Currency in Istanbul -Nautica 24th August

[malbar]

Does anyone know if we need Turkish Lira in Istanbul(especially if we transfer to the airport by taxi) or will Sterling or Euros be accepted?

[Rickey 88]

If you are just transferring directly to the ship, you will find that Euros or other major currencies are accepted by most drivers. (But ask first)

 

You will only need Lira if you are staying over as then some smaller merchants, etc. will not accept anything but their own currency.

 

(Can you imagine what a California merchant would do when they were presented with Chinese Yuan, Danish Krone, or Turkish Lira?)

[malbar]

Thanks very much for the information.

[Aruba]

I would recommend getting Turkish lira, especially if you're spending extra time in Istanbul. We spent 3 extra days in Istanbul after our Nautica cruise and needed the lira for small purchases -- lunches, taxis, guidebooks, bottled water, tips, etc. There's an ATM located conveniently near the Sophia Hagia, across from the "Underground Cistern". We used credit cards for dinners and a haman bath.

 

(By the way, the underground ancient cistern was surprisingly interesting. If you have time, it's well worth seeing -- especially the sculpted faces of Medusa used as footing for 2 of the columns, which were only discovered 20 or so years.)

[malbar]

Thanks, I think we will get a litle Turkish currency