I know there are past discussions about this but...

My boyfriend and I will be stopping in Istanbul and Izmir each for 1 day (about 10 hours each) on a cruise. We're from the US and know we'll need USD for the visa, and we'll be in Greece and Italy during/after the cruise so we'll have Euros with us. Should I bring some Lira with me, too? We plan on doing tours through the cruise line (to Ephesus and then around Istanbul - Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, etc) so entrance fees and lunch are included. I assume we will want Lira for the Grand Bazaar and just in general buying souvenirs or snacks - correct? I don't plan on making any big purchases like a carpet, but we will probably buy birthday/christmas presents for our families and souvenirs for ourselves. I tend to like to buy a lot of souvenirs. How much cash in Lira (or another currency) do people suggest we bring between the two of us for these sorts of things? I don't want to be short and not be able to buy something - or be frantically looking for an ATM while keeping up with our tour group (or to waste time since we already have so little in Turkey as it is). And I also don't want to have a ton of Lira leftover.

I welcome what-to-buy suggestions, too!!! Thanks!

We used Euros for all of our purchases last summer without a problem. You might want some lira for small purchases like sodas and snacks, but other than that, I don't think you'll need them.

Suggestions on what to buy: Ceramic plates at the Grand Bazaar. Gorgeous, and relatively inexpensive. I wish I had bought more!

Also saw very nice jewelry and leather goods, also at The Grand Bazaar.

About how much (in euros and Lira) do things like ceramic plates and other souvenir items cost?

They have some cool jewelry featuring the blue evil eye. Also key chains and other stuff. At least it's made in Turkey (I think!)

just back from a cruise that stopped in both of these ports. Turned out we did not need money for the visa - I had put cash aside, but it was never needed! (was on Costa - an Italian line.) The only place you must use Turkish lira is to get into the Ephesus site, and I believe they take credit cards, so no problem. Although we had taken $50 in turkish lira, everyone took Euros and dollars . all merchants had calculators and were able to convert to whatever currency you wanted to use.

enjoy your trip!!

I also went on a cruise stopping at both ports. We did not incur any additional fees for the visa and did not need to convert our cash since Euros were accepted throughout the main shopping areas.

The blue keychains with the "eye" were at souvenir shops throughout Greece as well as Turkey so no biggie if you don't purchase them in Turkey. However, we purchased a beautiful hand-painted ceramic plate for I think 48 Euros (originally 65, be sure to try and bargain!!). As it turned out, as a part of our haggling, the merchant included the eye keychain (he told us it's supposed to be for good luck to keep the evil spirits away??) as a part of our deal.

Have a wonderful time on your cruise and can't wait to hear your report!

Tourist shop keepers will be more than happy to accept your US. Just check the exchange rate. When I was there it was about 1 YTL = .80 USD. You won't recieve quiet the perfect price, but it shouldn't be outragous.

I don't recall a gift shop at the Topkapi Palace and the mosques absolutely don't have any. There is a small cafe on the Topkapi grounds, otherwise there are a few shops behind (on the sea side) of the Haiga Sophia. That is where I found the best postcards. You can also pick up snacks or drinks there.

You will be offered tea or water while negotiating in the bazaar. It is not offensive if you have a drink and decide not to buy. Just don't be rude. Honestly I don't recall a food shop in the Grand Bazaar. Outside any of the entrances yes, but not inside.

Things to buy. Where to start.

If you have a sweet tooth or people who like sweets, Turkish Delight. Not my favorite, but very popular with the office I brought it back to.

Woven coin / credit card purses. They vary in price depending on where you are. I think the best price I saw was about $1.50 USD each.

Woven book marks, these were cheaper in Ephesus, you can pick them up between 5 to 8 for $1. Depends on your negotiating skills.

One of my favorite purchases were mosaic candle holders at the grand bazaar. You can find candle lit or electrified lamps there. Very different.

Every one has mentioned the blue eyes. They are on everything.

Some people like the "Apple Tea". It isn't really tea, more like apple cider, but is part of the experience. You can also buy a tea set. They use the bulb and saucer sets like most of the Middle East.

Textiles were popular. Tableclothes, pillow covers, placemats, and purses.

There is a jewelers hall in the bazaar. It has FINE jewelery, and then there is the tourist stuff available in other shops. You can get a pair of copper (maybe copper) earring for as little as $1.

With the exception of children's clothes I think I saw everything at the grand bazaar. It is almost overwhelming.

Hope this helps.