Turkey blocks eSIM providers: Stay connected on your trip

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice. The information in this article is based on facts available at the time of publication and is subject to change.

What do travelers need to know about the Turkey eSIM ban?

Let’s start with a quick reminder on how eSIMs actually work. When you’re traveling outside of your home country, you can use an eSIM application to connect your device to the internet. In very simple terms, these apps let you use local mobile carriers, so you can get internet access without costly roaming charges.

As of July 2025, the Turkish telecommunications regulatory authority (BTK) has restricted access to multiple eSIM providers, blocking their websites and apps. The reason for the ban isn’t clear yet — but the results are. If you’re in Turkey, you can no longer download and set up an eSIM app. At least eight companies are impacted so far. 

Which eSIM providers are affected by the ban in Turkey?

The following eSIM providers are currently blocked in Turkey:

• Airalo

• Holafly

• Instabridge

• Alosim

• BNESIM

• Mobimatter

• Nomad

• Saily

Some reports also claim that the ban applies to other providers, including Ubigi and Roamless. To be clear, all of these companies, their websites, and their apps are still up and running — you just can’t access them in Turkey.

What you should know if you're traveling to Turkey soon

Here’s the good news — eSIMs activated before you arrive in Turkey should continue to work. The restrictions only affect new purchases or top-ups while you're in the country. If you purchase and activate a Saily eSIM for Turkey and then enter the country, the service should still work. 

Once you’re in Turkey, however, you won’t have access to the Saily website. If you run out of data, you’ll have no way to top up your eSIM or purchase a new plan. It’s vital that you choose a plan with enough data, covering the right time period, before you get to Turkey. Try using Saily’s data calculator to estimate how much data you might need for your trip.

Alternatives to an eSIM in Turkey

If you want internet access in Turkey and can’t get an eSIM, you have a few options available.

Local SIM cards

You can buy a Turkish SIM card at an airport in the country, or get one from mobile stores and kiosks in major cities. You’ll typically need to show your passport when setting up the SIM. Some companies will charge a small activation fee.

Phones using a Turkish SIM card must be registered in Turkey. Currently, you have 120 days to complete the registration and pay a fee, which is currently around US$1181 or €1030. Keep in mind that prices for SIM cards and data packages may vary, and the registration process can take some time.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, many cafes, restaurants, airports, and shopping centers in Turkey. This is a convenient way to stay connected for basic browsing or messaging. However, public Wi-Fi networks often have limited speeds and may not be secure. Consider using a VPN to protect your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi. You can also consider using a pocket Wi-Fi in Turkey as one of the alternatives.

Data roaming 

You can also use the international data roaming services provided by your mobile carrier. Roaming can be convenient, but it’s usually very expensive and may come with restrictive data limits. For most travelers, data roaming is only recommended for minimal usage or emergencies.

An eSIM bought outside of Turkey

You can still use a travel eSIM if you purchase and activate it before arriving in Turkey. Although eSIMs offer flexibility and affordable rates, they can’t be bought or managed from within Turkey because of these new restrictions.

Are there other countries that also block eSIM services?

As of now, to the best of our knowledge, Turkey stands out as the only country to have implemented a broad block on international eSIM services. 

While there have been isolated cases of restrictions or app-specific bans affecting eSIM-related services in other regions, no other country has enacted a comparable, general prohibition. In some cases, local regulations or market conditions may limit the use of eSIMs or related apps, but outright blocks remain rare. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest local connectivity regulations before departure.

Always research the legal and technical situation before your trip to any destination, and consider downloading necessary apps ahead of time.