Practical Post: Istanbul Airport Complete Guide (Entry, Currency Exchange, Transportation)

I finally made it to the other side of the Anywhere Door - Istanbul! 🔶🔶🔶 Istanbul, an important transportation hub on the Eurasian route. Today, let's talk about the Istanbul Airport guide. If you're transiting here, please make sure to leave enough time, it's really great for a visit! 🛃 Entry: After arriving at the airport, follow the crowd for 2-3 minutes, and you will see the passport control entry point. Prepare your e-visa and return ticket in advance, and after getting stamped, you're in. 💲 Currency Exchange: There are many Exchange counters, compare the rates. I used UnionPay to withdraw cash from an airport ATM, with the bank's real-time exchange rate, which I think is cost-effective. 🛜 Airport Free Wi-Fi: Only 1 hour is free, after which it will automatically disconnect. You can also pay for additional data. 🛄 Luggage Storage: ◾️ Automatic storage lockers are next to gate 13, with different prices for small, medium, and large lockers. ◾️ There is a manned luggage storage point downstairs directly opposite gate 7 on the departure level. 🚍 About Transportation: 🚇 Subway: After collecting your luggage, exit from gate 9 and follow the signs for about 10 minutes on foot to reach the station (purchase a transportation card at the vending machine, then top it up) 🚌 Bus: After collecting your luggage, take the escalator next to gate 9 down, walk towards platform 12, and you will see various information about the shuttle buses, just buy a ticket ◾️ Common routes: HViST-12: Goes to the Grand Bazaar HVIST-16: Goes to Taksim HVIST-14: Goes to Kadikoy 🚙 Pick-up Service: The last two times I booked a pick-up service, upon reaching the designated exit, staff led me to the underground parking lot, easily reaching the city center. 🌟 Tips: 1️⃣ The airport is large, if you're short on time, be sure to head to the boarding gate area as soon as possible. 2️⃣ The airport's duty-free shop is quite large and has many luxury items, but it's a certain distance from the boarding gates, so manage your time wisely. 3️⃣ There is a museum inside Terminal 1 of the airport, worth a visit if you have enough time.