Best eSIM cards for mobile data in Turkey

Introduction

Turkey represents a fascinating bridge between Europe and Asia, attracting millions of visitors each year. This country offers a unique combination of ancient history, rich culture, excellent cuisine, and stunning natural scenery from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountainous eastern regions.

When traveling to Turkey, many tourists discover that standard roaming services can be extremely expensive. Searching for a local SIM card after arrival means losing valuable time. That's why more and more travelers are turning to eSIM technology, which allows you to stay connected without the need for physical card exchanges.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to the most reliable eSIM providers for Turkey, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore the most common data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the ideal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you can avoid unpleasant roaming charges and secure the entire process online before departure. In the following chapters, you'll find detailed installation instructions, practical travel tips, and a clear comparison of available plans, so you can enjoy traveling through Turkey with quality connectivity and without worrying about high data bills.

Best eSIM Providers for Turkey

eSIM4Travel in Turkey

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Turkey partners with Vodafone and Türk Telekom networks. These two networks provide wide coverage across the entire country, including major tourist areas. For travelers seeking an economical yet reliable solution, eSIM4Travel represents an optimal choice. Their service activates almost immediately after installation, customer support communicates in English and responds promptly to inquiries. A major advantage is the absence of artificial speed limits, no need to install additional apps, and the ability to purchase more data on an already activated eSIM if your original package isn't sufficient.

Airalo eSIM in Turkey

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo operates in Turkey through the Turk Telekom network, which is among the largest telecommunications companies in the country. Travelers to Turkey appreciate Airalo primarily for its simplicity and reliability. Users report trouble-free operation throughout the country, especially in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. eSIM activation is quick, typically taking just a few minutes, and the intuitive app allows for easy data management and the option to purchase additional data during your trip.

Holafly eSIM in Turkey

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly partners with Turkcell and TT Mobil networks in Turkey. In major cities and tourist centers, you can expect excellent coverage and high-speed internet. However, it's worth noting that when traveling to more remote areas, connectivity may be less stable. Holafly distinguishes itself from other providers by offering exclusively unlimited data packages, so you don't have to worry about running out of data. For visitors to Turkey, packages are available with validity periods from 5 to 90 days, with prices ranging from $19 to $99.

Although Holafly advertises its packages as unlimited, it's important to keep in mind that with excessive data usage (such as long-term streaming in high definition or downloading large files), temporary speed restrictions may occur. According to user experiences, this limitation typically happens after exceeding approximately 5 GB of daily usage.

Yesim eSIM in Turkey

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim uses Avea and Vodafone networks in Turkey, enabling seamless mobile connectivity in key locations such as Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Famagusta, Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, Konya, Kyrenia, Mersin, and other cities throughout Turkey. For more detailed information about Yesim, we recommend reading our complete overview, where you'll find a more detailed evaluation of this provider's services.

Jetpac eSIM in Turkey

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac partners with Avea and Turk Telecom networks in Turkey. These networks provide quality coverage primarily in large cities and tourist areas. For more information about Jetpac's services and operations, we recommend visiting our detailed guide, where you'll find a comprehensive overview of this provider.

Best eSIM Plans for Turkey

Below you'll find a comparison of the most popular eSIM data packages available for Turkey. For a complete overview of all options and current offers, use our eSIM comparison tool for Turkey, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other criteria.

Free Data in Turkey

For travelers who need only minimal internet connection, for example to check emails or quickly navigate maps, free options are available. Roamless offers 150 MB of free data for Turkey, which may be sufficient for basic communication upon arrival.

Another option is GigSky, which provides a trial eSIM with 100 MB of data without requiring credit card registration. This test version allows you to try the functionality of eSIM on your device before possibly purchasing a paid package.

More information about obtaining free data not only in Turkey can be found in our specialized article Free eSIM | How to Get Free Data for the USA and Abroad. For a complete overview of all available options including free offers, use our eSIM comparison tool for Turkey.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Turkey

Setting up an eSIM for Turkey is an easy process that can save you a lot of hassle during your trip. The main advantage is the ability to complete the entire setup before departure, so that after landing in Istanbul, Antalya, or another Turkish city, you'll be connected immediately.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Procedure for activating eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check your device compatibility: Before investing in an eSIM, it's important to verify whether your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers already support eSIM. To be sure, you can look at our current list of phones with eSIM support or detailed overview of compatible devices for 2024.

2. Choose the optimal provider: For Turkey, you have several proven providers available including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for regular use of navigation and social media, 2 GB is usually sufficient, for more intensive use we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For the most accurate comparison of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Turkey, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation using QR code: After purchasing an eSIM, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Services" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code without a QR code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using available online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection will configure automatically after installation is complete. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to instructions from your provider. Also remember to activate data roaming for the eSIM profile – don't worry, you won't be charged any additional fees for this setting.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of eSIM before departing for Turkey, ideally in an environment with a stable Wi-Fi connection. This ensures that upon arrival, you'll have immediate access to the internet without having to search for Wi-Fi or a local SIM card. More information about initial setup can be found in our comprehensive guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Turkey

Turkey is a diverse country offering something for every traveler, from vibrant metropolises to historical monuments to beautiful coastlines. Whether you're planning a business trip, vacation, or longer stay, reliable internet connection will significantly facilitate your orientation and experiences. Here are practical tips for maximizing the use of your eSIM:

Digital Security

Using a VPN is recommended in Turkey primarily for accessing certain social networks and services that may occasionally be restricted. A quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) will not only ensure access to your favorite platforms but also increase security when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, or cafes. We recommend installing and testing a VPN application before your trip to ensure it works properly.

Data Usage Optimization

Monitoring and managing data consumption is key to effectively utilizing your data package. Most eSIM providers offer mobile apps or web interfaces where you can track remaining data in real-time. You can also set alerts in your phone settings. For maximum data savings before your trip, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Practical Tips and Tricks, where you'll find useful tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of Istanbul, Antalya, and other visited places for offline use
• Limiting media streaming quality in apps like YouTube or Spotify
• Deactivating automatic updates and background synchronizations
• Using Wi-Fi in your accommodation for data-intensive activities like backing up photos

If you're unsure about how much data you'll need, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose an appropriate package. For precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your requirements.

Staying in Touch with Home

Most eSIM packages for Turkey provide only data services without standard calls and SMS. However, this doesn't mean you can't easily communicate with family and friends. With a data connection, you can use applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, or FaceTime for free calls and messaging. In Turkey, the BiP app is very popular, used by many locals for communication. If you need to call regular phone numbers, read our article Calling from a Data e-SIM | How to Make Phone Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other options.

Financial Transactions

Digital banking and payment services can significantly simplify your travel throughout Turkey. Applications like Revolut or Wise offer favorable exchange rates for the Turkish lira and the ability to pay without high fees. With an active eSIM, you'll always have access to your financial resources and the ability to quickly respond to any security alerts.

Traveling Around the Region

Planning to visit other countries in the area? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for the Middle East or Mediterranean region, which cover not only Turkey but also Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and other countries. These packages often represent a more economical solution than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify exactly which countries you plan to visit. We also recommend exploring our guides for neighboring destinations such as Iceland or Switzerland if you plan to extend your travels throughout Europe.

✈️ Expert tip: Before traveling to Turkey, save important contacts and documents offline, including details about your accommodation, reservation confirmations, and copies of travel documents. In remote areas or during network outages, this information can be invaluable. We also recommend downloading an offline Turkish translator, which will help you overcome potential language barriers.

Alternative Internet Connections in Turkey

eSIM technology offers a convenient and modern solution for internet connectivity during travel, but it's not the only way to stay online in Turkey. If for any reason you cannot or do not want to use eSIM, there are several other options:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Turkish SIM cards are readily available at airports, in tourist zones, electronics stores, and even regular newsstands. The dominant operators are Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom, all of whom offer special tourist packages including data, calls, and SMS.

The main advantages of a physical SIM card include favorable pricing (typically $7-20 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number for calls and SMS. The disadvantage is the need to personally visit a sales point after arrival, potential language barriers when communicating with vendors, and the risk of purchasing an unofficially registered card with limited functionality.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing exclusively from official retailers, ideally directly at international airports or in authorized operator stores. Keep in mind that you'll need an unlocked phone and if you don't have a dual SIM phone, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots

Portable Wi-Fi devices represent a universal alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create their own Wi-Fi network, to which you can simultaneously connect multiple devices - smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches. They're ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together.

Travel Wi-Fi hotspots can either be reserved in advance from specialized companies or purchased/rented directly in Turkey. Some models even combine the hotspot function with a power bank, which is practical during long days away from electrical outlets. More detailed information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is the need to carry and regularly charge another device. Also, the purchase price or rental costs tend to be higher than for an eSIM or local SIM card.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator represents the simplest but usually most expensive solution. Roaming works based on partnerships between your American operator and Turkish providers, allowing you to use your existing phone number and services abroad.

Prices for roaming in Turkey can be very high - commonly around $9-14 per 1 MB of data, which means up to $14,000 per 1 GB. Even regular use of navigation or browsing social media can lead to a bill in the thousands of dollars. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for Turkey, which may be more reasonably priced, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Turkey offers relatively good coverage with public Wi-Fi networks, especially in large cities and tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi can be found in hotels, restaurants, cafes (including large chains like Starbucks), shopping centers, and some public spaces. However, the quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly.

A fundamental risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Without adequate protection, your personal data and online activities may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. When using public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you move away from covered areas. This can be problematic when navigating the city, searching for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup solution for mobile connectivity.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Turkey

Turkey has a modern and developed telecommunications infrastructure with several major operators providing quality services to both locals and visitors. Understanding the local telecommunications market will help you choose the most suitable eSIM or other form of connection.

Major Turkish Mobile Operators

Turkcell is the largest mobile operator in the country with the most extensive coverage. This company covers approximately 99% of inhabited areas in Turkey and offers stable 4G connectivity in most regions. If you plan to travel to more remote areas or smaller towns, Turkcell will likely provide the most reliable connection.

Vodafone Turkey represents the second largest operator with excellent coverage in cities and tourist destinations. Their network is known for good speed and stability, especially in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and other major cities. Vodafone is also actively expanding its 5G network in major urban areas.

Türk Telekom (formerly Avea) is the third significant player in the Turkish mobile market. It offers competitive prices and good coverage, primarily in urban and tourist areas. Although their network is not as extensive as Turkcell's, it is more than adequate for common tourist destinations. Türk Telekom often offers attractive packages aimed at short-term visitors.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Turkey varies by location. In large cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Bodrum, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G/LTE connectivity, in some areas even with newly introduced 5G technology. Popular tourist destinations like Cappadocia, Pamukkale, or Ephesus also have good coverage from all major operators.

In more remote areas, coverage may be more limited, especially in mountainous regions of eastern Turkey or in some inland parts. In these areas, Turkcell is usually the most reliable choice. At popular coastal resorts like Fethiye, Marmaris, or Alanya, coverage is generally very good in central areas but may weaken on isolated beaches or in mountainous hinterlands.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Turkey, we recommend using interactive coverage maps of individual operators or the nPerf.com service, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in the places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers partner with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Turkish networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Primarily uses the Türk Telekom network
• Holafly: Partners with Turkcell and TT Mobil networks
• eSIM4Travel: Offers access to Vodafone and Türk Telekom networks
• Yesim: Uses Avea and Vodafone networks
• Jetpac: Works with Avea and Turk Telecom networks
• GigSky: Partners with Vodafone and Türk Telekom

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you're primarily heading to major cities and tourist areas, any provider will likely work well. For trips to more remote regions, we recommend choosing a service using the Turkcell network for best coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Turkey, which will help you find the most suitable solution according to your specific needs.

How to Call from Turkey

Staying in touch with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of every trip. With an eSIM in Turkey, you have several options for communicating effectively without having to pay exorbitant amounts for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Turkey contain only data services without traditional voice services. However, this doesn't present a problem because with a data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is a globally widespread application for sending messages and making calls over the internet. It's very popular in Turkey as well and offers quality voice and video calls. Other popular options include Facebook Messenger, which is practical for contacts from your Facebook list, Signal for secure communication, and Skype, which allows calling standard phone numbers at favorable rates.

For communication with locals, the BiP app may be useful, which is extremely widespread in Turkey. It was developed by Turkcell and offers similar features to WhatsApp, including calling, messaging, and file sharing. Many Turkish businesses, hotels, and guides actively use it.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from a Data e-SIM | How to Make and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services that offer more advantageous rates than standard international calling.

Rebtel is one of the most reliable services for international calling with competitive rates. It works via Wi-Fi or mobile data and provides quality connections. Calls to the United States start at prices around $0.12 per minute, which is significantly less than regular international tariffs. Rebtel also offers the ability to both make and receive calls, which is advantageous especially during longer stays.

Google Voice represents another popular alternative that provides an American phone number usable for calls and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or at very low fees. The disadvantage is that for registration, you need an American phone number, although there are ways to bypass this limitation using virtual numbers.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer packages that include traditional calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call as with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers for some destinations including Turkey. You can activate this service as an add-on to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates. The service is particularly useful for business travelers who need to regularly communicate with their partners abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Turkey

Summary

Traveling through Turkey is substantially more comfortable with eSIM technology. Gone is the need to search for physical SIM card vendors, deal with language barriers, or pay exorbitant amounts for international roaming. You can secure internet connectivity from the comfort of your home before departure and be connected instantly upon arrival.

In this guide, we've compared the most popular eSIM providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and the final choice depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and personal preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for regular use during vacation, 2 GB for short weekend stays, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays and more intensive use, or unlimited plans for digital nomads or families sharing a connection.

For travelers seeking an economical and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel. Their service works immediately after installation, customer support responds promptly and can effectively resolve any issues. Price-wise, they are among the most affordable providers on the market. They don't limit connection speed, don't require installation of additional applications, and offer the flexible option of purchasing more data on an already activated eSIM.

If you prefer unlimited data without worrying about consumption, the best choice is Holafly, which is the only one offering exclusively unlimited data packages for Turkey.

We strongly recommend installing and setting up eSIM before departing for Turkey. This ensures a smooth start to your trip and immediate connection right after landing.

For the most accurate and current comparison of all available eSIMs for Turkey, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your individual requirements.