Istanbul-money
Mar 13th, 2010, 01:32 AM
#1
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Istanbul-money
How do you advise I carry money for a long weekend break in Istanbul? Rely on ATM? Change some in the UK before I go?
We will be carrying credit cards but do not intend to use them for cash.
Thank you
We will be carrying credit cards but do not intend to use them for cash.
Thank you
Mar 13th, 2010, 01:50 AM
#2
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Hi
I prefer not to arrive in a country without some of the local currency. As a minimum I take enough for a taxi to my hotel and the next day's expenses. I had no problem with ATMs in Istanbul. My cards have the Cirrus/Maestro symbol and I use ATMs displaying these. Don't know if it makes any difference but have never had any problems (touch wood).
I prefer not to arrive in a country without some of the local currency. As a minimum I take enough for a taxi to my hotel and the next day's expenses. I had no problem with ATMs in Istanbul. My cards have the Cirrus/Maestro symbol and I use ATMs displaying these. Don't know if it makes any difference but have never had any problems (touch wood).
Mar 13th, 2010, 05:04 AM
#4
ATMs - no need to buy currency (almost always at a worse exchange rate) beforehand. In the very rare case that the ATMs at the airport aren't working, you can change a little cash there and then use an ATM in town. Also, there is good public transport from Istanbul airport into town, you don't have to use a taxi.
Mar 16th, 2010, 01:42 PM
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Are you coming from the U.K.? If so, check if British currency is accepted for your visa. If not, you need $20 or the equivalent in Turkish lire or in euro. My impression from the report of other posters is that Ataturk airport has ATMs before passing through immigration, I know that the other airport on the Asian side does not, which can create problems.
Mar 25th, 2010, 11:14 AM
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A British £10.00 note will be alright to pay for your visa. Buy it at the counter next to passport control BEFORE you go through passport control.The shops in the airport deal in Turkish Lira but Duty Free only take Euro. I was in Istanbul 19th March for four nights. I intended to travel to the city by metro and tram but were delayed at the passport control for almost an hour so took a taxi. Well worth it. It cost 37 TL to our hotel in Sultanhamet. We stayed at the Tan Hotel, a three star hotel which I would recommend.
