What is the cheapest and easiest way to get Euros at IST? I will be flying from EWR and the hotel wants payment in Euros. After a couple of days in Istabul, I am heading to Belgrade where again I am expected to pay in Euros. Is there an ATM machine in IST that will issue euros or am I stuck with banks or money changing places?
The hotel requests payment in Euros. It also has a reasonably priced airport pickup service provided one pays in euros. I am also going to a workshop which requires payment in euros. I don't think that traveller's checks are the solution. Last time I tried to use them in Europe (many years ago) there was a hefty surcharge. I always keep some euros around, but don't quite have enough to cover everything.
The hotel requests payment in Euros. It also has a reasonably priced airport pickup service provided one pays in euros. I am also going to a workshop which requires payment in euros. I don't think that traveller's checks are the solution. Last time I tried to use them in Europe (many years ago) there was a hefty surcharge. I always keep some euros around, but don't quite have enough to cover everything.
Did you think about getting Euros before getting on the plane in the US?
call the hotel. if they demand euros, ask them how to get them. ask if there are any euro atmz at the airport. will the hotel take credit cards or atm cash cards? there are 4 banks and 19 atmz in ist, on both sides. the banks have phone numbers. call them and ask them the today exchange rate dollar to euro. they will speak english.
the hotel may try to do a double exchange rate charge on you. the russians in moscow charge in dollars, then convert the bill to rubles. present the bill in rubles, then convert back to dollars for collection. fastest 10% you ever saw.
you will probably also need lira for walking around money.
The room rate is based upon paying cash in euros. I am pretty sure that one of the two hotels does not accept credit cards. I am trying to figure out the most advantageous place to change money. I live in a small city and cannot do it locally. I am kicking myself for not anticipating this problem and stocking up on euros my last trip to europe. Normally I keep 600 euros around but got lazy on my last trip abroad.
OK. I received a response from the primary hotel. I can pay in dollars. (Not sure why I did not get a response the first time I asked.) I think that I have enough euros to make payment at the second hotel an non-issue. Thanks.
