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Inside the Basilica Cistern
Beautifully-carved stone
Outer narthex & ceiling mosaics - Jan 2010
BaklavaUS$ or Euro? The currency question.
Another popular question, not only in Turkey forums but others too, but what really is worth bringing?
Upto now I really don’t clearly understand why euro when the country has its own national currency. The euro has a better exchange rate, so bring it on, that is, if you are coming from a European country. Yet, if you are from the US of A, I don’t think it is reasonable to exchange your $ to euro, because you will again exchange that euro to YTL (Turkish Lira). Then again, if you are not from both countries, and your currency does not fall into one of those popular currencies, then you may just have to buy either euro or $, as other non-pop currencies tends to have lower exchange rates and/or may not be widely acceptable for impromptu payments.
Most hotels in Turkey accepts either of these 2 hard bills, and basically, they use the prevailing currency exchange rates (i.e. XE).
Then again, the New Turkish Lira is the preferred currency in most hotels, and advantageous for you especially if you were able to get a higher rate.
The new Turkish lira is the currency of Turkey, which means what? You know what it means, it is what you use to buy or pay for anything and everything when you’re in Turkey after all you are in Turkey appropriately they have their own currency. Euro is not the official currency, though acceptable in some establishments like hotels, but not practical for others, much more impractical for you as you will end up losing a lot if you’re spending loads of it.
Your credit or debit cards of course are acceptable in most hotels (even in many hostels). And the good news is, your bank uses the current exchange rate or bills you in euro or $ if that’s your currency or your card’s currency. Bad news is, some establishments cut a certain percentage on card payments, from 2 to 5%. Bottom line is, whether you have $ or euro, it doesn’t make much difference. You still have to exchange it into YTL. Tip though, upon arriving at the airport and taking either a taxi, airport bus, or the popular metro/tram combi to your hotel, exchange a hundred dollar or less at any of the airport currency exchange office – there are 2 beside the luggage conveyor and another 2 on the other side – then head to any of the currency exchange offices in the city center once you are already there to buy more Turkish liras for the duration of your stay. More often than not, they have a better rate.
I’m beginning to sound so detailed and it’s getting more complicated with longer explanations, isn’t it?
