Best eSIM in Turkey
Affordable and Stable Mobile Data in Turkey With an eSIM, you’re online as soon as you land at the airport, whether your destination is Istanbul, Alanya, or Antalya.
An eSIM card ensures you always have affordable data at hand in Turkey. Forget the hassle of searching for prepaid cards or swapping SIM cards at the airport; head straight to your hotel and enjoy your vacation!
eSIM: Your New Easy Choice for Mobile Data in Turkey
eSIMs represent the future of SIM cards, enhancing the usage of mobile phones abroad and allowing travellers to explore more of the world with less hassle. A fully digital setup guarantees competitive prices and a hassle-free installation.
With a traditional SIM card, you would either purchase it in advance or buy it upon arrival in Turkey. Then you would be forced to navigate clever sales pitches, deal with local currency, and uncertain payment terminals. This process can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when the price is precious vacation time. With an eSIM, this process is drastically simplified, offering full flexibility with transparent prices and mobile data tailored to every need.
The electronic purchasing process ensures you no longer have to wait for delivery or spend vacation time searching for a physical SIM cards. After a successful online payment, your eSIM is immediately sent to your email.
You can purchase an eSIM either before or after leaving your home country. The eSIM is only activated when your mobile connects to a Turkish cell tower. This allows you to purchase it within the comforts of your home, the airport, or even while lounging by the pool at your hotel. eSIM make staying connected easier, no matter where you are. Welcome to a simpler and more efficient way of handling mobile data!
Full Flexibility with up to 20 GB of Data
In Turkey, you can choose between six different eSIM sizes, allowing you to select the data package that best suits your needs. As the validity ranges from 7 to 30 days, it is important to choose the eSIM that match both your data needs and vacation length.
The smallest eSIM package offers 1 GB of mobile data, lasts 7 days, and costs only €4.1 ($4.5). However, a single gigabyte of data can be consumed quickly if you plan to use platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Therefore, a minimum of 5 GB data per week is recommended.
Fortunately, eSIM are very affordable in Turkey, ensuring you have plenty of mobile data for your entire holiday. The price per GB drastically decrease as you choose large packages. Choosing the largest 20 GB data eSIM the price per GB falls to merly €1.2 / GB ($1.3), a fraction of the cost per gigabyte compared to smaller eSIMs.
Unlimited Data on Your Vacation
If you don’t want to worry about mobile data during your vacation but want to relax by the pool while freely streaming your favorite movies and shows, you should choose an eSIM with unlimited data from the provider Airalo. The unlimited eSIM is valid for 10 days, which is perfect for an extended week-long vacation.
Note that the speed is reduced to 1 Mbps after 3 GB of daily usage.
Need More Data? Choose a Regional eSIM for All of Europe
Are you planning to any neighboring countries of Turkey? If so, it might be beneficial to choose a regional eSIM card. With a regional eSIM, you only need to purchase one card that provides data in 39 European countries, including Turkey. The European regional eSIM covers not only the 27 EU countries but also Balkan nations like Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.
Furthermore, with the regional eSIM, you have the option of selecting data packages of either 50 GB or 100 GB. These packages also comes with an extended validity of 90 and 180 days, respectively. So, if you anticipate high mobile data usage or intend to stay in Turkey for an extended period, consider a regional eSIM card.
Get the Best Mobile Coverage in Turkey
By selecting one of these eSIMs for your trip to Turkey, you’ll receive the top-rated coverage as per the independent organization, OpenSignal (June 2022). You will use the local provider Turk Telekom’s exceptional mobile network. According to the report, Turk Telekom shared the top spot for the best coverage. So, you can rest assured about mobile reception whether you’re lounging on the beach in Alanya or embarking on a mountain trek inland.
In addition to having the best coverage, the company also won both ‘Consistency Awards’, which are given to the mobile network with the most stable service in Turkey. This means that with these eSIM, you’ll experience fewer interruptions when streaming or watching a live football match.
If you’d like to view the mobile coverage of Turk Telekom in your vacation destination, you can find a coverage map right here. (The purple areas indicate 2G coverage, brown includes 3G, and the orange areas encompass 4G. As a general rule, most areas along the coast, where most tourists reside, will offer robust 4G signals). Please note, this map is an unofficial map surveyed by users and not provided by the local provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM
How quickly can I receive my eSIM card? And can I order it from home?
Both the purchase and installation of an eSIM are entirely digital. So, you won't need to wait for a physical SIM card to be delivered. After purchasing, you'll receive a link via email where you can download your new eSIM.
Yes, you can indeed purchase your eSIM before your trip. The eSIM for Turkey will only be activated when your mobile device connects to the Turkish mobile network.
Can I still use my regular mobile subscription and phone number?
Yes, your eSIM is installed as a secondary SIM card. This means both your regular SIM card and your new eSIM card are active at the same time.
This also implies that you can continue to receive calls and texts on your regular number, while all your mobile data traffic is channeled through your eSIM.
Are voice calls and text messages included?
No, these eSIMs are 'data-only eSIM'. This means you can't use them for making calls or sending text messages, they only work for data.
These eSIMs operate like digital prepaid cards with a fixed expiry date. After the validity period, for instance, 30 days, the eSIM will automatically stop working.