Are Travellers cheques OK??

[JEL]

Hi, we will be visiting Kalkan & Turkey for the 1st time in 2 weeks & we have seen advice on various sites saying it is difficult to cash Sterling travellers cheques, can anyone give me advice as to the truth of this? Thanks!

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=5783.0

[headroom]

you can cash travellers cheques in various shops but will be charged quite heftily for it, best to take cash and change it at the PTT (post office).

[Cosetta]

If you have a Nationwide Flex Account in the UK, you
don't need to change any money at all, you can withdraw up to 600 lira daily
from your UK account via any ATM machine here with no commission charges, no
atm charges and one of the best rates of exchange.

[turkeyfan]

We haven't used travellers cheques in Turkey for years because the commission charges were about 15% and it just wasn't worth it. 

Nationwide account or sterling for us.

[kalkan4eva]

I can also recommend Santander's Zero account - no charges and a decent exchange rate from ATM's. Didn't think anyone used Travellers Cheques anymore

[baklavabuddy]

I changed some GBP at the post office (PTT) last night,  rate of exchange was 2.3766, so a good rate. Paid 14 lira commission so not bad at all (on 270 GBP)

BB

[Begonvil]

Sterling and Nation Wide Flex account for us!!

[JEL]

Thanks everyone for the priceless advice! I certainly WILL NOT be taking travellers cheques and paying 15% commission!! Looking forward to arriving. Thanks again for all your help.

[Blue Lizard]

Don't blame you....also problem carting your passport around with you with TC's

[lornaboon]

i have a nationwide flex account but am worried that my card will be gobbled up by the atm machine ! then i would be in a pickle, any ideas

[Will]

In the very unlikely event that your card might be gobbled by the machine, you can go into the bank and ask for it back as long as you have proof of identity (passport)

If you use the ATM machines located at the banks (there are six) and use your card during banking hours (Mon - Fri 9.00 - 5.30) nothing can go wrong.

Incidentally, Baris at the Turcell shop located next to the old Belediye office in Kalkan gives the same rate as the post office and charges NO commission.

Will

[Kalkan regular]

It's never a good idea to only have one source of money when you are away. Either take 2 different cards or some cash and a card.
The Turkishlocalnews site is also reporting that there have been scams at a couple of ATMs in Kalkan again this year. The upshot is to not let anyone 'help' you, make sure no one sees your pin and preferably draw your money out when the bank is open so you can go in if there's a problem.

[lornaboon]

THANKS EVERYONE WHO REPLYED , SO I WILL BE ABLE TO GET MY CARD BACK AND STILL USE IT IF IT WAS GOBBLED UP?

[Will]

 Yes you will.

[lornaboon]

 when you use the atms are the commands in turkish? ( sorry i know im being a bit thick)

[fidimax]

the ones I have used have a on screen icon for English,they are simple to use,just a bit more messing about than the ones in the UK.   

[fidimax]

I tend to use the one at the bank under the Samira hotel in town,there is always plenty of brits knocking about,it just makes you feel a bit better.

[Alfaman]

And to think in 2003, the only bank, Deniz Bank was closed and sent a mobile on certain days of the week!

[itstime]

My son used travellers cheques a few weeks ago. Cashed them at Infinity Jewellers and no commission plus same rate as cash. Don't use them myself but maybe useful for some thinking of taking them.

[frangaz16]

Be Aware that your travellers cheques are fully insured whereas your personal money is only insured up to the limit on your travel insurance policy.  Most business are willing to take travellers cheques as long as you don't date them. As they can then hold on to them until the exchange rate rises above the amount they have paid out and they are able to make a profit on them. Makes perfect business sense to me. Canny lot the Turkish!! However, you will need your passport to exchange them and this can be a pain as you have to carry it with you, at least if you take cash or use your card there is no chance of losing your passport.  Enjoy your hols and say Hello to Kalkan for me.
Fran