Survival Guide - Discover Turkey: Experience the Best of Turkey - page 750

MONEY CHANGERS
The Turkish lira is weak against Western currencies, and you will probably get a better ex-
change rate in Turkey than elsewhere. The lira is virtually worthless outside Turkey.
US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to change, although many exchange of-
fices and banks will change other major currencies such as UK pounds and Japanese yen.
You'll get better rates at exchange offices, which often don't charge commission, than
at banks. Exchange offices operate in tourist and market areas, with better rates often
found in the latter, and some post offices (PTTs), shops and hotels. They generally keep
longer hours than banks.
TIPPING
Turkey is fairly Western in its approach to tipping and you won't be pestered with de-
mands for baksheesh. Tipping is customary in restaurants, taxis, midrange and top-end ho-
tels, and optional elsewhere. Tip 10% to 15% in midrange and top-end restaurants; a few
coins in budget eateries. Some more expensive restaurants automatically add the servis
ücreti (service charge) to your bill. Give 3% of the room price in midrange and top-end
hotels, and a few lira to caretakers who open historical and archaeological sites for you;
round up metered taxi fares to the nearest 50 kuruş (not expected in dolmuşes -
minibuses); masseurs may appreciate 10% to 20%.