Iktisatbank Karakum

[DieHard]

Has anyone else had problems here? Went in friday, during lunch, so expected a wait. English speaking couple being served at only counter open. 4 choices for tickets 3 in Turkish one said "English", which I pressed. One person in front of me, his number was next, then the man that came in after me, then the lady after me, so I got a ticket they had pressed thinking mine will be next, oh no, the lady after me who had a completely different number. By this time I was furious having had 3 TC's served before me that had entered after me. The Bank that claims to be for the Expat community.

[Mel7348]

Dont bank with Iktisatbank but at my bank if you swipe in with your credit card you get a preferential number. It can be really annoying if you dont have one. Its not the staff its the IT system I think.

[deputydawg]

DieHard. This used to happen to me regularly at the bank I use until I decided that in the twilight of my life I do not wish to waste what time is left to me being relegated to the back of queues for no other reason than being a foreigner. I dealt with it by twice accosting those who have jumped the queue, showing them my ticket, and firmly but politely telling them to take my seat. This brought looks of astonishment and embarrassment from all in the bank including the staff but on the second occasion the bank staff smiled at me and nodded their heads as if in approval. Now I have no such problems as if anyone attempts to jump the queue the staff send them back and invite me to the counter. Off topic, but may I ask the meaning of your forum name as I served many years ago with the "Diehards" ie 1st Battalion The Middlesex Regiment (DCO).

[The Old Mill Ozankoy]

never had a problem with Iktisat, I use the branch in Girne, English speaking representatives upstairs, always excellent service,

[sophie]

Don't bank with the bank in question and when we moved over here 8 years ago, I just used to shrug my shoulders and accept it. NOW I DO NOT. No-one, but no-one queue just me, I don't care where it is. In the Garanti bank a few months ago I was queue jumped by a man who quite obviously was a member of the Government (or should I say his driver) I very politely looked at his slip of paper, then showed him mine and walked in front of him. He then walked out to the car and to the Government Minister, came back into the bank and allowed me to take my rightful place. The bank staff just stook and watched it all happend. Don't be bullied, becaue that's all it is. Bullying, pure and simple.

[Mel7348]

Got fed up experiencing most of the problems of other posters and as my finances are very simple (not that much dosh) comings and goings I now use Internet Banking and bank machines. Another advantage pay Electric and water direct cutting out what in the past had been hours of queuing and car park fees.

[Deniz1]

I switched to Universal Bank in Catalkoy. No number machine, no queue jumping, lovely staff, internet banking etc. We are like old friends now they are always pleased to see me.

[DieHard]

Thank you for all your comments. We used to have an account with Garanti but they are the worst Bank ever, unless you have loads of money. Will stick to Credit West.
Deputydawg, the nearest I have got to the Forces is accompanying a Major to Army dinners.