Ruth Haines
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport serving Istanbul. As Turkey has its own currency, you might need some Turkish Lira (TRY) when you arrive at the airport. Istanbul Airport provides currency exchange services through money changers like Global Exchange and several banks. While US dollars are easily changed at exchange bureaux and often accepted as payment without being changed, it is not recommended as the exchange rate is poor. Instead, it is suggested to withdraw Turkish Lira from one of the ATMs at the airport or use a debit/credit card with no foreign transaction fees or cash withdrawal fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency used in Istanbul Airport | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Currency exchange service providers | Money changer Global Exchange and several banks |
| Exchange rate at Istanbul Airport | 32.43 TRY/USD |
| Exchange margin | 2.4% lower than the market rate |
| Commission charged | 4% |
| Total loss for 100 US Dollars exchanged | 6.4% or 6.4 USD |
| Use of US Dollars in Istanbul | Accepted in some high-end retail shops, hotels, and airport shops |
| Use of Debit/Credit cards in Istanbul | Widely accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Istanbul airport currency exchange services
Istanbul Airport has currency exchange services available 24 hours a day, all year round. These services are located in both the departures and arrivals areas of the airport.
In departures, currency exchange services can be found:
- Next to the passenger pier entrance number 2
- To the left of the transfer escalator
- To the right of the transfer escalator
- In the E check-in area
In arrivals, currency exchange services can be found:
- In the baggage reclaim area, next to belt 11A
- In the baggage reclaim area, next to belt 11B
These services accept a wide range of foreign currencies and banking cards (except credit cards). However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported that using a currency exchange service can result in losing more than 40% of your money. Instead, it may be more cost-effective to use a debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, as the fees are typically lower. ATMs in Istanbul Airport accept Visa and Mastercard from foreign banks, and you can withdraw Turkish Lira and Euros.
While some shops and restaurants in Istanbul may accept US Dollars, it is always a good idea to have some local currency when travelling to a new country.
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US dollars exchanged at a poor rate
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. Istanbul Airport currency exchange services are provided by money changers like Global Exchange and several banks.
While US dollars are easily changed at exchange bureaux in Istanbul, exchanging them at a poor rate can result in significant losses. For instance, at the time of one traveller's visit to Istanbul Airport, the mid-market USD exchange rate was 33.22 TRY for 1 US Dollar, while the best rate offered at the airport was 32.43 TRY/USD, approximately 2.4% lower than the market rate. On top of this exchange margin, a 4% commission is charged, resulting in total losses of 6.4%. This means that for every 100 US Dollars exchanged at Istanbul Airport, you could lose at least 6.40 USD.
Similarly, another source mentions that money changers in Istanbul may offer poorer exchange rates compared to the actual rate. For example, when the exchange rate was around 2.44 Lira to the US$, one money changer was offering 2.244, hoping travellers wouldn't notice the difference.
Therefore, it is advisable to use a debit card to withdraw Turkish Lira from ATMs at the airport or use a credit card for payments, as suggested by a traveller on Reddit. This will help you avoid the poor exchange rates offered by currency exchange counters.
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Using a debit card to withdraw cash
Istanbul Airport has currency exchange bureaus that accept several currencies, including US dollars. However, using your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Istanbul is a more convenient and cost-effective option.
ATMs are readily available at Istanbul Airport and throughout the city, making it easy to withdraw cash with your debit card. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted debit card networks in Turkey, so ensure you carry one of these cards to avoid any issues. Additionally, Maestro cardholders have reported being able to withdraw Turkish Lira and Euros from ATMs in Istanbul.
When using your debit card to withdraw cash, be mindful of any fees or restrictions associated with your card. While some cards offer free withdrawals and no foreign transaction fees, others may charge a percentage of the withdrawal amount or impose daily withdrawal limits. Check with your card issuer for specific details to avoid unexpected charges.
It is recommended to use ATMs near bank branches or at the airport, as these are considered safer due to card cloning and ATM tampering concerns. Also, be cautious when using ATMs in tourist areas, as they often offer unfavourable exchange rates.
To summarise, using your debit card to withdraw cash in Istanbul is a convenient option, especially with the widespread availability of ATMs. However, be mindful of potential fees, withdrawal limits, and the safety considerations mentioned above to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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Credit cards widely accepted in Istanbul
Credit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, but it is still advisable to carry some cash. While cards are commonly used in Turkey, there are some instances where cash is required or preferred.
Hotels, restaurants, bars, and stores in Istanbul usually accept credit cards. You can also use your card to pay for airline tickets, rental cars, and larger souvenirs. Some soft drink machines also accept card payments. However, traditional and small bazaars, street vendors, market stands, and taxis usually require cash payments. You will also need cash for tipping and small purchases such as snacks and bottled water.
It is recommended to carry small change, as some vendors, taxi drivers, and stalls may not be able to break larger bills. Some hotels and shops may also offer a discount of 10% or more for cash payments.
If you plan to use a credit card in Istanbul, it is essential to notify your bank of your travel plans. You should also check with your bank's fraud department to ensure they will honor your charges and not flag them as fraudulent. Turkey uses the European credit card system, which requires a PIN (Personal Identification Number) for transactions. Turkish credit cards may have an electronic chip, a magnetic stripe, or both, but a PIN is always required. Some credit cards from North America and other regions may only have a magnetic stripe and require a signature for verification. In such cases, carrying cash or obtaining a local prepaid card may be necessary.
ATMs are readily available in Istanbul, allowing you to withdraw Turkish Lira as needed. However, be aware of any withdrawal fees or foreign transaction fees that may apply. It is generally recommended to avoid exchanging money at the airport, as exchange offices in the city often offer more favorable rates.
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ATMs charge a nominal fee
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international airport serving Istanbul. As Turkey has its own currency, you might need some Turkish Lira (TRY) when you arrive at the airport. Istanbul Airport has currency exchange services provided by Global Exchange and several banks.
If you want to avoid the hassle of exchanging your money, you can simply withdraw Turkish Lira from one of the ATMs at the airport. ATMs at Istanbul Airport charge a nominal fee for withdrawals. Using a debit card to get cash from an ATM is a convenient option, and you can use your credit card for larger purchases at hotels and restaurants.
It's worth noting that some currency exchange places at the airport may charge a high percentage for exchanging cash. Additionally, exchanging your currency at the bank can often get you a better rate than at the airport.
If you're concerned about fees, consider getting a travel-specific card that offers favourable exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees or cash withdrawal fees. This way, you can withdraw money from ATMs at Istanbul Airport and anywhere else in Turkey without incurring additional charges.
Lastly, keep in mind that while some shops at Istanbul Airport may accept US Dollars, the exchange rate offered might not be favourable. Always check the exchange rates and fees before deciding whether to use your debit card, credit card, or cash for purchases and withdrawals when travelling through Istanbul Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, US dollars are accepted at Istanbul Airport. However, it is recommended to use a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees or cash withdrawal fees to withdraw Turkish Lira from an ATM, as exchanging cash at currency exchange places can result in high fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
The exchange rate for US dollars at Istanbul Airport may vary over time and is subject to additional fees and commissions. At the time of one traveller's visit, the mid-market USD exchange rate was 33.22 Turkish Lira (TRY) for 1 US Dollar, while the best rate offered at the airport was 32.43 TRY/USD, resulting in a loss of 6.4% for every 100 US Dollars exchanged.
Yes, there are ATMs at Istanbul Airport that accept foreign cards such as Visa and Mastercard. You can use these ATMs to withdraw Turkish Lira directly with your debit or credit card.
Yes, Istanbul Airport provides currency exchange services through money changers like Global Exchange and several banks located within the airport. However, be cautious of potential scams and unfavourable exchange rates offered by some money changers.
Besides the Turkish Lira, US dollars and euros are widely accepted in Istanbul, particularly in tourist-focused areas. However, shops that do accept US dollars may offer unfavourable exchange rates, so it is generally recommended to use Turkish Lira for most transactions.
