Turkey SIM Card for Tourists: 2023 Guide [+Internet & WiFi] (2023)

FAQs

How much is a Turkcell tourist sim card 2023? ›

An e-sim card for Turkey with 20 GB data costs $26 USD and a Turkcell prepaid tourist sim card with 20 GB data costs $17 USD. Also keep in mind that e-sim cards for Turkey are data-only and phone calls are NOT supported.

The eSIM, although a relatively new option, has become the best alternative for travelers because it can be purchased easily through an online store such as Holafly, which offers an eSIM with unlimited data for Turkey, and connects directly to the Türk Telekom network, the largest and fastest coverage in the country.

With the Holafly Virtual SIM card for Turkey, you will be able to access unlimited internet. So, you will never run out of internet. With a Holafly Digital SIM card, you can keep your current WhatsApp number alongside all your contacts and conversations.

Yes, there are branches of all three Turkish GSM operators as well as mobile stores at the arrival floor of Istanbul Airport that sell local SIM cards. Note, however, that the prices for a prepaid SIM card in the stores at the airport are higher than in the city.

Turkcell delivered the best network download performance during November with an average download speed of 11.2 Mbps across both 3G and 4G networks. That said, our latest report also reveals that Turkcell upload speeds were relatively slow at 2.5 Mbps compared to Vodafone's 4.6 Mbps.

This average is based on 30 price points. It can be considered reliable and accurate.

Get WiFi Map app

Luckily, Turkey offers plenty of free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country. You can easily search for Wi-Fi hotspots on the go with the help of a Wi-Fi map or by searching for "wifi near me." One of the most popular places with free Wi-Fi in Turkey is Istanbul.

Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi (Mobile Hot Spot)

One of the more sensible, practical and affordable solutions for getting Internet for tourists in Turkey is to rent a mobile hot spot. It is very simple: they send you a small, light, handheld device that has a 4G SIM card inside. It serves as a portable wireless modem.

As of May 2023, Lycamobile UK is our recommended mobile network for roaming in Turkey. When you choose an 'AloTurka' plan from Lycamobile, you'll be able to use it at no extra cost when you travel to Turkey & the EU.

Can I use USA iPhone in Turkey? ›

The newer smartphones such as the Apple iPhone 5 and 6, and Android phones, work in Turkey. — Quad-band: 850 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz and 1900 Mhz four-band phones work practically anywhere in the world that GSM systems are found. In the USA and Japan, standards (CDMA, TDMA, etc.) are in use as well as GSM.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most places, with American Express payment available in high-end hotels and restaurants. If you're travelling off the beaten track or shopping in market stalls and Souks, then it's a good idea to have some cash on you.

You can either buy a USA prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, in mobile provider stores, in a convenience store, or on Amazon. What is this? Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don't recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

You can get a Turkish SIM card in the official stores of Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey & Türk Telekom. They can also be obtained from other stores, including kiosks, mini markets, and electronic shops. It is also possible to get SIM cards at international airports, including Istanbul Airport.

*If you do not register your device within 120 days, it will be blocked and you won't be able to make or accept any calls and use internet, but you can still use your WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype etc. via wifi and make emergency calls (Police, ambulanca etc.).

If you're planning a trip to Turkiye soon and are wondering whether you need an unlocked phone or a Turkish SIM card to get connected there, the answer is yes to both.

How much data can a SIM card store? SIM cards have storage capacities that usually range from 8KB to 256KB, which totals up to about 250 contacts, some messages, and some of your other key data.

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you can purchase a sim card at one of the many kiosks or shops located in the airport terminals. Look for signs for Turkcell, Vodafone or Turk Telekom to find the appropriate locations. Be sure to bring your passport with you, as the sim card will need to be registered in your name.

Does prepaid SIM card have internet? ›

These prepaid SIM cards from online providers will mainly offer Mobile internet for the USA from local cellular providers such as AT&T and T-Mobile. With these stores, you can choose between different plans with different benefits that may vary depending on the provider.

WhatsApp is banned in Turkey but users living in or visiting the country can still access the platform using a VPN. We reveal the best VPNs for WhatsApp in Turkey and explain how to use them to bypass the restrictions.

Internet analysis site Speedtest reveals that Turkey's fixed broadband internet speed ranked 105th among 175 countries in 2021, with an average download speed of just 26.87 Mbps and an average upload speed of just 5.55 Mbps.

Technically, there is no monthly Wi-Fi bill, since Wi-fi is just how you access your internet wirelessly. But some internet service providers charge an extra fee for Wi-Fi enabled modems and routers. Usually, the average Wi-Fi cost for this is $5–$15 a month.

Turkish — Wifi şifresi ne? Polish — Jakie jest hasło do wi-fi?

Yes, most mobile phones will work in Turkey. Coverage is good in large cities like Istanbul and Konya, but may be patchy in remote areas. If you're visiting for a week or so, it might be better to use the SIM card from your mobile carrier at home.

Regarding costs, they provide a variety of options; however, in the case of Turkey, prices range from 78 to 95 USD, depending on the chosen plan.

Among 14 packages that range between 29.90TL to 59.90TL per month, the most popular is the 44.90TL per month and offers up to 50GB. This particular package is for a two-year period. Speeds are subject to change almost every minute of the day in Turkey.

Local mobile service providers

In 2023, the country has three major providers that offer SIM cards to all tourists: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom (formerly Avea). If you are going to rent a car to travel around Turkey, it is best to connect to Turkcell.

How to avoid roaming charges in Turkey? ›

The eSIM for Turkey is a new type of SIM card, which, being digital, can be used on any network. With this chip, you can keep your same number, and you don't have to change your phone or remove the SIM card you already have. SIM cards are the traditional type and only work with a local phone operator.

If you have never inserted a Turkish sim card in your phone before, you will be able to use your phone without any time limit. After 120 days, you must register your phone or use a different phone. Registering phone is 2732 TL (2022 price) and it is very expensive.

Mobile telephone networks differ from country to country, and your phone may be incompatible with the networks in the country you are visiting. Your phone might work for voice calls, but other functions – such as text messaging or sending and receiving data – might not.

AT&T is also offering unlimited texting to and from the U.S. to Turkey along with waiving international roaming charges.

Is it better to use a card or cash in Turkey? Both methods have their pros and cons. However, we suggest you have both because you need cash to spend money in local streets as local shops or vendors don't accept card payments. On the other hand, a wide range of hotels and restaurants accepts card payments.

Yes, most shops, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments in Turkey will readily accept credit card payments — making it a great way to spend your money in Turkey.

*As of 2022, You will have to pay 2,732 TL for the registration tax. Please note that this amount changes every year. *In 2023, it will be 6091.30 TL for the registration tax.

How to get tourist SIM card in Turkey? ›

You can get your SIM card from the nearest Turkcell store.

Turkey implements Accommodation Tax. Turkey has introduced a 2% Accommodation Tax, effective 1 January 2023. The tax applies to overnight services provided in accommodation facilities and related services. Accommodation operators will collect the tax either from their guests or from travel agencies.

Elements of the 2023 vision

Increase annual Turkish exports to $500 billion. Foreign trade volume of $1 trillion. Increase the employment rate by 10 points to a working population of 30 million. Reduce the unemployment rate to 5 percent.

Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi (Mobile Hot Spot)

One of the more sensible, practical and affordable solutions for getting Internet for tourists in Turkey is to rent a mobile hot spot. It is very simple: they send you a small, light, handheld device that has a 4G SIM card inside. It serves as a portable wireless modem.

Local mobile service providers

In 2023, the country has three major providers that offer SIM cards to all tourists: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom (formerly Avea). If you are going to rent a car to travel around Turkey, it is best to connect to Turkcell.

You can easily buy a postpaid SIM online and pay the bill after the services have been used for a predetermined billing period. Buying a SIM card online lets you choose your desired plan from any network provider.

Roaming activation can be made by calling 00905327570532 from abroad free of charge. Opening via SMS: If your line is closed to use in abroad, you can text INTERNATIONAL, ULUS, ROAMING or ROAM to 2222 for free to inquire whether your line is open to use in abroad.

It is true that to buy a prepaid SIM card, you do not need to sign a contract, but it is necessary that you register the SIM card, have an unlocked phone, and have availability of local frequencies. Finally, you must have a valid identification document to make the purchase.

Which SIM card is best? ›

You can buy a sim card in the US, simply picking one up from a store when you land in the US.