Turkey SIM card: Where to buy one and how to stay connected

Why do you need a SIM card in Turkey?

A prepaid Turkish SIM card can keep you online as you explore the narrow streets of Istanbul’s Old City or lounge by the crystal waters of Ölüdeniz’s Blue Lagoon. An internet connection of some kind is one of the key travel essentials for Turkey, but local SIMs tend to be a lot cheaper than international roaming. 

Of course, you can try to find free Wi-Fi hotspots, but that’s a gamble. Public networks are often unreliable and unstable, especially if multiple people are using them at once. Plus, public Wi-Fi networks aren’t always secure — you can never be sure who might be snooping on your online traffic. 

Another option to get internet in Turkey is international roaming, but this can be expensive. Want to know how to avoid roaming charges overseas? Get a prepaid SIM card. With a one-time upfront payment, you’ll get consistent access to mobile data and reliable coverage.

Which SIM card is best in Turkey?

For most visitors, Turkcell is the clear winner. It has the biggest network, the fastest data speeds, and the most widespread coverage — including harder-to-reach spots like Cappadocia and the southern coast. 

You can find some other decent options, though, if Turkcell’s prices put you off. Vodafone is your best bet if you’ll be making international calls, while Türk Telekom is a great choice for travelers on a budget who don’t need massive data packages.

Turkey SIM card comparison (prices and data)

Turkey’s major mobile networks offer tourist SIM packages that are quite affordable for most travelers. Their bundles usually include data, calls, and texts. Even with the lira’s fluctuations, you can usually get a SIM for under £7 (about ₺345). Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.

The information on this table was, to the best of our knowledge, accurate as of September 30, 2025. However, prices and conversion rates are subject to change. 

Turkcell Tourist SIM: Best overall coverage and speed

Turkcell probably offers the best SIM card in Turkey for tourists. The company dominates the Turkish mobile scene with the largest network and the best rural coverage. On Turkcell, you’re unlikely to have problems streaming or making video calls, even outside major cities. 

The only major downside of Turkcell as a carrier is its price. The company’s SIM cards are slightly pricier than Vodafone and Türk Telekom.

Vodafone Turkey: Best for international connectivity

Vodafone has a strong urban presence, which is helpful if you’re mostly staying in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir. Rural coverage isn’t as robust as Turkcell, but it’s still good enough for most itineraries.

Where Vodafone really shines is international connectivity. Its tourist plans include international minutes and SMS bundles, so it’s much easier to stay in touch with family and friends back home without burning through data with Zoom or WhatsApp.

Türk Telekom: Best budget option

Türk Telekom SIM cards are usually cheaper than the others on this list. The company’s tourist SIMs come at a lower price point while still giving you enough data for Google Maps, translation apps, and casual browsing. Urban coverage is reliable, so you’ll be fine in Istanbul, Antalya, or other major cities.

The trade-off comes when you head to more remote or coastal areas, where Türk Telekom’s coverage can be patchier. Still, for short stays or city-centric trips, the savings make this a fair trade-off. 

Can I buy a SIM card at Istanbul airport?

Yes — both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) have official kiosks for Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom right after you exit customs. 

You won’t have trouble finding a SIM card, but the downside is the price: airport kiosks can sometimes charge ₺100–₺200 more than stores elsewhere in the country. If you want to save a few lira, wait until you’re in a town or city — or consider alternative options, like an eSIM app.

Where else to buy a SIM card in Turkey?

Once you’re out of the airport, head to official carrier stores in city centers. Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom all have branches scattered around major tourist areas, and their staff are used to setting up SIM cards for visitors.

You’ll also find plenty of kiosks and resellers, but they sometimes overcharge or provide confusing packages. It’s safest to stick to the official stores where prices and terms are transparent.

By law, you’ll need your passport for registration. This process links your SIM to your ID and is mandatory for all mobile numbers. 

How much does a SIM card cost in Turkey?

Expect to pay between ₺650 and ₺1200 (£12–£22) for a tourist SIM. The price depends on the provider, the data package, and whether you’re buying at an airport or in a city store.

Turkcell tends to sit at the higher end of the scale thanks to its superior coverage, while Türk Telekom stays cheaper with smaller data allowances. Vodafone typically lands somewhere in the middle.

Buying in the city is almost always cheaper than buying at the airport. But if you’re only in Turkey for a few days, the convenience of instant connectivity can outweigh the markup.

How to activate a Turkey SIM card

Activation is quick and straightforward. Bear in mind, however, that activation time can vary a lot. For some it might be instant, while other users may wait up to an hour or more. It all depends on the device and the network provider.

1. Insert the SIM into your mobile phone. If you have a dual SIM phone, you should be able to keep your old SIM card in place, while adding the new one.

2. In the SIM settings on your device, select the new Turkish SIM card as the main profile.

3. Adjust your APN settings if necessary.

4. Restart your phone.

5. If you don’t have a mobile signal right away, wait for at least an hour, during which time activation should occur.

Following these steps, you should be able to get your local SIM card up and running. But physical SIM cards are just one way to get online — there’s a better way.

An eSIM in Turkey — is it a better option?

An eSIM lets you skip all the airport kiosks and city store queues. With an eSIM app, you can buy your Turkey eSIM in advance, install it before you fly, and land ready to connect. This is a game changer for short trips.

Just make sure to install your eSIM before arrival because of the Turkey eSIM ban — once you’re on the ground, you won’t be able to access websites and apps related to eSIMs. As long as the eSIM has been activated before you arrive in Turkey, however, you’ll be online as soon as your plane touches down (assuming you’ve switched off airplane mode, of course!).

For UK travelers, tourists from the US, and digital nomads across the globe, getting an eSIM for Turkey is one of the easiest ways to get online and stay connected. 

So what is the best SIM card for Turkey?

For most travelers, Turkcell remains the gold standard for prepaid SIM cards with its wide coverage and fast data. It’s ideal for longer stays or trips that go beyond Istanbul.

If you’re visiting for just a few days or don’t want to fuss with physical SIMs, an eSIM from Saily is even more convenient — especially since you can set it up before leaving home. 

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to how long you’re staying, how far you’re traveling, and how much you want to spend. Either way, you can land in Turkey fully connected.