Turkey - Which Currency?

[RobbieB]

Hi Guys,

I'm flying from Gatwick to Dalaman on the 18th of this month and I'm having trouble finding out which is the best currency to use out there. Anyone know which is better?

Also any advice or tips on the area or surrounding areas (I'm staying in Kalkan) would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[TonyHetherington]

I took my girlfriend and her mum to the airport last night to go to Turkey (no idea where) and they were given some advice by an expat out there - he said the prices on food menus are, for example "50", with no currency. If you're english they tell you it's Euros, if you're local, lira. When they try and take Euros from you - say "no, look I live here, it's lira".

[RobbieB]

Thanks Tony that's useful to know! I might take a mixture. I don't want to be stuck out there and them not accepting euros in some places or vice versa. I'll have to look at exchange rates too.

[Broomsticklady]

Just come back from a week in Kusadasi - had no trouble with using simply euros and found menus et al genaerally specified currency. GBP is weakening daily - our hotel rate (not as good as the town and we didn't use it) started at 2.10 and was 2 at the end of the week)

[5potTurbo]

My brother's just returned from Bodrum = €uros

[johnny-b]

Dont worry they will take anything, always try for a deal on anything, they will try and scam you but are quite nice about it.

[RobbieB]

johnny-b said:

...they will try and scam you but are quite nice about it.

Oh that's alright then

Cheers guys. I will probably go with Euro then. Looking forward to it!

[bazking69]

Alot of Turks are chancers, especially in touristy areas rife with 'white bait' as they call it (white or freshly sunburnt to a cinder tourists with full wallets) They'll try their luck if they can. If in doubt, check what currency they are working/quoting in. More fool people who 'presume'...

For me, I go out with GBP notes and change up small amounts of YTL as and when I need it. I carry both about me. Any touristy area will have an abundance of BdCs on the street offering not only a much better rate that any BdC in this country but instant money without demanding your driving licence and insisting on explaining the conversion rates to you like you are retarded....

Depending where you are and what you are buying, you can use whatever currency offers you the best rate or they prefer. I often change tact to a different currency to try and haggle a better deal.

They love YTL, Sterling or Euros in alot of places. Some places even accept USD.

BTW, if you pay in Sterling (notes) be aware that your change will almost certainly be in YTL, so check you aren't being sharked on the rate...

[Amateurish]

When I travelled through Turkey a couple of years ago I dealt exclusively in Lira. THis wasn't in particularly touristy areas though.