Advise on Turkish Lira

Posted by: Hammerhead on 28 July 2004

Hi all,

We’ll be visiting Northern Cyprus for our hols this summer and wondered what the best plan is concerning currency. As there is about 2.6 million Lira to the pound, do you generally need a wheel barrow/large lorry to carry enough money round for a days needs? Are notes generally in million denominations ie, 1m, 10m, 50m etc? How much to take for 2 weeks??

Cheers,

Steve

Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Roy T

A few weeks ago I listened to a BBC radio travel prog and iirc the using the Turkish Lira causd a few problems as most people would ratrher take anything but the Lira. I think that when entering the country various official forms had to be filled and fees collected again the Lira was not at all welcomed.

Roy T

Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Willito

Hi Steve,

The denominations of the notes are in the millions. If I recall correctly, they run 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 million. In each case, the six zeros are smaller than the main figure, helping you to distinguish between 5 million and 50 million for example.

I haven't been to Cyprus, but in Turkey I just used my bank card rather than changing a big wad up-front. It spared the twin risks of walking around with too much money and ending up with leftover currency, as well as generally offering a better exchange rate.

Given that I haven't been to Cyprus I can't comment on whether cashpoints are readily available. I find, however, that they do tend to turn up in the most suprising places.

Have a wonderful holiday,
Will

PS: If it's anything like Turkey, I would definitely second Roy's comment, especially if you plan to barter. In this regard, dollars and euros are more welcome than sterling.

Posted on: 28 July 2004 by Hammerhead

Thanks Roy & Will. I've just ordered a little bit in Lira just to get by for the first few days and the rest in travellers cheques. The guides we have suggest ATMs are still quite rare as is the acceptance of plastic. Looking forward to some proper summer sunshine/heat all the same!

Cheers,

Steve