We are starting our Greek/Turkey cruise in Istanbul. I understand that we will need Turkish lira rather than Euros. Is it better to get money exchanged before we leave or at the airport when we arrive?
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
Use an ATM.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Use a DEBIT card tied to a CHECKING ACCOUNT at ATMs in Istanbul for local currency. We did that last summer. Had no problems. Be sure to let your "plastic card" issuers know the
"when and where" you will be traveling. We also carry a back up debit card from another financial institution just in case the first card has a problem which it did once.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Definitely the ATM. I was there a few weeks ago and that is the best thing to do. I had two cards and had a problem with one at a particular machine, so used the other. I also carry a few credit cards and about $300 in cash just in case.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
14 posts
I agree with the other posters - use an ATM and/or credit card. However, in my experience in Turkey, most tourist places and hotels will take either Turkish lira or Euros, and will sometimes state their prices in both currencies. The only problem is figuring out whether the euro rate is equivalent to the lira rate. I tended to use liras that I got from ATMS.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
You may find merchants in Istanbul that will accept euros. But the exchange rate you get will be determined by the merchant, and will NEVER be as good as the exchange rate you'll get at an ATM. This is why it's always best to use the local currency when you travel, and to get it from a local ATM.
Posted by
OP
Colleyville
2 posts
Thanks to all of you who replied to my money question. I'll be sure my debit card is up to date before we go. Appreciate the good advice.
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
You ca always get about $100USD in Turkish lira (about 150TL) from Bank of America, delivered to your home in mixed notes prior to leaving. The rate isn't great but it's reassuring to have Lira in your pocket just in case. You can buy a cold drink at the airport to get coins in change.
Posted by
Visalia, California, USA
70 posts
Interesting answers and I am on board with the use of the ATMs in Turkey. Today however, I called our Bank and they indicated that because of the fraud issues in Turkey, that the ATMs will not work. They indicated that it is fine in Italy which we used freely without issues a couple of years ago. They mentioned they are starting to have issues in both France and Great Britain. Anybody else heard about this an being a problem in Turkey? We are leaving from Turkey in a couple of months. Didn't want to rain on your parade, but the answers will be helpful for both you and me.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Richard - You didn't mention which bank, but it seems like many banks do let you use your ATM card in Turkey. I have one small credit union that bans Eastern Europe and Turkey because of fraud but others I have do not. I was able to use my credit union and Capital One ATM cards all over Turkey. My travel buddies used Wells Fargo, BofA and other credit union ATM cards with no problems. We just had to notify them in advance. Also, there were some bank ATMs that my cards just wouldn't work at but it wasn't a problem because there were always several to choose from and I always found one that took my cards.