Hi!

Has someone information on exchanging money (Euro to Turkish Lira) in Istanbul. I understand, that there are money exchangers on most street corners in the Tourist areas.

If so, do they give a fair exchange rate or should I exchange money at a bank or before I get to Istanbul.

Thanks you.

I assume you will only be in Istanbul for 1 or two days. Based on our previous trips to Turkey there is probably no reason you need to exchange any money. The Turks are quite happy to accept dollars or Euros which are often more popular than Lira. Its a good idea to have a good supply of small bills since it is possible they would not have change..or you will get your change in Lira. As to shopping, all the good stores and even most of the small stalls in the Grand Bazaar will accept credit cards. MC, EC, and Visa are the most popular although we were surprised at how many small merchants would even accept AMEX. If you really have your heart set on exchanging money you will find plenty of money exchanges as well as banks, and you can also use ATMs. Its not hard getting Turkish Lira,,,but it can be difficult to get rid of them anywhere but in Turkey.

Hank

I was just in Istanbul March 31, 2007. They are very happy to accept Euro's. They will accept USD, but as you must know the USD isn't worth much in Europe.
Don't wear any good jewelry, and be careful of the pick pockets.
Have a Great time. There are over 4,000 shops at the Grand Bazaar I've never seen so much jewelry before in one place.
They do expect you to bargain with them. Never pay the price they ask.
I hope this helps.

Thank you Sandy P for your advice. It is just sad, that there are so many pick pocketers in Europe. It can really put a damper on things having to watch everyone coming close to you.

Sorry it took me so long to respond
gogetter. If you buy Euro's and don't spend them, the ship really had a terrible exchange rate, well that is if the ship your going on will exchange it for you. When we went to Europe in March, 2007 the exchange rate was 1.38, the ship we were on (Carnival Freedom) was offering 1.21.
In reference to pick pockets, we were talking to an older gentleman at lunch and he was telling us when he was in the Mosque everyone was looking up at the ceiling, there was 3 men together and one of them knocked the older gentleman down, they apologizing to him. PS when he got back to the ship his wallet was gone. On the Freedom you need your credit card to open and close your safe, so he didn't have use of his safe after that.
In reference to the ship safe, a woman said she was using her, hummmm what do you call it, her VIP card from her local grocery store. I hope you know what I'm talking about. The card that the store swipes and it gives you discounts when your purchasing your groceries. I didn't have one of those cards with me, but I will take one on my next cruise just to try it out.
Have a Wonderful time on your cruise.

Thank you Sandy P you've been a really great help.

Thanks again.

Your Welcome gogetter. I'm glad that I could be of some help.