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-   -   Bank of America partner in Turkey? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/bank-of-america-partner-in-turkey-911128/)

jeannedeaux Nov 3rd, 2011 11:09 AM

Bank of America partner in Turkey?
 
Hi, I'm wishing to avoid ATM charges in Istanbul and know that Barclays in England, BNP Paribas in France, and DeutscheBank in Germany are all partners where no fees are charged. Does anyone know of this in Turkey? Also, can one pay in Euros? My hotel was charged on line in Euros so I thought they were using that currency and now I'm dismayed to find I'll have to change.
Thanks much for any advice.

Michael Nov 3rd, 2011 12:20 PM

Only BofA can confirm if there is a partner bank in Turkey.

You might want to set up an account with an institution that does not charge a fee for foreign ATM transactions. We essentially keep a checking account in our local credit union for just such a purpose, depositing money into the account when we are ready to travel abroad.

Michel_Paris Nov 3rd, 2011 12:30 PM

I would not offer to pay any bills in euros, since I would expect the exchange rate to be "dynamic". However, armed with the current conversion rate, I would check on any offers. On occasion, in some countries, you could get a better rate because they prefer certain more 'liquid' foreign currencies.

We had only one hotle (Antalya) that insisted in being paid in USD. Otherwise we used Lira everywhere (rug sellers seemed to like USD also!)

jeannedeaux Nov 3rd, 2011 01:53 PM

Thanks--I'm already in Europe since last May so do not have chance to set up different account and have only $10 with me--otherwise have many pounds and euros...I'll keep the rate with me and just eat the fee once for withdrawing lira. I appreciate the advice.

Alec Nov 3rd, 2011 02:43 PM

According to http://infocenter.bankofamerica.com/...tting-started/ under 'What is the Global ATM Alliance?', there is no participating bank in Turkey.

jeannedeaux Nov 3rd, 2011 11:26 PM

Thank you, Alec. I couldn't figure out where that information was on their website.

qwovadis Nov 4th, 2011 02:20 AM

my capitalone.com no fee Visa works very well all over.

coinmill.com for daily correct rate MANY scammers on change

Use a CREDIT CARD no foeign fee like capitalone.com

My Chase Sapphire and my SPG.com and BA.com Amex.com are

all no foreign fee too but Visa taken widest and I get

double FF miles on everything with Cap 1.

Remember ATM withdrawals accrue high interest from day

of withdrawal so pay off quickly.

Use only big bank ATM I do not travel with debit card

too much "skimming" a good thief can clean you out.

Happy Travels!

qwovadis Nov 4th, 2011 02:21 AM

https://www.citibank.com/turkiye

my fav in IST nice folks...

NeoPatrick Nov 4th, 2011 04:26 AM

quovadis, are you aware that if you have a Capital One checking account -- then you can use that ATM/debit card in foreign ATMs for no fee and no conversion charge. Since you have a Capital One credit card, why not establish a Capital One ATM account? I'm unclear why you feel that a good thief can "clean you out" -- there are protection measures from such things. Check it out.


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