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.
Spacious apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2020 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the banana garden
2+1
100 m²
9313
Spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view from a large balcony
1+1
70 m²
9312
Cozy apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. To the sea - 500 m, to the center - 250 m. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view.
1+1
70 m²
9311
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2012 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 750 m. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the sea
2+1
115 m²
9310
Bright apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2010 complex with a swimming pool, recreation area and parking. To the sea - 700 m, to the center - 500 m. Partially furnished.
2+1
100 m²
9309
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2010 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1200 m, to the center - 400 m. Fully furnished, suitable for registration of a residence permit.
3+1
115 m²
9308
Project 400 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The area is open for residence permits
1+1
65 m²
9307
Apartment 2+1 with furniture and appliances and beautiful mountain views
2+1
105 m²
9306
Complex with hotel infrastructure 800 meters from the sea
1+1
60 m²
9305
Furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in Obagol district. House of 2014, only 250 meters to the sea, 50 meters to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, fitness, sauna.
2+1
95 m²
9304
Bright furnished apartment 1+1 in the Oba area, 42 m², with a balcony. House of 2022, 1000 m to the sea. Complex with a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room.
1+1
42 m²
9303
Cozy furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², with a separate kitchen and two balconies. House of 2000, just 300 m from the sea. The house has an elevator.
2+1
100 m²
9302
Cozy furnished apartment 1+1, 60 m², in a modern complex of 2020. Excellent location - only 500 m to the beach and 300 m to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, sauna, fitness and landscaped garden.
1+1
60 m²
9301
Modern apartment 70 m², in a 2023 residence with rich infrastructure. Free transfer to the sea and the center, indoor and outdoor pools, SPA area, fitness, cinema and much more.
2+1
70 m²
9300
Cozy apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a 2022 complex with swimming pools, SPA area, fitness and security. Excellent location: 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center. Fully furnished.
1+1
50 m²
9299
Spacious 4+2 villa in Kargicak area, located in a villa complex. Area 290 m², land plot – 350 m². The house was built in 2006. The villa is furnished, has three balconies and spacious terraces. Distance to the sea – 4000 m, to the center – 2000 m.
4+2
290 m²
9298
Bright 1+1 apartment with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea in the Calais area. The house was completed in 2024, distance to the sea - 600 m, to the center - 800 m. Fully furnished, located in a complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
65 m²
9297
Furnished 2+1 apartment with a convenient layout, in a house built in 2005, 500 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of Alanya.
2+1
90 m²
9296
Bright duplex 4+1 with panoramic view, after renovation, located in Bektash area. 3500 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center. Possibility of obtaining a residence permit
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
9295
A solid project from a reliable developer 1000 meters from the sea
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
9294
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.
Spacious apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2020 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the banana garden
2+1
100 m²
9313
Spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view from a large balcony
1+1
70 m²
9312
Cozy apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. To the sea - 500 m, to the center - 250 m. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view.
1+1
70 m²
9311
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2012 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 750 m. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the sea
2+1
115 m²
9310
Bright apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2010 complex with a swimming pool, recreation area and parking. To the sea - 700 m, to the center - 500 m. Partially furnished.
2+1
100 m²
9309
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2010 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1200 m, to the center - 400 m. Fully furnished, suitable for registration of a residence permit.
3+1
115 m²
9308
Project 400 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The area is open for residence permits
1+1
65 m²
9307
Apartment 2+1 with furniture and appliances and beautiful mountain views
2+1
105 m²
9306
Complex with hotel infrastructure 800 meters from the sea
1+1
60 m²
9305
Furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in Obagol district. House of 2014, only 250 meters to the sea, 50 meters to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, fitness, sauna.
2+1
95 m²
9304
Bright furnished apartment 1+1 in the Oba area, 42 m², with a balcony. House of 2022, 1000 m to the sea. Complex with a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room.
1+1
42 m²
9303
Cozy furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², with a separate kitchen and two balconies. House of 2000, just 300 m from the sea. The house has an elevator.
2+1
100 m²
9302
Cozy furnished apartment 1+1, 60 m², in a modern complex of 2020. Excellent location - only 500 m to the beach and 300 m to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, sauna, fitness and landscaped garden.
1+1
60 m²
9301
Modern apartment 70 m², in a 2023 residence with rich infrastructure. Free transfer to the sea and the center, indoor and outdoor pools, SPA area, fitness, cinema and much more.
2+1
70 m²
9300
Cozy apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a 2022 complex with swimming pools, SPA area, fitness and security. Excellent location: 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center. Fully furnished.
1+1
50 m²
9299
Spacious 4+2 villa in Kargicak area, located in a villa complex. Area 290 m², land plot – 350 m². The house was built in 2006. The villa is furnished, has three balconies and spacious terraces. Distance to the sea – 4000 m, to the center – 2000 m.
4+2
290 m²
9298
Bright 1+1 apartment with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea in the Calais area. The house was completed in 2024, distance to the sea - 600 m, to the center - 800 m. Fully furnished, located in a complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
65 m²
9297
Furnished 2+1 apartment with a convenient layout, in a house built in 2005, 500 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of Alanya.
2+1
90 m²
9296
Bright duplex 4+1 with panoramic view, after renovation, located in Bektash area. 3500 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center. Possibility of obtaining a residence permit
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
9295
A solid project from a reliable developer 1000 meters from the sea
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
9294
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.
