Holiday Money

[dotty]

We've always taken our holiday money in a combination of travellers checks and currency, but wonder what everyone else does because I've noticed that my bank charges 1% to buy sterling travellers checks but apparently no charge for euro travellers checks. Would be interested to hear everyones views on this.

[Brownie1]

We have never taken traveller's cheques for that exact reason. We take mostly sterling and find we get a good commission free rate converting into Liras while in Icmeler. Most places take sterling anyway.

Why let the Bank take a commission when you can spend that money on yourself!!

[blondie1410]

Hi

We have been going to icmeler for the last 2 years and always take sterling or withdraw sterling from the cash machines and then usually exchange it at Wonderboys. Leo has been giving the best rate of exchange the times that we have been. That way we dont pay any bank charges.

Ash

[mazz]

I always take half my spends in sterling travellers cheques for safety, the rest in english notes and enough Turkish Lira to see me through the first few hours in resort as you get a better exchange rate over there.

I get my travellers cheques from my bank and they don't charge commission which is good.

I always take my debit and credit cards with me as they're widely accepted. I'm always worried I'll be hugely charged every time I use an ATM so tend not to use them.

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's unwise to take Euro cheques as you don't get such a good exchange rate while over there (or is it that you're charged more commission when changing?) - perhaps admin can clarify....

I always change my notes and cheques at the supermarket between the Chill bar and the Natural Leather shop, got a really good rate there last summer! Most shops/bars/restaurants/travel agents will change for you no problem.

Whatever you decide - make sure you hire a safety deposit box in your accommodation.

Mazz

[madmackem]

i agree with Mazz never been charged commison by my bank for travelers cheques so always take them for safety sack just in case you lose them, you lose cash and you are out of pocket.

[laura180306]

I agree with you too madmackem and mazz. I always take most of money in travellers cheques and I am never charged at my bank. Plus the owners of the apartments I stay at can exchange them at a very good rate too. Take enough Lira to last the first day or so, and my credit card, just incase!!

[Janine]

hi

We have been going to icmeler for 5years now. We take a combination of half traveller cheque's, half sterling & enough lira to last first few days. Some shops prefer sterling. Would always recommend a safety depsoit box just incase.

Janine xXx

[MUSTAPHABUN]

we found the supermarket under the icr office gave a good exchange rate.one word of warning, only take english notes.you get a shockingly bad rate for Scottish ones .i do,nt think you can use them for your£10 entry visa either.

[redrhino12]

I have to agree, the supermarket under the Icmeleronline offices gives the best exchage rate, also we do all our shopping there as well.
The market is brilliant for shopping for your fresh vegatables, but this guy does a great service for all your groceries.

Gene

[alyhyena]

A bit of advice

Im off on monday . Last year we went to side and took euros. what would you reccomment lira pounds euros?

Thanks all

[mazz]

Hi Alyhyena

I'd recommend you take enough Lira to see you through the first day or evening and pounds/sterling travellers cheques. I wouldn't bother with Euros. Don't forget your credit cards too!!!

Have a fabulous time and don't forget to tell us all about your holiday when you get back!

Mazz

[Frank]

Hi Ash

Looking at your post on Holiday money, do you mean you can withdraw sterling from the cash machines in Icmeler?

[GeordieLass]

as far as I know, when I have used cash machines the money comes out in lira. but my bank doesnt charge me to take money out.

[blondie1410]

Hi Frank

We found out the other year that if you use a HSBC cash machine then it gives you the option to withdraw money in Lira, Euros or GBP.

We find this easier as the bank is not charging us a fee, well mine doesn't but i cannot comment on other banks. I bank with the Royal Bank of Scotland.

We can then get a good exchange rate by shopping around and avoid fees.

Ash

[Frank]

Hi Ash

Thanks for this info, I will be doing that this year.