Going to turkey in 11 days...any advice on the best way to take my spending money?

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canmom

Euros, Dollars, Or even GBP are greatly accepted so either is fine. but the local currancy is the YTL ( turkish liras ) Change your currancy as needed at the dovis ( change office bureau ) I don't recommend travellers checks to Turkey they are a hassle and also charge a service fee to cash them at the banks. A lot of hotels will not accept. Better with dollars, or euros , GBP, or better yet use the ATM's.

Exchange some of your foriegn currancy to Liras at a change offices in Turkey. But don't exchange at the airport wait until you can get to a change office you will get a better price. As you will need some Liras to pay for small items to the markets, taxis etc. Small places probably not take Euros, GBP or dollars. But money is money...it really dones not make that much of a difference which currency you use.

One thing I would just like to point out is if you use a ATM please use one that is located outside of a national bank and also during regular business hours. Mon-Fri 9-5.

This way if you experience any problems with your card you can directly report it at the bank. Also do make sure that you advise your bank of your planned travel to Turkey. If not the bank after a transaction or two may freeze your card after one or two transactions.

Universal Currency Converter

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

rambling vine

I can only give you a warning that five years ago, I had a terrible time with traveler's checks. Shops didn't take them, so went to some banks that said they didn't handle them. I think we tried hotels, too... we were near the airport, so we cashed them there. However, I have been told that the checks aren't a problem.

Credit cards work. If you are uncomfortable with carrying one, you can use pre-paid cards, which also worked.

Also... for god's sakes, have cash ready to buy your visa when you enter, with the full amount in one commonly accepted currency (don't try a mix of Turkish Lira, Japanese Yen, and Singapore dollars - you'll be stuck like I was!)

Meemi

I would exchange your money in Turkey, you will get a much better rate for it.

In the tourist areas, you can pay for things in both euros and pounds aswell as lira, but it makes it confusing as they will give you your change in lira, so it's best to use the countries currency.

You can use the ATM hole in the walls, but check with your bank first as there is usually a cost per transaction.

frankturk50

Don't change money before coming to Turkey it is better exchange rate here.Try to change at banks but not airport branches.Change offices as recommended here will give you lower rate and sometimes try to charge commission.

gugu

If you bring cash, of any major currency, you can exchange it at the private exchange offices (Döviz Bürosu) that could be found by dozen at any town center. Best rates and no commission.
If you don't mind the commission, ATM machines are good option, commissions vary by bank, but usually lower than rest of Europe.
Traveler's Checks, also accepted in most Exchange Offices, would be the most complicated option. As you should look for a place that accepts them, which also have a good exchange rate, and finally a low commission.

rugratshd

Get Nationwide bank account, take debit card and use ATM
Nationwide charge no fee and give the midrate for foreign currency exchange (no on else does this) so you get 4-5% more foreign currency than any other way.
If you want to take some ready cash - Marks and Spencer offer a better no fee currency exchange rate than anyone else in UK

tinkywinky

keep any cash in a deep pocket.....travelers cheques are best.
watch out for thieves dont leave anything alone coz you will lose it i know i lost a camera in a resturant from the back of my chair.and my wife had her bag snatched from her in a museum for gods sake...dont let me put you off.....just be aware of thieves.......have a good holiday

mandy

YTL or euros, but i think when going to another country you should use their money, shows a respect and not that your out for the best deal. enjoy youself whatever you use.

murphywingedspur

Either change your money with www.travelex.co.uk ( You get a better rate online.....you can pick the currency up at the airport) Or, take a small amout out with you, and change the rest in resort, where you might possibly get a much better rate of exchange

eldan0604

I was on honeymoon last year in Turkey and the locals couldnt wait to get their hands on GBP, Euros or US$. Take a small amount of Lira with you and either use on of the other currencies mentioned or exchange the rest there. We found the exchange rate was much better in the smaller shops and bars rather than the hotels

jetsetter

are you travelling from uk
if so take £10 notes when you go shopping at markets
they love them and you get a better deal with them

turkish lira when you get there

dee dee

Dont know where you are from but the Turkish love the british pound and will take that over anything!!

greetings_losers

Gugu said it all. Btw isnt that a great nickname: "Gugu". It reminds me of a baby bird (like a baby sparrow or baby pigeon) trying to sing for the first time. And what comes out? Gugu. Guuuguu

Sparkle

US$.

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