Let’s discuss a topic that concerns many tourists—how is mobile connectivity and internet in Turkey for travelers?
There are three main mobile network operators in Turkey:
- TurkTelekom
- Vodafone
- TurkCell
The quality of service, cost of data, calls, and SMS are roughly similar across all companies. Only Vodafone and Turkcell support eSIM. Mobile internet in Turkey often exceeds the speed of fixed-line internet, making it an essential part of any trip. The good news is that there is no roaming between cities within Turkey, which means unified rates for calls regardless of your location in the country.
It is important to note that for stays longer than 120 days, you must register your phone (IMEI) according to local law (law 5809 sayılı Kanun). Registration is required to use mobile services, and operators cannot serve unregistered devices. If you fail to register in time, your smartphone will be blocked after 120 days. To avoid this, you must pay a tax—about €300 in 2023.
Turkish SIM Cards: Cost and Where to Buy
To purchase a local SIM card, travelers need a valid passport. SIM cards from Turkish operators can be bought at:
- Mobile operator stores
- Electronics stores or shopping centers
- Airports (note: prices are higher at airports than in operator offices)
- Technology and smartphone retail outlets
- Hotels and tourist centers
Prices for the same operator may vary by location, as Turkey has no fixed SIM card pricing.
On average, a SIM card with calls and 20 GB of internet costs about €15–20 or 250–350 TRY. The farther you are from tourist areas, the cheaper it may be. Avoid extremely cheap offers or buying SIM cards from unauthorized sellers, as this risks fraud.
Vodafone Turkey, Turkcell, and Turk Telekom have supported eSIM since January 1, 2021. An eSIM is a next-generation digital SIM card that does not need to be physically inserted into a device to use the operator’s mobile plan.
Wi-Fi in Turkey
In major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and others, public Wi-Fi is often available on promenades, squares, and some public transport (metrobus and metro). To connect, you enter your mobile number, which receives a code. However, if you need internet for work, public networks may not have high speed or reliable coverage.
For occasional use to contact family, friends, or answer work emails, it is unnecessary to buy an expensive SIM card with large data. You can use Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, or on promenades as needed.
