Ways to Save Cash When Visiting Turkey
Nobody has a money tree growing in their back garden, and if they do, it’s a huge secret that is yet to be discovered! For this reason, finding ways to save cash is the way forward, and this also means that you are able to travel the world much more frequently than you would have done otherwise.
Turkey is not an expensive country to visit. Of course, if you want to do all the expensive things, stay in big, 5 star hotels, dine at top restaurants, and drink in terrace cocktail bars, then you can do that, but you will pay the price. If however, you’re on a little more of a budget, there are many things you can do to save cash, whether you’re visiting a south coast beach resort, a big city, or you’re travelling around a little.
Let’s check out a few of those ways.
If Travelling Around, Use The Bus
If you are moving around from place to place, or even moving just once, look into using the national bus service. There are several long distance coach companies who operate across the country, and these are relatively cheap and very comfortable ways to get around. You will have free Wi-Fi on your coach, you will get refreshments and snacks usually, and a screen back TV too. Whilst it is a slower way to get around, it is certainly cheap. You could fly if you really wanted to, e.g. if you were going from a south coast city to Istanbul, and you can do this very cheaply, sometimes as cheap as $50, if you book online ahead of time.
Stay in Self Catering Apartments
It is a much better idea to book a self catering idea and either cook for yourself or eat out, than to go for a half board, full board or all inclusive option. These types of hotel are very rarely top class when it comes to food, and you are likely to get a tad bored of the same food all the time! If you book all inclusive, you can please yourself, and you can try a few different restaurants, and therefore try some of the local cuisine too.
Eat Street Food
Istanbul in particular is a great place to dine on street food, for a very low price tag too. Having said that, you will always find small kebab shops in any town, and these are relatively inexpensive and usually delicious. As a rule of thumb, if you see locals eating there, it’s a good place to go!
Dine Away From The Tourist Streets
Touristic places will always have higher prices than local, residential places. For instance, if you’re staying in a beach resort place, such as Marmaris, try not to dine on the beach front too often, and instead head back a little, checking out the side streets. You will usually find local restaurants here which will serve you authentic food, for a much smaller price tag.
Shop Around For Excursions
Beach resorts will always have several excursions available, and many of them will be activities you should try and do. Having said that, you shouldn’t simply jump at the first option available, and instead you should shop around. Never buy your trips from your hotel rep – these are likely to be much higher in cost than you can find from street vendors around the resort. If you are buying more than one trip, you may also be able to find a discount.
Haggle For Your Market Shopping
You can’t haggle everywhere, but in the bazaar you certainly can, and it’s expected too! If you see something you like, e.g. shoes, a bag, a jacket, then ask the trader how much they want for it. When they give you the price, half it and be cheeky – see if they’ll accept it! You’ll probably come to an agreement somewhere in the middle, and this means that you can grab some bargains to take back home with you.
Change Your Cash in Turkey
It’s a good idea to change a little cash before you arrive in Turkey, to last you for the first day or so, but save the bulk of your cash to change in resort. This is because you will always get a much better rate than you would do overseas – instantly more lira for your cash!
These small hacks are easy ways to keep cash in your pocket whilst visiting Turkey, no matter what part of the country you’re venturing to.
