Turkey Shopping

Istanbul's Kapali Carsi Bazaar has jewelry, carpets and antiques for sale. Turkish handicrafts include a rich variety of textiles and embroideries, articles of copper, onyx and tile, mother-of-pearl, inlaid articles, leather and suede products, jewelry and, above all, carpets and kilims.

Shopping hours

Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1400-2000 (closed Sunday). Istanbul covered market: Mon-Sat 0800-1900.

Currency Information:

Currency

The New Turkish Lira (YTL) was introduced on January 1 2005 and both this and the old Turkish Lira (TL) will be in circulation throughout 2005. The old Turkish Lira will be withdrawn from circulation from January 1 2006. After this it will only be possible to exchange old Turkish Lira for New Turkish Lira at the Central Bank for a period of 10 years.

1YTL = 1,000,000TL (ie the new currency has six less zeros than the old currency).

New Turkish Lira (YTL). Notes are in denominations of YTL100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of YTL1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 New Kuruš (Ykr).

Old Turkish Lira (TL). Notes are in denominations of TL20,000,000, 10,000,000, 5,000,000, 1,000,000, 500,000, 250,000 and 100,000. Coins are in denominations of TL250,000, 100,000, 50,000, 25,000, 10,000 and 5000.

Currency exchange

All exchange certificates and purchase receipts must be retained to prove that legally exchanged currency was used. Money and travelers cheques can be exchanged at all PTT branches. Many UK banks offer differing rates of exchange depending on denominations of Turkish currency being bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit & debit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques

Can be cashed immediately upon proof of identity. However, it may take several days to cash cheques from private accounts. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency, though visitors bringing in a large amount of foreign currency should declare it, and have it specified in their passport upon arrival to avoid difficulties on departure. No more than the equivalent of US$5000 in local currency may be exported. Foreign currency may be exported up to US$5000, but no more than the amount imported and declared.