I am spending two weeks in Istanbul, the Mediteranean coast of Turkey, Rhodes, Santorini, and Athens and am curious to know how easy it is to access ATM machines. I have heard that you must have a four digit password- is this true? Is it beter to bring the curency with you, or is it just as easy to get it there? Thanks!!

I used about 10 Atm's in Turkey and Greece each, and never had a problem. Yes, you do need a four digit password, but then, I thought that's what I thought I had to have in the UK, too, and that's what I have in the US. I suggest you get yourself a four digit one as opposed to what you now have, and that, I believe, will work anywhere. <BR>The only time I found that a machine didn't work, was when it was part of a special bank, like a "credit union". And ATM's are so prevalent in Greece and Turkey, if one wouldn't work, I suggest you go about a block and probably another one will.

I agree with Patrick. Three years ago from Istambul down to Kusadasi, over to Samos, and back through Bursa, we had no problem at all finding ATMs that accepted our cards. It is good to have cards for both that work on several of the "systems": Cirrus, Maestro, Plus, etc. The only problem that we had (not really an ATM problem) was in at least two relatively remote gasoline stations -- their signs claimed to accept credit cards that we had, but their confirmation machines were "not working." So, it is good to have enough cash in hand (T. lira or hard currency) to pay for the gasoline before filling up.

I just happened to come across this site for Visa ATM. Hope it helps: <BR> <BR>www.visa.com/pd/atm/products.html <BR> <BR>It's a great FAQ source (ATM versus credit card use, etc.) <BR>

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice! I did look at both Visa and Mastercard's websites, which were very helpful.