First visit to Icmeler

[toffcarol]

Well 3 weeks to go until our first visit to Icmeler and I can't wait. Been looking at all the posts and am sure we are going to enjoy it! Just received my phrasebook today, so am busy trying to learn some of the language. Still not sure how to bring currency out. Am toying with the idea of one of those prepaid cards...any thoughts on that from anyone who has used one???? Have a great holiday everyone !!!!!!!!

[reesy1959]

Welcome to the forum, and I hope you have a great time in Icmeler.

I dont know what the pre-paid cards are, but we take a few hundred pounds for trips/shopping etc, then just use our Nationwide Flexi Account card, at one of the many ATM's in Icmeler. With the Nationwide flexi account there are no charges for withdrawing in Turkey. If I see the exchange rate is around 2.4, then I will cash 250 lira to round it off to around £100 as you get the international bank exchange rate.

Lots of people just take cash though and exchange it in the bars or small supermarkets, you get good rates there and much better than you would get at home.

Just make sure you have a safety deposit box to keep all your cash and valuables safe, as in any other country.

[swc24]

Hi

Would take about £100 in lira to get you started and take the rest in £ or use your bank card to withdraw what you need you will get a better exchange rate in the resort and most place will take english money also you bank might offer a better rate if you withdraw in lira
There are a couple of bank machines where you can withdraw in £ might help you keep a better track on what you are spending

Dont use the cash exchanges shops use the small suppermarkets or bars/resturants to change your money as you will get a better rate and they dont charge commission

You could always take sterling travelers checks if you feel safer doing so and you will be able to change them in the same way as cash and most will not charge you commission

One of the best place to exchange is the suppermarket under the ICR office in the centre of town they offer very good rates

Hope this helps and hope you enjoy your stay

Steve

[toffcarol]

Thanks that is really helpful. The prepaid card is like a debit card that you load up with however much money and withdraw at atm or pay for goods with it...i think it is mastercard or something like that, so its insured. We normally take cash, so think we will just do that. Thanks for your help

[toffcarol]

Thanks Steve...must say you get a quick response on here. Great forum!!! Have learnt a few hints and tips on here

[dksbbs]

Another good place to change money is the Best supermarket opposite the Romance restaurant, always get a good rate which is the same for £ or Travellers Cheques and once you have changed your first TC they give you a card so you don't need to keep taking your passport.


Dave

edit to change could to good

[toffcarol]

Thanks Dave.....This forum is so helpful...hope to meet some of you soon x

[3 bellsmcfc]

The pre paid cards are great...Just don't forget the number like I did last year...As said earlier, there are many ATMs in Icmeler alone.

[tipsy]

sorry, just come in on the chat half way through. What are these prepaid cards about? how do I use them and where do I get one from. sounds like a great idea.

[reesy1959]

Carol replied above what the card is.

The prepaid card is like a debit card that you load up with however much money and withdraw at atm or pay for goods with it...i think it is mastercard or something like that, so its insured. We normally take cash, so think we will just do that. Thanks for your help

[toffcarol]

The Co-op travel agents do them, so i suppose other travel agent will too

[tipsy]

will check that out, thanks

[Doz]

I would recommend if you are going with a partner for them to take their card too if its a joint account. Two years ago we were in company and the had one card between them and the machines swallowed the card. They had to arrange to get money put into my account and I took it out for them over there.

[bikerjambo]

Carol replied above what the card is.

The prepaid card is like a debit card that you load up with however much money and withdraw at atm or pay for goods with it...i think it is mastercard or something like that, so its insured. We normally take cash, so think we will just do that. Thanks for your help

We use the FairFX pre-paid mastercard, handy as hell and if you book any flights with Ryanair you don't pay the £10 per head booking fee.

[tipsy]

where did you get that from bikerjambo?? like the idea of bypassing ryanairs charges!!!