Turkey - what cuurency to take?

cupcakelady

Hi

I am planning to go to Turkey next week - to Antalya for a few days and then to a small town about an hour away.

What is the best currency to take? Pounds, Euros or Turkish Lira?

and where would be the best place to exchange currency?

Thanks!

stilltheone

If there are cashpoints, think about a suitable card. A prepaid option is the Travelex Cash Passport Globe

What cards do you currently hold?

Turtle2010

I've always used Lira, but most shops will accept Euros and Pounds. I'm just a bit old fashioned and like to use the proper currency

I've always got my Lira from Marks & Spencer or the Post Office (0% commission).

Happy Holidays! I love Turkey

ILoveEoin

i found that i got a better rate when i had English notes, they eat ur hand 2 get them! i found when using lira they just make up any number! just in my experience been 2 side and marmaris!

cupcakelady

Thanks all. I read on another website that it's better to convert money once one is in Turkey as they offer a better rate (and just to take a bit of money in local currency to pay for taxis etc) - anyone know if that is true?

wallbash

In Antalya lots of the touristy stuff is priced in the Euro . Should guess that a more remote area would use the Lira . So what are you planning to buy ?

Toilet rolls ... Lira . Taxi rides Euro. I won't stand in the burning sun , trying to convert three currency's to save a few pence , my holiday ( and life ) is too short to waste.

wiltslass

Hi. returned from Turkey last week. We always take a small amount of currency with us then change pounds to lira as and when we need some more. There is definitely a much better rate if you exchange in Turkey.We were given options to pay for trips and things in pounds, euros or liras and found that paying in pounds did not offer a very good exchange rate when we worked it out ourselves. If you exchange your money in Turkey look for an exchange booth paying the doviz rate. This is the official bank rate and usually much better. There are plenty of exchange booths to change your money. The rates offered at the local post offices, PTT, are usually good as well. Hope you have a good time

carlislelass

we used turkish lira from post office

b1505

I went to Kusadasi last year and although we took Lira a lot of places had pricing in Euro's.

spoonk1

Having lived in turkey for numerous years, the best currency to take with you is enough lira for your first day ie drinks when you arrive at the airport,food and for transport if your not in town,The rest in bank of england these are the only ones they accept and change these in a change office there will be loads of change offices round so while your exploring take note of exchange rates do not change at your hotel,you will also get great bargains in the markets with sterling (dont let them know your walking round with £100's in your pocket)and best advice of all HAGGLE for everything including restaurants (you'll eat there if you get first drinks free and free starters) Enjoy your hols...

cupcakelady

wow i didn't know one could haggle at restaurants too...I thought there would be fixed prices on the menu...

as for exchanging once there, do most places convert money commission free?

Ta