In today’s travel landscape, staying connected is more important than ever, whether for navigating bustling bazaars, sharing jaw-dropping views of Cappadocia, or staying in touch with loved ones. For travellers headed to Turkey, eSIMs offer a convenient way to access reliable mobile data without the hassle of physical SIM cards or sneaky roaming charges.
However, not all eSIM options are equally accessible.
Local telecom giants in Turkey (like Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom) provide eSIM packages with competitive data packages and robust 4G/5G coverage. But these services require in-person activation at their stores in Turkey, often needing identification documents like a passport. While these local options are great for longer stays (30 days or more), the process might not suit travelers looking for quick and easy connectivity.
Thankfully, international providers like Sim Local, Airalo, and Holafly simplify the experience, allowing travellers to download eSIM plans before departure. With these services, you can land in Turkey and connect instantly, bypassing the store visit. More importantly you can ditch costly roaming charges, too.
Best eSIM options for Turkey
This guide lists the best eSIM options for Turkey from the most trusted international providers, along with video reviews (sourced from popular content creators on YouTube) to help you decide.
1. Sim Local
Sim Local’s Smartroam eSIM is a fantastic choice for travelers to Turkey, offering unlimited data plans for 7 days (£23) or 15 days (£39). This eSIM runs on the Vodafone and Turkcell mobile networks in Turkey, using the best available local data to keep you connected. Hotspots and data tethering comes included, making it ideal for sharing data across devices. While it’s a data-only service without a local phone number, this plan ensures reliable high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity.
Sim Local is offering a free trial right now (this free eSIM plan will work in Turkey). Tap below to get started!
2. Holafly
Holafly offers extensive data plans for Turkey, with durations ranging from 1 day (£6) to 30 days (£60). It connects to Turkey’s 3G/4G/LTE/5G networks, delivering smooth browsing and streaming experiences. Hotspot sharing is supported (up to 500 MB), but the plan does not include phone numbers or texting. Holafly’s Turkey plans run on Turkcell and TT Mobil networks.
3. Airalo
Airalo’s "Merhaba" eSIM plan is a popular option for Turkey, with prices starting at £4.00 for 1 GB (7 days) and up to £28.50 for unlimited data (10 days). It operates on the Türk Telekom (Avea) 5G network, providing wide coverage across the country. Tethering and hotspots are supported, but it’s a data-only service with no calls or texts. After exceeding 1 GB of daily usage per day, your connection speed will be reduced to 1 Mbps for the remainder of the day.
4. Nomad
Nomad provides flexible and affordable eSIM plans, starting at £4 for smaller data needs. It connects users to the Avea (Türk Telekom), Turkcell, and Vodafone network, and offers 5G/4G/LTE speeds. Tethering and hotspots are allowed, but phone numbers and texting services are not included. Need extra data? Grab an add-on to top up your data allowance in seconds.
5. Saily
Saily is a cost-effective option, with plans starting at £3 for 1 GB (valid for 7 days). It supports 4G, LTE, and 5G networks for speedy and reliable internet. Hotspot tethering is available, but like all eSIMs on this list, it’s data-only with no phone calls or text messaging. You'll be able to keep your original phone number to make and receive calls, although that may incur additional charges with your home provider.
6. Jetpac
Jetpac is one of the most affordable eSIM providers for Turkey, offering plans like 1 GB for 4 days (£3.50) and 30 GB for 30 days (£20). While network connectivity may vary by location, Jetpac says you can expect to experience LTE/4G speeds and, and even 5G in some areas. Hotspot tethering is included, but no calls or texts are provided.
7. aloSIM
aloSIM offers prepaid eSIM data for Turkey, starting at £3.50 for 1 GB over 7 days and scaling up to unlimited data for 15 days (£27.50). Connecting you to the Avea (Türk Telekom) network, aloSIM supports tethering and hotspots, and you can get an international phone number too. In most locations, you can expect to enjoy 4G, LTE, or even 5G connectivity, depending on the network availability in your area.
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