turkey tourist esim

Best eSIM for Turkey in 2023 (Cheap Travel Data)

If you are planning on traveling to Turkey and wondering what the best eSIM is for your trip then look no further

Turkey eSIMs are a great way to avoid data roaming charges and the hassle of local SIM cards is a bit of a hassle.

Below I will show you the best eSIMs for Turkey so that you can be online within minutes of landing and stay connected throughout your trip.

Top Product Overview

Best esim for turkey.

Airalo is known around the world as one of the best global eSim providers and they offer some affordable eSims that work in over 190 countries.

Airalo makes using eSims so easy. Everything from buying a Turkey eSim to activating it is simple and their customer service is great too. Airalo also offers great coverage around Turkey and their connection speeds are good.,.

The Airolo Merhaba prepaid eSims allow you to choose your trip length and data needs, plus they are affordable too.

The data plans range from

• 1GB/7 Days – $4.50
• 2GB/15 Days – $6.50
• 3GB/ 30 Days –  $8
• 5GB/30 Days – $15
• 10GB/30 Days – $18
• 20GB/30-days – $26(great deal)

The only thing missing is an unlimited data option, and heavy users might have to add more data.

• Fast connection
• Broad coverage
• A large range of plans
• Very affordable pricing
• Simple to buy and easy to activate
• Great customer service
• No unlimited data options

Maya Mobile is not as well known as Airalo or Holafly but I like what I am seeing from them. First, the prices of Maya Turkey eSims are very competitive, including their unlimited monthly plan. And they allow you to tether/hotspot, which not all eSim providers do. Here are their prices (all are for 30 days which is also great):

• 1 GB  – $5
• 3 GB  – $8
• 5 GB  – $12
• 10 GB  – $18
• Unlimited 30 days – $49

They also use the best mobile providers in each country which means the best speeds and connections for you. In the case of Turkey, that is Turkcell. I recently spent 2 months traveling in Turkey and testing various mobile providers (Turkcell, Vodaphone, Turk Telekom, etc.) I can tell you a Turkcell eSim is hands down the best!

Maya also offers a money-back guarantee, no questions asked and doesn’t throttle when you use too much data (if you use their unlimited plans).

• Competitive prices
• Best mobile provider
• All 30-day plans
• Great unlimited package
• No large/long packages

Holalfy is the perfect eSIM provider for heavy data users their’s is the best Turkey eSIMs with unlimited data. You will never have to add more data with a Holafly Turkey eSim. All you need to do is pick how long you need it for

You can choose from Turkey unlimited data eSIM plans including:

• 5 days for $19
• 7 days for $27
• 10 days for $34
• 20 days for $54
• 30 days for $64
• 60 days for $84 
• 90 days for $99

These are very affordable prices and you can pick the plan to match your trip length too.

Note: Use EXPERTWORLDTRAVEL for 5% discount on your first purchase

Holafly’s network coverage and connection speeds are decent as they use Avea-Turk Telekom. You will only have issues if you are deep in the mountains somewhere in my experience.

Buying your eSIM and activating it is simple too as Holafly has its own eSIM app available now too.

The only downside is that data sharing and hotspots are not allowed with a Holafly eSim for Turkey. So don’t think you can connect your Holafly eSIM to your laptop and work on it, it doesn’t do that!

• All plans are unlimited data
• Very affordable
• Easy to buy and activate
• Fast connection speeds
• Countrywide coverage
• Data sharing is not allowed

Nomad is a good eSIM provider in a lot of places but their Turkey eSim options seem to be missing a trick or two.

Granted, their connection speeds, coverage, activation process and customer support are great, but their internet eSims for Turkey are incredibly reasonable and affordable in most cases.

Nomad’s Turkey eSim plans include

• 1GB/7 days for $4
• 3GB/30 days for $9
• 5GB/30 days for $10
• 12GB/30 days for $20
• 20GB/30 days for $30 ($1.5 per GB)

There are no eSIMs with unlimited data plans. This will probably change in the future, but for now, Nomad, like AloSim eSIMs, are very affordable packages for your next trip to Turkey!

• Affordable prices
• Reliable coverage
• Good connection speeds
• Nice customer service
• Simple to buy & activate
• Unlimited data is not available

Seriously affordable prepaid eSIM packages are the name of the aloSim. They have teamed up with TurkTelekom/Avea which is the second-best mobile network in Turkey. So, unless you are heading deep in the mountains, I have also had good luck with them.

AloSIM has also included 5G with their eSims, which is rare in Turkey eSims. So, if you are going to be in the cities and more populated areas, this is a great option. Just keep in mind there is no phone number included.

The aloSIM options are very competitive and include:

• 1GB, 7 days, $4.50
• 2GB, 15 days, $6.50
• 3GB, 30 days, $8.00
• 5GB, 30 days, $12.00
• 10GB, 30 days, $18.00
• 20GB, 30 days, $28.00

Overall, this is a solid option and super affordable even compared to Airalo.

• Affordable per GB
• 5G connectivity
• Top-ups available
• No Phone number or SMS
• Uses second-best network

Know Roaming

Know Roaming focuses on just a few packages in each region and often has really good packages and prices.

When you buy a Turkey eSim for roaming, they have only two packages, but they are worth checking out:

• 1 GB / 30 days – $4
• 5GB / 30 days – $13
• Cheap prices for Turkey
• 30 Days for small packages
• Only 2 packages

SimCorner is more of an international sim card and eSim reseller which is great as it gives you a lot of options in most cases, but not for a Turkey eSim.

The only Turkey eSim available from SimCorner is a 6GB/15-day plan for $36. The lack of other options is a little shocking. You can even choose a different time period or for unlimited data either.

But, they do offer good customer service, the buying/activation process is easy, and you can hotspot on them too. So, they might not be for an eSim for Turkey but def check them out for other countries.

• Good coverage and internet speeds
• Easy to buy/activate
• Only one plan to choose from

MTX Connect

MTX Connect is a global eSim provider but they are a bit behind the likes of Holafly and Airalo in terms of what they offer.

The coverage and speeds are good, as is the process of buying an eSim and activating it, but the data plans available are a bit of a joke.

Their eSims for Turkey range from 350MB/1 day for $3.68 to 10GB/30-day for $63.62 which is expensive and limiting.

• Short and long term plans available
• Good network coverage
• Too expensive
• Only 4 data plans to choose from

Benefits of Getting an eSIM in Turkey

There are countless benefits to getting a Turkey eSIM, the main one being convenience. By having the best eSim for Turkey you won’t have to find a local sim card shop, queue, find a new data plan, or swap out your sim cards.

All you do is buy your Turkey eSIM card before you travel, activate it when you land, and you are online.

With a Turkey eSIM card, you can also leave your sim card from home in your phone. This means you won’t lose it and you can still receive texts and calls on your home number as usual which is very handy for banking and apps like Paypal that require a text verification step.

Using a Turkey eSIM card is also much more environmentally friendly than buying a normal SIM card. You save on the plastic packaging and the precious metals mined out of central Africa that are needed to make normal sim cards.

To top it off, using a Turkey eSim is also way more affordable than data roaming agreements, so you will be saving some cash too.

Devices Compatible with an eSIM in Turkey

ESIM technology is a fairly new thing which means not all phones and tablets are compatible with them.

ESIM cards are embedded sim cards which means they have to be built into your phone, hence why only newer models come with them. Only higher-end smartphones and tablets come with them too, so cheaper models will probably not have an eSIM card built-in.

If you have a high-end smartphone that is 3 years old or less, chances are it has an eSim. To check, simply dial *#06# on your device. This will bring up all the unique information about your phone or tablet including an IMEI number and perhaps an EID ( Embedded Identity Document ) number.

If you see an EID number, your device will support an eSim card. But, you need to make sure the phone or tablet is unlocked from a provider first. If you bought your phone with a long-term contract, chances are it is locked.

To unlock it, call your provider and request them to unlock it. It should only take a few minutes to be unlocked.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSIMs in Turkey

No matter where in the world you are traveling, it is always best to buy an eSim from a local network provider in the country you are heading to.

This ensures you have the best coverage, and fastest connection speeds, and you can even have SMS messages and phone calls added to your eSim plan.

Local mobile operators in Turkey

There are only three mobile network providers in Turkey and these include Turk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone Türkiye. Turkcell has the best coverage on paper, and in my experience having been in Turkey for a month, this is definitely true. Especially when we have been traveling more off the beaten path.

Unfortunately, none of these network providers are offering a Turkey eSim currently but this will most likely change in the future.

Data Needed When Traveling to Turkey

How much data do you need from your Turkey eSim is a great question that you need to answer well.

If you get it right, you will have the best eSim for Turkey with the right eSim data plan that allows you to browse as much as you want to, for as long as you need, for a single price. Get it wrong, and prices can go up pretty quickly.

On average, people use about 5GB a week of data on their phones but heavy users can hit 20Gb if they are downloading photos, music, and movies on a mobile data plan.

Check your smartphone’s data usage report and it will show you how much data you use on average and which apps use a lot of it. Then pick a data plan to match when you buy your Turkey eSim.

It might be that you can cut down your data usage while in Turkey, or that you need unlimited data while you are traveling. Either way, there is a Turkey eSim data plan to match.

Tips for Using eSIM in Turkey

Check your device before buying a turkey esim.

Before buying a Turkey eSim make sure your device has one built-in and it is unlocked from your home network provider, as I already mentioned above. The last thing we want is for you to spend money for nothing.

Don’t Activate Your eSIM Until You Land In Turkey

eSims come with time limits such as 7 days or 30 days. If you activate your eSim before you get to Turkey, you will end up losing some of the days you have paid for.

Use Whatsapp

Almost everyone in Turkey uses WhatsApp to text and call each other. It is a free app that lets you call and send messages over data only, so you won’t need to SMS or call normally while you are there, and you can make bookings using it!

Download Maps To Save Data

I use Google Maps to find my way around the world, it is so useful. Did you know you can download areas for offline use? It is a game changer.

Find some WiFi and download the areas you intend to explore, and that way you never have to use any of your eSim data for navigation.

Here is how to download Google Maps for offline use.

Use Airplane Mode To Reduce Data Consumption

I love airplane mode as it stops me from using my phone until I actually open it up to check it. It also ensures no apps are using data in the background while they are closed. This reduces your data consumption considerably and you can still use maps and take photos too!

Use WiFi For Heavy Apps

Apps that download photos, videos, or movies for you to see use a lot of data. Instagram and Netflix are the worst culprits and Spotify has got bad too as they have started showing music videos too.

Don’t use these apps with your limited eSim data plans as they will chew it up very quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best esim for turkey.

In my experience, the best esim provider for Turkey is Maya Mobile. Not only do they use the best provider (Turkcell) they also have some of the best rates per GB and for unlimited data.

How can I buy an eSim in Turkey?

To buy a Turkey eSim, all you need to do is go online and buy one. You can do this from any country in the world including Turkey. Here are the steps to follow:

- Choose the eSim card provider and eSim data plan that suits you - Buy it online - You will then receive an activation code as a number or a QR code - Install the eSim onto your device following their instructions

Remember, Do Not Activate your eSim until you are in Turkey or you will lose the number of days it is valid for.

How do I activate my eSim?

To activate your Turkey eSim simply follow the instructions sent to you. You will need an internet connection to do it, and then it is as simple as putting in your activation code.

Once done, it will activate data roaming for you within a minute in most cases.

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What's The Best eSIM For Turkey? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for its excellent Mediterranean beaches, ancient history, and delicious sweet treats, Turkey isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in Turkey at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Turkey and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to Turkey by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like Turk Telekom.

✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for Turkey and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for Turkey?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for Turkey in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for Turkey for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for Turkey scroll down
• 05. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 06. How to call from Turkey scroll down
• 07. Recapping the best eSIMs for Turkey scroll down
• 08. FAQ about the best eSIM for Turkey scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for Turkey . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In Turkey, for example, Airalo works directly with Turk Telekom to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Turkey range from $4.50 to $26 and include between 1 GB and 20 GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone and it's very quick – in our test, it took us just two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). What's more, if you start running low on data during your trip, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app. This lets you save time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which only provides packages with unlimited data to dozens of countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

For trips to Turkey, Holafly's data packages cost between $6 and $139 once off and are valid from one to 90 days. Like Airalo, Holafly also works with domestic carriers, so you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (although in remote regions, coverage can become spotty).

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Turkey, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in Turkey like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Another Reliable Alternative: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for countries around the globe. Their website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen their eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you a SIM card connecting to local carriers while you're abroad. It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages typically cost between $7 and $28 for 3 GB to 20 GB, but only the 10 GB and 20 GB data plans last longer than 30 days (some plans up to 60 days are possible to purchase). In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's for travel in general.

However, it's worth remembering that Yesim's prices are often fractionally lower per gigabyte, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's.

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to Turkey or anywhere else in the world. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 8 March, 2024

Do I Need a SIM Card in Turkey?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in Turkey, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to Turkey. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in Turkey without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in Turkey are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in Turkey is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local Turkish SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your Turkish trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to Turkey. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in Turkey,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to Turkey (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on Turkish networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your Turkish vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in Turkey from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From Turkey With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Turkey with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in Turkey.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in Turkey to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from Turkey (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local Turkish phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad per year). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. To learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi, look at our in-depth review .

Recap: All About eSIMs in Turkey

Are you planning a trip in Turkey, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in Turkey, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in Turkey, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for Turkey overall.
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data.
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For Turkey

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Turkey. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in Turkey varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $4.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for Turkey.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from Turkey, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

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Best Turkey Sim Card For Tourists in 2024

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

If you’re visiting Turkey anytime soon, you’re going to want to stay connected. This is why you should consider getting yourself a Turkey sim card for tourists.

Whether you need data plans so you can share photos with those back home, you want to stream Netflix whilst camping, or you have business calls you need to make – there are many reasons why you need the best Turkish sim card when visiting the country.

But what are the best Turkish sim cards for tourists and how much will it cost? Is it worth getting a sim card or should you look towards eSIM deals? These are all great questions we’ll be answering in this guide to the best Turkey Sim Cards for tourists.

Our Top Pick

Airalo E-Sim Cards

If you need a SIM card but don’t have a lot of time, then our top pick for tourist SIM cards in Turkey is the e-Sim packages from Airalo .

You can choose from as little as 1GB for 7 days up to 20 GB for 30 days packages .

The prices are the most affordable and the most transparent we have found compared to local companies and it’s quick and easy to connect. You can read our full review of Airalo in Turkey here .

Why Buy a Prepaid Tourist Sim Card in Turkey?

There are many reasons why you should consider buying a sim card, and not just so you can share Instagram stories.

There are many network providers these days that allow you to use your home network abroad. T-Mobile and 3 are two examples of companies that allow their contract users to use data abroad, but there’s always a catch.

Some network providers only allow their users to use 2G abroad. To put that into perspective for you, it will take you 5 minutes to load a webpage. Other network providers only allow you to use 500MB. This can be used up in a few days and is not suitable for more than a weekend in Istanbul .

So if you want to stay connected, or you need calls and texts while you’re away, the solution is to get a tourist sim card in Turkey.

Getting a Turkish sim card means you have access to fast, reliable data since you are connected to the country’s network. Having fast data is extremely helpful for using things like Google Maps, and Google Translate, and looking up information about attractions or how to get from A to B (such as how to get to Ephesus from Istanbul ).

A local sim card also gives you calls and texts, which is extremely useful when you want to book tours and need to keep in contact with the guide or driver.

But most importantly, having a tourist sim card in Turkey means additional safety. Not only so you can call emergency services, but so you can look up directions when you’re getting lost, you can download maps and GPS tools.

Are you reading this from Turkey? Maybe you need a VPN!

If you’re already in Turkey, there is one thing you absolutely NEED: a reliable VPN .

You may find some of your favorite websites and apps are blocked in Turkey , such as popular hotel site booking.com

A VPN allows you to get passed this ruling and enables you to browse these sites without any hassle, and it’s completely legal.

We use Express VPN when we’re in Turkey and we’d recommend it to anyone. It’s affordable, quick, and easy to use.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Turkish Sim Card

Before you go browsing through the airport service counters, you need to know what to look for in a Turkish sim card. Here are some things you need to consider before making a purchase.

What is the registration process?

Usually, the registration process is quite simple. When we bought our Turkish sim card in Istanbul, we only had to present our passport for them to register our details to the sim card.

How do you activate the sim?

If you’re buying your sim card from a shop, the assistant will set it all up for you and you’ll likely be connected before you’ve even left the store. If you’re buying a sim card online or opting for an E-Sim, does the activation process seem simple? Will you have access to the tech support if you cannot figure it out?

What if you need to top up?

You should make sure to ask how to top up your sim card when purchasing it. If you buy your sim card from a store, they will usually tell you where you can top up such as from kiosks, convenience stores, or coming back to one of their stores.

You are usually given a card with your sim card that has these details on it so do not throw this away.

Where to Get Sim Cards in Turkey

The good news is there are many ways you can buy a sim card in Turkey, so you don’t need to worry about finding a place. Here are three main ways to buy a Turkish sim card…

At The Airport

The most obvious place to get a sim card is at the international airports (Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir etc). However, we don’t recommend this. When we landed at Istanbul airport, we compared deals to what we found online and they were three times more expensive at the airport.

We’re not sure why, but we can only put it down to “airport prices.” Either the sales assistant thought we don’t know any better, or they just charge more for being in the airport.

Unless the airport is missing free WiFi or you absolutely need a sim card before you leave the airport, we don’t recommend this option.

📖 Read more: Is Turkey Expensive?

There are many stores across Turkey where you can get tourist sim cards in Turkey. The main providers are:

• Turk Telekom

You will find several shops for each of these providers in all major cities, as well as travel company shops offering sim cards as well.

We recommend you visit the official stores for each provider, such as the Vodafone store, Telecom store, or Turk Telekom stores, as they will have the best deal. You won’t have any issues finding a store no matter which area of Turkey you’re visiting, even in small towns like Fethiye.

However, you should scout around different stores . Turkcell does not share its prices online, and we found we were quoted different prices at different stores. You should be sure to visit a few different stores to scout out prices and get the best deal.

If you’re planning ahead and you have the time to wait for delivery, you can always get an e-sim card online before you visit.

Sometimes you can arrange for the sim to be delivered to your home address, or you can arrange to pick it up when you arrive at the airport. At present, there is no option to do this with the local sim cards in Turkey.

Best Turkish Sim Card Providers for Tourists

Now you know what to look for in a Turkish sim card, here is an overview of each plan available for tourists in Turkey. You can purchase these plans online before you visit, or you can pick them up from any of the network provider stores in Turkey.

Note : due to the fluctuation of the Turkish Lira, Turkcell, and Vodafone have removed their prices from their website and prices vary from store to store. As of August 8th, 2023, we have seen prices anywhere from $25 USD to $28 USD, and you should scout around for the best deal. In the below table, I have included the price in USD so you can check the exchange rate on the day of purchase. We try to update these prices regularly, but cannot always keep up with the moving exchange rates. These prices were given to us by members of staff in the network’s official stores in Turkey in August 2023.

Prepaid Tourist Sim Cards for Turkey

*Scroll left-right to view more

Data Coverage Map

Perhaps the biggest decider on which sim card is best for you is determined by the data coverage. While many Turkish sim cards connect you across the country, there are some patches that coverage cannot reach.

Here is a map of each provider’s data coverage.

Turkcell Data Coverage

As you can see from this data coverage map for Turkcell, the map is washed in red. This means that most of the country is connected to 4G+, even in rural areas. You’ll find no problems finding data coverage wherever you visit, as even Cappadocia has 4G and 4G+.

If you are planning a road trip and will pass through some of these rural areas, this is the best network provider for you in terms of data coverage. There are not many areas that have 5G with Turkcell.

Telekom Data Coverage

As you can see from the map above, Telekom has pretty good data coverage in the cities with most areas seeing 4G+ network service. In the region of Cappadocia, you can see there are 3G, 4G and some spots with 4G+ in most towns. In Istanbul, it is possible to connect to 5G.

There are a lot of rural areas in Turkey that don’t have connectivity according to this data coverage map, but these areas don’t tend to be on the main tourist trail. For tourists, Telekom provides decent data coverage, but if you are visiting Cappadocia you might find some areas a bit spotty.

Vodafone Data Coverage

Vodafone has similar connectivity as Telekom, but with few areas connecting to 5G. If you are sticking to the main tourist areas and not planning a road trip, the data coverage provided by Vodafone in Turkey will suffice.

e-Sim Cards for Turkey

Another option is to get an eSIM card. These are great for people who don’t have the time to find a sim card shop or you’re not visiting for long enough to make the purchase worth it.

eSIMS work by allowing you to buy flexible data packages without the need to buy a sim card. eSIM companies usually connect you to the local network, as they have deals with the providers who operate there.

They are quick and convenient, especially if you are planning to visit multiple countries on your trip.

Here are some eSIM providers we would recommend:

eSim Cards for Turkey

No calls or SMS

1 GB / 7 Days – $4.50

2 GB / 30 Days – $6.50

3 GB / 30 Days – $8.00

5 GB / 30 Days – $12.00

10 GB / 30 Days – $18.00

20 GB / 30 Days – $26.00

OneSimCard (eSIM World)

$0.25 USD per MB

Free to receive texts and calls

$0.45 per minute to call anywhere in the world

$0.59 per text anywhere in the world

Free Whatsapp

Holafly Turkey

Unlimited data / 5 days – $19.00

Unlimited data / 7 days – $27.00

Unlimited data / 10 days – $34.00

Unlimited data / 15 days – $47.00

Unlimited data / 20 days – $54.00

Unlimited data / 30 days – $64.00

Unlimited data / 60 days – $84.00

Unlimited data / 90 days – $99.00

300MB / 3 Days – $2.50

1GB / 15 Days – $6.00

2GB / 10 Days – $11.00

5GB / 30 Days – $29.90

10GB / 30 Days – $55.00

1GB / 3 Days – $4.50

1GB / 8 Days – $5.00

1GB / 15 Days – $5.50

3GB / 8 Days – $12.50

3GB / 15 Days – $13.50

5GB / 15 Days – $20.00

5GB / 24 Days – $21.50

7GB / 15 Days – $24.50

7GB / 24 Days – $25.00

10GB / 24 Days – $31.00

50GB / 90 Days – $100.00

The TRASST e-SIM Card for Turkey

Unlimited / 3 Days – €16.95

Unlimited / 5 Days – €17.95

Unlimited / 7 Days – €19.95

Unlimited / 14 Days – €26.95

Unlimited / 30 Days – €44.95

Unlimited / 90 Days – €89.95

Prepaid Sim Cards vs Pocket WiFi

If you’re just after a sim card for the data, then you might consider getting a pocket WiFi instead. These are small gadgets that allow you to connect to a mobile hotspot from wherever you are.

If you’re on the beach, simply connect to your pocket WiFi and you can share photos, chat with friends, and browse the internet just as you would with data. They also connect you to the whole of Turkey, and not just limit you to a region or city.

You can also connect to more than one device, so if you’re traveling as a family and everyone needs mobile internet, this could be better valued than getting everyone a sim card.

Pocket WiFi’s are usually expensive to buy, but fortunately, you can rent one for your trip and pick them up and drop them off at the airport. The fee is determined by how long you need it for.

Here’s where you can pick up pocket WiFis in Turkey…

Tips for Buying a Turkish Sim Card

Before you run off to buy your sim card, I have a few more words of advice for you.

• Don’t buy the sim card from the airport. The deals we were offered were a lot more expensive than in the city. We’re not sure why, but they were working out to be around 3x the price.
• Scout around for the best deals. Unfortunately, some companies do not advertise their prices and we found that the price varied depending on which shop we visited. Go to a few and compare prices.
• Remember the exchange rate for the Lira changes dramatically. You may find that the price of a sim card changes from week to week, this is because the exchange rate for the Lira is always changing. You should have an idea of prices in USD and then convert it to Lira on the day. In fact, many stores in Turkey are now accepting Euros or British Sterling instead, so if you’re visiting from Europe, be sure to carry some of Euros as well.
• Keep your receipt and the packaging. The little card that the sim card comes in usually has details on how to top up and emergency numbers, as well as your sim card’s pin code, so don’t throw this away.
• Don’t leave the store until you’re up and running. If there’s a problem and you’ve left, you need to go back and get it fixed. This adds more time and effort. It should connect you within minutes, but sometimes it can take up to 15 minutes to an hour. So just wait around until you’re good to go.
• Don’t remove your sim card unless you’re finished with it. The sim card is locked with a pin number (found on the card that the sim card comes in), which you need to enter to be able to open your mobile phone. If you forget your pin, you’ll be unable to use your phone if you take the sim card out and put it back in again.

FAQs About Turkey Sim Cards for Tourists

Here’s what people usually ask us about sim cards for tourists in Turkey…

Can tourists get a SIM card in Turkey?

Yes, tourists only need to show their passports to get a sim card anywhere in Turkey.

What is the best SIM card to use in Turkey?

In our opinion, the Telekom 40 GB data plan is the best value deal for tourists. If you want good connectivity, the Turkcell 20 GB plan has the best data across the country.

How much is the SIM card in Turkey?

This is dependent on the provider and the plan. You can find plans for as little as $2.50 USD, to as much as $40 USD. The most popular options are around $25 USD.

Can I use WhatsApp in Turkey?

Yes, you can use Whatsapp in Turkey.

The Verdict: Best Sim Card in Turkey for Tourists

As you can see there are a lot of choices to choose from when picking the best Turkish sim card for tourists. When we visited, we chose a Turkcell sim card for tourists because we planned to stay longer than a month and were traveling to more rural areas.

We were quite happy with Turkcell and found we always had connectivity, even when hiking in Cappadocia. We also found it easy to top up by visiting the store and asking for assistance. Their staff spoke English and were very helpful.

At the time, we believed Turkcell to be the best value for money. You get decent network coverage and 40GB lasts a long time, plus the price makes it a pretty good deal for those who need a lot of data. You can stream movies on long-distance buses for that amount.

However, we have started using the Airalo E-Sim Card because they are more transparent with their prices, and they also connect to the Vodafone Turkey AND Turk Telekom networks. If you only need data and no calls, this is the cheapest and most convenient option.

However, if your phone doesn’t support E-Sim Cards, then Telekom is the cheapest option, just be sure to shop around for the best price.

So in short, for the best data coverage, go for Turkcell, for the best-priced data plan, go for Telekom.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

32 thoughts on “Best Turkey Sim Card For Tourists in 2024”

Hiya Sean & Louisa,

This is an awesome explanation. ‘Short’, straightforward and easy to understand. My family and I will be visiting Antalya and Istanbul in the summer (I know, 🥵 😅). And this has given us enough infos in term of connectivity (our flight lands 10:00pm). Keep on writing, I enjoy your writing. Best, Yuni

Hi, thank you for the in-depth guide on data/sim in Turkey. For the E-sim, I can’t seem to find the same deal of 20gb+200mins at 13USD on the onesimcard website? Can you advise how to get this done? Thank you

Hi Sel, I think you are referring to the OneSim, eSim card which sadly doesn’t have that deal anymore. The best deal for eSIMs (I think) is the Airlo eSim, which gives you 10gb of data for 30 days, for $18.00 USD. You can see the Airlo deals here .

hello, the prepaid sim card prices you posted, are they the prices at the airport or the normal price? thank you

From our experience, no the prepaid sim prices at the airport were a lot higher. I can’t remember exactly the price now because it was a few months since I last visited Turkey, but it was definitely cheaper to buy a sim card in the city.

Arrived at Antalya Airport yesterday (04/03/2023) sims cards were on sale for over 1100tl (€55), total rip off! The hotel I’m staying at was offering them for €35, as we arrived after 9pm local time most of the shops were closed so will head into town and see what the prices are, surely will be cheaper. I will update this side with my findings.

Hi Habs, thanks for letting us know about the prices you saw! It’s a shame that it’s so much more expensive at Antalya airport as well. I hope you are able to find a better deal by going into the shops today. We found the shops were the cheapest option in Istanbul.

Hello. We are planning to arrive at the Istanbul airport on May 1 and will need GPS from there as we will be driving around Turkey for 18 days as far East as Cappadocia. How do we avoid buying the Turkcell or Telekom SIM at the airport? We live in the US. Thank you.

It will probably be better for you to get an e-Sim card if that’s the case. You can find great deals on Airlo.

If you go to app store and get Maps.me (Green square with suit case in it) you can then through WIFI search the world or in your case Turkey and as you home in it will prompt to download the map. Once you have done this you dont need a phone signal just use like Google maps. Just second check the route because sometimes it tries to be too clever and take short cuts that no longer there. Also make sure you download all the maps there may be more than 1for Turkey. Load now and practice locally to experience it; you can drop pins find walking trails etc, etc at no cost.

Hi Mark, thank you for the advice you shared. MapsMe is a great app and is really helpful for navigating around Turkey, especially if you want to do some hiking.

I went to Turkcell in the Mall of Istanbul today and asked for the Tourist Welcome Pack. The guy who helped me said the pack would cost me 800 TRL in stead of the advertised 165 TRL. Total rip off!!! Do they really think tourists are stupid?????

Hi Adriaan, I’m sorry to hear this happened to you. There are unfortunately some shops that try to take advantage of tourists, though we have not been to the shop you mentioned. I hope you were able to find a better deal at another store.

Today at Izmir city centre I went to some Turkcell and Vodafone shops and they only had one option for tourists with 20GB and it cost around 600 TRL. I went to a few different shops, all similar prices. And they didn’t have any official flyer or poster with the values, you just need to trust what the guy tells you. A bit sketchy, I find! No official info at the store. I was wondering where can I find these deals of 169 TRL?

Hi Marina, unfortunately, Turkcell and Vodafone have stopped advertising their prices online and we are always hearing of people being quoted different amounts from different shops. If you are sure you want to use their sim package, the only way to find the best deal is to go to different stores and compare prices. It’s not convenient and can be very frustrating for the consumer. At present, only Telekom are advertising their prices online and it’s much cheaper than 600 TL. Their coverage is not as good but it should be good enough if you just visit the tourist places: https://www.turktelekom.com.tr/tt-en/Pages/prepaid-tourist-sim-turkey.aspx

Thank you for your reply. I see the advertised price on the Turk Telekom website as 85 TL for the 25GB package. But today I went to the Turk Telekom shop in Izmir centre and they told me the price is 558 TL. I still can’t understand what’s happening… are all the shops trying to rip me off, or have the sim card prices gone up insanely in the last few months? Are the shops even allowed to sell at a different price than the one advertised online?

Hi Marina, I don’t see the package you mentioned on the Turkcell website, perhaps you were looking at the prepaid sim rather than the Tourist Sim Card. A prepaid sim is for locals and cannot be bought by tourists. Sometime in early 2023, Turkcell and Vodafone removed their prices from their website for this because the Lira is always fluctuating. The exchange rate in March 2023 is at an all-time low which is suspected to be due to the earthquakes . I believe the prices you are seeing are a result of the exchange rate dropping. As of this time, it seems the most affordable way to get data in Turkey as a tourist is to choose an eSim.

What about BIM sim card. Prepaid

We didn’t include BIM as we have not used BIMcell or have any experience with them. I see that you can get them from the BIM supermarkets, which is handy.

Hello, if I take off the sim cart and leave turkey when I come back to Turkey could I use it again?

Usually with these tourist sim cards, they are registered for a period of time only. Once that period is over, you need to purchase another one. If you had a 30 day sim card, left Turkey, and came back within the 30 days, then it should work fine. If you leave for a longer period of time, then you would need to get another tourist sim when you return back to Turkey.

Thanks very much guys! Extremely helpful Nick

Thanks for this, very clear and just what I needed.

I see Turk Telekom prices have gone up on their website (hardly surprising, given Turkish inflation and the exchange rate) but at least they are still quoting them and they look good value.

Is there any additional cost on top of this to get the physical prepaid SIM that you then activate the Prepaid Tourist Plan on?

Hi Peter, thanks for reaching out. There are no additional costs on top of the prepaid tourist plan. The fee includes the data package and the sim card combined.

Hi guys, great article and very helpful indeed. I had normally used roaming on my phone on previous visits. Since the UK left the EU mobile providers have cheekily removed the roaming to Turkey and charging a lot now which won’t be feasible for longer visits. With a view of getting a tourist sim I just sent a message to Vodafone Turkey as the price was not listed on their website. It is just wrong to advertise a package without the price clearly. They came back with a quote of 562 TL for a 20GB plan for 28 days. Whereas the T&Cs link states a different price. Very misleading and deceptive. Anyways looking at more options. Will share if I find something better. At this point Turk Telekom and Bimcell are looking better if only they honour the advertised prices.

Update – Turk Telekom customer services quoted 473 TL for a blank SIM card and 190 for 50GB data for 28 days. 663 TL Total. This again is extremely misleading as no mention of the extortionate charge for a blank SIM card on Turk Telekom website. They only advertise 110 TL for 20GB and 190 TL for 50GB plans.

Hi Rick, thanks for the update. This is surprising to hear as we used Telekom sim cards and were not charged a Sim Card price. It seems that times have changed.

Looks that way. I’m off to Kusadasi in a couple of weeks. Will update you with latest my findings 🙂

Thank you for your clear and informative article. Regarding esim card Airalo, I’m traveling with a family of 5. Some are not very good in technology or don’t have credit card. How can I help them to buy the e-card? A bit silly question but I wonder can I buy multiple ones and then transfer to their phone or they need to buy it with their phone?

Hi Mer, Airalo have some great tutorials on their Youtube Channel that show you how to activate the plans and set it up. You can view the Youtube Channel here.

Hi guys, check out esim-turkey.com, they have unlimited data volume for any budget, like 16,95€ for three days to 89,95€ for 90 days. I happened to come across the link for them.

Hi Star, thank you for passing this on. The deals on this site look to be the same as the TRASST e-sim deals, however I don’t know that this site you suggest is reputable as it doesn’t specify the company. We would recommend booking through Trasst instead, as this is a reputable company and has the same prices on their official website.

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Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Turkey in 2024

Are you planning to travel to Turkey and about to order an e-sim card? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an e-sim card for traveling to Turkey including a comparison of the best Turkey e-sim cards for 2024. 

Don’t waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and order an e-sim card for Turkey on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2024, including all specifications per e-sim card.

Also find out where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Turkey and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Turkey online.

Already since 2012 I am traveling the world and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected. In 2023 I visited for example 34 different countries in 1 year so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Turkey in 2024 . 

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Recently Traveltomtom also started writing specific guides for buying e-sim cards: USA , Canada , Italy , France , Spain , Germany , Greece , Portugal , Europe , Asia , Dubai , China , Hong Kong , Malaysia ,  Thailand , international e-sim cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

Let me first give you my e-sim card recommendation for Turkey. These are my favorite e-sim cards for traveling to Turkey in 2024.

Then a comparison of all the e-sim card plans for Turkey with up to date prices as per January 2024. After I will explain how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, some FAQ about e-sim cards, the difference between e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards and everything else you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Turkey.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends the following two e-sim cards for traveling to Turkey in 2024:

1. Merhaba data-only e-sim card for Turkey with 20 GB for $26 USD

• 20 GB data-only e-sim
• Valid in Turkey only
• Valid for 30 days

2. Nomad data-only e-sim card with 10 GB for $15 USD 

• 10 GB data-only e-sim

By far the best value e-sim card for Turkey is Merhaba e-sim card from Airalo . It will cost you $1.3 USD per 1 Gigabyte.

A good second best is the Nomad e-sim card for Turkey that will cost you $1.5 USD per 1 Gigabyte.  

Both e-sim cards are data-only e-sim cards and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported. Data is only valid in Turkey, there is no EU data roaming included in these e-sim cards.

Is Turkey one of your stops on a trip to Europe then look into getting an Airalo e-sim card for Europe as this is the only e-sim card that is valid in all of Europe as well as Turkey.  

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Turkey or in general before using an e-sim card. 

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Turkey.

However, you can still order a sim card for Turkey on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for Turkey in 2024  or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 . 

Comparison of the best e-sim cards for Turkey

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for Turkey. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Turkey from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great e-sim card plans for Turkey:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below. 

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Turkey . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Turkey and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Turkey.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Turkey.

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering an e-sim card.

Normally SimOptions is always one of my recommendations but the SimOptions e-sim card plans for Turkey are much more expensive compared to Airalo and Nomad.

Here are the SimOptions data-only e-sim card plans for Turkey for 2024: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.90 USD
• 4 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 10 days = $17.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $29.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to order a SimOptions e-sim card for Turkey .

These data-only e-sim cards are provided by SimOptions and are only valid in Turkey. Unfortunately they don’t specify which mobile network operator in Turkey they use, neither is there information if these e-sim cards are 5G ready. Trust me, when they would be 5G ready SimOptions would mention it, so the max data speed on these Turkey e-sim cards from SimOptions is 4G/LTE.

The SimOptions e-sim cards for Turkey do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Turkey. For more info check the SimOptions website . 

Airalo is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for Turkey through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo? When it comes to Turkey e-sim cards Airalo has much better e-sim card plans than SimOptions and is therefore also recommended as the best e-sim card for Turkey.

Also, if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great e-sim card for traveling to Turkey.

Here are Turkey e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Turkey from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Turkey are from Merhaba and operate on the Turk Telekom 4G/LTE network in Turkey. Unfortunately the Airalo Merhaba e-sim cards for Turkey are not 5G ready.

However, as of 2024 the 5G network in Turkey is very limited. They just started rolling out 5G in Istanbul. That said, in pretty much all the beautiful places to visit in Turkey you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty decent, even off the beaten path.

For more info about the best 4G/5G network in Turkey check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Turkey in 2024, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

E-sim card for traveling to Turkey AND Europe

Are you traveling onwards to Europe after visiting Turkey and wondering if there is one e-sim that covers both Turkey and Europe then check out the Eurolink e-sim card. These e-sim cards from Airalo work in all of Europe and Turkey. So this is the perfect e-sim card for your trip to Europe and Turkey.

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $37 USD
• 50 GB data for 90 days = $100 USD
• 100 GB data for 180 days = $185 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for traveling to Turkey and Europe .

All the Airalo e-sim cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website . 

Traveltomtom only recently discovered Nomad e-sim cards when looking for the best e-sim card deals and comparing e-sim cards for traveling to Turkey. Traveltomtom has only used Nomad a few times now and is keen on experiencing more about Nomad e-sim cards because Nomad has some of the cheapest e-sim card plans.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Turkey: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Turkey from Nomad . 

The Nomad e-sim cards for Turkey are either from eSIM Go. The Nomad e-sim cards for Turkey are 5G ready, this in comparison with the SimOptions and Airalo e-sim cards for Turkey, which only support 4G/LTE network.

The Nomad Turkey e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Turkey. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of e-sim cards? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly. Per year I use about 40 to 50 different prepaid and e-sim cards and therefore I am the ultimate sim card for tourist specialist.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go, but no rush. 

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Turkey?

The cheapest e-sim card for Turkey is a Nomad e-sim card for just $4 USD , it will give you 1 GB data for 7 days. Airalo has the same plan, but charges $4.5 USD. These e-sims are only valid in Turkey and do not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Turkey

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes. 

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Turkey without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Turkey with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Turkey, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Turkey so much more convenient and fun! 

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024. 

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE in all the amazing tourist destinations in Turkey and even 5G nowadays in Istanbul. 

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Turkey. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an e-sim card for Turkey?

You can only buy an e-sim card for Turkey on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Turkey. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad ) are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to Turkey in 2024.

None of the mobile internet operators in Turkey sell tourist e-sim cards on their own websites. 

When buying an e-sim card for Turkey through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Turkey

When you arrive in Turkey and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to your hotel? Use Google Maps. 

However, as of January 2024, some Vodafone and some Turkcell shops offer e-sim cards in store. However, it is very random! I asked around some of their shops in the most touristy areas in Istanbul and some say yes, e-sim cards are available, but most of the stores say NO.

When buying a sim card in Turkey expect to pay tourist prices of around $40 USD per physical prepaid or e-sim card with 20 GB data. So it is cheaper to order an e-sim card for Turkey on the internet.

Turk Telekom does NOT sell e-sim cards in their stores, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are available.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Turkey in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Turkey, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

Flying into Turkey and landing in Istanbul then you can also buy a sim card for Turkey on arrival at the airport. However, there are NO e-sim cards sold at airports in Turkey, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists and expect to pay tourist prices when buying a sim card at the airport.

The e-sim cards mentioned in this article are much cheaper then buying a sim card at the airport on arrival in Turkey.

Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport IST in 2024  or when flying to Sabiha Gökçen read more in my guide for buying a sim card at SAW Airport in Istanbul . There is also a guide for buying a sim card at Izmir Airport . 

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an e-sim card plan for Turkey you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Turkey e-sim card. 

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Turkey e-sim card. 

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur. 

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

When to order/activate an e-sim card for Turkey?

You can order an e-sim card for Turkey pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network. 

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Turkey. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Turkey e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Turkey. All international airports in Turkey have free public WiFi. However, it is very limited and annoying as you have to login with your passport.

Turkey is really proud of its international airports, but the reality is that they are shit and extremely overpriced! I can’t help it, but an airport that does not offer free WiFi is a very unfriendly welcome to a country. 

How do I know? Traveltomtom travels on average about 10 times per year to or through Turkey. You can also find Turkey airport guide on Traveltomtom about Istanbul Airport IST , Istanbul Airport SAW and Izmir Airport .

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Turkey

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Turkey e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general. 

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems. 

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Turkey. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Turkey or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Turkey and use it as a portable WiFi device. 

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support e-sim cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Turkey recommended above ( SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Turkey.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Turkey e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for traveling to Turkey.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Turkey e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Turkey. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card. 

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Turkey e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. 

Can I make phone calls with a Turkey e-sim card?

No, unfortunately there are no e-sim cards for Turkey available on the internet that include calling and texting. All the e-sim cards from Nomad, Airalo and SimOptions are data-only e-sim cards and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

Does a Turkey e-sim card come with a phone number?

No, none of the Turkey e-sim cards that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms. 

In the above Turkey e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on a Turkey e-sim card?

Yes, as of January 2024 the Nomad e-sim cards for Turkey are 5G ready . All the Airalo and SimOptions e-sim cards for Turkey are not 5G ready yet . Which means the max data speed is 4G/LTE.

Don't get too excited there is still barely 5G in Turkey as of 2024.

Are there e-sim cards for Turkey with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Turkey e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

Even if you would come across e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Turkey with unlimited data then make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. Mostly the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards for Turkey with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Turkey e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! 

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for Turkey with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card.

An e-sim card with 20 GB data is for most tourists more than enough. If your trip to Turkey is about 10 days then you have 2 GB data per day, which is a lot! Check out this Airalo e-sim card for $26 USD with 20 GB data .

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Turkey in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Turkey, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Turkey: 

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are often a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Turkey in a phone store and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best Turkey sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Turkey in 2024.

For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Turkey you will find that the best prepaid tourist sim card in Turkey costs $27 USD and comes with 20 GB data.

If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Turkey you will need to find a sim card shop nearby your hotel.

The sim cards you can buy at Istanbul or Izmir Airport are much more expensive. At the international airports in Turkey they sell tourist sim cards for tourist prices. It is NOT recommended to buy a sim card at the airport in Turkey.

A reminder there is already an e-sim card for Turkey with 20 GB data for just $26 USD and you can directly order one here via Airalo .

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, (unlimited) local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed.

The local prepaid sim cards for tourists you buy in Turkey are all 5G ready. All of the mobile internet operators in Turkey (Vodafone, Turk Telekom and Turkcell) allow prepaid users to use the 5G network. 

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Turkey. Some of them are great for using in Turkey as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, USA, Asia and you can easily order them online. 

If after visiting Turkey you are traveling onwards to Europe or Asia then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024  or the best Asia tourist sim cards in 2024 .

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Turkey directly online . 

There are two different e-sim cards: 

• E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• E-sim cards that you buy in Turkey in a mobile internet provider store 

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the local internet operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Turkey. 

However, as of January 2024 e-sim cards are very limited available for prepaid tourist sim cards. Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Istanbul to find out if e-sim cards were available for tourists. 

In Turk Telekom stores they gave me a clear NO, some Vodafone and Turkcell stores said: yes, we offer e-sim cards for tourists. However, they charge an extra fee of $10 USD. It was very random, most of the stores of Vodafone and Turkcell still said: no, we don't do e-sim cards for tourists.

On arrival at the international airports in Turkey they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport .

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Turkey. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Turkey e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Turkey, Traveltomtom comes to the simple conclusion that e-sim cards for Turkey that you buy on the internet are in fact cheaper than local prepaid sim cards for tourists that they sell in mobile phone stores in Turkey.

Turkey has so called visitors sim cards for tourists and they are specially designed for foreigners buying a sim card with a non-Turkish passport. They are also specially designed to make a lot of money on tourists. The cheapest tourist sim cards start from $25 USD and up. You can buy them in the official retail stores of Vodafone, Turkcell and Turk Telekom in the city center of every popular tourist destination in Turkey.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. On top of that there are much better deals online and with these e-sim cards as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best e-sim cards for Turkey in the comparison above. 

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Turkey. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator. 

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card. 

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Turkey were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card for Turkey right away.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Turkey!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Turkey are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

• anantara kihavah

Customer Reviews

Excellent. Used on many visits.

Mobimatter (eSimGo) 3GB 5G eSim. Worked fine in Türkiye. Good speed, no problems. Host network: Turkcell 4G. Unfortunately there was no 5G in Türkiye, so I should have selected 4G version of this SIM that was bit cheaper. Initially (right after landing) it took a while to register in the host network, several refuses, but after that -- no problems. Also I tried this SIM in Estonia: Host networks: Telia (5G, 4G), Tele2 (4G). Worked seamless.

At first did not work and after 2 hours of trying everything I'm told in the e-mail they sent me and failing many times to connect, with frustration I deleted my eSIM (never do that) but when I informed the company, they provided a new QR code with automated connection details which worked like a charm. I'm getting 4.5G with no drops, no slowing downs etc. It is now a 5-star deal but being frustrated at first, I'm cutting 1 star and giving a 4.

Bought Turkey Unlimited 5 days for USD 18 and USD 0.85 for the convenience of paying online. Date of purchase 10/60/2023 IOS 16 activation problem, after reading the QR code activation process started but never finished. Airhubapp.com help section is useless, the activation process shown is for IOS 13, totally different from IOS 16. Support chat: nobody to talk to, support e-mail: no response within 1 hour. 19 dollars out of the window. Not nice.

My experience using an Airhub eSIM in Turkey was smooth and hassle-free, as I was able to consistently access LTE speeds that exceeded those of my hotel's WiFi. There were only a few isolated areas where I experienced a lack of coverage.

Turkey Guide: Hassle-Free Travel with the Best eSIMs for Turkey

Unlock a seamless travel experience in Turkey with eSIMs. Discover travel tips, popular destinations, and the benefits of eSIMs for hassle-free connectivity.

One can hardly resist the allure of Turkey, an enchanting land imbued with a rich historical heritage, diverse cultural tapestry, and breathtaking natural vistas. As a traveller, staying connected throughout is important, whether uploading Instagram-worthy shots, navigating unfamiliar city streets, or staying in touch with those back home.

Thanks to technological advancements, eSIM technology, particularly from reputable providers such as MobiMatter, is on hand to offer seamless, reliable connectivity within Turkey. This guide outlines how to optimize your Turkish adventure with the best eSIMs available.

Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey is a mesmerizing destination that offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveller. From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone in this enchanting land. Here are a few key attractions to include in your Turkey travel itinerary:

• Istanbul : Begin your journey in Istanbul, the country's vibrant cultural and historical capital. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
• Cappadocia : Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides. Explore the ancient cave dwellings, hike through the stunning valleys, and witness the breathtaking sunrise from a hot air balloon.
• Pamukkale : Marvel at the striking terraces of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mineral-rich thermal waters cascade down the white terraces, creating a surreal and picturesque landscape. Take a dip in the warm pools for a rejuvenating experience.
• Ephesus : Discover the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Walk through the ancient streets, marvel at the Library of Celsus, and visit the impressive Great Theatre.
• Antalya : Relax in the coastal city of Antalya, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming old town. Explore the ancient Roman harbour, indulge in delicious seafood, and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine.

Easy Travel Tips for Turkey

To make your journey to Turkey even smoother, here are some practical travel tips to keep in mind:

• Visa Requirements : Turkey has an efficient e-Visa system that allows citizens of many countries to apply online before their trip. It's a straightforward process that saves time on arrival. Double-check your nationality's visa requirements well before your journey to avoid any last-minute rush.
• Currency : While the Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency, Euros and Dollars are also accepted in many tourist areas. However, use TRY wherever possible for the best exchange rates and to support local businesses. While credit and debit cards are accepted in most places, always have some cash handy for smaller vendors, particularly in markets.
• Dress Code : Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. A rule of thumb in such places is to cover your shoulders and knees. For women, carrying a lightweight scarf is handy for covering your head in mosques.
• Local Transportation : Public transport is a great way to experience Turkey like a local. Buses are affordable and extensive, and trains are an excellent option for longer journeys. Istanbul's metro system is modern and extensive, a great way to avoid city traffic. For a more authentic experience, consider taking a traditional ferry in cities like Istanbul or Izmir.
• Turkish Cuisine : Turkish cuisine is a delightful gastronomic adventure. Ensure you go beyond kebabs and try local dishes such as 'Menemen' for breakfast or 'Lahmacun' for a quick snack. Turkish tea is a must-try, and nothing beats ending your day with a piece of Baklava from a local 'pastane' (pastry shop). Don't forget to try the street food and market stalls for the most authentic culinary experiences.

With these travel tips and a reliable eSIM from providers like MobiMatter, you're all set to embark on a memorable journey through Turkey's captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. Enjoy the seamless connectivity, immerse yourself in the rich heritage, and create lifelong memories in this enchanting destination.

The Benefits of eSIMs for Traveling in Turkey

In the world of modern globe-trotting, eSIM technology is truly a game-changer. It's a revolutionary digital SIM that provides easy access to a mobile network without the traditional physical SIM card. For the intrepid traveller in Turkey, the benefits of eSIMs are plenty:

• Provides uninterrupted connectivity through local data plans.
• Instant access to GPS maps.
• Easy restaurant bookings.
• Ability to keep in constant touch with loved ones.
• Reasonably priced, with MobiMatter's eSIM plans to start from a mere $0.8 per GB.

Choosing the Best eSIM for Turkey

In your pursuit of the ideal eSIM for your Turkish escapade, a handful of crucial factors warrant careful consideration. Comprehensive research and comparison of different eSIM providers and their respective plans is a wise first step.

Consider the following when evaluating different eSIMs :

• Data requirement s: Do you need a high or low data package?
• Budget : What is the most you are willing to spend on an eSIM?
• Extra features : Does the eSIM offer voice calls and SMS capabilities?
• Coverage area : Does the eSIM provider offer good coverage in Turkey?
• Network compatibility : Is the eSIM compatible with the network in Turkey?

For instance, MobiMatter provides several excellent options. The 3 GB eSIM is perfect for those on a short visit or who require less data, while the 5 GB , 10 GB , and 20 GB eSIM packages cater to those needing more data or staying for an extended period.

Setting Up and Using eSIMs in Turkey

The setup and use of eSIMs in Turkey are straightforward. Follow these steps to set up your eSIM:

• Activate and install the eSIM before embarking on your journey.
• Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider to transition to the eSIM on your device.
• Ensure that your device and its operating system are compatible with eSIM technology.
• Familiarize yourself with roaming settings and data management practices to avoid any unexpected costs.

Seamless Connectivity in Turkey

In summary, eSIMs present a handy and economical solution for maintaining connectivity whilst touring Turkey. By eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, eSIMs provide ready access to local data plans and guarantee a seamless connection. Therefore, as you plan your journey to the culturally rich and visually stunning Turkey, use top-tier eSIMs to ensure a stress-free travel experience.

Soak in the mesmerizing beauty, immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Turkey, stay plugged in with the best eSIMs for Turkey, and seize every moment of your unforgettable journey.

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Home > Turkey Tourist SIM Card Options 

Turkey Tourist SIM Card Options 

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Here are your Turkey tourist SIM card options while you’re on vacation in Türkiye. I have covered telecomms providers and an eSIM option to help you save time and money in Turkey.

Regarding finding places while you are on vacation in Türkiye, Google Maps, taxi apps, and other apps are invaluable, and you need the Internet to access them! Before traveling to any country , you must figure out your SIM card options, and in Türkiye, a plan must be made before you arrive. 

If you’re heading there soon, there are several options for tourism SIM cards in Turkey ( we love these eSIMs the best ); some come at a great price, too. The other good news is that excellent internet coverage is widespread in Turkey, so you’ll have no issues connecting no matter where you are.

Let’s take a look at the major companies offering tourist SIM cards and eSIM cards in Turkey and what I recommend you take.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Vodafone Turkey Tourist SIM Card 

If you’re already a Vodafone customer at home, you might feel more secure opting for the same company overseas. In that case, check if they do any packages for existing customers. If not, or if you’re not a customer in the first place, Vodafone offers several packages for tourists visiting Turkey .

You’ll find Vodafone shops in all big towns and cities and also in the major airports .

To register, you head online and register for your SIM or eSIM. When you arrive, head to the nearest Vodafone store (often found in the airport) and pick up your SIM – you can activate it immediately. You’ll also be given a tourist pack with free data.

The SIM is prepaid, so you don’t have to worry about running up a bill. Different packages range from 20GB to 70GB, including 250 SMS, 750 minutes, and free WhatsApp. Some packages offer free access to popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Your SIM will remain active for up to 90 days as long as credit is on it. Prices depend upon the package you choose, but expect to pay no more than around 35 euros at the most.

Turkcell Turkey Tourist SIM Card 

Turkcell is one of Turkey’s biggest phone providers, and you’ll find stores literally everywhere, including at the airport. The company offers several SIM card options for tourists; however, the most popular package offers 20GB of data and is valid for 30 days. You will also receive 200 minutes of talk time and free WhatsApp access.

Expect to pay around 12 euros for a package, but there are different options, so if you ask for more data, you will expect to pay a little more.

To purchase your SIM, head to the nearest Turkcell store.

Map Of Turkcell Stores In Istanbul

Turkcell 4G & 5G Coverage Map

Brands We Use And Trust

Turk telekom tourist sim card .

Another popular option is Turk Telekom, which offers SIM cards for tourists to use during their stay. Packages vary between 25-75GB, depending upon what you need, and last for 15-28 days, depending on which package you choose.

You will also receive between 750-1500 minutes and free, unlimited WhatsApp access.

Prices range between 5-10 euros, and you can purchase your SIM at your nearest TurkTelekom store. As with Turkcell, you will find these shops everywhere, including at the airport.

eSIM With Airalo

I recommend this quick and easy solution. Use an e-SIM in Turkey, which you can have downloaded and all ready to use when you arrive in Türkiye. This is ideal if you have little time and you don’t want to mess around trying to find a store to purchase a SIM.

Head to this website and choose the country you’re heading to. Obviously, you’ll select Turkey in this case, but you can also get a global SIM card if you plan to travel to other places. You can opt for packages between 1GB and 20GB; validity varies between 7 to 30 days, depending on your desired package. The only issue here is that you don’t get calling credit, but that may not be an issue if you use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram.

Once you’ve chosen your package, you install and activate your app, and you’re good to go.

We recommend one of these eSIM options.

What is an esim.

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a small chip that is built into electronic devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. The eSIM functions similarly to a traditional SIM card, but it is already integrated into the device’s hardware instead of being removable. Essentially, an eSIM allows you to connect to cellular networks without physically inserting a SIM card into your device. It can store multiple carrier profiles simultaneously, and switching between carriers can be done with just a few taps on your device screen. 

Why You Should Use An eSIM

The use of eSIMs has several benefits that make them an attractive option for travel. One key advantage is their convenience – since the eSIM is built into your device rather than being a physical card that needs to be inserted and removed, it’s much easier to switch between different carriers without having to fiddle around with tiny pieces of plastic. This can be especially useful if you travel internationally and want to switch to a local carrier for better coverage or lower rates. Another benefit is increased security – because the eSIM is essentially just software running on your device, it’s much harder for someone else to clone or steal your SIM card information. Finally, using an eSIM can sometimes save you money in the long run by allowing you to take advantage of special deals and discounts from carriers that are only available through digital channels like apps or websites.

In addition, there are a few other eSIMs you can choose, which are slightly lesser known yet still very useful when you’re traveling.

• OneSimCard:  also known as eSIM World – Charges $0.25 per MB of data, $0.45 per minute worldwide, and free to receive calls and texts. WhatsApp can be used for free
• Holafly: this service doesn’t allow calls or SMS, but you can use data. Charges are $19 for unlimited use for 5 days, $27 for unlimited use for 7 days, $34 for 10 days, and $47 for 15 days
• MOGO eSim: this is another data-only SIM. Charges are $2.50 for 300MB over 3 days, $6 for 1GB over 15 days, $11 for 2GB over 10 days, $30 for 5GB over 30 days, and $55 for 10GB over 30 days
• Flexiroam: another data-only card with various options. You can use 1GB over 3 days for $4.50 or over 8 days for $5. Opt for 3GB over eight days for $12.50, 7GB over 15 days for $24.50, or a huge 50GB over 90 days for $100

Is It A Good Idea to Get a Prepaid SIM Card or eSIM In Turkey?

Yes! Turkey is huge, meaning there are countless things to see and do. You might find yourself in a city and then decide that you want to eat a specific type of food; you’ll automatically reach for Google, right? That’s all fine and dandy if you have an Internet connection, but if not? Well, you’re stuck.

Having access to your phone during your travels is useful on many levels, not least from a safety point of view. You’ll be able to get to different places with much more ease, thanks to Google Maps; check the weather and avoid a downpour while also being able to update your friends and family with your travels. If you book private tours or a driver, you can also call them and avoid any mishaps or confusion.

It makes life so much easier.

Of course, you might have a contract back home with your phone provider, and they say that you can use your phone overseas. If that’s what they say, you can, but check the small print. You might have a data limit when traveling, which is super-easy to use up quickly, and there may be extra charges you’re unaware of.

But most importantly, having a tourist sim card in Turkey means additional safety. Not only so you can call emergency services, but so you can look up directions when you’re getting lost, you can download maps and GPS tools.

What About Pocket WiFi In Turkey

As you can see, some eSIMs don’t allow for calls or texts, so you might find that pocket WiFi offers better value for money or better convenience at least. This device acts as a mobile hotspot, and you connect your phone to it to access data.

This is especially useful if you’re traveling in a group or as a family, as you can connect multiple devices to the same hotspot.

The only downside of this is that pocket WiFi is that it’s not available to rent or buy everywhere, and you might find it more expensive, depending on what you’re looking for.

You can usually rent these devices from most major airports, and you’ll pay a flat fee, depending on how long you’ll use it, before dropping it back at the airport when you depart.

Some touristic resorts also offer pocket WiFi devices, so it’s simply a case of researching before you visit your specific location.

Extra Tips To Bear In Mind

There’s no doubt that a SIM is a great option when visiting Turkey, but there are a few extra tips to add to our chat. That way, you’ll get the best value for money and always be connected.

Avoid Buying Sims At The Airport

If you have no option, go for it, but you will find you end up paying a lot more than if you bought your SIM from a store or online.

Check Prices Before You Visit

The prices mentioned in this guide are approximate; remember that prices often fluctuate, so double-check before you visit to ensure you have the most up-to-date prices to hand.

Ask The Store To Fix Everything For You

If you’re going to get your SIM from a store, make sure everything is working before you leave. The assistant can quickly fix it all for you, and you won’t end up having to go back the next day, wasting precious time during your visit.

Know How To Top Up

Your SIM will come with a small card that will have a few emergency numbers on, and it will also tell you how to top up if you need to – keep this handy!

Don’t Take The Sim Out Until You’re Done

Don’t be tempted to put your home SIM in your phone to check messages etc. If you do this, you might find that your Turkish SIM is locked. The SIM card will come with a PIN, so make sure you know this if you do need to remove it.

Make Use Of WhatsApp

If your SIM doesn’t allow SMS, or you opt for an eSIM that only offers data, WhatsApp is your friend. Many SIMS enable free use of WhatsApp, too, so that’s something to look out for.

Questions To Ask Before Choosing a SIM Card Provider

You do have a few options regarding SIM card providers, so it’s useful to know their unique selling points and how easy they are to use.

Ask yourself these questions before making a choice:

How do you register the SIM?

For most large companies, this isn’t a difficult process. You’ll have to show your passport; the setup should be quick.

How is the SIM activated?

If you head into a Vodafone, Turkcell, or Turk Telekom store, the shop assistant will do all this for you, so you won’t have to worry. However, if you buy a SIM card over the Internet or choose an e-SIM, ensure you know the activation process in advance.

How do you top up your data?

While most plans offer more than enough data, you might find that you use it all (YouTube, we’re looking at you), and you need to top up. So, how do you do that? Most large SIM providers in Turkey will allow you to top up in store (they’re found in all large towns and cities) or from a convenience store for a small extra charge.

Where can you get a SIM card in Turkey?

For the easiest process, it’s best to head to a Turkcell, Turk Telekom, or Vodafone store and ask the assistant to set it up for you. However, you can also buy them online before you arrive and pick them up in store, or you can purchase them from the airport. If you choose this option, know that it will cost more.

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Turkey eSIM Features

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How to install your esim for turkey.

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Scan the QR code on arrival in Turkey.

For detailed instructions about how to install your eSIM Click Here

Esim turkey faqs, what is the best turkey esim plan for tourists.

Our eSIM plans available in Turkey include our Vodafone Travel eSIM plan and our O2 SMS Only eSIM Plan.

Will your eSIM plan work on my iphone in Turkey?

Whilst there are a lot of eSIM compatible devices, such as certain iPhone models, Pixels, Samsung and others – older devices may not be. If you would like to confirm your device is eSIM compatible, please read our full list of eSIM compatible gadgets.

Am I able to call or text using the O2 SMS plan?

Our O2 SMS eSIM plan only supports inbound SMS texts, and does not support data or calls.

What cities in Turkey does an eSIM work in?

Our Vodafone Travel eSIM plan works in many cities within Turkey, such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Samsun and more.

When will my 30 days start?

When you purchase an eSIM plan, you will receive the service fully activated, and your 30 days will begin straight away.

Can I use both my physical SIM card and digital eSIM plan at the same time when I travel to South Africa?

Turkey eSIM services on a handset work simultaneously with an existing SIM card. This means that there is no need to remove your existing SIM or lose your personal, private number. Whether you opt for data-only eSIMs or an eSIM plan with full-service voice, SMS and data, you’ll be able to use both SIM options at the same time.

Can I make calls and send messages with my Vodafone eSIM plan?

Our Turkey eSIM Vodafone Travel plan includes unlimited calls and texts as well as 25GB high speed data. This means that you’ll be able to make calls, send texts and even use your favourite messaging apps such as WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family when travelling in Turkey.

Does my plan include a phone number?

Yes, our eSIM plans come with a +44 Vodafone UK mobile number. Calls and texts can be received free of charge in all 75 countries and you have unlimited outbound calls and texts within Turkey.

Can I buy a data only plan for Turkey?

We offer a 30 day 10GB and 30 day 20GB eSIM data plan within the Turkey.

How do I setup my Turkey eSIM?

To set up your eSIM for Turkey, scan the QR code which you’ll receive by email onto your device and follow the instructions to install your new eSIM plan.

What eSIM carrier will I connect to in Turkey?

When using our Turkey eSIM plans, you can connect to Vodafone or O2 depending on the plan you choose.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built into a device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. It enables you to connect to a mobile network, switch carriers or plans easily.

What are the benefits of using an eSIM from eSIM.net?

Whether you are travelling for business or for leisure, we have you covered. With eSIM.net , you can choose from trusted network providers like Vodafone and O2, ensuring secure and reliable internet connectivity on your travels. You can get instant activation on arrival in your destination and save up to 90% on roaming costs with our eSIM plans. If you have a 5G enabled device, you can also get lightning fast 5g with our travel eSIM.

What is the difference when using data roaming versus using an eSIM in Turkey?

Data roaming and using an eSIM are two different ways of accessing mobile data when you are travelling in Turkey. Data roaming is a service that allows you to use your home network’s data services while you are in another country. The cost of data roaming can be high, depending on the rates given by your home network. An eSIM is a virtual SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical SIM. If you have an eSIM-compatible device, you can download a local Turkey data plan onto your eSIM before you travel or once you arrive.

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Learn how to get and activate a Turkcell eSIM Turkey

Have the adventure of a lifetime with your Turkcell eSIM. Read about options, pricing, and alternatives, and don't worry while in Turkey.

October 3, 2023

In this article

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Plans that may interest you

Embedded SIM (eSIM) technology has made mobile phone communication more convenient than ever before by doing away with the requirement for traditional SIM cards . By scanning a QR code or remotely activating a new plan via a mobile app, users with eSIMs can easily move between cell providers and plans without the trouble of swapping cards. Turkcell has also jumped on the wagon and provides eSIM with their plans to customers In Turkey.

Because of this adaptability, tourists can readily connect to local cell networks while abroad. Not only are eSIMs user-friendly, but they are also environmentally responsible because they have reduced the production and disposal of plastic SIM cards, paving the path for a more sustainable future. Stay tuned to learn about Turkcell’s eSIM and how it can help you have an outstanding adventure abroad .

Pricing and plans of Turkcell eSIM Turkey

Turkcell offers three categories of plans and connection options , they have Comfortable packages, Postpaid packages and Ready Card packages which are the no-contract option . They all differ regarding SMS, minutes and data included. Some offer only one service or bundles, very variable. We’ll dive deeper in the Turkcell’s connection offers later on for more details.

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Comfortable Packages

These include monthly subscription plans that you can choose from depending on your needs and how often you want to pay. The options range from 1 week up to one month, which helps those who are paid weekly or biweekly so they can handle their finances accordingly. There are also plans for children in case their parents wish to stay in contact with their young ones. Prices start off at as low as $2 up to $19.

Postpaid plans

Turkcell’s postpaid plans also vary in terms of prices and services. There’s a huge variety that fits anyone’s needs. You can get only data plans or a plan with just minutes. It’s really up to you. Some options even come tied to a home broadband service and even extra data only for social media. Prices and rates start at only 0.20¢ and up to $30 .

Ready Packages

These are what we know as the prepaid packages and plans that you can reload and purchase at your best convenience. This is more of a service on demand, you buy when you need it or when you run out of the previous one. You don’t even have to get the same one, you can choose a different one, and you receive data services along with minutes, text and more. Just like the previous options, you can get a small plan for as little as 0.36¢ and the most expensive plan is $37 .

Smartphones compatible with the Turkcell eSIM Turkey

As eSIM advances, more and more models are available that are compatible with the digital SIM. Here, we’ll provide a list of the smart devices that are eSIM compatible but additionally take a look at the full list of devices that can support a virtual SIM, including smartphones and even laptops .

Apple: iPhone, iPad Mini (5th generation), iPad Mini (6th generation), iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPad (7th generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPad (8th generation), iPad (9th generation), iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Air (5th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation).

Huawei: , P40, P40 Pro.

Samsung: , Note20, Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Z Fold 2, Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Steps to get Turkcell eSIM Turkey

You can easily get a Turkcell eSIM for Turkey through different channels. Be aware that beforehand you have to purchase any of the plans offered by the carrier. To get a plan with them, you can call their customer service, purchase it through their online website, through the app and directly at one of their official stores . Though any of these channels you’ll have to provide your information and sign up. You’ll have to provide your personal details, including your email address and physical address. If you want to sign up for a subscription plan, then you’ll have to provide ID and some sort of payment method . It can be quite gruesome in the end. There are easier ways of getting a connection while in Turkey.

Requirements to buy Turkcell virtual SIM card

Remember that before you even begin the purchase process, there are several things that you have to keep in mind. These may be small details but they’re very important so that you can get and activate your service without any issues. Continue reading to know more about the requirements:

• Digital SIM-compatible smartphones
• Documentation or ID (Passport)
• Valid payment method (cash, credit/debit card)
• Provide your IMEI
• Accept a credit check
• Register and sign up as a new customer

How to install the Turkcell digital SIM Turkey

Using an eSIM from Turkcell on your smartphone eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and is as easy as installing an app. You must first check that your smartphone is compatible with Turkcell’s eSIM service and that it supports eSIM technology. After confirming that your device is Turkcell eSIM card compatible, you can proceed with the installation. You will need to have Turkcell send you a QR code.

The next step is to go into your phone’s settings. The eSIM settings menu’s position can differ from one mobile operating system to the next. It’s most commonly found in the “Cellular” or “Network & Internet” sections of your device’s settings menu.

To activate an eSIM, go into the settings menu and select “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan.” To start the activation procedure, click this button and follow the prompts. After the eSIM has been activated, it can be used in place of a traditional SIM.

In order for the changes to take effect, your smartphone may require a restart. Once the phone has restarted, the Turkcell eSIM should be used for network access. Try making a call, sending a text message, or accessing mobile data to ensure its working properly.

Companies also offering eSIM in Turkey

Besides Turkcell, there are other providers that offer eSIM for Turkey. As we mentioned before, it may be a little difficult to get an eSIM for the local and domestic provider Turkcell.

Holafly unlimited data digital SIM card for Turkey

For travelers looking for an international eSIM provider, Holafly is the go-to option due to what it offers .

People can buy a Holafly eSIM for Turkey through the website in a matter of minutes. Compared to other alternatives, Holafly allows users to choose exactly how many days they are staying and how many eSIMs they need, making these more accessible for all types of budgets thanks to the customization feature.

Also, Holafly provides different features to travelers . There’s an official app where people can buy and manage eSIMs, 24/7 customer support in different languages, a top-up service to add more days to eSIMs, the chance to get a Europe eSIM data plan for visiting more countries, and unlimited data no matter when people travel to Turkey. And these are just some of the features they offer!

Turk Telekom

One of Turkey’s largest telecom companies, offers domestic eSIM services for travelers. Their eSIM solutions enable reliable connectivity for tourists and business travelers. Turk Telekom sells and activates eSIM plans, which include broadband, phone, and text, in stores and online. Turk Telekom’s broad network coverage keeps you connected in urban and rural Turkey. Additionally, their customer service may help with any questions or difficulties during your stay.

Vodafone Turkey

Vodafone Turkey is another popular local telecom carrier that offers eSIM for travelers in Turkey. Vodafone’s stores and internet channels make eSIMs easy to get for travelers. Vodafone offers eSIM options for short-term visitors and long-term residents with different data and communication needs. Vodafone’s network covers most of Turkey, so you’ll have strong access in towns and the countryside. Their customer care can answer any eSIM questions or provide support, making your stay in Turkey easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turkcell provides a QR code with your eSIM profile information. Activation requires this code.

Dual SIM phones let you utilize an eSIM and a traditional SIM card. Verify your phone’s capability.

You can add an eSIM by going into your phone’s settings and selecting “Add eSIM” or a similar option. To activate, simply scan the Holafly QR code and follow the on-screen instructions.

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*After the first 3 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.

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Turkey Unlimited eSIM Plans Stay connected to family, friends, and apps 24/7 with no worries about running out of data in Turkey. LITE Travel eSIM Best for Solo Travel 10 Unlimited *After the first 2 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.   Coverage in Turkey Wi-Fi Hotspot Not Included 5 - 30 Days Validity $ 18 USD 100% Money Back Guarantee Activate Now eSIM Tech Specs › STANDARD Travel eSIM Best for Wi-Fi Sharing 15 Unlimited *After the first 3 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.   Coverage in Turkey   Wi-Fi Hotspot Included 5 - 30 Days Validity $ 29 USD 100% Money Back Guarantee Activate Now eSIM Tech Specs › MAX Travel eSIM Best for Streaming 25 Unlimited *After the first 5 GB of daily high speed data, enjoy Unlimited LTE data at 1Mbps.   Coverage in Turkey   Wi-Fi Hotspot Included 5 - 30 Days Validity $ 37 USD 100% Money Back Guarantee Activate Now eSIM Tech Specs ›

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Turkey eSIM Specifications

Best Prepaid eSIM for Turkey: compare and travel (2023)

If you are going to travel to Turkey, don’t forget to visit places like Istanbul, Pamukkale, and Mount Nemrut , among others. It is advisable to save as much as possible on small details such as your cellphone bill and connectivity alternatives abroad. But don’t worry, thanks to technology, we have more options, and now the eSIM card has arrived in Turkey!

In this article, we explain everything about the Turkey eSIM, international operators, local eSIM, their requirements, their features, and how to buy them so that you save money and time and you contribute to the environment at the same time!

Remember that if your cellphone does not support the new eSIM card for Turkey, you can always get the traditional SIM card for Turkey . This way, you avoid paying expensive roaming bills .

Does eSIM work in Turkey?

As virtual SIM cards have become more and more standardized, local operators in many parts of the world have adapted to support them. This way, it is possible to use eSIM in Turkey, whether you buy this service in an online store or a physical store once you are in the country. 

Remember that even if you buy your eSIM internationally once you are in Turkey, it will always use local networks to work . You can confirm with your provider if they use the service of Türk Telekom, Turkcell, or Vodafone, three of the most important telephone companies in the country.

eSIM Turkey card need-to-know information:

If you compare eSIMs with traditional physical SIM cards , you will notice that the main difference is that these new versions are digital and give more versatility to their users. However, like any new technology, there are specific characteristics that we have to consider to be able to use them. This way, you will avoid researching and purchasing a service that you will not be able to use in its entirety. Some need to know to check are

• Most importantly, you must have a phone that is compatible with the technology . More and more devices have moved to this evolution; however, not everyone in the market can use them. To help you, Holafly has an updated list of compatible phones .
• The eSIM will be sent as a QR code to your email after purchase , so you must have a valid email address and access. 
• To purchase and install the virtual SIM card for the first time, you need to have an internet connection . It is advisable to do the process before traveling or from a secure network if you are already in Turkey.
• This depends on the provider, but some stores may ask you to install an App on your mobile phone to manage your digital SIM card.

Mobile eSIM card carriers for travel to Turkey

Do you meet the above requirements? Great! Now you can compare and purchase the Turkey eSIM that fits your needs. The following providers are available on the market for you to purchase your eSIM, as they are companies that sell international eSIM cards intended for use on your leisure or business trips abroad.

Rates and data plans from eSIM providers for travel to Turkey

We now want to give you more information regarding rates and data plans of the providers that offer eSIM for Turkey, so you can compare and choose the plan that best suits your budget. All these prices are much lower if you compare them with the prices of roaming in Turkey offered by your domestic cellular operator, and having an eSIM is much more convenient than carrying extra equipment like pocket wifi .

When we talk about international eSIM, you should think of Holafly. This online store has become an excellent solution for travelers from all over the world. It has a virtual SIM card for Turkey with unlimited data in all its available packages. You can choose from eight different options ranging from 5 to 90 days of use . 

As for the cost, you can pay between $19 and $99 for the service . This depends on the duration you choose. A significant advantage is that with Holafly, you can buy top-ups whenever you need them to extend your service without installing a new eSIM. They make it easy for you to purchase and get information by having a website in more than ten languages for all types of customers.

Pros Holafly eSIM

• You can purchase and install it in just minutes, before your trip or once at your destination.
• 4G speed with coverage from the best carriers in the country.
• Possibility to have unlimited data with any plan
• You’ll have 24/7 customer service from Holafly’s support team.
• You can easily buy a top-up to extend your service with Holafly
• You can use Holafly’s mobile App to manage your eSIM on your iPhone

Cons Holafly eSIM 

• You will not be able to make analog calls within Turkey, only calls through Apps such as WhatsApp or Skype.
• You will not be able to use your phone as a hotspot.
• To use it, you must have a phone compatible with the virtual SIM card.

This is an online store and mobile App of British origin that has data plans for more than a hundred destinations in the world. It has compatibility with phones, iPad, and Apple Watch . However, the models are reduced ; You can use their eSIM on phones like iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 or later, Samsung Galaxy S20 or later, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold – all models, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip – all models.

Their virtual SIM card for Turkey has a one-day usage option and five thirty-day usage options. The amount of data ranges from 1GB and up to 10GB of browsing, depending on your choice. You can expect to pay between $7 for the one-day option and up to $40 for the 10GB monthly.

Pros of Truphone eSIM:

• They have a mobile app to purchase and manage your service.
• Coverage in more than 110 countries.
• It is possible to use your services on other devices such as Apple Watch or iPad.

Cons of Truphone eSIM:

• They offer reduced options in their plans with little data to navigate.
• They sell data-only plans; you will not be able to call or have a local number.
• You can not purchase through their website, only through their APP, and you need to register.
• They are not compatible with a wide range of mobile phones.

Finally, we find Ubigi, another virtual store known for its services worldwide. With them, you can buy through their website or on their mobile applications . In either case, you must create a profile with them to be able to make the purchase. They will ask you for contact information and email.

Currently, they only have a data plan option with which you will have internet service in Turkey. Their virtual SIM card for Turkey includes 3GB of browsing for use in 30 days and costs 19$. Also, this eSIM is data only, so you will not be assigned a local number. You will be connected to the Avea network in the country, and you can pay by PayPal or credit card.

Pros of Ubigi eSIM:

• Availability to purchase through your website or applications
• Various payment methods available on both channels
• No need for a contract, and you can renew the service

Cons of Ubigi eSIM:

• Only one data plan is available for Turkey
• No unlimited data options
• You will need to install their application to manage your eSIM

(You may be interested in Best eSIM for Europe )

Comparison of eSIM providers for Turkey

Features of esims for travel to turkey.

Do you already know which international eSIM card to buy? Great, we will let you in on more details and features that you should consider, as they may be similar to the traditional physical SIM, but they are not the same. Check their details here:

• Most eSIM cards do not offer analog calls , only data. For voice calls, you can use apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
• Some eSIM cards configure the APN automatically.
• An eSIM can be installed only once, so if you are experiencing problems with your eSIM card, do not remove it from your phone. Instead, contact your eSIM provider.
• With your dual SIM iPhone, you can keep your domestic SIM when you travel to Turkey . Remember to set up your iPhone correctly to avoid surprise bills.
• You can add multiple data plans on your iPhone. This depends on the available memory, although it is only possible to use one at a time.
• You will have Unlimited data.

(You may be interested in Best eSIM for the USA )

Mobile Internet coverage map for travel to Turkey

You should remember that if you buy a very cheap eSIM card, it may not provide good coverage in Turkey. And how do we know if an operator provides good coverage? Very quickly, the eSIM cards that have the best network coverage in Turkey are those that have the most roaming agreements with leading operators such as Türk Telekom, Turkcell, or Vodafone Turkey.

For this reason, here we share with you the coverage maps of the leading cellphone operators in Turkey.

Türk Telekom 3G coverage map in Turkey

Turkcell’s 3G network coverage in Turkey

Vodafone 3G coverage map in Turkey

Local phone carriers offering eSIM in Turkey

In Turkey, local cellphone carriers already offer their residents the eSIM card. For this reason, this option is intended for permanent residents and not for travelers, although there are exceptions. Below, we are going to list the cellphone operators in Turkey that have already enabled eSIM technology to their users:

eSIM Turkcell Turkey

Turkcell is one of the biggest cellular operators in Turkey, and you can get a local eSIM with them to use daily if you are living in Turkey. The eSIM from Turkcell can be used with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, and Huawei devices that support eSIM.

Benefits of the Turkcell eSIM in Turkey

• Use both phone numbers.
• Make and receive voice calls in Turkey.
• Send and receive messages.
• Use the Internet and Social media.

How to Activate a Turkcell eSIM for Turkey

If you have a cellphone that supports eSIM and you want to buy an eSIM with Turkcell, you must go to a Turkcell official store or call customer service: 532.

They will give you a QR code with your new local eSIM. Follow the steps below to activate it:

• Go to the Settings menu.
• Click on Cellular.
• Click Add Cellular Plan.
• Scan your QR code.
• Enter the PIN code to unlock the eSIM.
• Click Connections.
• Click SIM Card Manager.
• Click Add Mobile Plan.
• Click Scan carrier QR Code.
• Scan your QR code for the eSIM card.

eSIM Vodafone Turkey

Are you currently a Vodafone customer, and you want to change your traditional SIM card for an eSIM? Don’t worry, you can change it to a local eSIM and use it like your traditional chip to make phone calls, make send messages, and surf the internet.

Benefits of the Vodafone eSIM in Turkey

With your last-gen cellphone, you will have the possibility to use your phone as a dual SIM phone, nano SIM and eSIM or double eSIM at the same time, depending on the smartphone you have. The eSIM is also safer than the traditional SIM card since it cannot be physically stolen or lost.

How to Activate a Vodafone eSIM for Turkey

You can obtain an eSIM with Vodafone Turkey by going to a physical store or contacting a sales representative from Vodafone. If you are getting a plan for the first time with Vodafone, you will need to go through an identity validation.

To activate the eSIM on your smartphone, you need to scan the QR code they will give you, and that is all.

Frequently asked questions about eSIM in Turkey

We answer the most common questions you may have before purchasing your eSIM to travel to Turkey.

It is not necessary to present a passport, although some suppliers do require your address.

No, the eSIM for Turkey does not allow you to share data.

Then install the virtual SIM profile, choose it as the default cellular data medium, turn on data and roaming and your virtual SIM should be work!

Yes, just like physical cards, virtual SIM cards also have an expiration date.

eSIM for other destinations

• eSIM Israel
• Best eSIM for Philippines
• eSIM for Asia
• eSIM Iceland

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Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage

Best eSIM overall

• Best for customizable plans
• Best for easy installation
• Best value for money
• Best for security
• Best for network coverage
• Best for unlimited data
• Best for global plans
• Best for Europe
• Best for data-only plans
• eSIMs for international travel FAQs

1. Best eSIM overall 2. Best eSIM for customizable plans 3. Best eSIM for easy installation 4. Best eSIM for value for money 5. Best eSIM for security   6. Best eSIM for network coverage  7. Best eSIM for unlimited data 8. Best eSIM for global plans 9. Best eSIM for Europe   10. Best eSIM for data-only plans 11. eSIMs for international travel FAQs

eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially in international travel. Admit it, you do not like getting into huge queues to buy an eSIM just after you’ve landed at your dream location. You can now skip the queue with the best eSIM for international travel, with plans ranging from 3 days to as long as a year.

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage. However, with so many providers offering eSIMs, which one should you purchase? I have done the hard yards to find and review the best eSIM you can get for international travel, regardless of whether you want to travel to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa or Australia. So, make sure you read till the end to know everything you could ever need before purchasing your next eSIM.

What is an eSIM?  

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

eSIM cards are digital SIM cards already embedded in the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. It is a small rewritable chip fixed inside your phone, which connects with an antenna to function as a SIM card. The antenna is nothing but a network selected by you. 

Since it is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple phone call. There’s no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card and waiting for it to arrive in the mail. 

Actually, eSIMs have been around for quite some time now. You can find many devices that are compatible with eSIMs. But when iPhone decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the device to being completely eSIM featured, this feature got its attention. The main reason eSIMs are being preferred is because of their ease of use and convenience. 

Another advantage of eSIM is that it saves space accommodated by the SIM card holder, leading to either smaller phones or larger batteries, both of which are interesting propositions. Not to mention, the enormous amount of plastic being used to make all these SIM cards will no longer be required. 

eSIMs could be pretty revolutionary as they can be used to enable 5G connectivity in almost anything we would want it to, preferably glasses or a fitness tracker, as it doesn’t take up as much space inside the device.  

While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh a few cons here and there.

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?  

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s dive into why it’s so beneficial for international travel. The best thing about them is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate the SIM when needed without having to pay additional roaming charges. 

Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM from the place you're traveling to. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.

eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no need to remove them in case you want to change your SIM card, so they practically can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it through the eSIM card is much easier since it cannot be removed from the device. 

Note that international roaming works the same way on physical and eSIMS. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier of the place you are visiting without losing your old numbers. This is especially handy when you are visiting multiple countries. 

With eSIMs, switching SIMs is as easy as purchasing a plan online and activating it after completing the payment. If you travel frequently for business or any other purpose, switching contact numbers could be quite a frequent task. With eSIMs, you can shuffle between SIM cards as soon as you enter the airport or right when you leave the country.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?  

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. IPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018. 

Follow these steps to see if your iOS is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked:

• Go to Settings > General > About
• Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
• If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first. 
• If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
• If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number 

The following are the latest models that support eSIM: 

• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro Max

You can also use eSIMs on the following iPads: 

• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068 onwards)
• iPad Air (model A2123 onwards)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069 onwards)
• iPad (model A2198 onwards)
• IPad 10th generación (2022)
• iPad Mini (model A2124 onwards)

For Android numbers, it is best to check with the manufacturer if your device is compatible with eSIM. This, too, depends on the model, place of manufacturing, and the carrier used for the Android device.  

Another way to check is by going to the settings > Network & Internet and tapping on the "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible 

You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches with the eSIM embedded in your device. 

• Dial *#06# and press call
• If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number

Some popular Android phones that support eSIMs include: 

• Samsung Galaxy S21 models
• Samsung Galaxy S22 models
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy Fold Series
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
• Samsung Galaxy S23 models
• Google Pixel 7
• Google Pixel 6
• Google Pixel 4
• Google Pixel Fold
• Google Pixel 3 XL
• Huawei P40 Series
• Oppo Reno 5A
• Oppo Find X5
• Sony Xperia 1 V
• Xiaomi 13 Series
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
• Motorola Edge+
• Motorola Razr 2019

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list — it’s only an indicative list of popular smartphones that support eSIMs. In case you do not find your phone year, check with your manufacturer. 

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Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel 

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airhub is a huge online store from which you can buy eSIMs in over 190+ countries worldwide. It has a massive variety of eSIM plans that include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes. 

While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs. Also, Airhub has truly managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deal that it does. 

If you're going to hang in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS - you truly get the best deal here. 

The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. However, it doesn't have strong coverage in Latin America. For example, I found them offering only a single plan in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Moreover, there are no plans for countries like Cuba, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador. 

The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We highly recommend the Europe plan if you're about to go on a Europe tour. Airhub covers up to 49 countries in the plans, with the plans starting at just $11 for a month with a 3GB data limit. We could also spot a few 1-year plans in Europe ranging from 10GB to 100GB for the year.  

When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on like most other eSIM apps — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category). 

Concluding, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM. 

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Airalo is easily one of the best eSIM providers for travelers looking for an affordable and reliable SIM card, which plans in more than 200 countries. The stand-out thing about Airalo is its great collaborations with local telco companies all over the world which makes it the cost leader that it is today. 

Keep in mind that this also means the cost of Airalo depends on the place you're traveling to, and the cost of data there — validity and data limit being the other two factors that affect its price.

It also offers 7 regional plans, including Latin America and Caribbean Islands — regions that aren’t well catered by other eSIM providers.

It also has a specific global plan that provides access to around 84 countries worldwide — perfect for international travelers. You can choose between 1GB to 20GB of data spread across 7 days to 180 days validity. 

To buy the eSIM, you simply have to go to the app, create an account, choose the place you are traveling to, the package of your choice, and then install the eSIM. After that, you’ll need to follow a simple eSIM activation procedure, and that’s it. The payment can be made through a credit card or Apple Pay. 

One major thing to look out for getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them don't offer voice minutes — there's only a data plan. So if you're someone who makes a lot of voice calls throughout the day, you might want to look out for an alternative here. That said, you can always communicate via Internet calls when needed. 

Airalo has a loyalty feature where you get credit every time you purchase data from the service provider. Initially, you get a 5% Airalo credit for every purchase, which keeps increasing as you collect more and more credit. So, initially, if you spend $20 on a package, you get a $1 credit that you can use for future purchases. 

Best eSIM for easy installation

AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices. One innovative feature of the app is its AloSIM data calculator that helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.

The reason why this is so great is because it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need. 

Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package so that you can assure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE). This is something most eSIM providers do not offer.

Installing the eSIM is also easy with AloSIM. There are three ways in which you can do that:

1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option. 

2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network. 

3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM. 

The prices at AloSIM are among the most reasonable I’ve seen. You can get the 5 GB for 30 days plan for as low as $16 in the US. That's a lot of difference compared to the plan your home SIM can provide you. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you. AloSIM also offers as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest on our list. 

However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa or an extensive Asian plan. The Asian regional plan covers just five countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling East.

Just like every data-only eSIM, you will not get a phone number with AloSIM. Also, there's no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price. 

Best eSIM for value for money

Nomad eSIM is a great option if you’re on short trips and need a travel eSIM that doesn't cost you a fortune. It is well-known for its short-duration plans of 7 and 15 days. Its offerings are divided into regional plans and individual country plans. 

You can also purchase an unlimited data plan in selected individual countries, such as the UK, something that isn’t available with regional plans. With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas).

It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to Latin America, you can definitely find cheaper options. For example, 1GB of data with a 7-day validity costs $9 on Nomad. However, the same plan is available at $6.5 on Airalo, with both of them covering the same three counties —Canada, USA, and Mexico,

What we love about this provider is that it doesn't charge you any one-time connection fee or even a fee for the SIM card itself. There's no hidden cost, and you don't have to worry about enormous roaming costs as well. Just pay for the upfront amount of the package, and you’re good to go.

There are eight regional plans - APAC, Nordic, Europe, SEA - Oceania, Global, North America, Africa, and Middle East. Regional plans allow you to buy the plan once and use it in a specific group of countries - no need to buy a new eSIM for every country you travel to. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and Italy, simply get the Europe regional plan. You’ll not need to buy a separate eSIM in each country.

The global plan is decent, with an option to purchase a global e-Sim for either 110 countries or 140 countries. The 110-country plan starts at $25/GB (validity of 7 days), while the 140-country plan starts at $19/GB for the same validity period.

Recently, Nomad added an SMS plan available in selected countries like Canada, the United States, and the UK. I found the plan to be pretty reasonable, too, starting at 100 texts for $4. 

What's more, Nomad has one of the most user-friendly apps. You can easily find all the plans, and the interface is very clean. You can also track your data usage on the go and add more data if you seem to be outrunning your current limit. 

If you're not an expert at understanding chunky instructions, you'll love its setup process that takes you through the app step by step and even includes pictures to clearly illustrate what you need to do. 

If there's still something you need help understanding, there's built-in 24/7 message support, and the response time is quick and reliable. It doesn't have a live chat feature like most of the peers.

Concluding, Nomad is a solid option for frequent travelers with its short-term packages at affordable prices and easy-to-set-up interface. With the commendable user-friendliness of this provider’s app and reliable customer support, it’s one of the best travel eSIMs. 

Best eSIM for security

5. Instabridge

Instabridge has been around for a while, and its eSIM services are truly one to consider if you are looking for a safe and seamless internet connection. This is especially recommended if you're going to stay in one place for a long time — you can find plans that last up to a year.

It is the #1 app on iPhone for global internet access, and with access to more than 190 countries and over 200 million app downloads, you can guess that it's a hot pick among travelers.  However, you do not get any call minutes or SMS facility with Instabridge’s eSIM. Thus, you’ve to rely on Internet-based voice calls and texts — certainly not a deal-breaker.

If you are tight on budget but want to purchase a plan, you can score mobile data packages by watching ads on the app. The collection won't be too grand, of course, but it'll get you a decent data pack if you spend your free time on the app. 

The app in itself is pretty modern and intuitive. You can simply select the country you’re traveling to and choose the amount of data you need. Next, select the duration — one-time, monthly, or yearly. You’re done — simply make the payment and enjoy your internet.

Note that the website on the desktop version doesn't show all the local plans, so it's important to check the plans on the app if you don't find a suitable plan for you. You can pick between subscriptions and one-off plans depending on your needs. The website typically doesn’t show data plans for more than 30 days.

Customer support isn't always the fastest — it can take a few hours to get a reply if you're stuck in the middle of something. But you can look out for the FAQs and manuals to help you out, and the app is easy to use, too. So there are chances that you might not even need customer support.  

You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM, so there's no need to collect a hefty number of eSIMs if you're traveling to multiple places. For example, if you're going to visit USA, Germany, and France over the holidays, you can just purchase a plan for each of these places and track the data usage of each of these packages through the app. 

Instabridge has a strong commitment to bringing the internet to everyone. For the same, it has decided to give away 1GB of data to someone in a developing nation for every 1 GB of data you purchase.

Concluding, Instabridge is a solid provider of data-only plans, a must-have for users who value security over anything.

Best eSIM for network coverage

BNESIM offers mobile data contracts in over 170 countries —greater than most providers in our list, like Nomad. You can rest assured that no matter which country you are traveling to, you will definitely find a plan or more with BNESIM. 

Where this provider wins against the competition is its “pay-as-you-go” plans. These are plans with no expiration date. For example, if you purchase the 1GB USA data plan for $6.73, you can use the plan as long as you do not exhaust the entire data without any time restriction. This is particularly helpful for users that use minimal data and end up wasting their data by the end of the plan. 

What I like about BNESIM is its diverse regional plans. It currently offers Regional plans in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Apart from this, there are two unlimited data regional plans - something other providers don’t offer. 

1. BNESIM Infinity Europe

2. BNESIM Infinity Asia

For example, the Infinity Aisa plan covers 28 countries with options to purchase one-time, daily, and monthly plans. I found the “Daily Plan’ really useful in the modern data usage context. It offers a certain data limit for each day of the plan. For example, the 1GB daily data Asia plan costs just $8.85 — a steal, in my opinion.

I also found an extensive “Support” section on its website with guides on installing eSIMs on various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. Each of these guides includes pictures that make your job easier. Just like Airalo, BNESIM also partners with local networks to provide reliable bandwidth, which makes the network stronger in some areas.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-duration plan, BNESIM doesn’t get the job done. With a maximum validity of 30 days, their plans primarily focus on short-duration plans. Another weird thing about BNESIM is its “auto-renewal” feature — your plan will be auto-renewed at the end of the term. You’ll have to cancel the plan manually on its website or app.

All in all, BNESIM is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective global roaming solution for frequent travel. 

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos with your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that it doesn't give unlimited data, it offers higher data limits than most other providers. 

In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.

On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans. However, I found it tough to locate these plans on its website, as there’s no dedicated “Regional Plans” section as in some other websites like Nomad and Airhub.

Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide you hotspot in the meanwhile. 

Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code. 

Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM. 

However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now. 

While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet (WhatsApp, Skype, or other apps).   Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.

Best eSIM for global plans

8. GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM provides global and local data plans for travelers and tourists in more than 150 countries, and you get extendable coverage with over 400 network carriers. It was among the first providers of eSIM when it first launched in 2016.

There are four broad plans that GlobaleSIM offers:

1. Most Popular Plan - available in 63 countries

2. Most Popular+ Plan - available in 93 countries

3. Special Plan - available in 115 countries

4. Special + Plan - available in 143 countries

For example, its “Most Popular Plan” starts at $3.00 for 500MB of data for 5 days. You also get the option of adding call minutes to your plan and selecting either a US, a UK, or a Canadian number. As there are several countries being covered under a single plan, you obviously cannot expect to get a local number to the place you're visiting, and since there's no roaming charge, a US, UK, or Canadian number isn't that bad, too, after all.

Many eSIM providers ask you to create an account before purchasing, but this one doesn't. You just have to fill out the required information, like your name, surname, and email address, and you're done. You can complete your payment via either PayPal or a credit card.  

However, I couldn’t find many single-country plans on GlobaleSIM. Even for a popular destination like the US, you’ll have to get a bundled plan which includes both the US and Canada. Moreover, despite being in the market for so long, it's a little disappointing that the provider doesn't have an application of its own, so you'll have to purchase the eSIM directly from the website. 

Unlike most other providers in the market, GlobaleSIM doesn't have chat support, the only way that you can connect to them is through emails, and the response time isn't as fast as chat support either. 

At first, you won't even find customer service or a way to get in touch with them on the front page of the website or while skimming through plans. You will have to go all the way down the page to find it. Simply put, the customer support is disappointing. 

All in all, GlobaleSIM is a great eSIM to consider if you're looking for a global plan that's easy to set up and purchase.  

Best eSIM for Europe

9. Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is the best-prepaid service provider if you're traveling to Europe, with robust connections in every European country for high-speed data.  

What I like the most about this provider is that, unlike others, you get a French number with the eSIM. Its most popular plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 120 minutes of worldwide calling, and 1,000 texts. That's more than enough proposition for whatever your needs are. But of course, if all you are looking for is a data eSIM, you can also purchase the data-only packages it offers. 

The Orange holiday app is user-friendly and doesn't require any registration prior to installing the eSIM. All you have to do is install the eSIM, and the provider will automatically connect to the strongest local European mobile network provider in that area.  

Costing around $44.10 for 10GB of data with a validity of 14 days, you might argue that this isn't a cheap option. However, if you're looking to have amazing internet no matter which European street you are wandering on, this is worth the penny it costs.

Besides the European plan, there's also a competent data-only global plan with 6GB of data with a 15-day validity. What’s more — you can share your data as a hotspot, so if you want to work on your laptop while away, it won't be a problem. 

However, it doesn’t offer a lot of plan options. Thus, you do not have much flexibility, either in terms of the validity period or data limits. Moreover, I did not like the website interface as much as some other providers on our list. Finding your destination country is difficult — you’ll have to choose from a long list of options. Even when you do, you’ll find “Regional” and “Global” plans in every country. This essentially means that Holiday eSIM does not offer as many individual country plans. 

In conclusion, if you value your network connection more than your product's budget-friendliness, you should consider this for your European trip. While we're not trying to take away that this provider's plans will cost you more than the local plan you can buy from a local provider, there are also a few cheaper options that might work for you if your internet usage isn't a lot. 

Best eSIM for data-only plans

10. Flexiroam

eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one. 

When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects itself to the strongest network connection in that area for reliable and strong coverage no matter where you go.  If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable. 

Most providers like Airalo and BNESIM work with one single provider in one area, and it’s possible that the local provider might not be the best for the area you're visiting. This is never the issue with Flexiroam.

There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. However, these plans aren’t as neatly categorized as some other providers. You’ll have to select from a long drop-down list when looking for individual country plans. Its regional plans are a mixed bag of chocolates. While there are two unique regional plans - Greater Europe and Greater China, I couldn’t find a regional plan for Asia that is offered by almost every other competitor. If you’re on an Asian trip, you’ll want to look at some other eSIMs on our list.

Having said that, Flexiroam is among the few providers that include plans for less than 7 days, and unlike Holafly, it allows data sharing through both tethering and Hotspot. So if you're traveling in a group, you can just buy a single pack and share it with your entire group.

Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. This can usually be a problem if you're traveling to remote places.

Concluding, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for a data-only eSIM for its affordability and wider network coverage.  

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

How to choose the best esim for international travel .

While all the providers have something or the other to offer,  it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them. 

1. The place that you are traveling to 

It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage. So make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage to the place you're traveling to. 

Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:

• Local eSIM — you should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM. 
• Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a Europe trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work on all the countries in Europe you're visiting. 
• Global eSIM — global eSIM allows you to connect several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or counties that are in different regions.  

2. How much data will you need?

If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this: 

• Google Maps: 5MB per hour
• Social Media: 50MB per hour
• Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
• Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
• Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
• SD Video: 1GB per hour
• HD Video: 4GB per hour
• 4K Video: 7GB per hour

3. How long will you be abroad?

All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 days plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM. 

Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you. 

How do eSIM work?  

An eSIM card or embedded SIM card is a chip in your phone that lets you connect to a network by simply downloading an eSIM profile and activating it without having to swap the SIM card physically. 

eSIMs function similarly to physical cards — the only difference is that the card, instead of being inserted into the devices, can now be downloaded through an app and activated by scanning a QR code or following the steps provided in the manual. 

It is very easy to install an eSIM into the devices that are compatible with it. You can use multiple operators simultaneously and add several data plans according to your needs, as there's no physical space required to limit the number. 

You just have to change the profile to switch between one eSIM to another. This way, you can find the network in another eSIM if one SIM doesn't have a network. You can even have one SIM each for business and personal purposes.  

Since eSIMs can be updated electronically, providers in the US and UK are using eSIMs for the Internet of Things, adding a mobile network to almost anything that could use one, like cars and traffic lights.

While all the latest Apple devices are eSIM-compatible, most Android devices are also catching up. For example, the new Motorola Razr doesn't have a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM. Google Pixel phones and other Android devices, including laptops and tablets, have started providing eSIMs too. 

If you have already set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps to activate your SIM:

• On turning on your phone, you will find a notification appearing that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed", tap on it.
• If it doesn't pop up right away, In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
• You will find a "Continue" at the bottom of the screen. After that, the plan must have been activated. 
• Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity. 
• If you're unable to make the call, contact your carrier. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, your eSIM has been activated. Now remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.

After this, your eSIM will actively run on your phone, and you can use it along with your physical SIM cards too. This will especially be appreciated by those who don't like to give away their phone numbers when traveling abroad. 

Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad? 

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM. 

iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time. 

This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.

Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once. 

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Devices like iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. And recently, it completely ditched the physical SIM card slot in all the US models of iPhone 14. While other countries still have the SIM card slot, Apple has made it clear that it will soon completely get rid of the physical SIM card.  

Note that Apple’s eSIM feature is not yet available in mainland China and a few parts of Hong Kong and Macao. These countries are still fully dependent on physical SIMs.  

Setting up and activating an eSIM is super easy if you follow the instructions below:

• On your iOS device, follow Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If this doesn't work, try Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
• Click on the “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option. At this point, remember that both iPhones have to be on iOS 16 for this to work.
• You will find instructions on the old model to help you through the process. Either tap the transfer button or enter the verification code on the older phone, which will be sent to the new iPhone. 
• Once you transfer the eSIM to the newer iPhone, it is deactivated from your old device, and your carrier will send you a notification to complete the setup on your new iPhone.

QR code support:

• If your carrier has issued you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” while setting up the new iPhone.
• You can find the “Use QR Code” option under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. 

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?  

eSIM card is a recently developed digital version of a physical SIM card that solves most problems faced while using a physical SIM card. While the functionality of both the SIMs has no difference, eSIM has an almost negligible chance of getting damaged, and since they cannot be physically detached from the device, it is impossible to lose them. 

If your device gets stolen, the thief will first throw out your SIM card because the device can be easily tracked through its SIM card. With eSIMs, this option just isn't there, so you can easily locate your device if it's ever stolen or lost. 

Also, eSIM frees up the space that a SIM card blocks. This space can be used to better optimize the device and leave less room for dust to enter. It also makes it better for devices like smartwatches to have an eSIM. 

On the other hand, eSIMs aren't as widely recognized yet, and physical SIM cards are supported on all devices. If your device doesn't support it, you'll have to get another one to switch to eSIMs.  

Plus, if you want to change your device, it is a lot more convenient to just place your SIM card in a different device, and just the day started. The same thing goes for a situation when you want to transfer contacts that are saved in your SIM card. 

eSIMs store data on the cloud. You can simply download it when needed. This way, your data remains safe and doesn't use up any storage on your device. 

Finally, both eSIMs and physical SIM cards have benefits of their own, and the better option definitely depends on personal preference, but objectively, eSIM is definitely the better option.  

Final verdict 

eSIMs have, undoubtedly, made traveling much easier. With affordable plans, excellent connections, and various validity options to choose from, eSIMs are the future of telecommunication. 

The only question is — which eSIM should you purchase? If you do not require voice call minutes (which I believe most wouldn’t), Airalo is your best bet. It has a lot of plan options to choose from, with validities as long as 180 days. It offers affordable local plans in as many as 200 countries, besides 7 regional plans and a value-for-money global plan. And since it partners with local network providers, you can rest assured of seamless connectivity as well. 

If you do want to make voice calls and send text messages, Airhub should be your go-to option. It offers plans in more than 190 countries, with more than 15 plans to select from in most countries. Like Airalo, it is also a value-for-money proposition and wouldn’t cost you a fortune. 

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Krishi covers buying guides and how-to's related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom's Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

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• Enhancing Cultural Heritage Tourism with

Enhancing Cultural Heritage Tourism with eSIM Technology: Opportunities in Turkey

Yevhenii Kuznietsov

Published by

Content Title

Understanding the Concept of eSIM Technology

A deeper dive into esim technology.

Imagine stepping off a airplane in a foreign country and being instantly connected to the local network, without the hassle of having to procure a physical SIM card. This is no longer a dream, but a reality with the advent of eSIM technology. eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a modern innovation that offers the capability to switch between different mobile carriers without requiring any physical SIM card. It is basically a digital SIM embedded into your device, simplifying the process of substituting service providers. This advanced technology holds significant potential for a transformative impact on the global telecommunication sector.

The Making of eSIMs

The magic of an eSIM resides in its digitalization. Taking the place of the traditional, physical SIM card, an eSIM is built directly into your smartphone, smartwatch or any compatible device. In contrast to regular SIM cards needing to be inserted or removed manually to switch between different service providers, eSIMs eliminate this inconvenience, allowing users to make this switch digitally. Users can simply subscribe to their preferred data plan and be instantly connected to their chosen network. Therefore, eSIMs can greatly enhance communication experiences, particularly for frequent travellers like tourists.

Turning Heads to eSIMs in Tourism

From a tourism perspective, eSIMs can defy geographical boundaries effortlessly. Tourists, in any part of the world, can conveniently stay connected to their preferred network without needing to change their SIM card manually. Moreover, it not only reduces the need for carrying multiple SIM cards but also eliminates the necessity to purchase local SIMs while travelling. The presence of eSIM technology in the tourism sector is indeed a game-changer, promoting a seamless digital experience for all travellers. With {Country name} eSIM or {Country name} eSIMs, tourists can experience uncompromised connectivity throughout their journey.

Current Scenario of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Turkey

Turkey: a land imbued with cultural heritage.

Turkey, the country straddling between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is a cornucopia of cultural richness. It is a nation with entrancing historical significance, riveting architecture, and diverse traditions deeply rooted in its past. This, in essence, spurs tourists from all corners of the globe to bask in the beauty of its heritage sites.

Cultural Heritage Tourism in Turkey: An Overview

Turkey’s cultural heritage tourism sector is currently flourishing at a brisk pace. The country’s cultural sites, ranging from the legendary city of Troy to the rock sites of Cappadocia and the historic areas of Istanbul, attract hordes of travellers every year. Moreover, unique amalgamation of various cultures experienced in Turkey holds a prominent position in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. As these tourists move around, they encounter challenges related to connectivity which can be efficiently addressed by availing Turkey eSIM services.

The Role of Technology: Unleashing the potential of eSIMs

eSIM technology is a revolutionary breakthrough shaping the landscape of telecommunication. It promises to offer seamless connectivity, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This is particularly beneficial for tourists visiting Turkey who wish to stay connected without hassle, notably with the onset of the Turkey eSIM services.

Advantages of Using Turkey eSIMs for Tourists

• Convenience of not having to change physical SIM cards
• Efficient in-built network switch capability
• Reduction in roaming charges
• Ability to maintain home number while travelling
• Easy availability online

Therefore, adopting eSIM technology in today’s digitalized world is sure to augment the whole travel experience, particularly for those exploring the cultural heritage of Turkey.

Call to action: Venture into the rich cultural landscape of Turkey with uninterrupted connectivity. Global YO, a renowned eSIM provider, offers seamless services that promise to enrich your travel experience. Avail our top-notch eSIM cards and stay connected no matter where your adventure takes you.

The Role of Technology in Tourism

The impact of technology in revolutionizing the tourism sector.

Technology has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the tourism industry. It has changed the ways in which travel services are provided and accessed by tourists. For instance, cloud-based systems and artificial intelligence have streamlined operations for service providers by enabling seamless, real-time coordination of resources. At the same time, GPS-based technology and mobile apps have made navigating new environments more accessible to tourists. Mobile apps, with their user-friendly interfaces packed with information about destinations, accommodations, and eateries, have become the new-age travel companions.

The Advent of eSIM Technology in Enhancing Traveller’s Experience

eSIM technology, in particular, has been a transformative addition to the realm of travel technology. eSIM, or embedded SIM, provides a range of benefits for today’s tech-savvy tourists. These benefits include but are not limited to hassle-free network access across different countries, eliminating the need to change SIM cards or worry about roaming charges. Turkey eSIM, as an example, offers a flexible cellular data option for tourists travelling to this vibrant country. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and efficient choice for connectivity solutions as it can be activated instantaneously, thus significantly reducing waiting time compared to traditional SIM cards.

Global YO – Your Best Choice for eSIMs for Turkey

As your trusted eSIM provider, Global YO offers connectivity solutions tailored to your unique travel needs. Purchase our Turkey eSIMs, and enjoy seamless, uninterrupted access to mobile services during your travels. Experience the power and convenience of eSIM technology with us. Global YO is the best eSIM provider, buy our eSIM cards and enjoy connectivity.

The Potential of eSIM Technology in Tourism Industry

Unleashing the power of esims in tourism.

Embedded Subscriber Identification Modules, known as eSIMs, are poised to revolutionize the tourism industry. The potential of these tiny, yet powerful devices is immense. They’re transforming the way we connect, travel and explore the world. In contrast to physical SIM cards, eSIMs are built directly into your device, eliminating the need for swapping cards during travel.

For tourists, eSIMs offer unrivalled benefits. Without being tied to a specific operator, users can appreciate the freedom of selecting local network services, resulting in huge savings on roaming charges. Furthermore, eSIM can host multiple profiles, enabling travelers to switch between home and local network profiles seamlessly.

eSIMs – The New Frontrunner in Global Connectivity

When it comes to international travel, the quest for connectivity presents a significant challenge. Traditional SIM cards are location-dependent, leading to high international roaming costs. However, {Country name} eSIM technology promises to change this narrative.

A {Country name} eSIM offers tourists flexibility and control over their network preferences. It provides the opportunity to switch to the best local network while traveling, ensuring uninterrupted, reliable connectivity. Indeed, the ubiquity of the internet and the rise of smartphones have made eSIMs a fundamental component of the traveler’s toolkit.

Global YO – The Top eSIM Provider

At Global YO, we understand the need for seamless, affordable connectivity, particularly for avid travelers. We offer superior quality, reliable {Country name} eSIMs that can sustain the constant shift in network preferences and ensure consistent connectivity. Contact us today to buy our eSIM cards and enjoy a stress-free traveling experience.

The Intersection of eSIM and Cultural Heritage Tourism

Exploring esim technology in the context of cultural heritage tourism.

The digital revolution in the travel industry continues to unfold with Embedded Subscriber Identification Module (eSIM) technology playing a vital role. These innovative, embedded, rewritable chips that save network operator profile data are having a transformational effect on cross-border travel experience. Without the need to change physical SIM cards or sign up for costly roaming services, travel becomes seamless for globetrotters. Particularly for cultural heritage tourists who venture to explore the historical and cultural richness of countries like Turkey.

Integration of eSIMs and Cultural Heritage Tourist’s Journey

The blend of eSIM technology and cultural heritage tourism is a breakthrough, especially for those visiting Turkey. As cultural heritage tourism continues to gain momentum in the country, services that enable smooth, uninterrupted communication, such as eSIMs for Turkey, are in high demand. Tourists can now immerse themselves in the grandeur of Turkey’s rich heritage without worrying about staying connected. The cumbersome process of changing SIM cards or purchasing local ones is eliminated, making it incredibly convenient for tourists to cherish every moment of their travel experience.

Potential Benefits of eSIM Technology for Tourists in Turkey

Unlocking seamless connectivity with esim technology in turkey.

Tourism is rapidly evolving in Turkey, with modern technological advancements paving the way for more streamlined travel experiences. One such significant development is the emergence of eSIM technology. An abbreviation for ’embedded Subscriber Identity Module’, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that can reduce the hassle of swapping out physical SIM cards when traveling.

For foreign tourists, Turkey offers an array of attractions, ranging from exquisite Ottoman structures to the striking landscapes of Cappadocia. However, connectivity can become a challenge for tourists, specifically for data services, due to changed settings and high roaming costs. Here is where eSIM technology comes into the picture, seamlessly tackling these challenges and increasing the feasibility of uninterrupted connectivity.

Benefits of eSIMs for Tourists in Turkey

Adopting eSIM technology can streamline connectivity for tourists in numerous ways. First, eSIMs eliminate the need for changing SIM cards or purchasing local SIMs. Tourists can keep their existing number and choose from a variety of data plans. This can be especially beneficial for tourists conducting business remotely, as they maintain their original contact information.

Second, eSIMs can significantly reduce roaming charges. By subscribing to local plans, tourists can enjoy competitive rates, using the same data quota they would use in their home country. This can save significant amounts of budget, crucial for travelers keen on experiencing as much of Turkey’s unique cultural heritage as possible.

Choosing Global YO for Your Turkish eSIM Needs

Global YO is a market leader in eSIM technology, dedicated to ensuring tourists experience a connected, hassle-free journey. Buy our eSIM cards and enjoy seamless schedule management, efficient mapping, and easy communication with locals as you marvel at the splendid dome of the Hagia Sophia or get lost in the lively streets of Istanbul. With Global YO, experience uncompromised connectivity with Turkey eSIM, making your travel experience more comfortable and connected than ever before.

Case Studies: eSIM Technology in Global Tourism

Enlightening global instances of esim adoption in tourism.

In exploring the scope and breadth of electronic SIM (eSIM) technology’s positive impact on global tourism, we turn to various case studies. These instances demonstrate the potential transformative effect of eSIM in the sector.

eSIM Technology Broadening Horizons in European Tourism

Europe, with its rich history and diverse cultural experiences, has witnessed significant growth in its tourism sector owing to the adoption of eSIM technology. Consider the case of Germany. German tourists have embraced Germany eSIM to traverse their journeys without worry of losing connectivity. Traditional SIM card-related issues like losing network coverage or hunting for local SIM cards have become things of the past.

Rise of eSIMs in the Asian Market

Simultaneously, Asian countries have warmed up to the lucrative potential of eSIMs in propelling tourism at an unprecedented scale. Let’s glimpse at the thriving tourism industry of Singapore, where Singapore eSIMs have eliminated traditional barriers to seamless communication. Tourists in the city-state, renowned for its cultural and historical heritage, enjoy uninterrupted connectivity.

Positive Impact of eSIMs in North American Travel

Across the Atlantic, North American countries like Canada also constitute compelling case studies of eSIM-powered tourism. Canadian eSIMs help globe-trotters in their sojourn, be it for the tranquil beauty of Banff National Park or the energetic rhythms of Downtown Toronto. Seamless digital engagement and stress-free travel are no longer a mere promise, thanks to eSIM technology.

In summary, eSIM technology has not just surfaced as a revolutionary trendsetter in the global tourism industry, it has also crafted a seamless experience for avid travelers.

Concluding Thoughts

Global YO , our premier eSIM provider, is equipped to offer you the best in digital connectivity. Amplify your travel experiences and never compromise on staying connected with our eSIM cards. Explore the world, stay connected with Global YO.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementing eSIM Technology in Tourism

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, implementing eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) technology in the tourism industry presents its unique set of challenges. These primarily revolve around technical requirements, user adoption, and regulatory constraints. Technically, hardware compatibility becomes a hurdle, as not all mobile devices currently support eSIM. There’s an additional layer of complexity in ensuring all network carriers comply with the eSIM standards unanimously.

To effectively tackle these barriers, the telecommunication industry and device manufacturers can expedite efforts to produce more eSIM compatible devices. They could also collaborate and establish uniform international eSIM standards to ensure seamless network connectivity across different locations. Further, educating the market about the transformational benefits of eSIMs through extensive promotional campaigns and user-friendly interfaces can help accelerate user adoption. Finally, government bodies, both local and international, can endorse advanced telecommunication technologies like eSIM to foster global connectivity, thus propelling the tourism industry to newer heights.

Future Implications of eSIM Technology for Turkey’s Cultural Heritage Tourism

The future landscape of esim technology in turkey’s cultural heritage tourism.

As the world moves towards digitization, the realm of Turkey’s cultural heritage tourism is not left behind. The increasing popularity of eSIM technology paves the way for a future where physical SIM cards will no longer be the standard. This shift provides a greener and more efficient solution, especially for frequent travelers visiting the mesmerizing landscapes and historical sites in Turkey.

In recent years, eSIM has made significant inroads in the tourism sector worldwide. Its ability to enable seamless connectivity, without the hassle of changing SIM cards, matches perfectly with the needs of globetrotters. In the context of Turkey’s cultural heritage tourism, this has the potential to enhance visitor experiences. Imagine accessing detailed guides, virtual tours, or real-time information about historical sites at your fingertips, thanks to uninterrupted connectivity offered by Turkey eSIM. It’s a change not too far in the future considering the rapid evolution of eSIM technology.

Pushing the Limits with eSIM Technology

Turkey eSIMs could potentially revolutionize not just how tourists connect, but how they interact and engage with their surroundings. With data connectivity readily available, tourists will have easy access to a wealth of digital resources that can deepen their understanding and appreciation of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. Augmented and virtual reality applications, that transport users to bygone eras, could provide a whole new dimension to their travel experiences.

As enhanced connectivity through eSIMs becomes even more mainstream, it could attract a new wave of digital nomads to the country. Flexible, reliable internet connections are a lifeline for remote workers and could make Turkey’s cultural destinations attractive workstations. The blend of work and travel fueled by improved connectivity could open new revenue streams for Turkey’s tourism sector.

Ready to Explore eSIM’s Potential in Turkey?

If you’re a tourist heading to explore the cultural marvels of Turkey, consider making a switch to eSIMs. They are not only convenient but are set to redefine the future of travel. Global YO is the best eSIM provider, buy our eSIM cards and enjoy connectivity.

Steps Towards Adopting eSIM Technology in Turkey’s Tourism Sector.

The adoption of eSIM technology within Turkey’s tourism sector is not a one-step process, but rather a progressive journey. With the rapid digitization of global industries, the traditional SIM card is giving way to its evolved counterpart, the eSIM. This technology is becoming a game changer in the travel industry, with its potential to offer seamless connectivity, unparalleled convenience and significant cost-saving benefits to international travelers. Turkey, known for its rich cultural heritage attractions, can greatly leverage this trend in order to enhance the overall tourism experience, thereby attracting an increased influx of global tourists and boosting the country’s tourism economy.

To implement this progressive change, the first step involves creating a substantial level of awareness and understanding about eSIM technology, its advantages, and operation among both, the frontline tourism industry stakeholders and tourists. Simultaneously, strategic partnerships must be forged with global network providers to ensure expansive coverage and optimal connectivity across all noteworthy tourist destinations. This should be complemented by extensive infrastructure modernization efforts to integrate eSIM technology within existing systems and facilities. Moreover, proactive initiatives to facilitate easy purchase and activation of Turkey eSIMs for tourists upon arrival can greatly augment the appeal of this state-of-the-art technology for global travelers. These measures, when executed in a phased and systematic manner, can pave the way for the widespread acceptance and integration of eSIM technology within Turkey’s thriving tourism sector.

How can I reinstall a deleted eSIM or reinstall an existing eSIM in my new phone?

If you delete your eSIM from YOverse or lose your device, you cannot reinstall it, so if you plan to buy another plan at a later date, you will need to pay the activation fee of $0.70 Euro (which covers your eSIM for 1 year) again and reinstall a new eSIM.

How can I delete an eSIM from my phone?

If you wish, you can manually remove your eSIM. To remove your eSIM follow these steps:

Go to Settings

Tap Mobile data or Mobile data

Tap your mobile plan

Tap “Remove mobile plan”

If you remove your eSIM you will no longer be able to connect through this line. Any contacts you have associated with this line will default to your preferred line.

How can I allow data switching between my plans? [Advanced users]

To allow your phone to automatically select which SIM to use data from based on coverage and availability, turn on “Allow mobile data switching” in your settings. Note that if you are roaming and only want to use your YOverse eSIM or data, you should then make sure that “Allow mobile data switching” is turned off. If “Allow mobile data switching” is turned on, your phone will automatically use data from both phone plans, depending on which network is strongest at any given moment. This option is best for people who want to stay connected no matter what. There is no way to know which plan is being used at any given time, however, so this option can consume data quickly if you are not aware of it. To turn on Allow mobile data switching, follow these steps (steps may vary depending on phone model):

Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.

Tap Mobile Data.

Turn on Allow Mobile Data Switching

Your data line automatically switches for the duration of your call. Mobile data switching will not work if you are currently roaming and both eSIMs are not set to allow data roaming. Check with your provider for availability and to find out if additional charges apply.

How do I see how much data is left on my plan?

You are able to see it in the application in the “My eSIM” bubble; click on the data plan under “Active Data Plans” to view its remaining data. Once your data runs out, you will no longer have an internet connection without Wi-Fi.

Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.

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