Can you exchange currency at Istanbul Airport (IST) before reaching the city?

At the airport, consider exchanging only a small amount of lira—for example, enough to buy an Istanbulkart and get food after arrival—then exchange the main amount in the city, where the poor airport rate matters less on a small transaction.

Advice against buying lira in advance in Russia due to poor rates. Better to bring dollars and exchange them in Istanbul — there are many exchange offices around Taksim with roughly the same rate.

Exchange rates at Istanbul Airport are very unfavorable. It's better to buy lira in advance at home or pay by card once there.

Tip: keep a small cash reserve (e.g., $50) as backup in case your card doesn't work at a terminal — enough just to cover transport.

Istanbul Airport (IST) has currency exchange offices where you can convert dollars to lira right after arrival — handy for paying for transport into the city.

There are exchange offices in the pre-customs arrivals zone, so you can change money before exiting the secure area if needed.

Airport exchange offices are privately operated and can refuse old or worn dollar bills — there's no legal requirement to accept them. It's best to bring newer-series banknotes to avoid issues.