Monies in Istanbul and Izmir....

[tc80tc80]

For people who have been there recently, did you find in the markets that the shop owners prefered Euros or Turkish Lira? I just want to know which to stock up on to minimize conversion charges.

[cruisemom42]

Most shop owners will take either currency willingly; however, if you're planning on doing a lot of shopping, you'll get a better value out of using lira. The "rate of exchange" employed by merchants in converting currency is a little loose, to put it mildly.

 

Also, if you are planning on doing anything on your own, such as visiting any sites or museums, or if you plan to use public transportation, you'll need lira.

 

You can easily obtain lira at an ATM once you arrive.

[texancruzer]

We hit the ATM right out of the port exit. Used it for tokens for the tram. Also for entry fees to sights and a bit of street vendor shopping. But in the Grand Bazaar and for lunch at our restaurant - we used our credit card (MC) We bought some wonderful Turkish pashminas (yes we checked to make sure they were actually Turkish and not "Made In China" These were wonderfully hand embroidered and were not cheap. Gorgeous. Pretty much all the vendors in the GB will accept credit cards. Just use one that has no fees as the conversion rates are whatever they are for that day.