The Best Mobile Internet in Turkey for Tourists: SIM Cards and Other Connection Options
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Yesim virtual SIM card for Turkey
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Today's world is so saturated with the Internet that it seems impossible to even imagine taking a break from virtual reality for a couple of days. This is especially true for travelers who want to instantly share their experience and photos on social networks. Don't let yourself be disconnected from the world - stay always connected and on the wave of the World Wide Web!
In this article, you'll learn all about mobile internet in Turkey for visitors to the country. We have studied and checked all the connection options in detail, so that you do not have to run around the city searching for the perfect broadband connection. You will learn where and under what conditions to buy the best SIM card in Turkey, how the eSIM virtual card works and about roaming.
In addition, we will tell you about offers for travelers from local and international operators and how pocket Wi-Fi functions in Turkey. And you will also learn where you can find points with free internet.
Turkey: Best Mobile Internet Options for Travelers
The 4G connectivity is available not only in major cities and popular resorts, but also in a large part of the country as well. However, in some remote areas you will have to limit yourself to 3G or even 2G standard coverage. You can connect to the network through:
- SIM cards (physical and virtual eSIM cards). SIM card in Turkey is a convenient and common method that allows you to access the network quickly and easily, while saving money for entertainment.
- Roaming. This option allows you to use your mobile internet without switching to a local service provider. This is convenient for travelers who don't want to change SIM cards every time they travel to another country.
- Pocket and free Wi-Fi. This method of broadband connection can be handy if you need to stay connected in a specific location, such as a hotel or cafe.
So, choosing a method to connect to the mobile internet while visiting Turkey depends on your needs and preferences. Regardless of the method you choose, you should consider the following factors when choosing mobile internet in Turkey:
1. Network coverage: Before buying a SIM card or roaming, check what coverage your chosen service provider has. Make sure that a stable signal will be available in the region you are going to travel to. 2. Data plans and conditions: Research the different data plans to find the most suitable option for your internet needs. Pay attention to internet data limits, call and messaging rates. 3. Device compatibility: Check if your cell phone supports the networks used in Turkey (e.g., 4G LTE). 4. Operator benefits: Different operators offer additional bonuses or services when you connect to their network. Research these offers to get the best mobile internet experience. 5. Security: Use only official SIM card outlets and prefer reputable service providers to avoid fraud or service quality issues.
By taking these factors into account, you will be able to choose the most suitable and convenient way to connect to the mobile internet during your visit to Turkey.
Turkey: SIM card for tourists
Prepaid SIM cards in Turkey are available as standard starter packs and virtual eSIM cards. Physical SIM cards can be purchased both online and offline.
If you want to get a Turkish operator card in advance, look on Amazon, eBay or other sites. But most likely the assortment will be much smaller than in retail outlets in Turkey.
Upon arrival, every tourist can buy a SIM card at airports in Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara and other major cities. Starter packs are also sold in the operators' brand stores.
If you want to buy a Turkey SIM card for tourists, you will need a passport, on which you entered the country. When making a purchase, a seller makes a photocopy of the document to enter your photo and personal data into the information base. At the same time, your passport must have an immigration stamp and the date of crossing the border with Turkey.
After a SIM card is inserted into your smartphone, the sales assistant activates and registers its unique number and cell phone number, which consists of 15 digits. The purchased starter package may only be used on the phone on which the service was activated.
When your SIM card is activated, you will be able to choose one of the available tariffs. Mobile Internet in Turkey is sold in packages. For example, within one package you can buy several gigabytes of traffic. Some operators require separate payment for social networks traffic, YouTube and Spotify. The package validity period is from one week to one month.
If you intend to stay in the country for more than four months, your cell phone must be registered at the office of one of the operators. The procedure is paid and costs 6091 liras, which is approximately 180 euros. This increased cost is valid since January 1, 2023. Registration is time-limited, you usually have to register within 120 days after crossing the border. The SIM card is always linked to an ikamet - a local residence permit, so make sure you get it in advance.
Such internal rules of the country bring a lot of inconvenience to tourists. Therefore, in order to stay in touch, we recommend exploring more convenient options for using mobile Internet in Turkey, such as eSIM technology.
eSim in Turkey: Stay connected 24/7
If you are in Turkey and want to stay connected everywhere, eSim is the perfect solution for you. With eSim, you can connect your phone to a mobile network without the need for purchasing a physical SIM card in Turkey.
Simply download an eSim profile to your cell phone and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity anytime, anywhere. eSim in Turkey offers a wide range of data packages and nationwide coverage, making it the ideal choice for those who value reliable and convenient broadband connectivity. Stay connected with eSim in Turkey and enjoy comfort and confidence in any situation.
Let's look at the price of SIM cards in Turkey and the conditions of mobile Internet connection for tourists.
1. Yesim
If you want to use mobile Internet in Turkey immediately and with the usual comfort, download Yesim application in your country. The main thing is to check whether your smartphone supports eSIM technology before your trip. It is convenient to do this on the official website of the service.
Yesim provider offers the below data plans for Turkey:
- 3 GB for 5 days for 8 EUR;
- 5 GB for 7 days for 12 EUR;
- 10 GB for 14 days for 18 EUR;
- unlimited for 21 days for 37.5 EUR;
- free VPN for iOS: 10 GB for 14 days for 18 EUR.
One of the main pluses of eSIM is that you don't have to worry about where to find a SIM card in Istanbul or any other city. Simply open the free Yesim app to check the eSIM's compatibility with your device and make sure it's supported. Then choose a prepaid data plan in Turkey that suits the length of your stay and your mobile internet usage needs. With just a few clicks, you can enjoy affordable and convenient internet throughout Turkey.
2. Turkcell
The provider with the maximum coverage. 2G mobile internet covers every corner of Turkey, 3G covers 95% of the country, 4G is available in major cities. Most of the offers of this operator are chosen by tourists who travel by rented cars.
Turkcell has a so-called welcome package for tourists. For 19 EUR a visitor gets 20 GB internet and 200 minutes of calls within the country for a month. For exceeding the Internet limit you have to pay 6 euro cents for every 100 KB.
After 30 days the following offers become available to tourists:
- 4 GB for 30 days for 4 EUR;
- 6 GB for 30 days for 4-5 EUR;
- 8 GB for 30 days for 5 EUR;
- 22 GB for 30 days for 9 EUR.
3. Vodafone
The second operator in terms of coverage, with 2G coverage everywhere except the eastern mountains and desert areas, 3G coverage in all populated areas of the country and 4G coverage in all major cities and resorts.
The welcome travel package will cost 16-19 EUR and will be valid for 28 days. You can activate this offer only once. The package includes 20 GB, 750 minutes and 1000 SMS.
When the welcome package expires, the following data plans will be available:
- 5 GB for 30 days for 4 EUR;
- 10 GB for 30 days for 5 EUR;
- 15 GB for 30 days for 6 EUR.
4. Turk Telekom
The most unpopular mobile operator in the country. The cost of a SIM card starts from 14 EUR. After activation, different data plans will be available.
Weekly plans:
- 5 GB for 7 days for 3 EUR;
- 10 GB for 7 days for 3 EUR;
- 15 GB for 7 days for 4 EUR.
Monthly plans:
- 1 GB for 30 days for 2 EUR;
- 3 GB for 30 days for 3 EUR;
- 4 GB for 30 days for 3-4 EUR.
Roaming in Turkey
Roaming is often an expensive and inconvenient way to stay in touch abroad. High rates for calls, texts and internet can make your trip financially unacceptable. In addition, the quality of communication in roaming sometimes leaves much to be desired, the provider reserves the right to significantly reduce the speed of data transfer in case of exceeding the purchased amount of traffic, which can lead to delays, disconnections and unreliable communication.
In some data plans, the number of calls and SMS will also be limited. Certain services like VoIP, as well as other video calling applications, may be restricted partially or completely unavailable.
Roaming tariffs are high, in such cases it is better to think about alternative ways of communication in advance to avoid unnecessary problems and expenses.
The best way to avoid overpaying for roaming is to download Yesim app before traveling to Turkey. It is worth considering that eSIM technology is available worldwide, so it will definitely come in handy on other trips.
Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work
Pocket Wi-Fi
When traveling in Turkey, pocket Wi-Fi can become your companion, providing access to the Internet, however, you can connect to the mobile Internet through a portable router for 13 hours only, so if you plan a long trip to the mountains, you should take with you not only a router, but also a power bank. Also, there is a risk of losing or stealing the router, which can lead to inconvenience and financial loss.
All these things should be taken into consideration before deciding to buy pocket Wi-Fi in Turkey. However, overall, pocket Wi-Fi can be a viable option for families or tour groups.
Read also: How to secure your phone from hackers: 12 best ways
Mobile internet in Turkey via free Wi-Fi
When traveling in Turkey, using free Wi-Fi hotspots can be quite convenient for those who want to stay online without incurring additional costs. Here are some places where you can look for free Wi-Fi in Turkey:
1. Cafes and restaurants: many establishments provide free internet access to their customers. Usually you can get the password from the staff, but there are times when you need to purchase something from the menu before getting the password. 2. Open public areas: some cities in Turkey have public areas with free Wi-Fi such as parks and squares. Such a connection will not allow you to send photos or scroll through your Instagram feed, but you will definitely be able to send a message. 3. Malls and museums: some malls and museums offer free Wi-Fi for visitors. You can usually get the password from the information booth or from the staff, the connection speed is not particularly fast, but it is suitable for basic needs. 4. Hotels: if you are staying in a hotel, check with the front desk to see if free Wi-Fi is available for guests. This can be one of the perks of staying there, but such hospitality is not guaranteed, so check these details in advance. Remember, when using public Wi-Fi, it's important to be cautious and keep your data secure. Overall, finding free Wi-Fi hotspots in Turkey can be a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected to the world while traveling.
Internet in Istanbul for tourists
In Istanbul, cheap internet is available in public transport, parks, hotels and inns, near popular cultural sites, museums and stadiums, as well as in Taksim Square. You can recognize a place by its "iBB Wi-Fi" sticker. Most smartphones automatically catch this free network from one of the local operators.
You can use free internet at Sabiha Gokcen and Istanbul airports for 60 minutes. When connecting to any free Wi-Fi hotspot, it is important to keep safety first and foremost in mind.
To avoid risks, it is better to buy a card from a local operator or use a virtual eSIM card.
SIM cards in Istanbul can be bought in official stores of mobile operators, in points of sale of electronics, gadgets, in kiosks and gas stations. But it is recommended to pay attention to the prices.
For maximum convenience, activate eSIM technology on your smartphone. To do this, install the Yesim application, which works worldwide and gives unlimited freedom when using mobile Internet.
Frequently asked questions on how to use mobile internet in Turkey
Can I buy a SIM card in Istanbul airport?
SIM cards of Turkish mobile operators are sold at Istanbul Airport, but they are much more expensive than in other places. Therefore, it is not cost-effective to buy a SIM card at the airport unless you have an urgent need.
How to get unlimited internet in Turkey?
Turkish operators do not have unlimited internet offers. The exception is some contracts available only to citizens of the country. Internet and calls will have to be purchased in packages.
Which are the most reliable cell phone operators in Turkey?
In Turkey, reliable cell phone operators are considered to be: Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom (Türk Telekom is a subsidiary of Turkcell Superonline). These operators have a good network and satisfactory internet speeds. However, reliability may vary depending on the region and where the user is located.
here to buy a Turkish SIM card for an iPhone?
To buy a Turkish SIM card for an iPhone, you can visit electronics stores or service providers that cooperate with Turkish telecommunication companies. These stores are usually located in major cities or tourist areas, for example, you can easily find them in Ankara or Antalya in the central areas. An alternative way is to buy a SIM card from online stores via the Internet. Don't forget to register your card once you arrive in Turkey.
Also, note that all modern iPhone models except XS, XR, 11, SE (2020) and 12 support eSIM. Using eSIM is much easier and cheaper, especially if you are planning a short trip.
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