Is it worth exchanging currency at Antalya airport?

Currency exchange booths at Antalya airport consistently offer the worst rates in the region. Old-series dollar bills are accepted at many exchangers but at a slightly reduced rate — it pays to walk around and compare rates at different offices.

In early July, city exchange offices in Antalya offered rates around 1.8 (example from a real exchange), while rates back home tend to be inflated and airport rates on arrival are worse still.

At the airport, exchange only a small amount for immediate needs (taxi, water), and do the main exchange in the city at a better rate. Tour excursions can often be paid directly in either dollars or lira, no exchange needed.

Antalya airport rates run about 20% worse compared to exchanging in Kemer itself — a noticeable difference even by regional resort pricing.

The best exchange rates aren't at the airport but at city exchange offices or at the Turkish post office (PTT), where rates are noticeably better than at tourist-area exchangers.