When visiting Turkey, it's important to understand how mobile services work for travelers. While local SIM cards are available, the prices can vary significantly based on where you make your purchase, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Since Turkish mobile providers do not have standardized pricing for prepaid plans, it's wise to compare options before committing.

Note: If you’re only in the country for a brief visit, using your current SIM with roaming might also become very expensive. We will explain local simcard market for Turkey but,  you may kindly prefer our eSIM services (jett-on.com) to have the cheapest, fastest and easiest solution:)

Major Mobile Providers

In 2024, tourists can choose from three main carriers: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom (formerly known as Avea).

Where to Purchase a SIM Card

On average, SIM cards cost between 750 and 1500 Turkish Liras (around €20 to €40). It's best to avoid suspiciously cheap or expensive options from unofficial sellers to prevent scams.

You can buy SIM cards at:

• Airports upon arrival (which is almost the most expensive option)
• Official retail outlets in cities
• Large shopping malls
• Hotels and tourist information centers
• Gas stations and popular beaches

Prices can vary greatly, so it’s often more economical to purchase from authorized stores away from tourist hotspots. Remember to bring your ID or passport for the purchase.

Most staff in major telecom shops speak English, and if language barriers arise, you can utilize Google Translate. Many of these stores provide free Wi-Fi as well.

Note that if your phone wasn't purchased in Turkey, you can use local services for only 120 days. After this period, you’ll need to pay a tax of 20.000 Turkish Liras (about €530) to unlock it, although this does not apply if you are using a SIM card with roaming.

Plans Tailored for Tourists

For longer stays or if you plan on using significant data, buying a local SIM card with an appropriate prepaid plan is the way to go.

Turkcell
With expansive coverage—2G available nationwide, 3G in 95% of the country, and 4G in major cities—Turkcell is ideal for road trips.

• Tourist Welcome Pack: The official price 1100 Turkish Liras (~€29), which includes 20 GB of data and 200 minutes of local calls. Additional data is charged at ₺0.19 per 100 KB.
• Monthly data plans:
  • 5 GB: ₺210 (~€6)
  • 10 GB: ₺260 (~€7.45)
  • 15 GB: ₺310 (~€8.85)
    You can download the provider's app to monitor your usage and manage your account.

Vodafone
Offers comprehensive coverage with 2G available throughout the country, 3G in populated areas, and 4G in major cities and resorts.

• Welcome to Turkey Pack: Priced at 900-1000 Turkish Liras (~€28), this includes 20 GB, 750 minutes, and 250 local SMS, valid for 28 days. Data charges outside the plan are ₺0.02 per 100 KB.
• Additional options include:
  • 4 GB: ₺230 (~€6.60)
  • 8 GB: ₺270 (~€7.70)
  • 12 GB: ₺310 (~€8.85)

Turk Telekom
Although it has fewer users, Turk Telekom still provides reliable service.

• Starter plan: 650 Turkish Liras (~€18.60) includes 40 GB, 750 minutes, and 750 local SMS, valid for 28 days.
• Additional options:
  • 5 GB: ₺245 (~€7.00)
  • 10 GB: ₺290 (~€8.30)
  • 20 GB: ₺380 (~€10.85)

Accessing Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is widely available at airports, numerous cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, and some beaches. However, hotels often limit free internet access to lobby areas. To connect, you'll typically need a local phone number to receive a password via text, so having a local SIM or your home SIM with SMS roaming is essential.

Tips for Managing Mobile Data Usage

• Download content and maps in advance when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Disable automatic uploads to cloud services.
• Utilize offline navigation when possible.