Owais Crawford
Istanbul Airport Duty-Free offers a great opportunity for travellers to purchase alcohol at lower prices. Turkey is not an EU member, so customs allowances are different from those in Europe, and it is worth noting that some travellers have been caught out by this. Alcohol is subject to a very high tax in Turkey, and while local drinks like beer and wine are reasonably priced, imported drinks can be expensive. Alcohol is available in some supermarkets, such as Migros, and specialist stores like Gran Cru Wine & Spirits, but it is recommended to buy from chain stores to avoid the risk of counterfeit liquor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy alcohol at Istanbul Airport? | Yes, alcohol can be purchased at Istanbul Airport Duty-Free. |
| Is alcohol available in Istanbul? | Alcohol is available in Istanbul at supermarkets, markets, specialised tobacco shops, and in some bars and restaurants. |
| Where to buy alcohol in Istanbul? | Alcohol can be purchased at certain supermarkets, such as Migros, and stores like Carrefour and Gran Cru Wine & Spirits. |
| Alcohol prices in Istanbul | Alcohol in Istanbul is subject to high taxes, making it expensive compared to other countries. Local drinks like beer and wine are reasonably priced, while imported drinks can be more costly. |
| Duty-free alcohol restrictions | Turkey is not an EU member, so customs allowances differ from European countries. It is recommended to check customs regulations before purchasing duty-free alcohol. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Istanbul Airport Duty-Free alcohol prices
Alcohol can be purchased at Istanbul Airport's duty-free shops, which are open 24/7. However, it is worth noting that alcohol in Turkey is subject to high taxes, and some travellers have reported that the duty-free prices are "extortionate". One traveller compared the price of a single bottle of beer from a restaurant in the airport, which cost €14, to a six-pack of beer from duty-free, which cost €5.
While duty-free shops typically offer special prices that are lower than those outside of airports, some travellers have noted that this is not the case in Turkey, where tourists may be overcharged due to their lack of familiarity with local prices. One traveller advised against buying anything from the airport, except perhaps alcohol or tobacco, which may be cheaper. Another traveller noted that Turkish duty-free shops are not as affordable as those in Dubai or Singapore.
If you are looking for a wider selection of alcohol at a more reasonable price, you may want to visit supermarkets and shops in Istanbul, such as Carrefour and Migros, which stock both local and international drinks. However, it is worth noting that alcohol is not served in all neighbourhoods of Istanbul, and it may be difficult to find in more conservative areas.
Traveling from Heathrow to Sevenoaks: Tube Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alcohol availability in Istanbul
Alcohol is available for purchase in Istanbul, although it is not a prominent part of Turkish culture. It can be bought at most supermarkets, markets, and speciality tobacco and alcohol shops. However, not all restaurants and cafes serve alcohol, so it is advisable to inquire beforehand. The availability and pricing of alcohol can vary depending on the neighbourhood and the type of establishment.
For travellers arriving at Istanbul Airport, duty-free alcohol is available for purchase. It is worth noting that Turkey is not an EU member, so there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be brought into Europe. The duty-free option at the airport may be more cost-effective than purchasing alcohol within the city, especially for well-known brands.
In terms of specific places to buy alcohol in Istanbul, some sources recommend larger supermarkets or chain stores like Carrefour and Migros, which stock both local and international drinks. These larger stores tend to have a better selection and more consistent availability compared to smaller shops. One source mentions that Carrefour and Migros were good options in the Beyoglu neighbourhood, which is known for its vibrant nightlife.
When purchasing alcohol in Istanbul, it is important to be cautious of counterfeit liquor, as some establishments may take advantage of tourists. Additionally, alcohol prices can vary significantly between shops, so it is worth shopping around. Local drinks like beer and wine are generally more affordable than imported options, and drinking in moderation is recommended when consuming the higher-percentage local beverages.
Overall, alcohol is available in Istanbul, but it is subject to high taxes, which can impact the pricing. It may be more convenient and cost-effective to purchase duty-free alcohol at the airport, especially for those looking for well-known brands or wanting to avoid the risk of counterfeit drinks.
Skybus Auckland Airport: Buying Tickets On-Site
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying alcohol in Istanbul supermarkets
Alcohol can be purchased in most supermarkets, markets, and specialist tobacco shops in Istanbul. The legal drinking and purchasing age in Turkey is 18. Alcohol is subject to high taxes in Turkey, so it is relatively expensive. It is recommended to purchase alcohol at the airport's duty-free shops, where prices are often cheaper.
Some popular supermarket chains in Istanbul that sell alcohol include Migros, Carrefour, and Carrefoursa. These larger supermarkets typically offer a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, including local and international options, at more competitive prices. Smaller shops may not sell alcohol due to the local environment.
It is worth noting that there is no fixed price for alcohol in Turkey, and prices can vary significantly between shops, with differences of up to 20-30%. Some sources suggest that secular chain markets may offer the best prices and occasionally have sales, although promotions of alcohol are prohibited, so these sales may be "hidden" and advertised through WhatsApp groups or Twitter accounts.
When it comes to wine, it is recommended to avoid small liquor shops as their prices can be significantly higher than those of chain markets. One source recommends a wine shop in Levent called KAVistanbul, which offers a great selection and decent prices.
Additionally, if you are looking for specific brands, it is suggested that you purchase well-known brands like Smirnoff or Gordons in the UK or your home country, as the Turkish duty-free shops are not as affordable as those in other countries like Dubai or Singapore.
Lastly, it is important to note that consumption of alcohol in public spaces, including streets, is prohibited in Turkey. However, it is legal to drink alcohol on beaches and parks in Istanbul, and you can also purchase alcohol for a Bosphorus dinner cruise.
Older Job Seekers: Airport Ticket Agent Opportunities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alcohol tax in Turkey
Alcohol can be purchased at Istanbul Airport, and many travellers opt to buy alcohol from the duty-free shops at the airport as alcohol in Turkey is subject to a high tax known as the Special Consumption Tax (Özel Tüketim Vergisi or ÖTV). Alcohol can also be purchased from supermarkets and other shops in Turkey, but it is reportedly cheaper to buy alcohol at duty-free shops.
The Special Consumption Tax was first established in 2002 and dramatically increased in 2010 by the government of the Justice and Development Party, whose leadership is known for their aversion to alcohol. The tax was raised again in 2022 by 47%, causing alcohol and tobacco products to increase in price by up to 30% overnight. This has led to a significant rise in smuggling and fraud involving alcoholic beverages in the country.
In Turkey, licenses are required to sell or serve alcohol, and alcohol can only be sold in markets between 6 am and 10 pm. Student dormitories, health institutions, sports clubs, education institutions, and filling stations are prohibited from selling alcohol. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are restricted to persons 18 and over.
While alcohol is available for purchase in Istanbul, it may not be as readily available in some areas as it is in others. For example, one traveller to Istanbul noted that they did not see any places serving beer during their week-long stay, while another traveller reported having no issues finding alcohol in the Beyoglu neighbourhood.
Buying a SIM Card at Mexico Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alcohol prices in Istanbul
Alcohol can be purchased at Istanbul Airport, and it is recommended that travellers intending to consume alcohol in the city stock up at the airport duty-free. Alcohol is subject to high taxes in Turkey, so it is cheaper to buy it duty-free than from local shops. However, it is worth noting that the selection of quality brands at Turkish duty-free shops is limited compared to those in other countries.
In Istanbul, alcohol can be purchased from supermarkets, markets, and specialised tobacco and alcohol shops. However, only certain supermarkets, such as Migros, are authorised to sell alcohol. Other recommended supermarkets for purchasing alcohol include Carrefour and Makro. It is generally advised to buy alcohol from large chain stores, as smaller shops may not stock alcohol due to the environment and may sell counterfeit liquor.
The price of alcohol in Istanbul and Turkey, in general, can vary. There is no fixed price, and shop owners can set their own prices, resulting in price differences of up to 20-30% between shops. On average, a bottle of beer in a chain store costs between 60 and 120 Turkish liras, while a 350 ml bottle of JONNIE WALKER whiskey is sold for 460 liras.
While alcohol prices in Istanbul are considered moderately priced, it is worth noting that prices in Istanbul are generally lower than in Europe. The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL), and it is recommended to pay in the local currency to get a better exchange rate.
Smoking at Nice Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy alcohol at Istanbul Airport duty-free.
Yes, alcohol is available in Istanbul, but not widely. You can buy alcohol from certain supermarkets, specialist alcohol stores, and some bars and restaurants.
You must be over 18 to buy alcohol in Istanbul. It is also recommended to drink in moderation, as heavy drinking is not common in Turkish culture.
Local drinks like beer, wine, and Rakı (Lion's Milk) are available. Imported drinks are also available but can be more expensive.
Alcohol can be purchased from specialist stores called Tekel or Takal, but it is recommended to buy from larger chain stores like Carrefour and Migros to avoid counterfeit liquor.
