Istanbul - Turkish Lira or Euros

[KitKat]

Will be going to Istanbul in April and just wondering whether I should get some Turkish Lira. Will be there about a week... any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[kpc]

Get TRY from ATM on arrival at Ataturk...that's what I did. If on Aussie passport, you need to pay for a 3 month visa on arrival. USD20 or EUR15 (so need USD or EUR for this)
Visa Fees at Border Gates for 2011 / Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

[Alanslegal]

I was in Istanbul earlier last month (March) and they use Turkish Liras. You could probably pay with EUR too but they will probably make some profit of you from their in-house currency conversion rates.

 

[KitKat]

Thanks, will get some TLs for "spending" money

 

[zan5hin]

In 30+ countries I have used my NAB Gold Banking Visa Debit and didn't pay any transaction fees, only withdrawl fees on the ATM itself if there are any. I recall the turkish ATMs having a lower withdrawl limit outside the airport, so stock up at the airport if you can.

Also, this website has great info on Turkey, like using the Havas bus to get to Taksim: Ataturk Airport (IST), Istanbul, Turkey

 

[meloz]

I had trouble obtaining cash from ATM with a WPC and COM card back in 96. I eventually had to use VISA to get cash. Not sure if this was normal but have a back up plan. I haggled with a taxi driver to take me to the Hilton from the airport for $20 USD in IST. I freaked out when I saw the taxi meter reading 17,000,000 in Turkish Old Lira and I was only half distance.

Meloz

 

[kpc]

,,,,back in 96

That was 16 years ago. I suspect things are a lot better now...

 

[meloz]

That was 16 years ago. I suspect things are a lot better now...

My bad, was 2006, but your point is still valid.

Meloz