Turkey has toppled Spain from its longstanding position as the favourite holiday destination for British travellers. When it comes to a bargain break, Dalaman in Turkey is the top sport for Brits abroad, while Bodrum also made the top five.* Turkey offers UK holidaymakers great value for money, but because it doesn't have the Euro it can present a challenge for foreign visitors. Now leading foreign currency specialist, International Currency Exchange (ICE) is providing holidaymakers with some key advice on the best currency to take to Turkey to ensure they don't get caught short.

"Turkey is a great low cost destination for UK travellers, but many do not realise that the Euro is not the main currency in the country and traveller's cheques cannot be changed everywhere," advises Andrew Hamilton, Marketing Manager of International Currency Exchange.

"One customer recently changed their whole holiday budget into Turkish Lira at a great exchange rate with ICE only to find an airport tax payment (Air Passenger Duty) of £10 that is only payable in Sterling as soon as you arrive at the customs desk. As they did not have any British currency they had to change their Turkish Lira back into Sterling at a very poor exchange rate."

"We therefore recommend that it's best to travel with a mixture of currency some local Turkish Lira as well as Euros or US Dollars and at least £10 in Sterling per person. We definitely recommend that holidaymakers buy in advance, to avoid costly local bureau de changes when they arrive in Turkey".

Travellers can simply log on to www.iceplc.com, to select the currency they require and choose a point of pick-up from the list of branches and airports or opt for free home delivery - no queues, no fuss. ICE offers competitive online rates without added commission charges, delivering the ultimate online exchange service at minimum cost and maximum convenience. In addition the new ICE Travellers cashcard Prepaid MasterCard allows holidaymakers to put their spending money on a pre-paid, PIN protected card, offering protection from theft and fraud. They can then withdraw cash as and when they need it in the local currency.

Hamilton concludes, "We advise holidaymakers heading to Turkey to order their holiday currency in advance to ensure they get the best rate and make the most of their holiday budget. Taking a mixture of currencies means they can avoid the risk of being charged extra to convert their travel money on arrival and get on with enjoying the trip."

*Figures sourced from TTG (Issue 8/708)