Can you exchange a small amount of cash at Istanbul airport, and where is the best exchange rate?

For euros specifically, the airport rate is around 40+ lira per euro, while in the city you can find rates around 54.5-54.8 lira per euro — a significant gap, so it's best to exchange only enough at the airport to reach the city.

Tip: if possible, exchange a small amount of lira before your trip to save time on arrival. At the airport, only exchange enough for transport to your destination, and change the rest gradually as needed rather than all at once — city rates tend to shift in the traveler's favor day by day.

Many recommend exchanging just 20-30 USD at IST airport to get by initially, since the airport rate is quite poor. The bulk of your money is better exchanged in the city, for example at exchange offices with good rates inside the Grand Bazaar.

Exchange booths inside the terminal hall (away from the exits) offer a much worse rate, around 35-38.5 lira per dollar. Look specifically for QNB Bank counters right before exits 9 or 10, where the rate can be 45-46.

If you're still in the airport, exchange a small amount (50-100 USD) at the counters between exits 9 and 10 — losses on this amount are minor. Expect a rate of around 45-47 lira per dollar.

At the new Istanbul Airport, the most reasonable rate is specifically at the bank exchange counters near exits 9–10, after all arrival procedures and just before going outside. Even there, the rate is usually still a bit worse than in the city center, but on a small exchange such as 50–100 USD, the loss is minor.

If you're arriving with only cash (USD or EUR) and need just a small amount exchanged — for example, to buy an Istanbulkart and take the metro — there is no minimum exchange threshold at Istanbul airport. Even a small sum can be exchanged without issues.

At Istanbul Airport (IST), the best exchange rates are found between exits 9 and 10 leading to the city. Exchange offices in other parts of the terminal tend to offer worse rates.

At Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), exchange rates are generally reasonable throughout the terminal — no need to hunt for a specific booth. Exchanging money right at SAW on arrival is a viable option.