Planning a trip to Turkey and flying to Istanbul Airport and wondering if you can buy a tourist sim card at Istanbul Airport (IST) on arrival? Make sure to avoid high roaming cost and slow overseas data roaming plans.
This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before buying a prepaid sim card at Istanbul Airport in 2025.
Find out where to buy a prepaid sim card, up to date prices as per January 2025, my recommendation, a vlog about my experiences, info about eSIMs for Turkey, international sim cards and more.
In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card in Turkey, nowadays I always use eSIMs for Turkey to stay connected.
As of 2025 an eSIM for traveling to Turkey is cheaper than buying a local prepaid sim card at Istanbul Airport. Check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for Turkey in 2025.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Why buying a sim card for Turkey
- Istanbul Airport IST
- Where to buy a Turkey sim card at Istanbul Airport
- Prices Turkey sim cards at Istanbul Airport in 2025
- Best sim card at Istanbul Airport in 2025
- Best eSIMs for Turkey
- Turkey sim cards and traveling in Europe
- Pocket Wifi for Turkey
- Buy a prepaid sim card for Turkey online
- Vlog about buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport
- How to get from IST New Istanbul Airport to Istanbul
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a tourist sim card in Turkey as well as buying a sim card at Istanbul SAW Airport, the other airport in Istanbul.
Some links in this article about buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport 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
Traveltomtom's first recommendation is to order an eSIM for Turkey on the internet when traveling to Istanbul. Why? It is simply CHEAPER!
The prepaid sim cards for tourists at Istanbul airport are ridiculously overpriced and start from 1,550 Turkish Lira which is $44 USD!!!
eSIMs for Turkey are much cheaper and already start from just $1 USD. The best-buy eSIM for Turkey is a 30 GB eSIM from Jetpac for $24 USD.
Buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport is easy, but also time consuming and you pay the tourist price!
In general tourist sim cards are super expensive in Turkey! Read more about it in my guide on buying a prepaid sim card in Turkey in 2025.
Another way of staying connected when traveling in 2025 is an international sim card. Some of these travel sim cards are great deals for visiting Turkey. Check my comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Istanbul is a mind-blowing city and I am sure some Istanbul travel tips will help you make the most of your trip. I recommend you to stay in Besiktas, Taksim or Sultanahmet, check out the amazing things to do in Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul or one of these 10 hidden gems in Istanbul.
Why buying a sim card for Turkey
First of all we don't want to get stuck with high roaming charges and I can come up with a ton of reasons why being connected to the internet makes traveling to Istanbul much easier. Ordering a taxi, using translation apps, getting direction from Google Maps, looking for nearby rooftop bars and so on. Disconnecting is the new luxury and I totally agree, but not when visiting a city!
Yes, your hotel has free WiFi and so do bars and restaurants in Istanbul, but do you want to rely on others? What if the WiFi isn't working or the signal in your room is too weak, the internet speed is super slow? Also keep in mind that public WiFi connections are UNSECURED networks. Using a VPN is recommend.
The most convenient place to buy a prepaid sim card in Turkey is on arrival at the airport. But be prepared to get ripped off! Get an eSIM it is much cheaper!
As I am also trying to travel to every country in the world you can find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: USA, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Thailand, Bangkok, South Africa, Kenya, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Europe, Asia, Sydney, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Philippines, Brazil, Singapore, Australia and many more.
When not a fan swapping sim cards and changing phone number have a look into pocket WiFi devices. These travel gadgets are a great way to stay connected while traveling, but I am not the biggest fan. Read my HONEST review in the link.
Istanbul Airport IST
Welcome to Istanbul Airport (IST). The airport with the ambition to become one of the biggest airports in the world. Istanbul Airport is pretty new and obviously modern and super spacious. Seems like a great airport to arrive for your Turkey trip, but I am NOT a fan.
Most cringe about IST Airport is that they only offer 1 hour free WiFi and after that you will have to pay. However, you are probably just arriving at Istanbul Airport and starting your trip to Turkey.
When arriving it is very easy to navigate and there is only one International Arrival Hall. After you went through passport control you get to a huge Baggage Claim Hall. There are ATM's, money changers and Duty Free shops, but no sim card shops in the baggage claim area, they are in the arrival hall.
RELATED: the Ultimate Turkey Itinerary for 14 days. See all the hidden gems and don't miss any of the top sights in Turkey. Or check out my list of the best places to visit in Turkey in 2025.
Where to buy a Turkey sim card at Istanbul Airport
There are 5 different sim card shops at Istanbul Airport and they sell more or less the same prepaid sim cards for Turkey for tourists. The prices different a little, so keep reading and I tell you where you can find the best tourist sim card at Istanbul Airport.
After you collect your luggage from the luggage belts in the baggage claim area there is only one exit. Through sliding doors you will end up in the massive arrival hall and you are forced to go either left or right.
If you walk to the right you see Burger King on your right hand side and in front of you you will see: Njoy Local SIM and Vodafone (former WIFIST) Njoy is a Turk Telekom reseller store and the 'Vodafone' (former WIFIST) sells of course Vodafone prepaid sim cards but also Turkcell sim cards. Don't be fooled by the signs this is NOT an official Vodafone store.
If you walk to the left you will see the all the phone stores of all the main mobile internet provider in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom. In these phone stores you can now also get eSIMs as per 2025.
All sim card shops at Istanbul Airport are open for 24 hours. Only the official phone stores from Turkcell, Turk Telekom and Vodafone offer eSIMs, all other stores only have physical prepaid sim cards for tourists available.
But if you want an eSIM for Turkey then check out my complete guide with the best eSIMs for Turkey in 2025 and find much cheaper deals.
There is also an Airport WIFI rental company. The Turkey prepaid sim card business is booming. Never have I seen an airport with so many mobile internet shops. You must think: great that means competitive prices... but NO, unfortunately not!
Prices Turkey sim cards at Istanbul Airport in 2025
All information is up to date as per January 2025 with prices in Turkish Lira: $1 USD = 35.5 TL and 100 TL = $2.8 USD.
Always pay in Turkish Lira or by card. Don't pay in USD or EUR or get ripped off! All stores accept international credit cards.
Njoy Sim Istanbul Airport
Njoy is an official Turk Telekom reseller and they offer the following Turk Telekom prepaid sim card plan valid for 30 days:
- 15 GB data + unlimited calling, texting and social media apps = 1,700 TL - $48 USD
- 25 GB data + unlimited calling, texting and social media apps = 2,000 TL - $56 USD
- 50 GB data + unlimited calling, texting and social media apps = 2,200 TL - $62 USD
- 75 GB data + unlimited calling, texting and social media apps = 2,400 TL - $68 USD
- 125 GB data + unlimited calling, texting and social media apps = 2,700 TL - $76 USD
At Njoy they only sell prepaid sim cards, eSIMs are NOT available as of January 2025.
The cheapest sim card for tourists at the NJOY/Turk Telekom store is 1,700 TL which is in reality $48 USD and not $53 as what they make you pay.
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend buying a prepaid sim card at Istanbul Airport. Instead order an eSIM for Turkey online. Read all about using eSIMs in Turkey including a comparison of the best Turkey in eSIMs in 2025 in the link.
WIFIST/WIFI 5G Vodafone Istanbul Airport
WIFIST is an official Vodafone Turkey reseller and they sell several different Vodafone Turkey prepaid sim cards valid for 30 days:
- 20 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms + unlimited social media = 2,250 TL - $63 USD
- 50 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms + unlimited social media = 2,450 TL - $69 USD
- 80 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms + unlimited social media = 2,800 TL - $79 USD
- 100 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms + unlimited social media = 3,300 TL - $93 USD
These Vodafone prepaid sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card and not as an eSIM. Unlimited social media is included, but TikTok and YouTube are NOT included.
If you have read my article about the best Turkey prepaid sim card for tourists in 2025 then you know that the prices for Turkey prepaid sim cards at Istanbul Airport are MUCH more expensive than at official Vodafone stores around Istanbul.
Again a reminder to NOT pay in another currency, always pay in Turkish Lira, the above conversion rates are stupid!
EXAMPLE: at the time of updating this articles in January 2025: 2,800 TL = $79 USD, they charge you $88 USD.
Vodafone store Istanbul Airport
All Vodafone tourist sim cards are valid for 30 days and include free WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. TikTok and YouTube are not unlimited.
There are still no eSIMs available for tourists.
- 20 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms = 1,750 TL - $49 USD
- 50 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms = 2,000 TL - $56 USD
- 80 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms = 2,500 TL - $70 USD
- 100 GB data + 750 minutes + 250 sms = 3,260 TL - $92 USD
The Vodafone store at Istanbul Airport has more sim card plans for tourists, see the photo above.
Prices for tourist sim cards are through the roof at Istanbul Airport. The cheapest Vodafone tourist sim card plan is $49 USD. Therefore another reminder to look into buying an eSIM for Turkey.
Turk Telekom store Istanbul Airport
These are the update prices as per January 2025 for Turk Telekom prepaid sim cards at Istanbul Airport:
- 25 GB data + 750 minutes + sms = 1,550 TL - $44 USD
- 50 GB data + 750 minutes + sms = 1,800 TL - $51 USD
- 100 GB data + 750 minutes + sms + unlimited social media = 2,200 TL - $62 USD
They also have data only plans starting from 30 GB for 1,650 TL ($46 USD).
All Turk Telekom prepaid sim card plans are valid for 30 days and are only for use in Turkey. They have eSIMs for tourists available as well as prepaid sim cards at the Turk Telekom store.
Turkcell store Istanbul Airport
Turkcell sells the following prepaid sim card plans for tourists at Istanbul Airport valid for 30 days:
- 20 GB data + 200 minutes = 1,640 TL - $46 USD
- 50 GB data + 1,200 minutes + 100 sms = 1,840 TL - $52 USD
- 80 GB data + 1,200 minutes + 1,000 sms = 2,300 TL - $65 USD
- 105 GB data + 1,200 minutes + 1,000 sms + unlimited social media = 2,400 TL - $68 USD
All Turkcell prepaid sim card plans are valid only in Turkey. The Turkcell store at Istanbul Airport sells physical prepaid sim cards as well as eSIMs for tourists for the same price.
However, the Traveltomtom Team has reported that in the last couple months it was a hit or miss and eSIMs were often not available.
Best sim card at Istanbul Airport in 2025
Prices for tourist sim cards at Istanbul Airport are outrageous and therefore at the beginning of the article I already recommended you to get an eSIM for Turkey as it is simply cheaper.
The cheapest prepaid sim card for tourists at Istanbul Airport is a Turk Telekom sim card from the Turk Telecom phone store with 20 GB data and 750 minutes for 1,550 TL. That is $44 USD!
You can order a Jetpac eSIM for Turkey with 30 GB data for just $24 USD! Check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for Turkey in 2025 with more eSIM deals.
So again, there is absolutely NO NEED TO BUY a sim card for tourists at Istanbul Airport.
Best eSIMs for Turkey
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Istanbul in 2025 is an eSIM. No need to visit a sim card store at Istanbul Airport. With an eSIM you are online as soon as the plane lands.
AND THE BEST THING IS THAT ESIMS ARE CHEAPER THAN BUYING A SIM CARD AT ISTANBUL AIRPORT.
You order an eSIM for Istanbul on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Turkey eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Istanbul it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
For all your answers on FAQ about Turkey eSIMs check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for traveling to Turkey in 2025, including all Turkey eSIM deals from Airalo, Nomad, SimOptions, Jetpac, Holafly, Saily, etc.
Find below some recommended eSIMs for Turkey.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a an eSIM provider that offers amazing eSIMs for Turkey. 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. Read all about it in our extensive Jetpac review with all pros and cons.
Here are the Jetpac eSIM plans for Turkey in 2025:
- 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 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 are 5G ready and operate on the network of Turk Telekom.
Airalo
Airalo is a reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world without ever facing an issue.
Here are the Airalo eSIM 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 3 GB data per day on max speed! Don't be fooled.
Click here for more info or to order a Turkey eSIM card directly via Airalo.
The above Merhaba eSIM cards are data-only and are only valid in Turkey. They operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Turk Telekom. Incoming and outgoing phone calls and sms are not supported.
Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM for Turkey.
Find everything you need to know about using eSIMs when traveling to Turkey in 2025 in Traveltomtom's complete guide with the best eSIM for Turkey in 2025.
Turkey sim cards and traveling in Europe
Although Turkey and especially Istanbul is partially located in Europe, it is NOT part of the EU and therefore you can NOT use your Turkey sim card data for traveling in Europe. The other way around you might be lucky that your Europe sim card allows you free roaming in Turkey.
If you want to buy a Europe sim card that works in Turkey I can recommend you the following: Orange prepaid sim card with 10 GB data valid in more than 30 European countries + Turkey for $49.90 USD.
You can order this physical prepaid sim card online and get it deliverd to your home address. This international prepaid sim card for Turkey is already pre-activated. Simply plug and play! Click on the link above for more info.
However, the best way to stay connected when traveling to Europe and also visiting Turkey on the same trip is a Eurolink eSIM from Airalo.
This eSIM is valid in all of Europe as well as in turkey. Click here to order the Eurolink eSIM via Airalo.
If you buy a local prepaid sim card in Turkey then there is NO international roaming included in any of the prepaid sim cards.
For more info about Europe sim cards check out Traveltomtom's list of the best sim card for Europe travel in 2025? In the link you find my complete guide with first hand information from more than 20 countries and 25 airports.
Also another reminder that you can order an eSIM for Turkey. You keep your own number and you don't need to swap physical sim cards and visit a sim card shop.
Pocket Wifi for Turkey
On your left-hand side when you walk into the Arrival Hall you will also find a store Airport Wifi Rental shop. Here they rent out Pocket Wifis and for $13 USD per day you get unlimited data. You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. Sounds cool, but keep in mind that you all share the same connection, so data speed will drop drastically the more devices you connect. You will have to pay a $50 USD deposit for the pocket WiFi.
For some people, especially those with locked phones this is a solution to stay connected when traveling to Istanbul. Check out my HONEST review about these portable WiFi devices. I am not a fan! This is so old school!
Buy a prepaid sim card for Turkey online
If your phone is not eSIM compatible you can still order a sim card for Turkey on the internet. How? Check out international prepaid sim cards.
You can order an international physical prepaid sim card for turkey online and get it delivered to your home address. These pre-activated travel sim cards work like plug and play. You put the sim card in your phone in the plane and as soon as the plane lands you are online.
Check out the following international prepaid sim card for Turkey that you can order via SimOptions:
- 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to directly order an international sim card for Turkey via SimOptions.
Also a last reminder that with an eSIM for Turkey you will get online within just 2 minutes and you arrange everything online. No need for swapping a physical sim card anymore or visiting a phone store.
Check out my guide and comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Turkey in 2025.
Vlog about buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport
Here is Traveltomtom's YouTube video with what it looks like arriving at Istanbul Airport and my experiences buying a local prepaid sim card to stay connected in Turkey.
How to get from IST New Istanbul Airport to Istanbul
You can take a regular taxi to the city which will cost around 1,200 TL ($33 USD) and takes between 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and where you go in the city.
I recommend you to download Bitaxi, the leading Taxi App in Turkey, but Uber also works. A ride to Taksim, Galata, Besiktas, etc. it will cost the same but there is less chance to get ripped off. Because unfortunately taxis in Istanbul are the worst ever and they love scamming tourists.
There are of course also busses and damn they are convenient. Go to the -2 floor and get one of the HavaIST busses. They have several stops in the popular tourist districts of Istanbul and you only pay 260 TL ($7 USD) for a ticket. You can buy a ticket in the bus with your credit card.
Istanbul Airport IST is insanely huge, walking distances are legit far! Having a stopover in Istanbul Airport then fingers crossed you are going to make your flight connection.
From my own experience I unfortunately have to admit that I missed my connection flight already many times with Turkish Airlines. With loads I mean, almost 10 times now.
In need of some more Istanbul travel inspiration then check out this 4-day Istanbul itinerary and don't miss a visit to Turkey's biggest mosque: Çamlıca. Or go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom for some serious wanderlust inspiration.
I am sure some of all the above tips for buying a sim card at Istanbul Airport were helpful for your upcoming trip. If you have any questions please leave me a comment below.
As of January 2025 I have been to more than 155 countries on my way to visit every country in the world.
Enjoy your trip to Istanbul!