[galacticnick]

snowydust wrote:

Is the rate comparable to the money changers there?

I’m not sure, because SGD is not a currency that is commonly exchanged at the money changers both in Singapore and Turkey, so I don’t recall seeing the SGD-TLR exchange rate on the boards.

Do make sure you use an ATM card that does not charge you an overseas withdrawal fee. CIMB StarSaver doesn’t.

[lowzeewee]

If you prefer to change physical currency in Turkey, better to use USD or Euros.

[wwh5210]

Planning to go Turkey group tour this year. Any recommended tour agency? Went to Australia with Chan Brothers a few years back and it wasn't a pleasant one.

[guitar123]

I've been to Turkey but that was part of a cruise ship stop. That time, I didn't get data. Just walked around. Be careful of touts trying to scam you, like trying to polish your shoes and then demanding money. Stay away.

In Istanbul, other than the usual sights, check out the Basilica Cisterns. Something different.

[Phelan77]

snowydust wrote:

Is the rate comparable to the money changers there?

Was in istanbul in September last year. Changed Euro in SG and changed to LIRA in istanbul. Grand Bazzar $ changer gives the best rate

[fabianshc]

wwh5210 wrote:

Planning to go Turkey group tour this year. Any recommended tour agency? Went to Australia with Chan Brothers a few years back and it wasn't a pleasant one.

I just got back from Turkey with Chan Brothers. What did you not like about them?

For me, I think it was overall OK. but the entire trip was very rush. I didn't have time to soak in being in Turkey, especially Istanbul. We were in Grand Bazaar for 1h 15 mins only! And the tour did not include Basilica Cistern. =(

However, the turkish delights from HazerBaba (Grand Bazaar) is very nice! The honey ones!

[luckygal]

Plan to go turkey in Dec. A few qns to ask experts here.
1). Is turkey safe?
2). Plan to go on a group tour. Deciding bet CTC or Asa. Have gd experiences with both. Any idea which is better?

[lowzeewee]

luckygal wrote:

Plan to go turkey in Dec. A few qns to ask experts here.
1). Is turkey safe?
2). Plan to go on a group tour. Deciding bet CTC or Asa. Have gd experiences with both. Any idea which is better?

1. Yes, especially so if you are going on a group tour
2. See which ones have better hotels and inclusions (e.g. meals, 'optional' activities) lor

[lowlowblowfish]

quite safe - especially tourist places more security now at hotels

[renai24]

I felt very safe when I was in Turkey with my parents.
Everyone was very friendly too. A lot of natives outside of Istanbul wanted to take pictures with my sister. My turkish colleague said that it was because southeast asian features are rarely seen (mostly caucasian and native chinese tourist).

Honestly, planning the DIY ititnerary was very easy and so if you dont want to be rushed, DIY is better than tours imho.

[marksoymilksg]

yes - I feel that it's quite safe. I went there as a kid and adult and I did not feel in danger. The markets are a bit rowdy and of course u just need to be vigilant with your possessions like any other foreign country. The larger hotels also will have security

[poliy8898]

anyone been to bazaar market? is it expensive?

[luxuryturkeytravel]

luckygal wrote:

Plan to go turkey in Dec. A few qns to ask experts here.
1). Is turkey safe?
2). Plan to go on a group tour. Deciding bet CTC or Asa. Have gd experiences with both. Any idea which is better?

1. Very safe especially now since the events in 2016, I went in late 2016 and there was still a decent number of tourists, Turkish currency took a big hit in late 2018, good for our shopping there

2. Im providing private tours at the same price as group tours, the big travel agencies here take a big chunk as commission. send me a PM for more info / itenerary etc.

Here's some benefits for private tour over group tour. Given the price is the same its quite clear cut which to choose

✅ Private Group & Luxury Transports
❌ Large Group & Bus

✅ 4 & 5 Star Hotel
❌ 2 & 3 Star Hotels

✅ Hot Air Balloon Included
❌ Hot Air Balloon Add $250/pax

✅ Change Plans During Trip
❌ Not Flexible

✅ Hidden Gems & Local Shops
❌ Tourist Traps & Commission Shops

✅ Your Own Private Tour Guide, more interaction
❌ Shared Tour Guide

✅ All taxes included
❌ Hidden fees E.G Airport Taxes

[luxuryturkeytravel]

snowydust wrote:

Is the rate comparable to the money changers there?

The SGD-LIRA exchange rates in singapore are horrible. never do that, u lose around 20%.

Instead, use a debit card to withdraw from their local ATMs, u only lose a very small % as bank xchange rate + fee.

OR you can exchange SGD-EUR locally and change EUR-LIRA there. 90% of money changers in Turkey dont take in SGD.

[tiff12]

poliy8898 wrote:

anyone been to bazaar market? is it expensive?

you definitely need to bargain!