Icmeler Online Holiday Forum & Reviews - Turkey

Visited my local post office today and was told by one of the staff that there would be no commission when buing Turkish lira at the counter. I did ask whether it was confined to particular dates, but the answer I got was that they were to provide the service at 0% until further notice. (probably until the end of the summer)

Thought this might help anybody that needs to change cash for some lira before they go.

Helen

Think they were trying to pull a fast one and convince you to buy. As far as I know they have never charged commision and don't think anyone charges commision these days and the post office rates are never the best anyway so they just incorporate there so called 0% commision into the price by giving you less Lira for you money. You are best just to get abit of money changed here to tide you over till you get to the nearest supermarket to your hotel and change there, you can get a slightly better rate by shopping round over there but rates tend to be more or less the same where ever you go. Avoid the exchange shops as they have bad rates and a bad reputation.

Steve

Hi Steve

I only change about £50 worth before I go, just to get me started. Been going to Icmeler every year for the last fifteen years and have always changed money at ATM machines (no charge with a certain HSBC card). Failing that our Turkish family changes money for us at the restaurant.

Also, for anyone buying sterling travellers cheques Travelex are doing 0% commission and they get delivered direct to your door free if you order £500 or more. I ordered on Thursday morning and they were here on Friday, excellent service. Plus I got £2.50 paid into my Employee Benefits account for ordering through their website.

dotty-Is there a charge when you cash the cheques in Turkey ?

molly malone wrote:dotty-Is there a charge when you cash the cheques in Turkey ?

We always take travellers cheques and have never been charged commission

Lynda

Thanks Lynda, we usually just take English money with us but that would be safer.

No don't think we've ever been charged either

Marks and Spencer do not charge commission on currency, 1% on sterling travellers cheques. Staff their very helpful.

4wilts wrote:Marks and Spencer do not charge commission on currency, 1% on sterling travellers cheques. Staff their very helpful.

M & S used to have really good rates a few years back but I find them one of the worst now and it can be quite a big difference sometimes.

Steve

Most places abroad advertise no commission for currency and travellers cheques now but, as mentioned earlier about the post office, they get their cut by giving you a lower rate. Last year in Marmaris in May I could get 2.35lira either for pounds or cheques but by using my Nationwide card at the ATM I was getting 2.45 and that works out at 4% commission for no commission exchanges !!