Since recently however, you'll have to pay for it. Apparently, it depends on your countries requirements towards Turkish. The border crossing with Syria takes a bit more time, but still is pretty smooth. It took 90 minutes. See Syria chapter for more details.
Money matters There is no black market.
Don't change too much money at once, because money looses its value if you stay for some weeks. Nine years later I got ten times more. The postoffices often give a good rate and you can find them almost everywhere. There's 1 exception however, the Emlak Bankasi. If you have a VISA -Card, make absolutely sure your bank authorizes its use in Turkey.