Overview
- The Bundesverband deutscher Banken reported on Sunday that one euro in Turkey buys roughly €1.79 worth of goods and services measured against German prices.
- Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) hotel and restaurant indices show wide gaps across Europe, with Switzerland about 61% more expensive and Turkey about 55% cheaper than Germany.
- Turkey's tourist bargain reflects a sharp Turkish‑lira depreciation together with high local inflation and big domestic price rises in hotels and restaurants.
- Travel experts warn visitors to refuse euro-denominated card charges because dynamic currency conversion lets merchants set marked-up exchange rates; always choose the local currency for card payments.
- Policy and seasonal cost changes are raising on-site bills in many places, for example the Netherlands raised VAT on overnight stays to 21% from 1 January 2026, and several Balkan states remain among the cheapest options for German holidaymakers.