Istanbul Airport Currency Exchange Office - Cash Rates, Hours
Quick answer: The best way to get Turkish lira at Istanbul Airport (IST) is a bank ATM in the arrivals hall, because the rate sits close to the interbank rate. Be aware that many Turkish ATMs add a foreign-card fee of roughly 7 to 14 percent, shown on screen before you confirm. The airport exchange offices (all run by Global Exchange) charge no commission but give a rate about 3 to 5 percent worse than the market. Whichever you use, always choose to be charged in Turkish lira, never your home currency, and change only what you need at the airport since rates in the city are better.
Best way to get Turkish lira at Istanbul Airport
You have three realistic choices on arrival: a bank ATM, a Global Exchange counter, or simply changing a small amount and getting the rest in the city. Exchange rates move daily, so the table compares them by quality rather than a fixed number.
| Where | Rate | Fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank ATM (arrivals) | Close to interbank | Foreign-card ~7–14% | Best overall; choose lira |
| Exchange office (Global Exchange) | ~3–5% worse than market | No commission, poor rate | Quick, small amounts |
| Money changer in the city | Under 1% margin | Little to none | Best rate; change the bulk in town |
| "Convert to home currency" (DCC) | Worst | Hidden | Avoid always |
ATMs at Istanbul Airport
Bank ATMs sit immediately after passport control and customs in the arrivals hall, with machines from Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, Ziraat Bankası, Yapı Kredi and Akbank, plus more on the departures level. They run 24/7 and accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. The catch is the foreign-card fee: many machines now add roughly 7 to 14 percent, displayed on screen before you confirm, so read that line and try a neighbouring machine if it looks high. A single withdrawal is usually capped between 4,000 and 10,000 TRY, and your own bank may set a stricter daily limit. Taking out one larger amount is cheaper than several small ones when a percentage fee applies. For the full breakdown of fees, limits and fee-free tips, see our guide to ATM fees at Istanbul Airport.
Currency exchange offices (Global Exchange)
Every currency counter at the airport is operated by Global Exchange, with branches throughout the terminal and most open 24 hours. They advertise "no commission", but the rate itself is about 3 to 5 percent worse than the interbank rate, which is how the margin is taken. They are convenient for changing a small amount on arrival, for example enough for a taxi or the metro, but they are not the place to change your whole holiday budget.
The DCC trap: always choose Turkish lira
The most expensive mistake is not the ATM fee. When a machine or card terminal offers to "convert to your home currency" (dynamic currency conversion, or DCC), it applies a poor exchange rate on top. Always choose to be charged in Turkish lira (TRY) and let your own bank handle the conversion. This single choice often saves more than the withdrawal fee itself.
How much should you change at the airport?
Change only what you need to get going, since rates in the city are clearly better. Money changers in central districts such as Sultanahmet, Eminönü and Grand Bazaar areas often work on a margin under 1 percent with no commission. A practical plan is to withdraw or exchange a small amount at the airport for your transfer and first hours, then change the rest in town. Many shops, restaurants and transport services also accept contactless cards, so you may need less cash than you expect.
Which banknotes will you receive?
Turkish lira notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 TRY. There is no 250 or 500 lira note in circulation, so 200 TRY is the largest bill a machine or counter can give you, usually mixed with 100s and 50s. Keep a few smaller notes for tips and small purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get Turkish lira at Istanbul Airport?
A bank ATM in arrivals, because the rate is close to interbank. Watch for a foreign-card fee of about 7 to 14 percent, and always choose to be charged in lira rather than your home currency.
Should I use the airport exchange office or an ATM?
An ATM usually wins on rate. The airport exchange offices (Global Exchange) charge no commission but give a rate about 3 to 5 percent worse than the market. Use them only for small amounts.
Should I change all my money at the airport?
No. Change just enough for your transfer and first hours. Money changers in the city centre offer margins under 1 percent, far better than the airport.
Why should I always choose Turkish lira at the ATM?
Accepting "convert to my home currency" (DCC) applies a poor rate on top of any fee. Choosing lira lets your own bank convert at a fairer rate and usually costs less.
What is the largest Turkish lira banknote?
200 TRY. There is no 250 or 500 lira note, so expect 200s, 100s and 50s, plus smaller notes for change.
About the author
Anastasia Maisuradze writes about Istanbul Airport services and arrivals. She checks airport exchange and ATM practices against operator and bank sources each season. Exchange rates and fees change often; confirm the on-screen rate and fee before you withdraw or exchange.
