Mobile Internet in Turkey: Cheap, Fast, and Easy
Planning an extended stay in Turkey and want to avoid expensive roaming fees or local SIM cards? Learn how to stay mobile easily and affordably with ESIMs. In our article, we show you the best alternative to a local SIM card and provide valuable tips for cost-effective internet access.
Why Your Home SIM Card Becomes a Cost Trap in Turkey 📱💸
If you plan to spend an extended period in Turkey, reliable mobile internet access is essential. Using your home SIM card can quickly become expensive as Turkey is not part of the EU and therefore does not offer EU roaming. Without a local solution, roaming charges of over €50 for just a few minutes of internet use could occur.
Special Tariffs from Turkish Telecommunications Providers 🇹🇷📶
Offers for Foreigners 🌍
Turkish telecommunications providers have special offers for foreigners that are available even without a residence permit (Ikamet). These tariffs are limited to 90 days and include a set data volume as well as a temporary Turkish mobile number. However, they can only be obtained on-site with a passport and are often more expensive than offers for locals. For example, 3-month tariffs from providers like Vodafone or TurkCell currently (early 2024) cost €90 or more.
Cost Comparison with Local Tariffs 💰
In comparison, Turkish citizens pay on average only €5-10 per month for their tariffs, which is significantly cheaper and does not have a 90-day time limit.
The Advantages of ESIMs for Travelers 🌐✈️
What is an ESIM? 🤔
Modern smartphones support ESIMs – virtual SIM cards activated by scanning a QR code, in addition to physical SIM cards. Both Apple and Android devices can use this standard. When buying a new device, you should ensure that it is ESIM-capable, as many devices can store up to 10 or more virtual SIMs.
How to Use an ESIM in Turkey 📲
To use an ESIM in Turkey, you need a provider that offers compatible tariffs. There are numerous providers on the market, and comparison apps or platforms can help find the best deal.
Recommendation: MobiMatter 🌟
After thorough research, we recommend MobiMatter, which offers one of the most attractive deals with the “Europe and USA Yearly 30GB” tariff from the mobile provider Sparks. For only $39.99 USD (approximately €36.47), you get 30GB for a period of 365 days, usable not only in Turkey but also in the EU and the USA. With the promo code “ADRIA54132” you get an additional $5 cashback.
Activating and Using the ESIM 🔄
Activating the ESIM is straightforward: you just need to scan the provided QR code. Since the ESIM is also valid in the EU, you can test it before your trip to Turkey.
Important Notes on Using the ESIM in Turkey 🚫💸
Remember to deactivate your local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges when you are in Turkey. Make sure that roaming is activated for the ESIM so that you can connect to a Turkish mobile provider.
With these tips, you are well-equipped to stay online throughout your stay in Turkey without spending a fortune. 🌍📱💰