Conflicting advice - Currency for Turkey

Champneyqueen

Hi
I'm travelling to Turkey in two weeks and have read so much conflicting advice about the best currency to take!


Some say take a few lira and the rest in Sterling to change up whilst there. Some say take a few lira and the rest in Euros as that's what the restaurants and shops want!


We live in the UK and are flying into Dalaman and staying in Sarigerme.

Has anyone just come back and can share their experience?

sazaccount

I was in Turkey in May staying in marmaris and the shops, restaurants, bizzar areas all took; pound, euro and Lira, it was a better exchange rate using pounds (they all used 4 lira to 1 pound) than changing into lira in the UK.

labp04

Few lira to "tide-you-over" for first few hours; UK Pounds about same as sazaccount reports; better rate with Halifax Clarity than changing any cash. Been the same for many years - last there April, May and June this year.

eDicky

Champneyqueen wrote: »

Euros as that's what the restaurants and shops want!

So why would they 'want' euros or any other non-Turkish currency? Because they can potentially make more money from their customers that way, by taking advantage of their unfamiliarity with foreign money and exchange rates etc.

There are exceptions, but in general you will be paying more if you don't think, calculate, negotiate and pay in the local currency, obtained at the best rate available, wherever you are.

It's close to fifty years since I was in Turkey, there were no holiday resorts then - but I would stick to the same principle if I went there now. Or are those crafty Turks pricing their restaurant menus in euros..?

SandC

Some larger resorts in Turkey do quote most prices in Euro. I suppose due to the large numbers of eurozone visitors they have.

Generally speaking though, I always take the currency of the country I am visiting, despite any 'advice' I may receive here in the UK. I know that in Turkey you will get a better exchange rate changing sterling to Lira whilst there. This has always been the case in the many years I've been visiting there, on and off!

Try the forums on TripAdvisor for your holiday resort as Sarigerme is one I haven't visited. There will be lots of advice on there.

My brother is going to a resort served by Antalya airport and insists he's taking euros as that's what's generally advised but I'll have to see what he says on his return as to whether that was the best thing to do or not.

~Beanie~

Antayla has a lot of German and Russian tourists and they do prefer Euros. I came back from Olu Deniz in May and took a few Lira and the rest Sterling, I didn't see anywhere that took Euros. My work colleague came back from Sarigerme a couple of weeks ago and took the same as me, Lira/Sterling and had no problems what so ever.

maman

I've been travelling to Turkey for 20+ years most recently a week ago.


We got into the habit of taking sterling and changing it daily over the years when inflation was rampant in Turkey and the exchange rate changed by the day. Unfortunately for the Turks it has started rising again so I'd recommend taking sterling and changing it when you get there. Last year the rate was about 2.5 TL to the £ now it's more like 4+TL to the £.


Most shops offer currency commission free whereas the PTT (Post Office) charges commission. When you work it out what you get is about the same. I don't know the resort you're going to but I'm assuming it will have facilities.


It is useful to have a few lira when you arrive in case your transport stops for tea/coffee but that's all I can think you'd need it for.



Virtually all menus are in TL although markets often put the price in Euros and US dollars. Unless you have this currency lying around at home I really don't see the point in doing all the mental maths.


I do take cards in case of emergency but unless you have favourable ones then don't use them. You also need to be sure to use safety deposit box for your sterling.


I'd also mention that Dalaman airport is one of the most expensive in the world. So, on your return make sure you buy some snacks in your resort (hotels and cafes will make sandwiches up for you) and take them with you. You'll have to buy drinks because of security but that's better than rip off prices.

PompeyPete

SandC wrote: »

Some larger resorts in Turkey do quote most prices in Euro. I suppose due to the large numbers of eurozone visitors they have.

Bullseye! That's the only reason.

Kedi_Yavrusu

The only reason they would prefer euros is because they will make money on exchange. You are certainly not going to get a good deal by using euros.

Take a little lira for the first day and the rest in sterling to exchange out there. Or use the ATMs.

LisaC22

every time I've been to Turkey they are crying out for Sterling. Was there end last year last time.

eDicky

LisaC22 wrote: »

every time I've been to Turkey they are crying out for Sterling.

Who is "they"?