Euro's in Turkey?

[Maclean girl]

I am wondering what currency cash we should be carrying when we spend the day in Ephesus, Turkey? If not Euro's, then what? And could we get some at an ATM when the ship docks?

[cusyl]

Euros are not the official money of Turkey, but we found that they would accept them.

[cberge]

I am wondering what currency cash we should be carrying when we spend the day in Ephesus, Turkey? If not Euro's, then what? And could we get some at an ATM when the ship docks?

 

It's the new Turkish Lira,and yes, you can get some at ATM's at the dock.You probably won't need much and yes again,some places may take Euro,but not all.

[Keith1010]

While Turkey Lira is the local currency, you can easily use US Dollars, Euros or Pounds. They are happy to take this currency.

 

Keith

[nomars_girl]

We used dollars and euros. They didn't seem to want their own money.

[giorgosz]

If you think of the inflation they have, you understand why they don't seem to want their own money.

Been 2 times in Turkey, in places with tourists anyway, and they were more than happy to be paid in euros or USdollars.

[Maryutah]

We used both Euros and once dollars, they easily quoted prices in either - and never pay the first price requested :D

[Mike Andrews]

Always haggle and then walk away and check the exchange rates to make sure you are getting value for money.Try and use Euros or US Dollars and don't end up with a lot of Turkish Lire as it will probably be worthless on your next trip.

[luvnorway]

Whenever we choose to function in a non-local currency - which is as infrequently as possible due to the exchange rate you end up paying [often based on a mathematically challenged vendor's wild guess - although this does, occasionally work to your advantage ;-)] - we assume that you'll likely minimize the rip off if you use the alternate currency with which the vendor is likely to be most familiar - i.e. - what is the alternate currency most likely to be used by tourists visiting this location.

 

Since more people in the world use Euro than USD and certainly more tourists in Turkey are from European countries than the US, we use Euro there if only visiting for a short port stop. Also, vendors have just had more experience quoting prices in the more commonly used alternate currency and some smaller establishments, being more familiar with it, may be more willing to take it than USD.

 

The above not withstanding, echoing previous posters, when we were in Turkey a few weeks ago (using Euro), we saw lots of Turks accepting USD from Americans.

BTW - our Turkish guide on a tour to Ephesus warned against using credit cards when making purchases in Kusadasi - partly due to scams, and partly because you have more bargaining room if the vendor doesn't have to pay a % to the credit card company - and HE did clearly mention both these reasons.

 

Whether a non-local currency is accepted depends, to a great extent on the economy/prosperity of the country. In Turkey, vendors are (or appear to be) desperate to sell and will accommodate the buyer, if possible. In contrast, in prosperous countries of Northern Europe like Norway, Iceland, Denmark etc. that are not on the Euro, there isn't the same incentive to be accommodating, and tourists assuming they will (or even worse, should) accept Euro or USD may be insulting since comparable businesses in the US wouldn't even accept Euro, much less NOK, ISK, DKK.

[Maclean girl]

this has all been most helpful so thank you to everyone who has posted! I find the various hints and tips from you all as invaluable....now if only I can remember them all!!

[ilovemed]

You can use any foreign currency you want for your purchases in Kusadasi Turkey (Port city for Ephesus) during your one day stay.

 

But if you stay longer in Turkey Turkish Liras is needed for extras.

 

I can recommend you to change some US Dollars(10-20 US Dollars) in Kusadasi for your little purchases and WC stops (money is asked for most of the public WC).