Kalkan Turkey Forum - EnjoyKalkan.com
Kalkan Discussion => Money & Finance => Topic started by: AlbionFan on February 07, 2012, 01:00:06 PM
-
Hi all
I am anewbie.
Can I use my debit card in the ATMs to withdraw Turkish currency? I would presume that my bank will levy a handling charge as will the local ATM bank?
Any best practices for hw to plan for holiday money in kalkan?
Thanks
AF
-
hello
lots of threads on here about money issues, if you look in the search facility you you find some helpful hints
-
As Babs has said try the search facility on the top right hand side of the page and you will find loads of really useful information and advice about peoples top tips for taking/exchanging money and the use of credit and debit cards.
Simple answer though is yes you can use your debit card, lots of ATM's around. Rates vary depending on which card you use, some are free while others apply a variety of charges. Don't think the Turkish banks levy any charge but your own card provider may well do. Still for us the cheapest and most convenient way to get cash though and exchange rates usually very good.
-
I've been to Kalkan so many times that I should know the answer but....do you mean its better to draw out sterling at ATMs and then change it at a shop/PO or do you take sterling with you?
We are currently getting lira when we can afford to while the exchange rate is still relatively high.....so the bags, food, wine etc seem cheaper in the summer!
-
Hi Albionfan
When i travel abroad this is what works well for us.
I plan my holiday spends (ish) and go to thomas cook and buy a CASHPORT card. They load it and i have a pin number. I then use this card as a mastercard to withdraw cash and also to pay for things with the card. My partner also has a second card to use.
When we get home we keep the card and just top it up ready for our next holiday. We dont pay any fees at all and it saves from having a creditcard bill on our normal cards back in the UK
we do carry our normal bank cards though for that just in case we overspend on our holiday budget as with the cashport you can not spend beyond what you first put on it
have a great holiday. :) :)
-
I don't think any of the banks in Kalkan dispense Sterling, Babs - although HSBC in Fethiye does give you this option. I would imagine doing this you would be charged twice - once by the bank and once by the exchange if its not 0%
-
Garantee Bank ATM in Kalkan gives out sterling.
-
Good to know, Amber. Thanks :)
-
I think I'll stick to M+S before we go and then use ATMs and credit card when we get there....always be fine before!
Obviously I'll have to take my credit card in case a little bags catches my eye! :laugh:
-
Thanks all
Sorry I was not clear.
These are the options I have considered:
1.Sterling T/Cqs and small float of TL
2. Just take all cash in currency TL obtained in UK.
3. Take smalll amount of TL and the rest in sterling and change at Kalkan. it would seem that there are a number of places that will exchange £ for TL at beter rates than you will get in UK. Use Post Office credit card for larger purchases such as evening meals.
4. take small float of TL. Some £ to pay for visa and then use debit card in ATM to withdrwam TL
Any feedback?
-
Option 4.....don't bother with travellers cheques ..you will have to lug your passport around..lose that your stuffed!
same as carting all your money around in sterling/TL..lose it it's gone..we find it far better to draw out every couple of days..although some charges your money is protected.....don't let your card out of your site as you would at home if paying in a restaurant..they should bring you a machine...and watch out for pin surfers at cash points as home..don't think Kalkan is a hot bed of card crime it is not you will find the people are brilliant and very friendly but safety and care costs nothing ;)
-
A difference when using Turkish ATMs is that the money comes out before the card is returned. I once walked away from the ATM stuffing lira into wallet leaving the card still in the ATM.. having sat in a cafe for 10-15 mins I realised my mistake and hot footed it back to the ATM, the card had obviously gone! so I went into the bank where they were very helpful, they pulled a box out of the back of the ATM and asked me to look through all the cards (probably >100) for my own.. If the card is not removed the ATM swallows if after a few mins, they told me that it swallows hundreds of cards per month during the season.