Ultimate Guide 4 Reasons for Purchasing a SIM Card for Turkey Tourists

Staying connected during your trip is crucial, and getting a prepaid SIM card for Turkey is one of the easiest ways to ensure that.

While you can buy a SIM card at the airport, I recommend waiting until you’re outside for better deals—or considering an e-SIM if your device supports it (more on that later).

If you’re lucky enough to have a T-Mobile plan with free international roaming in 215 countries*, that’s great. However, service can be slow at times, and I believe it’s worth the small investment for faster, more reliable internet during your trip.

If you don’t have this plan or prefer a local SIM, I’ll walk you through a few simple options to stay connected, both with loved ones back home and while exploring Turkey.

There’s nothing worse than needing information and not being able to access it—I’ve learned that the hard way!

In this article, I’ll cover the three major Turkish telecom providers and how to get set up with them, as well as the e-SIM option I personally use when I travel.

After living in Turkey for over five years, I’ve helped countless visitors with this, and it’s quite simple. So let’s jump in!

Buy a SIM card in Turkey

This process is pretty simple though there are a few things I suggest to make it less stressful for you!

1. Make sure your phone is unlocked. You can go to your carrier and get them to do this for you. This will only work if your phone is unlocked.
   
   You can take it to your phone retailer and ask them to unlock it without a problem. They usually will do it free of charge. Especially if you explain you are traveling abroad.
   
2. Make sure you go to a Turkcell, Turk Telecom, or Vodafone shop. They will take care of everything for you while you are there and it will be easy-peasy.
   
   You can go to a reseller though you will likely have a more difficult time actually activating the card and they will want you to do it yourself.
   
3. Get more data than you think you need. They call their monthly services “packets”. You will purchase a packet and it will be good for 4 weeks, not a month like most places in the States.
   
   So say you get 15 GB, 1000 minutes, and 1000 SMS. You have 4 weeks to use that up. Find out what you use in the States to use as a starting place for determining how much you will need abroad.
   
   WhatsApp, maps, social media…all that is going to come out of GB. Even locals use WhatsApp which means you will rarely use the texting and talk minutes.
   
4. Be aware of what they are charging you if you purchase your SIM card at the airport. Of course, everything at the airport is more expensive. You are paying for convenience.
   
   What is standard is a packet fee and an activation fee. Make sure they break down the fee for you but you will see that the airport’s fees will be higher.
   
5. Use local apps. Uber is one of my most recommended apps for getting a taxi in Turkey for tourists because you need a Turkish number to use BiTaksi, which is what the locals use.
   
   Read the article all about Uber to learn more but for your safety and peace of mind, I definitely recommend using it.

SIM Card Providers in Turkey

Each of the providers offers prepaid SIM cards both for short trips (less than a month) and longer trips (up to 3 months).

They typically have a card showing the SIM card deals and data plans available.

It will make it much easier for everyone involved. If you find someone who can speak English or your native tongue, that’s even better!

Turkcell – Best coverage

Turkcell is who I use and I love them. Turkcell has the best mobile network coverage. They are known as the best and even though they are a little more expensive it isn’t enough to sway me.

They have a tourist package called the Tourist Welcome Pack that you can learn a little more about in this video.

They also have a few other packages that are cheaper and contain less data if you’re interested.

• Includes: 20GB internet, 200min. calls in all directions, unlimited messaging via BiP & WhatsApp
• Valid: this packet is good for 30 days

Vodafone Turkey

Vodafone is another great option for purchasing a local SIM card in Turkey. This is typically the cheapest SIM card for Turkey but not the best coverage.

They have a page just for tourists traveling in Turkey as well called the tourist Welcome to Turkey Pack. Check out the details here.

• Includes: 20 GB internet, 750 minutes calls, 1000 SMS
• Valid: for 28 days from the day of purchase

Turk Telekom

Finally, we have Turk Telekom. They are the only ones that provided their current pricing on the link. They have multiple packages available.

• Includes: This is determined by the packet you choose
• Valid: for 28 days from the day of purchase

full review on AirAlo, the esim I used when I travel

Final thoughts on a Turkish SIM card for Tourists

If you’re looking to get a SIM card for your trip to Turkey, there are multiple options both traditional SIM cards as well as eSIMs.

I recommend an e-sim if your device supports it as it is the most practical and can be reloaded indefinitely.

If you want a traditional SIM card my recommendation is to go with Turkcell as I think they have the best coverage.

That being said, all three companies are viable options and it will depend on what you actually purchase. Just make sure you get all the details of what you are purchasing, from where, for how much, and how long it will last you.

After that time, the SIM card will be deactivated and you will have to purchase a new one, which also means a new setup fee….you don’t want that.

If you’re staying longer than 28 days, you can get a different type of plan. The card then would be good for 3 months.

Happy travels!