With eSIM, you can keep the same phone number while traveling in Turkey, and you don’t have to visit local stores to buy it - it's available online. Check out our top rated eSIM providers
Our Top 10 eSIM in Turkey
#1. airalo - Operates in over 60 countries. local rates, don't pay extra money for roaming
#2. knowroaming - Turkey eSIM, from $1.95/gig. Worldwide data plans, cancel Anytime
#3. airhubapp - Offers local and regional eSIM for travellers. Trusted mobile operators, save on roaming
#4. holafly - Most popular eSIM store offers eSIMs in 190+ countries. Instant eSim delivery, cancel Anytime
#5. keepgo - Starts from $1.60/gig. Lightning Fast 5G, cut roaming data fees
eSIMs vs Turkish Prepaid SIM Cards
Let"s now discuss the differences between eSIMs and Turkish prepaid SIM cards and why eSIMs are better for travelers visiting Turkey (or, as it"s known now — the Republic of Türkiye).
With the convenience of being activated online and not requiring a physical card or registration, eSIMs offer greater flexibility and ease of use than traditional prepaid SIM cards. When traveling to Turkey, don't forget to visit some of the most popular sights, such as
- Hagia Sophia
- Cappadocia
- Pamukkale
- Ephesus, and
- The Blue Mosque.
First, let's talk about the basics. A prepaid SIM card is a physical card you insert into your phone. In contrast, an eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. The biggest advantage of eSIMs is that they do not require a physical card or swapping SIMs, which can be a hassle when traveling.
Moreover, eSIMs allow you to have multiple numbers simultaneously without switching out the physical card. This feature is incredibly beneficial for those who travel frequently and need to have a local number in every country.
When it comes to traveling to the Republic of Türkiye, eSIMs are a much better choice than prepaid SIM cards. Turkish prepaid SIM cards require registration and validation, which can be cumbersome.
Furthermore, prepaid SIM cards have a limited lifespan, and once the balance runs out, you need to top-up, which means going through the registration process again. In contrast, eSIMs are activated online and can be purchased before arriving in Turkey.
They can also be recharged online, making it much more convenient for travelers.
Best Prepaid Sim Cards in Turkey
Turkey offers a wide range of prepaid SIM cards for travelers, but the best ones are those offered by
- Turkcell
- Vodafone, and
- Turk Telekom.
These providers offer various packages that suit different budgets and needs. Nevertheless, if you are a frequent traveler, using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card is recommended.
eSIMs offer more convenience as they eliminate the need to swap out physical cards or go through registration processes each time you enter a new country.
With eSIMs, you can easily activate multiple numbers simultaneously and switch between them.
Overall, while prepaid SIM cards in Turkey are convenient for short-term stays, an eSIM is a better choice for frequent travelers who need to stay connected while on the go.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy eSIMs in Turkey?
The cost of an eSIM in Turkey typically includes the initial activation fee and the cost of the package you choose, which can include data, voice minutes, and text messages.
The prices for eSIM packages can range from as low as 10 TL for a small data package to as high as 200 TL for larger packages that include unlimited data, voice minutes, and text messages.
Overall, the cost of eSIMs in Turkey is relatively affordable and comparable to that of physical prepaid SIM cards. See the table below to get more details:
| Provider | Data Plan | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 10GB | 30 days | €37 |
| KnowRoaming | 5GB | 30 days | €22 |
| AirHubApp | 8GB | 14 days | €25 |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 5 days | €19 |
| KeepGo | 100MB | 365 days | €3 |
However, the convenience and flexibility that eSIMs offer makes them a better choice for frequent travelers who need to stay connected while on the go.
The prices of SIM card providers such as Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom in Turkey are relatively similar, with packages ranging to as high as 200 TL depending on the amount of data, voice minutes, and text messages included.
On the other hand, eSIM providers such as Airalo, Knowroaming, Airhub, holafly, and Keepgo offer a range of packages for different countries, with prices varying depending on the country you're visiting and the amount of data included.
However, eSIMs are generally much less expensive and more affordable than traditional SIM cards for international travel.
For example, for a 7-day trip to Turkey, a 10GB data package with Vodafone would cost around 120 TL.
Meanwhile, an eSIM package from Airalo offering 12GB of data for the same period would only cost around 40 TL.
Similarly, a 14-day package with Turk Telekom offering 7GB of data, 500 minutes of voice calls, and unlimited texts would cost around 100 TL.
In comparison, a 15-day package from Keepgo with 8GB of data and unlimited calls and texts in Turkey and other European countries would cost around 90 TL.
In conclusion, while both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs have pros and cons, eSIMs are generally much less expensive and more affordable than traditional SIM cards for international travel.
eSIMs offer the added convenience of switching between multiple numbers without needing to swap SIM cards physically.
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Where To Buy a SIM in Turkey
If you're planning to travel to Turkey and need to stay connected, you can easily purchase a prepaid SIM card from several locations nationwide. The airport is one of the most convenient places to buy a SIM card.
You can find kiosks for major Turkish providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom at the arrivals hall of Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. You can also buy a SIM card from major supermarkets such as:
- Migros
- Carrefour, and
- BIM,
which have branches throughout the country.
Alternatively, you can visit the official stores of the mobile providers, which can be found in major shopping centres and tourist areas.
However, an eSIM is a better option if you're a frequent traveler. eSIMs offer more convenience as they eliminate the need for a physical SIM card and can be activated online.
With an eSIM, you can have multiple numbers on a single device and switch between them without needing a physical card. This is especially useful for frequent travel as it saves time and hassle.
So, while buying a prepaid SIM card is easy in Turkey, it's better to use an eSIM for its convenience.
1. airalo
Price Range: $3 - $62
|
Validity (day): 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: over 190 countries |
Try AirAlo now! Validity: 7 to 30 days, starts from $1.66/GB
2. knowroaming
Price Range: $4 - $55.93
|
Validity (day): 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 90, 180 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: 97 countries |
Knowroaming offers local eSIM for a low price
3. airhubapp
Price Range: $1 - $58
|
Validity (day): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 30, 90, 180, 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, Middle East, South Africa, Asia Oceania |
Coverage: 98 countries |
4. holafly
Price Range: $19 - $99
|
Validity (day): 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 30, 90, 180, 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: over 130 counties |
Take advantage of this offer now and save on roaming
5. keepgo
Price Range: $3 - $740. Special offer: 2GB free
|
Validity (day): 365 |
Mobile App: iOS, Android |
|
Regions: Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, Oceania |
Coverage: 110 counties |
FAQ
- What is an eSIM, and can I use it in Turkey?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be activated and managed through a device's software. Yes, you can use an eSIM in Turkey.
- Which mobile providers offer eSIMs in Turkey?
The three major Turkish providers — Airalo, Knowroaming, Airhub, holafly, and Keepgo — all offer eSIMs.
- How do I activate an eSIM in Turkey?
To activate an eSIM in Turkey, you can purchase a package from the mobile provider's website or official store and scan the QR code provided to activate the eSIM on your device.
- Can I switch between different eSIMs while in Turkey?
Yes, you can switch between different eSIMs on your device without needing to swap out SIM cards physically.
- Are eSIMs more expensive than physical SIM cards in Turkey?
In general, eSIMs are priced similarly to physical prepaid SIM cards in Turkey. However, the convenience and flexibility of eSIMs make them a better choice for frequent travelers.
- Can I use eSIMs in Turkey for voice calls and text messaging?
Yes, eSIMs can be used for voice calls and text messaging just like traditional SIM cards.
- Are eSIMs compatible with all devices?
Not all devices are eSIM compatible. However, many newer devices such as iPhones, iPads, Google Pixel phones, and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIMs.
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Written by: Eric Costilia
Eric Costilia is an experienced writer, editor and researcher. His writing focuses mostly on tech, gaming. He wrote dozens of eSIM carriers reviews, which makes him an expert of this technology.