Best eSIM for Traveling to Turkey in 2025

Are you planning to travel to Turkey and about to order an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM for traveling to Turkey including a comparison of the best Turkey eSIMs for 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and let me help you find the right eSIM for you.

Find out where and when to order an eSIM, up to date prices as per April 2025, all eSIM specifications, info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, FAQ about eSIMs and more.

Table of Contents

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Turkey in 2025.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Turkey are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Before giving you my Turkey eSIM recommendation read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

Traveltomtom rates the following two eSIMs as the best eSIMs for traveling to Turkey in 2025.

1. Jetpac eSIM for Turkey - $24 USD

• 30 GB data-only eSIM
• Valid in Turkey only
• 5G ready
• Operates on the Turk Telekom network
• Valid for 30 days

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Turkey from Jetpac.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% discount when using the coupon code TOMTOM10 at check out.

The best value eSIM for Turkey is a Jetpac plan with 30 GB data for just $24 USD. That is a rate of only $0.8 USD per Gigabyte. No other eSIM provider offers such a cheap rate for a Turkey eSIM.

Jetpac has much more eSIM plans for Turkey.

2. Saily eSIM for Turkey - $22.99 USD

• 20 GB data-only eSIM
• Valid in Turkey only
• 5G ready
• Valid for 30 days

Click here for more info or to order a Saily eSIM for Turkey.

A good second best is an eSIM for Turkey from Saily which also offers great value and a rate of only $1.15 USD per Gigabyte on their Turkey eSIM plan.

Both eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported. Data is only valid in Turkey, there is no EU data roaming included in these eSIMs.

Is Turkey one of your stops on a trip to Europe then look into getting an Airalo eSIM for Europe which is the only eSIM that is valid in all of Europe as well as in Turkey.

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Comparison of the best eSIMs for Turkey

Although as of 2025 you can also buy an eSIM on arrival in an official Vodafone, Turk Telekom or Turkcel store, Traveltomtom still recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Turkey on the internet. Why?

eSIMs are MUCH CHEAPER! In phone stores in Turkey they charge tourists insane prices for eSIMs, better buy an eSIM online.

Traveltomtom tested and reviewed lots of eSIM providers like: SimOptions, Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly, Airalo, etc. and they have all proven to be reliable operators.

The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read all my tips below.

Jetpac

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider that offers eSIMs valid in multiple countries. Jetpac strives to be more than an eSIM provider and comes with a bunch of perks for travelers like airport lounge access, free VPN subscription, etc.

The Traveltomtom Team tested out Jetpac extensively and wrote down all the pros and cons about Jetpac eSIMs.

Here are the Jetpac Turkey eSIM plans:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $16.5 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD

Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac Turkey eSIM.

The Jetpac Turkey plan with 30 GB data for just $24 USD makes it the best value eSIM for Turkey with a rate of only $0.8 USD per Gigabyte.

These eSIM are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Jetpac Turkey eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Turk Telekom.

You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Turkey, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Turkey, basically when the plane lands. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.

An extra advantage of Jetpac eSIMs is that they provide a free VPN service and free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIMs offer. For more info check the Jetpac website.

Saily

The Saily eSIMs are a product of NordVPN, the famous and reliable VPN. The Traveltomtom Team tested positive on Saily and therefore we have now included their eSIMs in our comparison.

Read more about the pros and cons of Saily in our full review.

Here are the Saily eSIM plans for Turkey for 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $6.99 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $9.99 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $15.99 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $22.99 USD

Click here for more info or to order a Saily eSIM for Turkey.

Saily eSIMs are pretty straight forward. Nothing special to mention.

When comparing Saily to Airalo we see that they are very similar but a couple dollar cheaper!

The Saily eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. Saily does not mention on which network they operate in Turkey and also do not specify if their eSIMs are 5G ready for Turkey.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering an eSIM.

SimOptions is always one of my top eSIM recommendations and their plans for Turkey are also are very competitive.

The Traveltomtom Team wrote a honest review about SimOptions including all pros and cons.

The SimOptions eSIM plans are not even cheaper than the Airalo Turkey eSIMs and they are also 5G ready.

Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM plans for Turkey for 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Turkey.

These data-only eSIMs are provided by SimOptions and are only valid in Turkey. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. All of the SimOptions eSIMs for Turkey are 5G ready.

The SimOptions eSIMs for Turkey do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly when it connects to a supported network in Turkey, basically on arrival. For more info check the SimOptions website.

Airalo

Airalo is another very reputable eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM for Turkey through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.

Why using Airalo? Airalo was one of the first eSIM providers and is very reliable.

Here are Turkey eSIM plans for 2025 from Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
• Unlimited data* for 10 days = $35 USD

* Unlimited data is in reality only 3 GB data per day on max speed. Don't be fooled!

Click here to order an eSIM for Turkey from Airalo.

The Airalo eSIMs for Turkey are from Merhaba and operate on the Turk Telekom 4G/LTE/5G network in Turkey. Yes, the Airalo Merhaba eSIMs for Turkey are 5G ready.

However, as of 2025 the 5G network in Turkey is very limited. They just started rolling out 5G in Istanbul. That said, in pretty much all the beautiful places to visit in Turkey you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is pretty decent, even off the beaten path.

For more info about the best 4G/5G network in Turkey check my complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Turkey in 2025, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

eSIM valid in Turkey and Europe

Are you traveling onwards to Europe after visiting Turkey and wondering if there is one eSIM that covers both Turkey and Europe then check out the Eurolink eSIM. These eSIMs from Airalo work in all of Europe and Turkey. So this is the perfect eSIM for your trip to Europe and Turkey.

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $9.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $37 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD
• 50 GB data for 90 days = $100 USD
• 100 GB data for 180 days = $185 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for traveling to Turkey and Europe.

All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.

aloSIM

Not a new kid on the block, aloSIM has earned its stripes already in the eSIM world, but Traveltomtom didn't use aloSIM much until lately. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed aloSIM and came with positive notes.

Read all about it in our extensive and honest aloSIM review.

Here are the aloSIM plans for Turkey in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
• Unlimited data* for 10 days = $35 USD

* Unlimited data is in reality only 1.5 GB data per day on max speed. Don't be fooled!

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Turkey via aloSIM.

The aloSIM plans for Turkey are a copy of Airalo and prices are the exact same! aloSIM also operates on the Turk Telekom network and are 5G ready.

What differentiates aloSIM from Airalo and other eSIM providers is that they offer an eSIM for Turkey including an international phone number. This phone number that comes with the eSIM is via a separate application called Hushed.

Nomad

Traveltomtom discovered Nomad eSIMs when looking for the best eSIM deals and comparing eSIMs for traveling to Turkey. The Traveltomtom Team has used Nomad a few times and has some mixed feelings about the reliability and performance of Nomad but fact is that Nomad has some great Turkey eSIM deals.

Nomad has regular plans as well as daily plans for Turkey.

Regular plans

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Turkey:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $34 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Turkey from Nomad.

The Nomad eSIMs for Turkey are 5G ready. The Nomad eSIMs operate on the Tuk Telekom 4G/LTE/5G network.

The Nomad Turkey eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Turkey. Basically when the plane lands.

Daily plans

Nomad also has daily eSIM plans for Turkey. These eSIMs could perfect for those going on a short trip to Turkey. You basically get 1 GB high speed data per 24 hours. Then after you use 1 GB data your data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which is actually useless, basically like an E signal.

• 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $5 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $8 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $10 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $14 USD

When I saw the prices for these daily plans I was pleasantly surprised. If you are careful with the amount of Gigabytes you use per day it could be a great eSIM for traveling to Turkey.

Personally, it would not be enough for me as I can easily spend more than 1 GB data in just 1 hour train or bus ride. So I am not a fan. Watching TikTok videos for about 45 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 30 minutes is also already 1 GB data.

Holafly

Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until it resets.

Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Turkey:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
• 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
• 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
• 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
• 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
• 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD

As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than other eSIM providers like Jetpac, Airalo and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIMs for Turkey are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Turk Telekom.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.

If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride in Turkey and after 3 hours you hit your FUP, then the rest of the bus ride you have pretty much no internet on your phone.

Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Turkey.

Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around me constantly had a data connection I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even when we were in big cities I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.

I understand in Turkey it could be a different story, but it just put me off a little.

Nowadays, you can buy an eSIM for pretty much every country in the world. Order directly from one of the above eSIM providers and instantly receive your eSIM in your email.

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIMs? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly. Per year I use about 40 to 50 different prepaid and eSIMs and therefore I am the ultimate sim card for tourist specialist.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Turkey?

The cheapest eSIM for Turkey is from Jetpac as they only charge $1 USD for 1 GB data. However, this eSIM is only valid for 4 days.

Airalo has an eSIM with 1 GB data for 7 days for $4.5 USD. These eSIMs are only valid in Turkey and do not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Turkey

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Turkey without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Turkey with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Turkey, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Turkey so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Or check out eSIM guides from: USA, Canada, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Europe, Asia, Dubai, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, international eSIMs and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE in all the amazing tourist destinations in Turkey and even 5G nowadays in Istanbul.

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: "can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!" Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Turkey. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM for Turkey?

Online

You can only buy an eSIM for Turkey on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Turkey. Traveltomtom compared many of them and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the most recommended eSIM providers for traveling to Turkey in 2025.

None of the mobile internet operators in Turkey sell tourist eSIMs on their own websites.

When buying an eSIM for Turkey through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Turkey

When you arrive in Turkey and you want to buy an eSIM for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of any of the mobile internet provider: Turkcell, Turk Telekom or Vodafone. How to locate the nearest one to your hotel? Use Google Maps.

As of 2025 most phone stores offer now eSIMs for tourists. However, it is still very random! Even in the most touristy areas in Istanbul some say: 'yes, eSIMs are available' and other stores say: 'no eSIMs for tourists'.

When buying a sim card in Turkey expect to pay tourist prices of around $40 USD per physical prepaid or eSIM with 20 GB data. So it is cheaper to order an eSIM for Turkey on the internet.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Turkey in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Turkey, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

Flying into Turkey and landing in Istanbul then you can also buy a sim card for Turkey on arrival at the airport. However, there are NO eSIMs sold at airports in Turkey, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists and expect to pay tourist prices when buying a sim card at the airport.

The eSIMs mentioned in this article are much cheaper then buying a sim card at the airport on arrival in Turkey.

Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport IST in 2025 or when flying to Sabiha Gökçen read more in my guide for buying a sim card at SAW Airport in Istanbul. There is also a guide for buying a sim card at Izmir Airport.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for Turkey you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Turkey eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Turkey eSIM.

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Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

When to order/activate an eSIM for Turkey?

You can order an eSIM for Turkey pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Turkey. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Turkey eSIM on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Turkey. All international airports in Turkey have free public WiFi. However, it is very limited and annoying as you have to login with your passport.

Turkey is really proud of its international airports, but the reality is that they are shit and extremely overpriced! I can't help it, but an airport that does not offer free WiFi is a very unfriendly welcome to a country.

How do I know? Traveltomtom travels on average about 10 times per year to or through Turkey. You can also find Turkey airport guide on Traveltomtom about Istanbul Airport IST, Istanbul Airport SAW and Izmir Airport.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Turkey

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Turkey eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Turkey. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Turkey or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Turkey and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIMs?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Turkey.

However, you can still order a sim card for Turkey on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card for Turkey in 2025 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Turkey recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Turkey.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our article: Honest Review of SimOptions.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider and the Traveltomtom Team only received positive feedback. That is why we went to test it ourselves and came to the conclusion that Jetpac is an excellent choice. Read more about it in our extensive review about Jetpac eSIMs.

The same counts for Saily and aloSIM which are extensively reviewed by the Traveltomtom Team before added to this Turkey eSIM comparison.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

On top of that there is now also Roamless an eSIM provider with no data expiration. Truly a game changer!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Turkey eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Turkey.

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Turkey eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Turkey. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Turkey eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with a Turkey eSIM?

No, unfortunately there are no eSIMs for Turkey available on the internet that include calling and texting. All the eSIMs from Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac, Airalo and SimOptions are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

Does a Turkey eSIM come with a phone number?

No, none of the Turkey eSIMs that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.

In the above Turkey eSIM comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.

Can I use 5G on a Turkey eSIM?

As of 2025 pretty much all eSIMs for Turkey are 5G ready. However, don't get too excited there is not much 5G in Turkey yet apart from central areas in Istanbul.

Are there eSIMs for Turkey with unlimited data?

Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Turkey include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.

Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.

Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Turkey and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Turkey eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!

Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Turkey with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM. However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data... is what you have to ask yourself.

An eSIM with 20 GB or 30 GB data is for most tourists more than enough. If your trip to Turkey is about 10 days then you have 2 to 3 GB data per day, which is a lot! Check out this Airalo eSIM for $26 USD with 20 GB data or this Jetpac eSIM for $24 USD with 30 GB data.

There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Turkey in 2025 before choosing your favorite.

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Turkey, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Turkey:

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are often a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than eSIMs. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Turkey in a phone store and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best Turkey sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Turkey in 2025.

For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Turkey you will find that the best prepaid tourist sim card in Turkey costs $29 USD and comes with 20 GB data.

If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Turkey you will need to find a sim card shop nearby your hotel.

The sim cards you can buy at Istanbul or Izmir Airport are much more expensive. At the international airports in Turkey they sell tourist sim cards for tourist prices. It is NOT recommended to buy a sim card at the airport in Turkey.

A reminder there is already an eSIM for Turkey with 30 GB data for just $25 USD and you can directly order it online.

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, (unlimited) local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed.

The local prepaid sim cards for tourists you buy in Turkey are all 5G ready. All of the mobile internet operators in Turkey (Vodafone, Turk Telekom and Turkcell) allow prepaid users to use the 5G network.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Turkey. Some of them are great for using in Turkey as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, USA, Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Turkey you are traveling onwards to Europe or Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best eSIMs for traveling in Europe in 2025 or the best Asia tourist sim cards in 2025.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Turkey directly online.

eSIMs

There are two different eSIMs:

• eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIMs that you buy in Turkey in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that eSIMs provided by the local internet operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Turkey.

As of 2025 eSIMs are available for tourists. Although officially Vodafone, Turk Telekom and Turkcell offer eSIMs for tourists, in many shops they will tell you that they ran out. Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Istanbul to find out if eSIMs were available for tourists.

In some Turk Telekom stores they even gave me a clear NO, some Vodafone and Turkcell stores said: yes, we offer eSIMs for tourists. But when opting for an eSIM most phone stores charge an extra fee of $10 USD.

At Istanbul Airport it is also a hit or miss. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Turkey, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Turkey. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Turkey eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Turkey, Traveltomtom comes to the simple conclusion that eSIMs for Turkey that you buy on the internet are in fact cheaper than local prepaid sim cards for tourists that they sell in mobile phone stores in Turkey.

Turkey has so called visitors sim cards for tourists and they are specially designed for foreigners buying a sim card with a non-Turkish passport. They are also specially designed to make a lot of money on tourists. The cheapest tourist sim cards start from $25 USD and up. You can buy them in the official retail stores of Vodafone, Turkcell and Turk Telekom in the city center of every popular tourist destination in Turkey.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. On top of that there are much better deals online and with these eSIMs as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Turkey in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Turkey. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Turkey were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Turkey right away.

If you have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of April 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Turkey!