Best eSIM for Turkey in 2025
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Staying online while in Turkey is a must if you want to confidently navigate the streets of Istanbul or post photos straight from the beaches in Antalya. In my experience, using an eSIM is the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay online while abroad. It's built into your device, so there's no need to swap physical SIM cards or pay expensive roaming fees.
Together with the Cybernews team, I tested multiple options to find the best eSIM for Turkey, focusing on coverage, speed, pricing, and how easy each one is to set up. With so many providers out there, choosing the right one can be tricky, but I’ve narrowed it down to the top 9 picks to make your travel planning easier.
Top 5 eSIM providers for Turkey – my recommendation
- Saily – best overall eSIM for Turkey in 2025
- Airalo – reliable Turkey eSIM for regular travelers
- Jetpac – cost-effective eSIM for Turkey
- aloSIM – top eSIM with calling and texting support in Turkey
- Nomad – versatile eSIM option for Turkey
Things to consider before choosing an eSIM for travel in Turkey
When choosing a suitable eSIM for Turkey, keep these key factors in mind to help you find the best option for a smooth and connected trip:
- Travel destination. Does the eSIM provider have extensive coverage in Turkey? How good is the network connection in the parts of the country that you intend to visit? This is important to ensure you’ll get a good signal at all times, especially if you’re visiting remote parts of the country.
- Phone calls and mobile data. Would you like to send SMS messages and make phone calls during your trip to Turkey? Not all providers support regular mobile calls and texts; many offer data-only plans. If you want a local phone number, choose a provider that supports calling and texting.
- Travel duration. eSIM providers have fixed and pay-as-you-go plans. The former has a specific duration and data limit. If you’re getting a fixed plan, consider the duration of your trip and the data allowance of the plan you’re getting. Ensure there’s an option to top up if you need to. In some cases, it may be better to get a pay-as-you-go plan.
- Tethering functionality. While some eSIM providers allow users to share data via mobile hotspots, others don’t. If you’d like to use other devices and let friends or family share your connection, ensure that the eSIM you choose supports tethering.
- Price. The prices of eSIM plans vary from provider to provider, depending on the plan’s duration and the number of GB you’re getting. I recommend comparing different providers' offers before purchasing a plan.
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests eSIM services using a clear and consistent process. We combine first-hand experience with expert analysis to evaluate features, performance, coverage, and pricing - so you can make confident decisions before your trip. Learn how we test eSIMs.
Best eSIMs for Turkey travel – detailed list
To find the best eSIMs for Turkey, I partnered with the Cybernews research team and tested several top-rated eSIMs. We looked at coverage, pricing, data plans, activation process, and customer support.
After thorough eSIM testing, here are the 9 best eSIMs for staying connected in Turkey.
1. Saily – best eSIM service for Turkey in 2025
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $3.79 (7 days, 1GB) |
Backed by the team behind NordVPN, Saily stands out as the best overall eSIM for Turkey. It offers a great mix of flexible plans, affordable pricing, and built-in security features like virtual location, ad blocking, and web protection.
Plan options. Saily has local, regional, and global prepaid plans for Turkey, and this country is also included in its Middle East and North Africa plan. Saily’s local plans for Turkey offer from 1GB to unlimited data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. If you’re also traveling to neighboring countries, I recommend exploring Saily’s regional plans for Europe, which are valid for up to 90 days and come with 100GB of data.
Turkey pricing plans. Saily’s local plans for Turkey start at $3.79 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $3.79 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $6.64 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $9.49 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $15.19 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $21.84 |
| Unlimited GB for 15 days | $47.49 |
Network coverage. Saily has coverage in over 200 countries worldwide, including Turkey. While Saily doesn’t disclose which local network providers it works with, it supports 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G speeds in Turkey. The speed you’ll get depends on your location and the local network provider you’re connected to.
Activation process. Activating the Saily eSIM is straightforward and can be done via the app. You don’t have to provide much personal information to sign up and use Saily, so it’s an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. Simply download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, purchase a plan, and click the Activate button to get started.
Customer support. Saily’s customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email. When I contacted them during our tests, they responded in a couple of minutes. Read our in-depth Saily eSIM review to learn more about our experience with this eSIM service.
2. Airalo – trusted Turkey eSIM for frequent travelers
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 5G (Avea/Turk Telekom) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (7 days, 1GB) |
Airalo is a leading eSIM service with over 20 million users, offering extensive global coverage and flexible plans tailored for seamless travel in Turkey.
Plan options. You can try out Airalo’s service before purchasing an eSIM plan as it offers new users a free 1GB welcome eSIM valid for 1 day. In addition to this, Airalo has 7 local plans for Turkey, offering from 1GB to unlimited data eSIMs valid from 7 up to 30 days.
In addition to these local plans, Airalo offers regional plans for Europe and global plans that cover Turkey. All of Airalo’s plans offer only data, except for its Discover+ global options, which support calling and texting.
Turkey pricing plans. Airalo‘s local data plans for Turkey start at $4.50 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. While it’s more expensive than Saily, Airalo’s prices are on par with those of many other eSIM providers.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 1 day (one-time option) | $0.00 |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB for 15 days | $6.50 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $8.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $18.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $26.00 |
| Unlimited for 10 days | $35.00 |
Network coverage. Airalo’s network covers a vast section of the globe. 200+ destinations make it an excellent choice for international travelers. The company works with Turk Telekom in Turkey and supports 5G speeds.
Activation process. It’s easy to activate an Airalo eSIM. There are three different methods: using the app, scanning a QR code, or entering the eSIM details manually. I usually opt for app-based installation since it’s as simple as tapping the Activate button and tweaking one or two settings. Once set up, the eSIM automatically connects to the internet when you arrive in Turkey. Read our Airalo review for detailed instructions on how to install and activate this eSIM.
Customer support. Like Saily, Airalo offers customer support via two channels: 24/7 live chat and email. When I contacted them via email, the customer support staff responded quickly and provided helpful information.
3. Jetpac – cheap eSIM for Turkey travel
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 4G, 5G (Avea/Turk Telekom) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $1.00 (4 days, 1GB) |
Jetpac is an award-winning eSIM provider known for its affordable prices and extra travel perks, like free airport lounge access during flight delays over 60 minutes.
Plan options. Jetpac has local, regional, and global plans for Turkey. Its local plans for Turkey start with 1GB, but you can also opt for unlimited data offers. Its eSIMs are valid from 4 up to 30 days.
While most eSIM providers on this list have Turkey in their regional plans for Europe, Jetpac has Turkey in its regional plans for the Middle East and North Africa. Jetpac also has global plans covering Turkey that offer up to 100GB and are valid for up to a year.
Turkey pricing plans. Jetpac offers a one-time introductory deal for new users: $1.00 for a 1GB, 4-day plan. Its local Turkey plans start at $4.00 for 3GB of data, valid for 7 days.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 4 days | $1.00 |
| 3GB for 7 days | $4.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $9.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $10.00 |
| 15GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $16.50 |
| 30GB for 30 days | $24.00 |
| Unlimited for 7 days | $24.99 |
| Unlimited for 15 days | $29.99 |
Network coverage. Jetpac’s network spans over 200 destinations. It works with Avea/Turk Telekom in Turkey and supports 4G and 5G speeds.
Activation process. Jetpac uses a QR-based activation method. After you purchase a data plan, you’ll receive a QR code. To activate it, you only need to scan the code to install the eSIM and follow the on-screen activation instructions. You’ll find more detailed installation and activation information in our Jetpac review.
Customer support. Jetpac provides 24/7 customer support via live chat. You can also reach its staff via email and WhatsApp.
4. aloSIM – top eSIM for calls and texts in Turkey
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 5G (Turk Telekom) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (7 days, 1GB) |
aloSIM offers a range of plans for Turkey and stands out as one of the few eSIM providers that includes a phone number for calls and SMS messages.
Plan options. aloSIM has fixed local and regional plans for Turkey. Its fixed plans come with 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. It also has an unlimited data plan that’s valid for 15 days.
aloSIM also has two regional plans covering Turkey: its Mediterranean and Europe plans. While the Mediterranean offers 10GB of data max and is valid for up to 30 days, its plans for Europe come with up to 100GB of data and have a longer validity — up to 180 days. All aloSIM plans come with a virtual phone number and $1.00 of free credit for calling and texting on its sister app – Hushed.
Turkey pricing plans. aloSIM plans for Turkey start at $4.50 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Its unlimited data plan costs $35.00 and is valid for 15 days.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB for 15 days | $6.50 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $8.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $18.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $26.00 |
| Unlimited GB for 15 days | $35.00 |
Network coverage. aloSIM is available in over 200 destinations worldwide. The company works with Turk Telekom in Turkey to provide internet access at LTE and 5G speeds.
Activation process. aloSIM’s activation is very similar to that of other eSIMs that use QR codes. You simply scan a QR code and follow the instructions to set it up on your device. Then, once you’re in Turkey, you turn on the eSIM data and activate roaming, and you’ll be connected to the internet.
Customer support. You can reach aloSIM’s customer support staff via live chat or email. When I contacted them during our tests, they responded within a few minutes.
5. Nomad – eSIM with most flexible data options for Turkey
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 4G, 5G (Turk Telecom, Turkcell, and Vodafone) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (7 days, 1GB of data) |
Nomad is a top-rated eSIM provider with versatile data plans that cover local, regional, and global use. It connects to top Turkish networks to deliver fast, reliable internet.
Plan options. Nomad’s local eSIM plans include regular and day options. Its regular plans come with 1GB to 50GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Also, you can have unlimited data for 5 to 10 days on a regular plan. On the other hand, its single-day plans give you 1GB of data per day, and you can prepay those for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. After you’ve used your daily data limit, you can continue to browse at a throttled speed of 512kbps.
Nomad also has several regional – Middle East, Europe, and Balkans plans – and global options covering Turkey. For example, its Middle East plans, which include Turkey, offer up to 20GB and are valid for only 30 days max. Its regular global plans also have a relatively short validity period — 30 days — and come with 5GB max. If you want a plan that’s valid for longer, I recommend Nomad’s Global-EX plans, which come with up to 50GB of data and are valid for up to 365 days.
Turkey pricing plans. Nomad’s regular data plans for Turkey start at $4.50 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Its day plans start at $4.00 for 1GB of data.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $9.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $11.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $24.00 |
| 50GB for 30 days | $34.00 |
| Unlimited GB for 5 days | $15.00 |
| Unlimited GB for 10 days | $25.00 |
Network coverage. Nomad has extensive coverage in over 200 destinations. In Turkey this eSIM works with local network providers like Turk Telecom, Vodafone, and Turkcell to provide 4G and 5G speeds.
Activation process. You can install a Nomad eSIM by scanning a QR code that the eSIM provider shares with you after the purchase. It only takes a few steps, and it is as easy as installing any other eSIM on this list that uses QR-based activation. Read our Nomad eSIM review for more information about how to set up and activate this eSIM.
Customer support. Nomad has an in-app and website chat where you can submit tickets and contact its customer support. The team typically responds to queries within 24 hours.
6. GigSky – best Turkey eSIM for unlimited and fixed data plans
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $4.99 (7 days,1GB) |
GigSky offers a wide range of data plans, including not only local and regional but also cruise, offshore, and in-flight options for frequent travelers. With both fixed and unlimited data plans, it suits all types of data consumption needs.
Plan options. GigSky has local, regional, and global plans for Turkey. It has 4 fixed local plans, offering 1GB to 10GB of data, valid from 7 up to 30 days. It also has 7 unlimited data plans valid from a single day up to a full month.
GigSky’s fixed regional plans for Europe offer from 1GB to 100GB of data and are valid for 7 to 180 days. It also has several unlimited data plans for Europe, valid up to 30 days. In addition to these plans, GigSky has a World plan as well as regional and global plans for cruises traveling to or near Turkey.
Note: GigSky throttles the speed of its unlimited data plans after you use up 2.5GB in a day. The connection resets each day.
Turkey pricing plans. GigSky’s plans for Turkey start from $4.99 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. You can also get 100MB for 7 days for free once you sign up – no credit card required.
| Data plan | Price |
| 100MB for 7 days (for first-time users) | $0.00 |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.99 |
| 3GB for 15 days | $5.59 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $9.09 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $14.69 |
| Unlimited data for 1 day | $4.24 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $20.29 |
| Unlimited data for 30 days | $52.49 |
Network coverage. GigSky has coverage in over 200 destinations. This provider doesn’t disclose which local carriers it works with in Turkey. However, it claims to connect users to the “fastest network available.”
Activation process. Like many other providers on my list, GigSky uses QR-based eSIM activation. To complete the setup, scan the QR code it emails you and follow the setup instructions. The process is quick and straightforward.
Customer support. You can reach GigSky’s customer service team via dedicated emails for customer service and security issues.
7. Holafly – best eSIM for unlimited data in Turkey
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G (Turkcell, Turk Telekom) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 250+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $6.90 (7 days, unlimited data) |
Holafly provides unlimited data plans in Turkey and over 250 destinations worldwide. It's ideal for heavy data users looking for fast, reliable internet on the go.
Plan options. Instead of offering only fixed plans, this provider allows you to customize your local plan based on the duration of your trip (1-90 days) and the number of eSIMs you need. If you’re only traveling to Istanbul, Holafly has a separate plan for the city – although the starting price stays the same as for the whole country.
In addition to these plans, Holafly has regional – Europe and the Middle East – and global plans that include Turkey.
Turkey pricing plans. Holafly’s plans for Turkey start at $6.90/day for unlimited data.
| Data plan | Price |
| Unlimited data for 1 day | $6.90 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $29.90 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $50.90 |
| Unlimited data for 30 days | $74.90 |
| Unlimited data for 60 days | $106.90 |
| Unlimited data for 90 days | $139.90 |
Network coverage. Holafly has coverage in over 250 destinations. It works with Turkcell and Turk Telekom in Turkey to guarantee consistent coverage nationwide. Holafly supports 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G speeds in Turkey, depending on your location. While this eSIM supports data sharing, it’s limited to 500MB per day, so it’s best to get separate eSIMs if you’re traveling with others.
Activation process. Installing and activating a Holafly eSIM is very easy. To install the eSIM, you just scan the QR code you get after purchasing. Once you arrive in Turkey, activate the eSIM by turning on data roaming and setting it as your primary eSIM for data.
Customer support. Holafly provides 24/7 customer service via live chat and WhatsApp. You can also reach its support staff via email. In my experience, you get the fastest response when you contact Holafly via WhatsApp or live chat.
8. Roamless – unique, pay-as-you-go eSIM for Turkey
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 5G (Turkcell) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 200+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $2.45 (1GB of data, doesn’t expire) |
Roamless offers a unique eSIM experience: all its fixed data plans are valid for 30 days, while its pay-as-you-go option has in-app calls support and no expiration date at all. This provides a complete connectivity solution for Turkey and over 200 other destinations.
Plan options. Roamless offers several pay-as-you-go plans for Turkey, ranging from 1GB to 10GB of data. Once purchased, these so-called RoamlessFlex credits can be used in any country where the eSIM service operates. As indicated above, these plans never expire. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the RoamlessFix plans, although, keep in mind that these are valid only in Turkey and expire in 30 days.
Roamless doesn’t limit data sharing like GigSky and doesn’t throttle internet speeds. This makes it a perfect eSIM for frequent and occasional travelers, offering a great way to save money and stay connected at all times.
Turkey pricing plans. Roamless is quite affordable. Its data plans start at $2.45 for 1GB of data on a pay-as-you-go plan, while its in-app calls start at $0.01/min in many destinations.
Here are the prices for the RoamlessFix plans.
| Data plan | Price |
| 500MB for 30 days | $0.00 |
| 1GB for 30 days | $3.95 |
| 2GB for 30 days | $5.95 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $6.95 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $9.95 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $14.95 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $21.25 |
| Pay-as-you-go plan | $2.45 for 1GB |
Network coverage. Roamless has coverage in over 200 destinations. It works with Turkcell in Turkey and provides 5G internet speeds across the country.
Activation process. Roamless has a one-click activation system. Simply download the Roamless app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Create an account, purchase a plan, and click the Activate button to set up an eSIM on your device. That’s it – you don’t have to reactivate the eSIM in each country you visit; it automatically connects to a supported local network.
Customer support. Roamless doesn’t have a live chat option. It provides customer support via a contact form on its website.
9. Instabridge – Turkey eSIM with flexible plans and useful apps for travelers
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 5G (Turkcell) |
| Countries and regions coverage: | 190+ destinations |
| Starting price: | $2.00 (7 days, 1GB) |
Instabridge, like Roamless, offers pay-as-you-go plans but also includes fixed data options for more control. Beyond eSIM services, its app features a data-saving browser and a global map of Wi-Fi hotspots, making it a handy all-in-one travel companion.
Plan options. Instabridge has 4 fixed local eSIM plans for Turkey, offering from 1GB to 20GB and valid for 7 to 30 days. Its regional Europe and global plans, which cover Turkey, have the same allocated data and validity period as its local plans for Turkey. In addition to these fixed plans, Instabridge has a pay-as-you-go option for travelers visiting Turkey.
Turkey pricing plans. Instabridge’s fixed plans start at $2.00 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Its pay-as-you-go option means you pay $2.00 per GB. Of all the eSIMs on this list, Instabridge has the most affordable eSIM plans in Turkey.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $2.00 |
| 3GB for 15 days | $4.50 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
| 20GB for 7 days | $16.00 |
| Pay-as-you-go plan | $2.00 per GB |
Network coverage. Instabridge has network coverage in over 190 destinations. It works with Turkcell, Avea, and Vodafone to provide internet connectivity in Turkey. Depending on your location in the country, you can expect 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G speeds.
Activation process. It only takes a few clicks to install and activate an Instabridge eSIM via the app. Simply download the Instabridge app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, purchase a data plan, click the install button, and follow the prompts.
Customer support. Instabridge has an in-app and website contact forms for submitting issues to its customer support. You can also reach its support team via email. In my experience, it typically takes 24 hours or less to get a response when you message Instabridge.
Best eSIM providers for Turkey compared
I’ve compiled a table of the best eSIMs for Turkey, highlighting their main features to make it easier for you to compare them.
| eSIM provider | Rating | Allocated data | Local plan duration | Starting price | Unlimited data | Calls/SMS messages | Data sharing | Customer service channels |
| Saily | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $3.79 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat and email | |
| Airalo | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $4.50 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, but only on Discover+ global plans | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat and email | |
| Jetpac | 1GB to unlimited | 4 to 30 days | $1.00 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat, WhatsApp, and email | |
| aloSIM | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $4.50 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, but on a sister app | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat and email | |
| Nomad | 1GB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $4.50 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 24/7 live chat and email | |
| GigSky | 100MB to unlimited | 7 to 30 days | $4.99 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Email only | |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 1 to 90 days | $6.90 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, but limited to 500MB per day | 24/7 live chat, WhatsApp, and email | |
| Roamless | 500MB to 20GB on fixed plans or a pay-as-you-go option | 30 days on fixed plans, pay-as-you-go plans don’t expire | $2.45 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, but only in-app calls | ✅ Yes | Website contact form | |
| Instabridge | 1GB to 20GB on fixed plans or a pay-as-you-go option | 7 to 30 days | $2.00 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | In-app and website contact forms, and email |
How to activate eSIM in Turkey?
Installing and activating an eSIM on both iPhone and Android is simple, though the process can vary by provider. Here are the main ways to activate your eSIM in Turkey.
This is one of the easiest ways to install an eSIM. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose and purchase a data plan from your eSIM provider
- Download and install the provider’s app on your device
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation
This should initiate the eSIM’s automatic setup. If needed, make a few adjustments in your device settings to complete the installation.
This is the most straightforward way to activate your eSIM. Here’s how:
- Choose and buy a data plan from a chosen eSIM provider – you’ll receive a QR code via email after checkout
- Open your phone’s settings and select the option to Add an eSIM or Use a QR code
- Scan the QR code to begin the installation
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation – pick the eSIM as your primary data SIM and enable roaming if needed
Manual eSIM installation is a bit more technical but still straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
- Purchase a data plan from your eSIM provider – you'll receive an activation code, SM-DP+ address, and other setup details
- On iOS, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM and select Enter Details Manually. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and choose Add eSIM manually
- Enter the provided eSIM details to complete the setup
I strongly recommend you follow the instructions from a chosen eSIM provider, as they typically include helpful screenshots or device-specific nuances.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Do you need help checking if your phone is eSIM-compatible? Most new phones are compatible with eSIMs. Here’s how to determine if your iPhone or Samsung device supports eSIMs.
All new iPhones (i.e., iPhone XR and newer models) support eSIMs unless they are carrier-locked. The latest iPhone 15 and 16 series (US version) work exclusively with eSIMs — these models don’t even have a slot for a physical SIM. Older models like the iPhone 6, 7, and 8 aren’t compatible with eSIMs.
Check out our article on activating an eSIM on an iPhone for a comprehensive list of iPhones that support eSIMs and a detailed guide to setting it up.
Like iPhones, most new Samsung smartphones are eSIM-compatible. There are different ways to check if your Samsung device supports eSIMs:
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM. If there’s an option to add eSIM, your device is compatible with eSIMs
- Open Settings and type “IMEI” in the search bar. If you see “IMEI (eSIM),” your device supports eSIMs
Benefits of using an eSIM in Turkey
There are many benefits to using an eSIM during your trip to Turkey, including the following:
- Flexibility. eSIMs let you easily switch between networks, particularly in Turkey, where coverage may fluctuate between urban and rural areas. You can easily change providers if needed without physically swapping SIM cards.
- Convenience. Unlike with physical SIMs, you don't need to visit a local store or navigate possible language barriers to get an eSIM in Turkey. An eSIM is already embedded in your device, so you can activate it as soon as you land.
- Security. eSIMs are inherently more secure than physical SIM cards. They can't be stolen and used for identity theft or SIM swap attacks. If your device is lost or stolen in Turkey, you can easily lock or erase your eSIM data remotely.
- Space-saving. eSIMs free up the space used to house physical SIM cards, allowing manufacturers to free up space, create slimmer devices, and add other innovative features.
- Environmentally friendly. By choosing an eSIM for your Turkish adventure, you reduce the plastic waste from traditional SIM cards.
- Instant activation. You can activate an eSIM immediately upon your arrival, ensuring connectivity from the moment you step off the plane.
How to make calls with eSIM in Turkey
If you want to make and receive calls during your trip to Turkey, there are a few options available:
- Check if the eSIM provider supports calls and SMS. Some eSIM providers allow users to make calls and send text messages. For example, Airalo supports calls and texting with its Discovery+ global plans.
- Use a domestic SIM card. You can use your regular SIM card to make calls, although international calls are usually much more expensive than local calls.
- Use VoIP apps. Apps like WhatsApp, Google Voice, and FaceTime are excellent alternatives for making calls and sending texts online.
Best eSIM for Turkey: final thoughts
Staying online in Turkey can make your trip much more enjoyable, as with a reliable internet connection you can easily use maps to explore Istanbul, confirm reservations, translate signs, or keep your friends updated. A flexible eSIM lets you do all this without the stress of switching SIM cards or paying high roaming fees. Moreover, it keeps you connected as you move across borders.
After thorough eSIM testing, Saily stands out as the best eSIM for Turkey. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and offers flexible data plans with wide coverage and helpful customer support. Another bonus – if your travel plans change and you don’t activate the plan, Saily gives you a full refund.
For a stress-free start to your trip, I recommend installing your eSIM before you set off. This way, you’ll be connected the very moment you land.
FAQ
Which eSIM is the best for Turkey?
Saily is our top pick for Turkey. However, there are other equally good options depending on your needs.
Are eSIMs better than regular SIMs in Turkey?
Yes, because getting a local SIM card in Turkey can be tricky for foreigners and is usually quite expensive. On the other hand, it’s easy to get an eSIM for Turkey from anywhere in the world, allowing you to connect upon arrival.
Can I use an eSIM on a locked phone?
No, you can’t set up an eSIM on a carrier-locked phone unless you contact your network provider to unlock your device.
Can I make calls from Turkey with an eSIM?
Yes, some eSIM providers, like Airalo and aloSIM, allow you to make calls and send text messages. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype, are also an alternative way to make calls or send texts from abroad.
Can I buy a Turkish eSIM before arriving in Turkey?
Yes, you can buy an eSIM plan for Turkey before arriving there. I recommend pre-installing your eSIM and activating it once you arrive in Turkey for instant connectivity.
