Money Matters
Even before you visit Kalkan, you need to be thinking about your holiday spending money and then, when you're in Kalkan, where to change or withdraw money. Some of the most frequently asked questions on our Visit Kalkan Facebook group are about cash, cards and exchange rates. Don't worry, this guide, as well as showing the latest exchange rate and useful currency converter, will provide the best advice to make your money go further whilst on holiday.
Before you go
Whilst there are several options available, it depends very much on your own personal preferences.
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Cash
There will be some who just prefer cash. That might mean taking Sterling with you so that you can change it for the best rates in resort. If you prefer this option, many shops and jewellers in town offer very good rates, much better than if you purchase foreign currency to take with you.
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Some may be more comfortable buying Turkish Lira before you go. We wouldn't recommend this option as the rates on offer will be much lower than what you can get in resort. However, buying a small amount of Lira might be useful to cover any immediate expenses on the first day such as taxis might be worth it. Travellers cheques are not a thing anymore.
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Debit Cards
Most banks and building societies will slap on around 3% to your transactions made abroad when you use your debit card - rising to almost 5% for ATM withdrawals. So, it makes sense to either open another current account with a travel-friendly debit card.
Here are the banks that do not charge fees when using your debit card abroad. Although it is worth noting that ATM withdrawal fees may still incur a fee, often set by the ATM provider.
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No fees on spending or cash withdrawals at home or abroad
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1% cashback on your spending for 12 months
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Note you can only manage this account in-app
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Maximum £1,500 ATM limit while abroad, per calendar month
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No fees on purchases made abroad
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Fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad, up to £500 a day
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£175 switching bonus if you open the current account, and access to 7% regular saver account
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No fees on spending or cash withdrawals at home or abroad
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Manage in-app and online
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Maximum £300 ATM limit while abroad
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Currensea debit card links to your existing current account, so offers a good alternative if you don’t want to switch banks
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No fees on spending or ATM withdrawals
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Maximum ATM limit of £500 per month.
Credit Cards
If you are using a credit card, make sure you are in a position to pay off your bill in full at the end of each month, otherwise interest charges will cancel out the benefits. The advantage of using a credit card abroad is the protection it offers you if anything goes wrong. Here are some of the recommended credit cards to use abroad:
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No fees on spending or ATM withdrawals abroad
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0.25% cashback on purchases
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No interest on cash withdrawals if paid in full
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Protection on purchases over £100
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No fees on spending or ATM withdrawals abroad
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Purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 are covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act
Whilst in Kalkan
If you have Sterling to change in Kalkan, the best places to change money are the local shops in town and the jewellers especially offer the best rates.
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If you're withdrawing cash from an ATM, be aware that you will likely be charged a fee regardless of whether your bank makes no charge for overseas withdrawals. The main exception is the ATM at the PTT and Barclays account holders do not get charged if using an ATM at TEB bank. Most machines will offer instructions in English.