Currency for Turkey

~Beanie~

What is the best way to take money to Turkey? I was planning on getting £20-30 worth of Turkish Lira to take with me but what about the rest?

Do I take cash and change it over there or are travellers cheques still used these days (not been on holiday for a while!)? Can I take cash from ATMS?

I'm going to Hisaronu, if that makes any difference.

Thanks

benjus

Haven't been to Turkey, but for almost anywhere the cheapest option is to get a card that's free or cheap to use abroad and withdraw from ATMs (or buy things directly with the card). Look at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

Kernow666

take a smallish amount in notes 5s or 10s ideal for tipping/taxi etc

then get a clairty card or preloaded debit card

~Beanie~

Thanks, I'll have a look into both your suggestions!

James2014

I would keep away from the preloaded debit cards they look a good deal but it is cheaper to use a good bank card or credit card (so long as you dont get cash from ATM with a credit card) they generally charge less per transaction and give better rates

rbrady_07

As far as I'm aware you can't get pre-loaded cards in Lira so that isn't an option. I'm going in a couple of months and planning on taking some cash to see me through the first few days and possibly getting the clarity credit card from Halifax as they offer the best exchange rate and no charges at ATM's....only problem with this is that you may not get the credit limit you require for spending money and you can't pre-load it.

benjus

rbrady_07 wrote: »

As far as I'm aware you can't get pre-loaded cards in Lira so that isn't an option.

You can get pre-loaded cards in GBP which can be used anywhere in the world. Some of these (e.g. Kalixa Pay, ICE) are actually better value than the foreign currency cards, as the loading on currency conversion is less than the loading applied when you buy/top up a foreign currency card. So even if you're going to a Eurozone country, you may be better off using a GBP card instead of a EUR card.

You're right that the Clarity card beats any prepaid card, though.