In a relatively short period of time, the Republic of Turkey has acquired the status of a tourist and business center of global importance, where thousands of tourists, businessmen and investors from different countries go every year. A popular tourist destination attracts foreigners with its luxurious beaches, wonderful climate, European level of service, reasonable prices and good conditions for profitable investment.
No matter how long you plan to visit Turkey — for a week or several months — A modern person in an eastern country cannot do without mobile communications. You will find all the answers to the most popular questions about Turkish cellular communications in our latest publication.
Content of the article:
- Roaming in Turkey
- Turkish mobile operators
- Where is the best place to buy a SIM card in Turkey
- Choosing a cellular operator: prices for tariffs
- Tourist SIM card in Turkey
- eSIM in Turkey
Roaming in Turkey
As you know, roaming services abroad are not cheap.
For example:
- For Russians, roaming from Russian mobile operators such as Megafon, MTS, Beeline costs approximately 400 ₽ (5 €) per day. Often the package includes calls to the Russian Federation and 1 GB of Internet at separate rates.
- For Ukrainians, a package with roaming from Kyivstar, Vodafone or Life costs 50–60 ₴ (1.2–1.5 €), which includes 100–200 MB of Internet. Calls have a separate tariff for about 30 ₴ (0.7 €) per 10 minutes. But messaging in Viber or WhatsApp messengers is usually free (with the exception of multimedia messages).
To summarize, we note that mobile roaming in Turkey is best used if:
- you came to the country for less than 5 days;
- you will use exclusively services such as navigation and Google maps, as well as correspondence in instant messengers;
- The quality of the Wi-Fi network in hotels completely satisfies you.
In all other cases, provided that you are willing to spend additional money, we recommend buying a SIM card in Turkey.
Turkish mobile operators
We draw your attention to one important detail: Turkish legislation allows for unlimited use of SIM cards from local operators only on gadgets that were legally imported and registered in the Republic of Turkey. Therefore, if you come to the country for a long period of time or are applying for a residence permit, you will need to register the IMEI of your phone in the e-Devlet service and pay a fee, which in 2023 is 6091 TL. If this is not done, then after 120 days from using the Turkish SIM card, the smartphone will be blocked.
Where is the best place to buy a SIM card in Turkey
In the Republic of Turkey it is impossible to purchase a starter package for free, as is practiced, for example, in Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.
We recommend that you take care of purchasing a SIM card immediately upon arrival in Turkey. This feature can be implemented in different places. The best price is available in mobile phone stores from official representatives of network operators. The most expensive starting package for mobile communications at airports, hotels and tourist locations.
Choosing a cellular operator: prices for tariffs
The leading Turkish mobile operators are:
- Turkcell — provider with excellent coverage not only in cities, but also in small towns and villages.
- Vodafone — the second largest cellular communications company, provides quality services throughout the country.
- Türk Telekom — the operator provides high-quality Internet in cities and resorts. The cost of tariff plans is slightly cheaper than that of other communication providers.
Companies offer a large selection of tariffs and services for different needs, be it calls, communication in instant messengers or mobile Internet in Turkey. In practice, Turkish mobile operators provide approximately the same service at a similar price. The quality of mobile communications and Internet speed do not differ significantly.
When purchasing a package from a particular operator, we recommend that you carefully study the terms of use to find out whether they will satisfy your needs. Most foreigners initially buy the most inexpensive service packages.
Important to know! The starter package will cost an average of 300–450 TL (depending on whether Internet traffic is included in the service), subject to purchase in the city. The price will be lower if you present an ikamet card (residence permit) at the salon, rather than a foreign passport.
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TURKCELL
Turkcell — leader among mobile communication companies in Turkey, whose services are used by more than 60% of the state's population.
For foreign buyers who purchase a Turkish SIM card for the first time, Turkcell tariffs for Internet and call minutes for 30 days are as follows:
- 7 GB, 500 min — 72 TL;
- 10 GB, 500 min —136 TL;
- 12 GB, 500 min — 112 TL;
- 20 GB, 1,200 min — 128 TL;
- 25 GB, 2,000 min — 145 TL;
- 45 GB, 2,000 min — 245 TL
Let us clarify that minutes are provided only for calls within Turkey. There is a separate fee for roaming. On average, the cost of calls abroad — 3.3–3.5 TL/1 minute.
Turkcell also offers other tariff plans, we have listed only the most popular among foreigners. You can find out more information by contacting the mobile operator office.
TURK TELEKOM
Turkish mobile operator with good coverage and Internet in all localities of the state.
Current Turk Telekom tariffs for Internet and minutes of calls within the country:
- 6 GB, 1,000 min — for the first 3 months for 81 TL, after 95 TL;
- 15 GB, 1,000 min — 120 TL/first 3 months, after 140 TL;
- 40 GB, 2,000 min — 153 TL/first 3 months, after 178 TL.
VODAFONE
Vodafone tariffs in Turkey for those who purchase a SIM card for the first time depend on how the package is registered: through the website or at the cellular office.
If you register through the official website, the following prices apply to the Internet and calls:
- 5 GB, 1,000 min, unlimited use of the WhatsApp messenger — 39 TL;
- 10 GB, 1,000 min, unlimited use of WhatsApp — 49 TL;
- 15 GB, 1,000 min, unlimited use of WhatsApp — 59 TL
When purchasing a package in the office, the price of a tariff plan for 28 days is:
- 7 GB, 750 min — 64 TL;
- 10 GB, 750 min — 74 TL;
- 15 GB, 750 min — 84 TL
Tourist SIM card in Turkey
SIM card in Turkey for tourists — These are special cellular communication packages that are used when traveling abroad, taking into account the tariffs and prices of local operators. Purchasing a tourist SIM card is possible both in your country of residence and in the Republic of Turkey. Its purchase is justified by the high cost of roaming.
A popular version of a tourist SIM card — Drimsim. There are regular SIM cards (nano, micro, mini) and virtual ones on sale.
Approximate prices for Drimsim:
- Incoming calls — are free, regardless of the telecom operator.
- Outgoing calls within Turkey to the Drimsim card — free, to other mobile numbers — 0.22 €.
- Outgoing calls from Turkey — 0.05–0.08€ per minute of conversation (the exact cost depends on which country to call).
- Mobile Internet — 0.01 € for 1 MB.
- Incoming SMS messages — free.
More details about tariffs for different countries — here.
eSIM in Turkey
A modern and acceptable alternative to expensive international roaming when traveling abroad — eSIM card. This is a more convenient and economical solution for tourists and investors, providing the opportunity to use all services and options without expensive international roaming fees.
eSIM in Turkey — This is a digital or built-in SIM card that does not need to be inserted into the gadget to connect and activate the services of a local telecom operator. Manufacturers embed virtual SIM cards directly into smartphones.
That is, the device owner has the opportunity to install a profile and activate the eSIM without having to remove or replace a regular SIM card. To do this, it is important to check in advance whether your smartphone and its operating system supports this function.
For example, different iPhone models, iPad tablets from the 3rd generation, some Samsung Galaxy models and mobile devices with Google Pixel work with eSIM in the Republic of Turkey.
It is now possible to buy a digital SIM card in Turkey in 2021. You can purchase it from leading suppliers: Holaflay, TravelSim, True Phone, United Global, Wificoin, Ubigi. Sales in the republic are also carried out by local cellular operators — Türk Telekom, Turkcell, Vodafone. The listed companies are distinguished by good coverage and affordable price tags for service packages.
So, the cost of an eSIM in Turkey from the Turkcell operator is approximately 13 €. For this amount, up to 20 GB of mobile Internet and a network with 4G LTE coverage are provided. The tariff plan validity period starts from the moment your gadget scans the QR code.
Choose a mobile connection option, focusing on the purpose and duration of the trip, as well as those operator services that are of key importance to you. If you are planning purchase of an apartment in Turkey, contact Point Property for advice . Our specialists will answer all your questions and help you choose liquid real estate.
A comfortable 1+1 apartment in a 2025 complex with infrastructure—everything for a vacation and permanent residence by the sea.
1+1
57 m²
10315
Spacious 2-room apartment in a modern residential complex Cikcilli with rich infrastructure and a convenient location.
2+1
100 m²
10314
A luxurious 6-room villa in the Tepe area, complete with furniture, appliances, a sauna, and a swimming pool—everything for a comfortable seaside lifestyle.
4+2
351 m²
10313
A modern two-room apartment in the center of Alanya with furniture, appliances, and excellent infrastructure for comfortable living.
2+1
120 m²
10312
A comfortable 1+1 apartment in a 2024 complex with infrastructure—everything for a relaxing holiday or permanent residence by the sea.
1+1
50 m²
10311
Comfortable 2+1 apartment in a complex on the first line of the sea in the very center of the Mahmutlar district
2+1
100 m²
10309
Furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 62 m² on the 3rd floor of a building from 2021 in Mahmutlar, 500 m from the sea and 250 m from the center, with a convenient layout and full complex infrastructure.
1+1
62 m²
10308
A cozy 1+1 apartment of 50 m² on the 1st floor of a new building from 2024 in Oba: 2,500 m to the sea and 1,500 m to the center, well-thought-out layout, laminate flooring, unfurnished.
1+1
50 m²
10307
A cozy 1+1 apartment of 50 m² on the 1st floor of a new complex from 2024 in Payallar, 2,250 m from the sea and 1,500 m from the center, with a well-thought-out layout and laminate flooring.
1+1
50 m²
10306
This spacious, high-quality two-bedroom apartment in a 2019 complex is just 400 meters from the sea and 250 meters from the city center.
2+1
110 m²
10305
A comfortable 1+1 apartment with furniture and appliances in a 2023 complex with 5-star infrastructure—everything you need for a relaxing holiday or permanent residence by the sea.
1+1
55 m²
10304
A luxurious two-level 3+1 penthouse with furniture, appliances, and panoramic views of the sea and mountains, within walking distance of the city center and the beach.
3+1, Duplex
354 m²
10303
Furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 55 m² in the Mahmutlar area, building built in 2013, only 200 m from the sea and 100 m from the center.
1+1
55 m²
10302
1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Kestel area, building from 2025, unfurnished, only 50 m to the sea and 200 m to the center.
1+1
55 m²
10301
1+1 apartment, 65 m², in the center, Cleopatra beach, building 2024, unfurnished, 600 m to the sea and 150 m to the center.
1+1
65 m²
10300
Two-bedroom apartment 2+1 with high-quality finishing in a complex of 2024, just 2 km from the sea and 1.5 km from the center of Alanya.
2+1
70 m²
10299
Four-bedroom duplex 4+1 with a terrace and a jacuzzi, fully furnished and equipped with appliances, in a 2013 complex just 600 m from the sea.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
190 m²
10298
A project on a pit with various layouts and developed infrastructure on an installment plan in Mersin
1+1, 2+1
34-61 m²
10297
1+1 apartment with an area of 47 m² in a complex built in 2024, located in Mahmutlar, 800 m from the sea and 650 m from the center of the district.
1+1
47 m²
10296
1+1 apartment with an area of 70 m² in a complex built in 2015, located in Mahmutlar, 500 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the district.
1+1
70 m²
10295
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes and are not of a commercial nature.
Point Property — is a certified real estate agency that specializes in providing a full range of real estate services for residential and commercial real estate transactions in Turkey. Our company takes care of all the organizational aspects of a real estate transaction: searching for an object, organizing a sightseeing tour, assistance in collecting documents and checking the legal purity of documentation, support in re-registration of ownership. In addition, we provide our customers with a wide range of after-sales services.
