Author Topic: Turkish lira in the UK (Read 5218 times)

Haybo · « **on:** June 30, 2014, 08:55:30 PM »

Is it just me? I can't find anywhere other than the post office who are offering lira? Their rate is pants! Any suggestions. Only want to change enough for a meal on the first night!

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=12225.0

DRBD · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2014, 07:06:15 AM »

Haybo; this has been a problem for some months now due to the Turkish Government restricting the amount to TL going out of the country so as to help balance out the exchange rate/interest etc. There is plenty here & the exchange was the other day 3.56 in some of the shops so it might be a good idea to wait until you get here.

Kajfish · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2014, 08:08:05 AM »

I agree with DRBD - great exchange rate throughout Kalkan at the moment so if you can wait and change some as soon as you arrive, that'd be the best option.

Haybo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2014, 06:08:27 AM »

Thank you both. It is our plan this year to do as suggested. We don't get into kalkan until 11pm and just need enough for a tip for the cab driver and a meal. Where is the bank that you post Stirling in and get out lira? We are staying near Yali supermarket.

DRBD · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2014, 07:19:39 AM »

The bank in question is GARANTI, which is almost opposite Yali supermarket, so it seems problem yok for you.

DRBD · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2014, 07:23:03 AM »

For got to say the bank colours for easy ID are Green & White.

Cuddles · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2014, 08:04:50 AM »

I am not sure that you can exchange sterling for lira at the Garanti ATM, unless they have changed their machine recently. I usually take out sterling from there on the debit card and walk back up to the Isbank ATM where you can definitely change sterling into lira.
_nb.I found in May/June that it would only take £20 notes though.

Christina · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2014, 08:44:13 AM »

Two options I would suggest are:
A) use your UK debit card to take some cash (TL) out of the ATM at Denizbank (just above Yali). You might want to check first with your bank on what you would pay in charges)
Or
B) a 2 minute stroll down the hill from Yali towards the old town town and over the roundabout will bring you to Lucky Supermarket (opposite the taxi rank) where they are open till the early hours of the morning and will happily exchange Sterling for TL. Altetnatively the taxi driver may be able to take you to Lucky en route to your property - he can wait in the car nearby for you. Make sure you get a couple of smaller notes for your tips.

Cuddles · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2014, 09:32:32 AM »

If you have a Nationwide debit card there will definitely be no charges at Garanti bank ATM for taking out sterling. I believe the same is true for Halifax cards too but, as I don't use them I cannot say for certain.

There is also the option to change sterling at the telephone shop just down from Yali, which is owned by and gives the same rate as the place Christina mentions.

samson · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2014, 09:40:42 AM »

another option is to tip the driver in sterling. they have no problem with that at all

kalkan4eva · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2014, 12:49:56 PM »

No the ATM at Garanti is not an exchange but you can use it to take out sterling as Cuddles says. You can also take out sterling from the HSBC machine near Nur, but we never once found it working.
Isbank is I think the only exchange ATM and that's just by Yali too (opposite side of the road at the junction). It does only take notes of £20 and above though, £10's are not accepted and this was the same last year. The maximum per transaction is £500 and they had by far the best rate whilst we were there - 3.70tl and a charge of 1.92tl for £500. The machine wasn't working one day but the bank exchanged it for the same rate and charge

If you are bringing sterling, just ask your driver to stop there and exchange some before he takes you to your accommodation.

Haybo · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2014, 05:39:11 PM »

Thank you all so much. Looks like we can have some supper after all!

Babs · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2014, 08:47:25 PM »

I'm with Samson......as most of the transfers charge in sterling we have tipped using sterling......but as we go each year to Kalkan we generally make a point of saving a few small notes and coins so we are always "Kalkan ready"!