Paying Taxi · Foreign Currency · 2026
Can I pay Istanbul taxi in euros or dollars?
Always pay in TRY. EUR/USD acceptance = scam-level exchange rates. DCC at POS adds 5-10%. Use TRY ATM at airport on arrival.
Rules for tourists
✅ Pay in TRY (cash or card)
Always Turkish Lira. POS terminal must show TRY. Decline 'EUR' or 'USD' option (DCC).
❌ Don't accept EUR/USD pricing
Driver-quoted EUR rates are typically 5-10× higher than fair. "200 EUR for the ride" = scam.
ATM at airport
Withdraw ₺2,000–3,000 on arrival. Garanti, İş Bankası, Akbank for fair rates. Avoid Euronet (inflated).
No-fee card
Wise, Revolut, Chase Sapphire, Schwab — no foreign transaction fee. Use for POS payment.
If driver insists on EUR
Refuse. Say "Türk lirası, taksimetrede yazan tutar." (Turkish lira, the meter amount.) If driver still resists, exit at next safe stop, pay only the legal metered amount in TRY, call 153 (IBB Beyaz Masa) to report.