Istanbul Airport: Duty-Free Shopping Experience And Guide

Istanbul International Airport is Turkey's largest international gateway, while the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is the city's second-largest airport. Both airports offer duty-free shopping, allowing travellers to purchase products without paying import, sales, or value-added taxes. While the concept of duty-free shopping can provide significant savings, reviews suggest that prices at Istanbul's airports may be exorbitant. Travellers are advised to research local prices and be cautious when making purchases to ensure they receive good value. The duty-free shops at Istanbul's airports offer a range of items, including perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, local specialities, clothing, accessories, and more.

Istanbul Airport's duty-free shops are spacious with a wide range of products

Istanbul's airports offer a wide range of duty-free shopping experiences for travellers. The city has two international airports: Istanbul International Airport, which is Turkey's largest international gateway, and the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, the second-largest airport in the city. Both airports are known for their modern infrastructure and efficient services.

Istanbul's airport duty-free shops are spacious, with one traveller commenting that the duty-free section is "huge". The shops offer a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, chocolates, jewellery, gifts, and local products like textiles and clothing.

For those looking for trendy accessories, the Sunglass Hut offers a range of fashionable and premium sunglasses. The SuperStep store, located at Pier G of the airside of the Domestic Terminal, offers shoes and textiles. For those interested in watches, the Swatch store features the leading Swiss watchmaker's designs.

While the shops are spacious and offer a wide range of products, some travellers have commented that the prices are high. It is recommended that travellers be aware of local prices and compare them to duty-free prices, as some items may be overpriced. However, duty-free shopping still offers the advantage of purchasing items without paying import, sales, or other taxes, which can result in significant savings for international travellers.

Prices are expensive and overpriced

Istanbul Airport's duty-free shops offer a wide range of items, from chocolates and perfumes to jewellery and souvenirs. However, many travellers have expressed their disappointment with the pricing within the airport's duty-free zone.

Several reviews highlight that the prices are expensive and overpriced, with some even calling it a "rip-off". One review specifically mentions that a small 250-gram box of Turkish delights (lokum) was priced at almost 20 euros, which is considered absurdly overpriced. The review advises travellers to avoid shopping at the airport altogether, suggesting that they pack their own snacks or wait until they exit the terminal to make purchases elsewhere.

Another review supports this sentiment, stating that the prices in the duty-free shops are "huge" and that travellers are unlikely to find any bargains. The reviewer suggests that the prices may be more affordable for Turkish citizens due to the country's high inflation rates but feels like a rip-off for international travellers.

The duty-free stores at Istanbul Airport are described as spacious, with a vast selection of perfume and cosmetic brands. However, one reviewer noted that the prices are "extortionate" and not worth purchasing, even for travellers who don't have the option to shop elsewhere.

While the airport's duty-free zone offers convenience and a wide variety of products, it is clear from these reviews that travellers should be prepared for potentially inflated prices. It is always a good idea to be aware of local prices and to make informed decisions before making purchases at any duty-free location.

You can pre-order duty-free items online for Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Istanbul is served by two airports: Istanbul International Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Both airports offer duty-free shopping.

Duty-free shopping allows travellers to purchase items without paying import taxes, which can result in significant savings. However, reviews of the duty-free shops at Istanbul International Airport note that prices are high and may not offer good value for money.

If you're looking to take advantage of duty-free shopping at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, you can pre-order items online through the Dufry Duty-Free website, istanbul-sabiha.shopdutyfree.com. This website allows you to browse an extensive selection of world-class brands across various categories, including electronics, beauty, food, and liquor. By shopping online, you can also access exclusive products and special offers that may not be available in-store.

To pre-order duty-free items online, simply follow these steps:

• Browse the Online Catalogue: Explore the wide range of products available, including electronics, beauty items, food, and liquor from renowned brands.
• Filter and Select Your Products: Narrow down your choices by category, brand, or price to find the items that best suit your preferences and budget.
• Understand Your Allowance Limits: Ensure you are aware of any purchase limitations to avoid paying taxes on your purchases. This information is typically available on the website.
• Look Out for Special Offers: Keep an eye out for exclusive online deals, combined product campaigns, and discounts, especially on cosmetics and food products.

By pre-ordering your duty-free items online, you can save time at the airport and ensure you don't miss out on the products you desire.

Istanbul International Airport is Turkey's largest international gateway

Istanbul International Airport (IST) is Turkey's largest airport and one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. It is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, 40km from Taksim and 52km from Kadıköy. The airport is a major gateway to Turkey, serving over 350 domestic and international destinations in up to 122 countries. It is the primary hub for Turkish Airlines and Turkish Cargo, with over 45 international airlines and eight domestic airlines using the airport.

The airport boasts the world's biggest terminal building under one roof, covering an area of approximately 1,440,000 square metres. The terminal is split into two areas: Departures and Arrivals, with five piers, four of which serve international boarding gates and one serving domestic destinations. The airport has five runways, with three main and two backup runways in operation. The site is secured by 3,500 security personnel and 1,850 police officers, including 750 immigration officers.

Istanbul International Airport offers a range of services and amenities, including extensive retail options, a large duty-free area, restaurants, lounges, prayer rooms, and special assistance for disabled travellers and those with reduced mobility. The iGA Pass provides access to additional services such as fast-track security, private sleeping cabins, luggage storage, and airport lounges.

The airport is well-connected to the city, with taxi, bus, and metro transport options available. It is also notable for its environmentally-friendly design and has become a major transportation hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With its impressive scale, modern infrastructure, and wide range of destinations served, Istanbul International Airport is a key gateway not just for Turkey but also for the region.

Duty-free stores are commonly found in the terminal for international and domestic flights

Istanbul Airport, Turkey's largest international gateway, offers a wide range of duty-free shopping options for travellers. The airport features spacious duty-free shops with a variety of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, chocolates, jewellery, gifts, and local items such as textiles and clothing. The duty-free stores are conveniently located in the terminal serving both international and domestic flights, providing easy access for all passengers.

While the prices at Istanbul Airport's duty-free shops are often criticised as expensive and overpriced, especially for foreign travellers, they do offer an opportunity to purchase high-end products without paying import, sales, or other taxes. This can result in significant savings for travellers, especially when buying certain items such as tobacco or alcohol, which typically carry high tax rates.

The duty-free shops at Istanbul Airport include well-known brands such as Sunglass Hut, offering a range of trendy and premium sunglasses, and Swatch, the renowned Swiss watchmaker. Additionally, the SuperStep store, located at Pier G of the Domestic Terminal, provides a selection of shoes and textile products. Istanbul Airport also features popular brands like Skechers, known for their casual wear and sneakers.

For travellers looking to pre-order duty-free items, the process varies depending on the specific airport in Istanbul. At Istanbul International Airport, you cannot pre-order online but can take advantage of campaigns and discounts when shopping in-store. In contrast, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, the city's second-largest airport, allows for online pre-ordering through the Dufry Duty-Free website, offering added convenience for travellers.

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