Im going to turkey on holiday, what is the best way to bring money- travellers cheque, debit card or cash?

Show all answers

? BlueBerry ?

none of the above, credit card is the best way to use money anywhere abroad.

LAJOIE2007

Best is to get cash from an ATM machine...and whoever said that the merchants don't like the Turkish Lira must have had some pot slipped into his/her nargila. Look for the "Plus" sign on the ATM machine and you can use your bank debit card to take out money (you will find the same "Plus" sign on the back of most bank debit cards as well). The fee is usually quite nominal and you can rest assured that you will get a good rate. Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted in stores and yes you do waste a lot of time waiting to cash them at the bank. Credit cards may require you to enter a PIN, although very few establishments, in my experience, actually asked for it, even in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

So in conclusion, I would say cash (local currency is just fine) and credit card are the best way to go.

And as a side note...remember to haggle with the seller, especially in the bazaars...aim for 30%-40% off the quoted price.

Darth Vader

We use credit cards even in bazaars!! But in case you lose your credit card, bring some money

anlarm

When I travel abroad I take some of their currency in cash but I prefer using my credit card in shopping. You can exchange your money in banks or in exchange offices all over Turkey. The rates may change a bit daily, but not much. It is easier to shop with Turkish lira actually.

frankturk50

Do not change currency before coming to Turkey the rate is better here.Do not use exchange offices try to use banks.Most debit and credit cards except Nationwide attract charges.If you pay for things in Sterling you will often get a bad rate.

Chunky

I would suggest you take English, Euros or travellers cheques, believe it or not they don,t like Turkish Lira. I've just come back and found that if you need anything they would prefer Euros, i took a lot of travellers cheques and found the local shops and post offices give you an excellent rate, DO NOT USE EXCHANGE BOOTHS, THEY CHARGE TOO MUCH COMMISION. Didn't use a credit card cos i,ve had bad experiences abroad before. Good luck and have a good time

uknative

Some years ago it was true that the Turkish traders in holiday resorts preferred foreign currency as the lira was so unstable. Nowadays though, the Lira is strong, so foreign currency is no longer so sought after. It's never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket; change a small amount of money into Lira in the UK before you come, in case you want to buy something as soon as you arrive. (If you try to pay for something small - like a bottle of water - in Sterling, you could get overcharged, as small traders often aren't aware of the exchange rate either.). Bring some sterling and change it as you need it; you can do this at the Post Office, any bank, or a change office, but check on the rate they're offering first (should be around 2.5TL to the Â£) and make sure they're not going to charge commission. A debit card is good and there's plenty of cashpoints in the tourist areas; the only drawback is that your bank will charge a fee for using them - a flat rate, plus a percentage of the amount you withdraw (check this with your bank before you leave). Some people prefer this, rather than worrying about having quite large amounts of cash in-hand. Then, as back-up and in case of emergency, have a credit card available. Have a great holiday.

Queenie

I just got back last week from Marmaris.
I took Â£350 for one week, I changed Â£100 to Turkish Lira in the U.K, I got 250 lira for that.
Then I changed money as I needed it in Turkey.
10 lira = Â£4.00

I found the best way to change was Â£100 at a time, in turkey you got 250 lira, same exchange as what you get in the U.K.

Also I looked around and the exchange rate was the same in all the places that exchange money. If you have Scotish or Irish sterling they give you a slightly lower exchange rate than the English Pound. I always changed my money in our hotel, that seemed the safest and I couldn't get a cheaper deal anywhere else.

I supose it matters on how much money you are taking if I was taking any more than Â£350 I may have taken Travellers Cheques with me.

joeluw1977

Credit cards and ABM cards work best. Just make sure that your debit card will work in a Turkish ABM, and you can take money out as you need it. Travellers Cheques can be a problem to exchange, and use.

bettina

I agree , the only way to pay for things in any country abroad is by credit card, just remember your pin and it's certainly the cheapest as long as you settle your bill in time, as you get 6 weeks credit. Have a good hol.

istanbul bogazi

chunky pitbull who doesn't like Turkish Lira? Tukish lira is our currency and we like it a lot.
To answer the question: You can use your ATm card everywhere. Bring any money you want because there are a lot of Exchange offices. Travellers, Debit card everything works. Do what you do when ayou go to any other country.
Have fun!

clubber20_06

You can get a card now , like travellers cheques, but it is a card. You load the money into it, and can spend it anywhere that uses credit cards. I seen this the other day in the newspaper. Ask your bank about it.
If you lose the card, then you are refunded the money.
Ask about it

ariommac

Check out Nationwide...if you have account with them this allows you to use ATM there cost free. Travellers cheques safe in terms of security but carrying passport and queing at places to cash themm ..and finding the place that charges the lowest commission...can be a pain. I'd take half of my spending money in cash and just use an atm. have a good hol!

private

All of them are fine ,but be careful,Turks are thieves.
Most of them will try and rip you off when paying in Turkish lire,especially if your skin is still pale.I caught them out trying to charge me the equivalent of Â£25 for 2 ice creams.

Make sure they only serve you bottled water opened in front of you too.Many street resaurants will try it on with their dodgy tapwater.

Are you sure you want to go there?Its disgusting.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: