Lois Larson
Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest and most modern airports in the world, serving as a major transit hub for travellers from Europe to Asia. For those spending just a few hours in the airport during a layover, it is not necessary to exchange currency or withdraw local cash from an ATM, as credit cards are widely accepted, and some vendors may even accept euros. However, if you plan to explore Istanbul or make purchases outside the airport, it is recommended to exchange your money at one of the foreign exchange offices or ATMs within the airport or in the city centre, as the Turkish lira is the official currency in Turkey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Turkey | Turkish Lira (TL) |
| Using Euros at Istanbul Airport | Possible, but not recommended due to unfavourable exchange rates |
| Currency Exchange at Istanbul Airport | Available at foreign exchange offices and ATMs |
| Credit and Debit Card Usage | Accepted at most venues with EFTPOS and ATMs available for cash withdrawals |
| ATM Usage Tips | Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid account blocks and be aware of foreign ATM fees |
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What You'll Learn
Euro acceptance at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport has several foreign exchange offices where you can exchange your money. The currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira, but euros are also widely accepted in the country. Turkey is in Europe, so the euro is the foreign currency of choice. Some shops at the airport may list prices in euros, depending on where the majority of their transit traffic comes from.
If you are spending just a few hours in transit at Istanbul Airport, you can easily pay with a credit card. Some shops will even take euros, but the exchange rate will not be in your favour.
ATMs are another option for withdrawing cash throughout the country. However, make sure you inform your bank that you will be travelling so that your account is not blocked for suspicious activity. Also, be mindful of the commission rates your bank might charge for using a foreign ATM.
If you are staying in Turkey for less than six months, you can get a tax refund on all purchases over 108 Turkish lira. So, keep your receipts and claim the refund at the airport when leaving Turkey.
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Turkish Lira exchange rates
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). If you are travelling to Istanbul, you can exchange your money at one of the currency exchange booths at Istanbul Airport. However, you may get more competitive rates in more central and touristic locations, such as banks and gold jewellers.
It is recommended that you bring some Euros as backup, as they are easily exchangeable and may even be requested for more expensive purchases. You can also use your credit or debit card at most venues where EFTPOS is available. ATMs are another option for withdrawing cash throughout the country, but be sure to inform your bank that you will be travelling to avoid any account blocks.
If you are a non-resident of Turkey and staying for less than six months, you can get a tax refund on purchases over 108TL. Keep your receipts and claim the refund at the airport when leaving Turkey.
1 USD = 0 TRY
1 EUR = 0.806942 TRY
1 GBP = 0.719154 TRY
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Using credit cards at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is a modern airport that accepts credit cards at most venues. Credit cards are widely accepted at shops and restaurants, both landside and airside. Major cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most places, including McDonald's and Duty-Free shops.
However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash with you, as some vendors may not accept card payments. You will need cash for street food, market stalls, the bus from the airport, and some Istanbulkart machines. ATMs are abundant at Istanbul Airport, and you can use them to withdraw Turkish Lira. However, make sure you inform your bank that you will be travelling, so your account is not blocked for suspicious activity. Also, be aware of the commission rates your bank might charge for using a foreign ATM.
If you are staying in Istanbul for a few days, it is recommended to exchange only small amounts of money at the airport, as you can get more competitive rates in more central and touristic locations. Banks and gold jewellers are also good locations to exchange foreign currency.
Lastly, if you are a non-resident of Turkey and are staying in the country for less than six months, you can get a tax refund on all purchases over 108 Turkish Lira when leaving the country.
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Withdrawing cash at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport has various banks and ATMs available at four different locations. You can withdraw Turkish Lira from one of the many ATMs at the airport.
If you need cash immediately after landing, it is recommended to bring some Euros with you, as they are easily exchangeable. The Lira is in a state of accelerated inflation, so it is advisable to only withdraw what you need for 4-5 days. After this, the exchange rate is likely to have changed in your favour due to the rapid devaluation of the Lira.
ATMs are a safer and easier option for withdrawing cash throughout Turkey. However, it is important to inform your bank that you will be travelling to avoid your account being blocked for suspicious activity. Additionally, some banks may charge commission rates for using foreign ATMs.
ING Bank, Halk Bank, Ziraat Bank, Seker Bank, and the PTT (Post Office) are recommended as they do not charge a fee for foreign cards. It is also advised to refuse the offer of currency conversion that the ATM may propose.
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Transport costs from Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport offers a range of transportation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here is a detailed breakdown of the transport costs from Istanbul Airport to the city centre:
Taxi
Taking a taxi is the quickest way to get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre, with a journey time of around 50 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. The airport offers a seamless taxi booking experience via a kiosk opposite Turk Telecoms, or you can use taxi apps like Bitaxi. The cost for an airport taxi ride is usually determined by a taximeter, with the base fare during the day being €0.50 (TRY 18), and the price per km charged at approximately €0.35 (TRY 13). On average, you can expect to pay around €19-30 for a taxi ride to the city centre.
Bus
There are two main bus companies that provide transportation from Istanbul Airport: Havaist and IETT. The luxurious Havaist buses offer amenities such as air conditioning, luggage storage, and free WiFi, and cost around €3.67 (or 67 Turkish Lira) for a ticket. These buses do not accept cash payments, so you need to purchase tickets online or at the airport beforehand. The IETT public buses are the cheapest option, with tickets costing around €0.84 (or 30 Turkish Lira), but they do not provide a direct service to popular tourist destinations like Sultanahmet Square. To get there, you'll need to take multiple buses and/or use other modes of transport. The total journey time on the bus can range from 90 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and your specific destination.
Metro
Taking the metro is one of the cheapest ways to get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre, but it does involve changing lines. You'll need to purchase an Istanbulkart card to ride the metro, which costs €3 (TRY 60). The Istanbul New Airport metro station is located on the ground floor opposite the car park, and the journey to the city centre takes around 40 minutes, plus an approximate 10-minute waiting time for the trains. The Istanbul metro operates from 6:00 am to midnight.
Private Transfer
If you prioritise comfort and privacy, private transfer services offer a convenient and stylish way to travel from Istanbul Airport to your destination. These services will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your desired location, saving you time and effort. However, private transfers are likely to be more expensive than the aforementioned public transport options, and the cost will depend on your specific destination and the company you choose.
It is worth noting that having some Turkish Lira is recommended for small expenses, but you can also use Euros for larger purchases, as they may even be preferred due to the fluctuating value of the Lira. Additionally, using a debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs throughout the country is a safer and easier option, but be sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues or unexpected fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some shops at Istanbul Airport will accept Euros, but the exchange rate will not be in your favour.
The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL).
Istanbul Airport has several foreign exchange offices and ATMs where you can exchange your money.
You can save money by exchanging only small amounts at the airport, as you can get more competitive rates in more central and touristic locations. It is also recommended to compare rates at different foreign exchange offices within the airport, as factors such as the amount of money exchanged and the time of day can affect the exchange rate.
