why buy lira from US First Exchange
- Verified notes checked on De La Rue verification machines before they ship.
- Fully insured FedEx delivery, free on orders of $5,000 or more.
- Rate locked at checkout, so the price you see is the price you pay.
- Registered and compliant. We are registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business and follow federal know-your-customer rules. Read our compliance statement.
- A real US business. Our office is at 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. We serve customers by mail and phone; there is no walk-in counter.
- People who pick up the phone. Call 310-982-1743, 10am–5pm Pacific Time.
- Sell back leftovers. Home with lira to spare? Sell Turkish lira for US dollars.
Visiting more than one country? See every currency on our buy foreign currency page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay in lira, euros or dollars in Türkiye?
Lira. Some tourist businesses accept euros or dollars, but they set their own exchange rate, so paying in lira is usually cheaper.
How much Turkish lira should I buy?
Buy only what you expect to spend. The lira has lost a lot of value against the dollar in recent years, so it is not a currency to hold for long.
How long does it take to get Turkish lira delivered?
Your order ships once your payment clears and your notes are sourced: card payments clear in up to 72 business hours, check payments in up to 7 business days. Order well before you travel.
How much is shipping?
FedEx 2Day costs $24 and FedEx Overnight costs $34. Shipping is free on orders of $5,000 or more.
Is there a minimum order?
There is no minimum order. Larger orders need extra identity verification, and government reporting rules may apply.
Can I buy Turkish lira with a credit card?
Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Your card issuer may treat the purchase as a cash advance, so check with them first.
Do you accept wire transfers, ACH or PayPal?
No. We accept credit and debit cards, e-checks, checks, cashier's checks and money orders.
Do I need to be home to receive my order?
Yes. An adult aged 18 or over must sign for the package at the address on your order.
Can I return Turkish lira?
All sales are final and currency cannot be returned. You can sell it back to us later at our posted buyback rate.