Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

So I forgot my traveler's checks, didn't bring my ATM card (because in Korea I didn't use it), and with about 700 lira on hand am trying to figure out how to get more money over here.

So I can think of two options: mail the traveler's checks or have my mother do a money order, and I'm wondering if either is viable within the next few days.

I don't trust traveler's checks with the hotels (am I being paranoid?) and can't get an apartment on a monthly basis unless I have a bit more money.

Option 1:
I went down to the post office to see if I could rent a PO box for a month. After a wonderful time using a dictionary and pictures to try to convey my query to the post office, I gave up and asked the tourist information lady (in what seemed to be a proper office and not a front for travel packages).

She told me that there's no such thing as a PO Box in Turkey, but that I can have things directly mailed to the post office via cargo mail. Then it will be sent to the main post office in Istanbul, and I will have to go there with my passport. I kind of like this option, but is cargo mail freight mail? Is there any way I can get express mail sent directly to the post office?

Option 2:
How do money orders work in Turkey? Do I need a bank account? And if so, can I get one without a residency permit? Actually I think I'm going to go down to HSBC right now, so at the least I will find out if my dictionary and mime skills are enough to convey this.

And if I can do money orders, how much will they cost? And more importantly, how long will they take to go through?

Thanks,
~Q

[OverseasTeacher]

Western Union is everywhere. My advice in an emergency.

[chiichan]

I made many inquiries at many banks to open my account, but it seems like most places require to have a resident permit.

However at Is Bank they told me I didn't necessarily need a resident permit, but a water/electric bill under my name. Do you have that?

Also when I called the HSBC hotline (English service) they also said a resident permit was not necessary, but a water/electric bill.

That said I think that they tell you different things based on what bank/what branch/who you talk to. For example, one branch of Garanti might tell you one thing, and another branch another.

Good luck getting your money!