A mixture of cash and credit cards are the best forms of currency. Credit cards are also accepted in most of the restaurants, bars and pubs. MasterCard and Visa are most welcomed; American Express cards work at some ATMs and Amex offices. Credit cards are also useful for cash advances, which allow you to withdraw Lira instantly from associated banks and ATMs throughout Turkey. Cash cards and ATM’s are widespread in most of Turkey; in Istanbul, Canakkale, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Kas, Cappadocia, and Ankara. When travelling, plan your budget and use the ATM machines before leaving the main towns.

Always try and use ATM’s that are attached to banks while the bank is open, so that if the ATM swallows your card, you can go into the back and get the card back.

It is much cheaper to convert money to Turkish Lira in Turkey than at home. Using an ATM or a credit card will often get you the best possible exchange rates; the post and telephone office (PTT) and banks offer very reasonable rates too. In the past, because of Turkey’s high inflation rate, it was best to convert money on daily basis. However, the currency has remained steady against all major currencies for the past 3 years

At the beginning of 2005 Turkey dropped 6 zeroes from its currency and took the opportunity to introduce several new denominations of the New Turkish Lira (YTL): 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Please note that in 2006 the old currency became redundant and has no value.

It is difficult for us to specify the money that you will spend per day, however, as a general rule GBP £20 to £25 (in Turkey) per day, GBP £20 to £40 (in Greece) per day can provide you with additional meals and optional entrances. Should you wish to purchase souvenirs or other gifts, of which there is a diverse range, you will have to budget for these.