Withdraw large cash in Turkey. HELP?

harryh26

Hey all,
I couldn’t find anything on the site about this, or anywhere else and I need some advice!

My wife and I are going to Turkey later this year, she is having an operation done which will cost approximately 6,000 Euros.

It is all legit, however, we get an 18% discount if we pay in cash as they save on fees. 

What is the best and most inexpensive way to withdraw a large amount of Turkish Lira?
Is it better to do it in the UK and then travel with the money? Or open up a HSBC account and find somewhere to withdraw the cash? 
I’m so confused and no one seems to know.
Please help! 

Voyager2002

Have you confirmed whether they want payment in Turkish lira, in Euro or indeed in sterling?
Exchanging sterling for lira is a good deal easier and more competitive in Turkey than in the UK, so if you travel there carrying lots of cash it should be in sterling (or possibly Euro).

Westin

Agree with Voyager2002, check they want it in Turkish Lira.  I would of expected then to ask more for cash payments to be made in €_$_£.

bigadaj

As above I'd expect a large amount of the discount is down to paying in a hard currency rather than just a saving in card and bank fees. It's important to be as confident as you can be of high standards and get independent reviews and recommendations, their work may be as good as or better than the UK bur there are horror stories too. See whether they will accept sterling and if so what exchange rate they will quote. Obviously a risk in carrying around large amounts of cash though.  

TELLIT01

If you will be taking cash, check to see what the limit is on the amount you can carry before you have to declare it.  Don't get caught out by a non-declaration problem.