Roberta Aguirre
If you're travelling to Turkey, you'll need to get your hands on some Turkish lira. While it's possible to get lira at Istanbul Airport, you might want to think twice before exchanging your cash at the airport. Currency exchange booths at the airport are convenient, but they don't offer the best rates. You can get more lira for your money if you exchange it in central, touristic locations, such as the Grand Bazaar. Using your bank card at an ATM is another option, but be sure to inform your bank that you're travelling, and check what fees they charge for using foreign ATMs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Turkey | Turkish Lira (TL or TRY) |
| Currency exchange at Istanbul Airport | Available at booths, ATMs, and money changers |
| Exchange rate | Likely to be unfavourable at the airport |
| Payment methods in Istanbul | Cash and card are widely accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport serving Istanbul. As Turkey has its own currency, you might need some Turkish Lira (TRY) as soon as you arrive at the airport.
There are several ways to get Turkish Lira at Istanbul Airport. One option is to use an ATM. There are many ATMs at the airport, and you can use your bank card to withdraw Turkish Lira. Some travellers have reported that it can be a little confusing to find the ATMs at the airport. It is worth noting that some ATMs are privately owned by currency exchange companies and may charge additional fees. Therefore, it is recommended to use an ATM that is attached to a bank. Additionally, the exchange rate you receive will depend on your bank's policies. It is a good idea to check with your bank beforehand to understand any potential fees or charges for using foreign ATMs and acquiring local currency.
Another option is to use one of the currency exchange booths or counters at the airport. These are operated by money changers such as Global Exchange, and they accept various foreign currencies. However, it is important to note that money changers at the airport typically charge a commission, which can be around 4%. This can amount to a significant fee if you are exchanging a large sum of money. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective to exchange only a small amount of money at the airport and then seek more competitive exchange rates in central or tourist areas of Istanbul, such as around the Grand Bazaar or the Sultanahmet area.
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Using an ATM at the airport
When travelling, it is always a good idea to have some local currency on you. While credit cards are widely accepted at Istanbul Airport, you may need cash for a taxi or to tip your driver.
There are many ATMs at Istanbul Airport where you can withdraw Turkish lira. These can be found in the arrival hall after customs clearance. However, it may be a little confusing to find them. You need to leave the area where the baggage carousels are and go to the final area where people wait to meet friends and family. Then, go all the way down to the right to find the ATMs.
It is recommended to use an ATM that is affiliated with a bank, such as Halkbank, Yapi Kredi, Denizbank, or Ziraat Bank. These are branch banks in Turkey, so you will see them throughout your trip, which may be useful if you encounter any issues with the machine. Some travellers have reported problems with certain ATMs retaining their cards, so it is worth doing some research beforehand. It is also a good idea to inform yourself about your bank's policies on using foreign ATMs and any associated fees.
When using an ATM at the airport, you may be given two withdrawal options: using their Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which wraps the fee into the withdrawn amount, or declining DCC and paying a separate fixed % fee for the transaction. It is recommended to decline DCC, as the conversion rate may be less favourable.
Finally, consider only withdrawing a small amount of money at the airport, as fees and rates tend to be higher than in the city. You can then make larger withdrawals at your destination.
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Accepted foreign currencies at the airport
If you are travelling to Turkey, you will need to use the local currency, the Turkish Lira (TRY). You can get hold of the currency when you arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), the main international airport serving Istanbul.
Using ATMs
One option is to use one of the many ATMs at the airport to withdraw Turkish Lira. These ATMs are supplied by a variety of companies and banks, and some have lower fees than others. It is worth checking with your bank about their policy on foreign ATM usage and any associated fees. If you are using a Plus or Cirrus card, you will get a rate close to the interbank exchange rate.
Currency exchange booths
Istanbul Airport has currency exchange booths where you can exchange foreign currency for Turkish Lira. Money changers at the airport charge a 4% commission, which can be expensive if you are exchanging a large amount. You may find better exchange rates in more central and touristic locations, such as the Grand Bazaar or the Sultanhamet area.
Paying in other currencies
Some shops at the airport may accept other currencies such as Euros or US Dollars, but the exchange rate will not be in your favour. It is also worth noting that the Turkish Lira is unstable and can devalue rapidly, so it is best to only exchange money at the airport if you need it for immediate expenses such as taxi fare or a meal.
Other tips
If you are planning to travel outside of Istanbul, it is worth noting that Turkish is the primary language spoken in Turkey, although many locals in tourist areas also speak English, French, and Spanish. The tap water in Turkey is generally considered safe to drink, but bottled mineral water is readily available if you want to be cautious. Turkish food is famous for its meat dishes, such as kofte (meatballs) and kuzu tandir (slow-cooked lamb with rice).
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Exchange rates at the airport
If you're travelling to Turkey, you'll need to get your hands on some Turkish lira at some point. While it's not essential to have local currency at the airport, as many shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it may be useful to have some cash on hand.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport serving Istanbul. As Turkey has its own currency, you might need some Turkish lira (TRY) right at the airport. You can either withdraw lira from one of the many ATMs at the airport or exchange foreign currency at one of the airport's currency exchange counters.
It's worth noting that money changers at the airport may charge a commission of around 4%, which can add up if you're exchanging a large amount. Therefore, it might be a good idea to exchange only as much money as you need at the airport and then look for more competitive rates in central or tourist areas, such as around the Grand Bazaar or the Sultanahmet area.
Additionally, keep in mind that the Turkish lira can be unstable and rapidly devalue, so it's a good idea to check the current exchange rates before your trip. Also, be aware of any fees or charges associated with using foreign ATMs or currency exchange services, as these can vary.
Overall, while it's convenient to have some Turkish lira when you arrive at the airport, you may get a better exchange rate by waiting until you reach more central locations in Istanbul.
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Where to get Turkish Lira before arriving at the airport
If you're travelling to Turkey, it's a good idea to have some Turkish lira (TRY) on you when you arrive at the airport. While credit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, you may need cash for a taxi or your first meal.
You can get Turkish lira at the airport by withdrawing from an ATM or exchanging currency at a booth. There are many ATMs at Istanbul Airport, and you can use your bank card to withdraw lira directly. However, be aware that some privately-owned ATMs may charge additional fees. Check with your bank about foreign ATM usage policies and fees.
You can also exchange currency at Istanbul Airport. Money changers at the airport typically charge a 4% commission, which can be costly if you're exchanging a large amount. You may get more competitive exchange rates in more central and touristic locations, such as the Grand Bazaar or the Sultanahmet area.
If you need to exchange a small amount of money at the airport, it's a good idea to do so at an official currency exchange booth rather than a kiosk or shop, as these may offer less favourable rates.
Outside of the airport, you can use an ATM that is attached to a bank to withdraw lira, and most places in Istanbul will accept cards. It's worth noting that some businesses may prefer euros or dollars due to the instability of the Turkish lira.
So, while you can easily obtain Turkish lira at the airport, you may want to consider exchanging only a small amount there and exploring more central locations for more favourable rates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange your money for Turkish lira at Istanbul airport. There are currency exchange booths and ATMs where you can withdraw lira using your bank card.
Using your bank card at an ATM is the most convenient way to get Turkish lira at the airport. However, be aware that your bank may charge you a fee for using a foreign ATM.
Yes, you can exchange your money for lira at a bank or gold jeweller in the city. You can also use your credit or debit card at most venues where EFTPOS is available.
The exchange rate at the airport is not as good as in the city centre. It is recommended that you only exchange as much money as you need at the airport and then find a more competitive rate in more central and touristic locations.
