Istanbul Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Your Flight

Istanbul Airport is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of goods available across its domestic and international terminals. The airport's duty-free stores offer a range of products, from luxury brands to local specialities, all at tax-free prices.

For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, the airport boasts an extensive selection of fashion, accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, and technology brands. Big-name designers such as Dior, Prada, and Gucci sit alongside high-street favourites like Zara and Levi's. The airport also showcases an array of Turkish brands, making it an ideal place to pick up unique items not easily found elsewhere.

In addition to the usual airport offerings, Istanbul Airport also features art galleries, museums, playgrounds, and even therapy dogs to keep travellers entertained and relaxed. With its modern infrastructure and efficient services, Istanbul Airport provides travellers with a comprehensive duty-free shopping experience.

Luxury brands: Prada, Cartier, Dior, Givenchy, etc

Istanbul Airport is a shopper's paradise, with its very own Luxury Square offering a range of high-end fashion brands. The airport has a range of luxury brands, including Prada, Cartier, Dior, and Givenchy, as well as other well-known names.

Prada

Prada has a store in the airport, located at Terminal Caddesi, No:1. Here, you can find accessories such as scarves and headbands, as well as womenswear and menswear.

Cartier

The Cartier boutique at Istanbul Airport offers fine jewellery, watches, and accessories. It is located in the International Departures area and is open 24 hours.

Dior

Dior has a presence at the airport, as mentioned in a Duty-Free Hunter article, where Jisoo of Blackpink joined Anya Taylor-Joy and Willow Smith for the new Dior Addict Lip Glow Campaign.

Givenchy

Givenchy is one of the many luxury brands featured in the Luxury Square store at Istanbul Airport. Here, you can find clothes and accessories.

In addition to luxury brands, Istanbul Airport also offers a range of other shopping options, including Turkish clothing, chocolates, souvenirs, electronics, and duty-free items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cosmetics, and watches.

Electronics: Headphones, tablets, smartphones, etc

Istanbul Airport is a great place for shopping, with a wide variety of goods available. However, it's worth noting that electronics at airports are usually around 34% more expensive than elsewhere. If you're looking for headphones, tablets, smartphones, or other electronic devices and accessories, there are several options available at Istanbul Airport.

The airport features a range of technology and electronics stores, including Air Mobile, Cube, D&R, Montblanc, Samsonite, Tumi, and Unifree Duty-Free. These stores offer a variety of electronic devices and accessories, including headphones, chargers, smartphones, and tablets.

If you're looking for specific brands, Istanbul Airport has a diverse selection. For smartphones, you can explore options from well-known brands such as Apple at the airport's Apple Store, or Samsung and other Android devices from various retailers. Tablets are also available from brands like Apple (iPad) and Samsung, offering a range of features and price points.

Headphones come in a variety of styles and types, from wireless Bluetooth models to those designed specifically for gaming or sports. Brands like Bose, Sennheiser, Sony, and Apple's AirPods are often sought-after options.

When purchasing electronics at Istanbul Airport, it's essential to be aware of the duty-free regulations and any applicable taxes. Additionally, it's recommended to compare prices online or at other authorised retailers to ensure you're getting a fair deal, as airport prices can sometimes be inflated.

Overall, Istanbul Airport provides a convenient opportunity to purchase electronics, especially if you're looking for last-minute gifts or items before your flight. However, it's always a good idea to be a well-informed shopper and understand the pricing dynamics of the products you're interested in.

Food and confectionery: Turkish delights, chocolates, etc

Istanbul Airport has a wide variety of food and confectionery items to offer. From Turkish delights to chocolates, there is something for everyone.

Turkish delights, also known as lokum, are a popular choice for travellers looking to buy souvenirs or gifts. These sweet treats come in a variety of flavours and colours, and can be found at most duty-free shops across the airport. However, be wary of the prices, as some travellers have reported being overcharged for these treats.

If you're a chocolate lover, you're in for a treat! The airport offers fresh chocolates of the best quality. You can find Turkish chocolates at duty-free shops and various confectionery stores throughout the airport. However, it is important to note that chocolates sold at the airport are usually double the price of those sold outside.

In addition to these traditional treats, Istanbul Airport also offers a range of other food items and snacks. These include nuts, dried fruits, cookies, and other packaged foods. These items can be found at the airport's supermarkets and duty-free shops, as well as in specialised food stores.

For those with a sweet tooth, the airport also has a variety of bakeries and dessert shops offering pastries, cakes, and other delights. So, whether you're looking for a quick snack or a delicious gift, Istanbul Airport has something to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Alcohol: Hennessy, Jack Daniel's, etc

Alcohol is subject to a high tax in Turkey, so it is generally cheaper to buy it from duty-free shops at the airport. The duty-free shops at Istanbul Airport sell a range of alcoholic beverages, including Hennessy Paradise wine and Jack Daniel's whiskey. In 2023, a litre of Jack Daniel's whiskey cost around 60 euros.

When purchasing alcohol from duty-free shops, it is important to note that there may be limits on the amount each person can buy. Additionally, alcohol sales in Turkey are prohibited between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, so the availability of alcohol at the airport may vary depending on the time of day.

It is worth noting that some travellers have reported issues with duty-free shopping at Istanbul Airport. Some reviews mention overpriced items, issues with refunds, and problems with the quality of certain products. It is recommended to use cash for purchases, as credit cards may result in additional charges for currency conversion.

Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco leaves, etc

If you're looking to buy tobacco products at Istanbul Airport, head to the Tobacco Shop, conveniently located on the arrivals floor of the terminal landside. Here, you can purchase tobacco products, snacks, and lottery scratch cards.

For duty-free tobacco, you can visit the Unifree Duty-Free stores located across the airport. Istanbul Airport Duty-Free offers a range of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco leaves. The duty-free allowance limits for tobacco products at Istanbul International Airport are as follows:

• When arriving in Istanbul, you can bring up to 3 cartons (600 cigarettes), 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g of shredded tobacco with 200 sheets of cigarette paper, and 250g of pipe tobacco.
• When departing from Istanbul, the allowance is higher, with a limit of 9 cartons (1800 cigarettes), 300 cigarillos, 150 cigars, 750g of shredded tobacco with 200 sheets of cigarette paper, and 750g of pipe tobacco.

It's important to be cautious when purchasing tobacco products outside the airport, as there are reports of fake tobacco products being sold in Turkey, which can contain harmful ingredients.

Frequently asked questions