Turkey - what currency to take?

[selym]

The family and I are off to Gumbet, Turkey for a week next Sunday and I have been given conflicting advice on what currency to take. Some say Turk is Lira is better to get over there, and to take sterling. Some say the opposite!

Where better than Pistonheads to ask?! Thanks in advance.

[hyperblue]

Take Lira and some Sterling for the visa at the airport. IIRC it was cheaper to pay for it in Sterling than Euros last time I went. Getting cash out there isn't an issue, can't comment on whether the rate is better here or there.

[selym]

Interesting. We paid for our visas online. Will we be pinged again at the airport?

[oldnbold]

We took sterling cash and found the exchange rate far better in resort.

[selym]

Thanks to both of you!

[anonymous-user]

Visas are all on-line now, not at airport. We never take cash, just use the ATMs - and assuming you get enough out at a time, that gives us the best rate overall.

[selym]

had ham said:

Visas are all on-line now, not at airport. We never take cash, just use the ATMs - and assuming you get enough out at a time, that gives us the best rate overall.

That sounds like a good option too. It would make things less complicated.

[anonymous-user]

We go to Turkey most years, sometimes twice, and we always use the ATMs. If you have to take cash, the Post Office (yellow sign, PTT letters in blue) typically give the best exchange rate.

[selym]

had ham said:

We go to Turkey most years, sometimes twice, and we always use the ATMs. If you have to take cash, the Post Office (yellow sign, PTT letters in blue) typically give the best exchange rate.

Well, I think the debit card option with a little emergency cash in reserve sounds like the best way forward. Thanks for your advice.

[Byff]

Just returned from Turkey and I took about 300lira with me for emergency spends and the rest I just used an ATM.

If you have Sterling, they'll usually accept that as payment too and the exchange rate is better over there.

[B17NNS]

They like Euros.

[grumpyscot]

I take a mix of left over currency. Most may be in Sterling (no higher than £10 notes), but I've had no problem with Euros or US Dollars - in fact, I got a better conversion rate there than I would have got in the UK changing them back to GBP.

And the visa cost $20 (yes - US Dollars!). Just did mine this morning. Piece of cake.

BIL just came back and said he was amazed at the number of people who were trying to get in without first having done the online visa. The Turks were giving them a REALLY hard time and were threatening to send some back on the next flight! (Though I doubt if they would as they need the tourism - especially at the rip-off Dalaman airport - the only airport I know where you need second mortgage to buy a big mac and a coffee - not much change out £15 - honestly!)

[B17NNS]

grumpyscot said:

especially at the rip-off Dalaman airport - the only airport I know where you need second mortgage to buy a big mac and a coffee - not much change out £15 - honestly!)

It is truly shocking isn't it. I think a small bottle of water was 4 euros last year.

[anonymous-user]

Ah yes, Dalaman. £3 for a bottle of water that will cost you 30p as soon as you get out of the airport. We've learnt to eat before we leave for the airport.

A round of drinks, plus crisps for 12 of us in the pub in there cost us £95 last year.

[Lordbenny]

As I type, I'm sitting by the pool near Olu deniz. We bought our visas on line. Took sterling and changed it up over here, much better rates. 3.53 TR to the pound.

Edited by Lordbenny on Sunday 20th July 17:27