How to get a tax refund (tax-free) at Istanbul airports (Sabiha Gokcen and Istanbul Airport)?

At Sabiha Gokcen Airport, tax-free desks (Global Blue or Planet Tax Free) are located in the departure area. Present your receipt, goods, and passport. Ask airport staff for the exact location, as desks may be before or after passport control.

If you used a self-checkout and didn't request a tax-free form at the store, getting a refund at the airport with just the regular receipt is unlikely. You need a special tax-free cheque issued by the store cashier — without it, the airport desk cannot process the refund.

To claim a tax refund and still check your purchases as luggage, visit the tax-free desk before or right after check-in, show the goods, get the stamp, and then check your bag. If you check in your luggage first, you won't be able to show the items at the desk — this is a mandatory requirement.

At Istanbul Airport (IST), tax-free desks are in the international departures area. Arrive early as queues can be long, especially in peak season. Refunds are available in cash (Turkish lira or euros) or back to your card.