What to do with leftover Turkish lira before leaving Istanbul?

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 40 days ago

TL;DR

Best to save leftover lira for your next trip since airport prices are inflated, but you can spend cash lira at duty-free shops. Note that currency exchange points in Turkey often only accept cash, not cards.

What the community said

You can exchange remaining lira back at the airport, but the rate is usually poor. Check the airport website in advance for exchange-counter locations.

airport exchange counters

At currency exchange points and some shops in Turkey, card payment isn't always accepted — cash lira is often required instead.

Don't rush to spend leftover lira at the airport — prices there are inflated. If you do need to use them, duty-free shops accept cash lira payments.

duty-free

It's better to save leftover lira for a future trip to Turkey — around 200 lira can come in handy next time. Keep in mind that if your return flight departs from a different airport, you won't be able to spend them before leaving.

200 lira