Ultimate Guide 4 Reasons for Purchasing a SIM Card for Turkey Tourists
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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!
4 Must-Have travel accessories
- Watch your phone almost anywhere with this travel phone holder.
- This international travel adapter is the best. With 1 Type C and 4 USB slots, you will be able to charge it all!
- Keep your cables neat and easily accessible with this cable organizer.
- Never run out of battery with this portable external battery. Anker is my favorite brand as they seem to last forever!
Reasons for Purchasing a Prepaid SIM Card
When I first came to Istanbul, Turkey in 2018 I had T-mobile and they provided free mobile international data plans. But sometimes it didn’t work right.
It has improved a lot but still, with T-Mobile, you’re a bit more limited and the standard speed is approximately 128 Kbps, which may be fine for you.
Pro tip: If you do end up using the T-Mobile plan, make sure you turn your roaming on in your cellular settings or you won’t be able to access the internet at all. I also learned that one the hard way. 🙈
That being said, I think there are some good reasons why it is helpful to have a local SIM card to use in Turkey. Let me elaborate.
- Avoid extra fees. When you purchase a tourist prepaid sim card, you will be able to use your mobile phone in the country like you need to. There are no extra costs for making phone calls locally.
- If you’re going to apply for a longer stay, you will need a Turkish number. Say you want to apply for a short-term tourist visa, you will need a Turkish number to do so.
Having this number will be helpful but keep in mind your phone will likely stop working at 3 months so have a game plan.
Pro tip: Find someone who can put their identity number on your account to keep it open. - No worrying about signal strength. You won’t have to worry about if you have a signal with your home country carrier because likely where ever you are, save the caves in Cappadocia, you will likely have service.
Pro tip: If you will be traveling to remote places, I recommend Turkcell. While they are the most expensive, they also have the best coverage. - Don’t have to rely on free Wi-Fi. You are guaranteed to be able to connect regardless of if you have wifi or not. If you just come thinking you’ll just ride wifi in McDonald’s, you might be frustrated.
Sometimes the wifi is really slow or you can’t connect. Why leave a connection to chance when it is so important for your safety and peace of mind?
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!
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
Install WhatsApp
If you aren’t familiar with WhatsApp, it is a free application that allows you to text and video chat over a Wi-Fi connection.
It is secured end to end. While it is owned by Facebook now everything is secure from sender to receiver.
If people back home also install this app, which is actually used worldwide, you will be able to stay in touch with people easily and for free! Some of the plans even allow unlimited usage which can be great if you’re sending photos.
You can even do FaceTime-type calls with your friends back home. Here are a few other apps I recommend downloading.
The e-sim is an alternative
Using an eSIM when you travel to Turkey can also be a great way to stay connected.
An e-sim, embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card, and it allows you to activate a cellular plan from a local carrier without having to purchase or carry around a physical SIM card.
This can save you time and money as they are typically a fraction of the cost.
Additionally, e-sims are more secure than physical SIM cards because they cannot be removed if your device is lost or stolen.
With an e-sim, travelers can access 4G connections around the world and save on data roaming costs.
Activating an e-sim is a simple process that typically requires setting up the user’s device to be compatible with the network provider.
This includes entering specific codes or scanning a QR code that will authenticate the e-sim on your device.
Once this is done, users can choose their desired cellular plan and start enjoying access to an affordable and secure connection while traveling abroad.
full review on AirAlo, the esim I used when I travel
Compatibility
That being said, you should make sure that an e-sim is compatible with your phone. Checking whether a device is compatible with a network provider is essential when setting up an e-sim.
You can read this Airalo blog post on determining if your phone supports eSIM.
Additionally, it is important to check with your phone manufacturer for any specific requirements for using an e-sim. If you have a newer phone you’re likely just fine!
Once you have confirmed that your device is compatible, you can then follow the steps to activate your e-sim and enjoy an affordable and secure connection abroad.
Unfortunately, if it isn’t compatible, you will require a physical SIM.
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 set up 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.
Don’t miss these other things you should know about Turkey before you come.
Read more:
- Do you know about the different airports in Istanbul?
- Don’t forget to check out one of these rooftop restaurants while in Istanbul
- Some of my favorite essentials as a woman who travels
Turkey Vacation Basics
When I plan a trip these are the websites I use. Hope they help you plan your next adventure as well!
FLIGHTS: I am a huge fan of Skyscanner and WayAway.
VISAS: You can use the free e-visa portal here but for a few extra dollars you can use iVisa and someone else will handle any issues that may come up.
E-SIM: When I traveled to SE Asia I discovered e-sims and I’m never going back. Airalo has been easy and cheap!
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I use TravelInsurance.com for my trips abroad.
CAR RENTAL: I have loved working with Discover Cars when I rent cars in country.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: I have used these transfers many times and they are always great. If you’d like more options, I also recommend GetTransfers.com as they allow you to compare companies.
ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com.
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: You can browse GetYourGuide’s website to find just the tour you’re looking for!
