Turkish money for brief stay.

[Robert G]

I'll be flying out to southern Turkey in March, staying in a hotel for one night, seeing the total eclipse of the sun the next day (hopefully) and then flying back. A brief visit! It's an arranged all-in package trip. Can anyone please advise me on whether I should take any Turkish currency with me? Or whether I should leave it until I am in Turkey. I tend to favour the latter, if only because I may find I won't need any, but I should value the benefit of other people's experience. I've heard that you should get a better exchange rate in Turkey than in the UK.

[SteveD]

Probably better to wait till the last minute or change your money there:

http://www.worldwide-tax.com/turkey/tur_inflation.asp

[sammd]

In addition to SteveD's advice, i noticed some of the Turkish liked English money when i was there - they accepted English notes in some places, although i can't guarantee that's true in all areas.

Sorry to divert slightly from your question Robert G, but is there a website that states when total eclipses will happen in different countries? I missed the English one and would like to see one at some point.

[Monstersdad]

I beg you not to change to Turkish Lira anywhere other that Turkey. The exchange rate you get outside the country is appauling and bearing in mind that the currency has a colourful history to put it mildly (1.4million to the pound last time I was there, they've recently dropped many zeros off the end and reprinted all the currency).

You will get a better rate and can change your sterling (Cash NOT travellers cheques) absolutly anywhere commission free). Bars and restuarants are the best bet but I've changed money in carpet shops and even on market stalls before. You may also be able to use local ATM machines to access local cash but bearin mind your bank will charge you for wanting your money! Enjoy the visit (too brief for my liking but please go back for longer sometime, the south coust and centre of the country (around Cappadoccia) are superb. Don't come back with bird flue either!!

Speaking of whick, my wife's just caught bird flue. i.e. she's started wearing make-up, she's talking b***ocks and can't park the car for love nor money.

Have a great time. X

[Robert G]

Thanks for your helpful answers, everyone.

Sammd: total eclipses of the sun:

Staring with the next one, on 29th March, the path of totality runs from Brazil through the Gold Coast, Libya, Turkey, Black Sea, Georgia to Kazakhstan. In UK we will see a partial eclipse (clouds permitting). Check this on NASA's website:

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/SEmono/TSE2006/TSE 2006.html

On this next weblink you can see a large-scale map of the coastal region of Turkey which will be crossed by the path of totality:

http://newton.physics.metu.edu.tr/~aat/TSE2006/Map5.jpg

For all other solar eclipses you need NASA's site again:

http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/solar.html

Explore this site - it's fascinating. You will discover that there will be no total eclipses experienced in the UK until towards the end of this century. But plenty of opportunities in the meantime if you're prepared to travel abroad for them.

[sammd]

Thanks Robert G!