What currency shall i use in Bodrum, Turkey?

Question

Im heading off to Bodrum in July for two weeks with a group of friends. I was just curious as to what currency i should use and where i should get it exchanged? I've heard that the euro is good to use however, after doing some reading up around the internet it seems the thing to do is take pounds then exchange into Lira when you get there.

Also, I was wondering whether i should take travellers cheques and get them changed into Lira when i get there also, however i read up somewhere that its quite hard to find somewhere thatll exchange them.

Sorrry for the complete cluelessness, it's quite worrying considering im going out there in a month!!

Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi there.

I would take with you a mix of Turkish Lira and Euros, around 50/50 for what you want to spend. 99% of places take both.

you can get a good rate there, but you can also get ripped off or attract unwanted attention - I used Tesco last time and advertised rates in Turkey didn't beat them by much at all. Use moneysavingexpert.co.uk to find the best rates, there is also more advice on there. Check out tripadvisor too, for more advice.



Also don't forget a nice crisp £10 note to pay for your visa stamp on arrival - they will not take anything else except Euros and they surcharge you for using Euros.



You can often get a better price in Euros when shopping, but if not then spend the Lira first as you cannot spend it anywhere else whereas Euros are useful (and probably not worth changing back).

Travellers Cheques are a waste of time, to be honest, better off taking an emergency single credit card - tell your provider you are going to Turkey in advance - then leave it locked in your safe. You can use it for duty free on the way back if your currency is done.



Turkey has a low crime rate but there ARE pickpockets, so a moneybelt is a good idea. Take what you need with you each day, leave the bulk of the cash in the safe.





Enjoy, it is a great place!

Cheers, Steve.

Answer 2

It is better and easier to take some Lira. Rates are much the same and you don't want to spend your hols queing to exchange money. If you can get a card which allows you to take money out of ATMs abroad without charging you loads, it is worth doing that as they are all over the place. Travellers Cheques are a pain in the neck as it is often tricky getting them exchanged, some hotels do but exchange rates are not that good. Possibly one of the Thomas Cook cards would be worth taking as your money is protected but take your money out through the ATMs in large sums a couple of times rather than every day as that works out expensive. The other advantage of the TC card is that if someone at home cannot put money into your account for you to draw in Turkey, you can get an extra card free and ask them to put money on that so you have it should you have any emergencies.



If you are going out there for a month, then a mix of lira, Euros, cards and something like the Thomas Cook card might be best.

Answer 3

Use Turkish Lira.

Answer 4

It is so much better if you exchange to turkish money before you arrive to bodrum,change office rates are so low in bodrum..

Answer 5

All major currencies and Travellers Cheque as well as payment with Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted.