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.
This 1+1 apartment with an area of 70 m² in Mahmutlar is a spacious, furnished home with a glazed balcony and infrastructure for comfortable living by the sea.
1+1
68 m²
10928
1+1 apartment of 60 m² in Mahmutlar is located in a complex with a swimming pool, garden and parking, just 300 meters from the sea.
1+1
60 m²
10926
This 1+1 apartment with an area of 54 m² in Mahmutlar is a modern home in a new complex built in 2025 with a rich infrastructure for relaxation and comfortable living.
1+1
54 m²
10925
In the Cikcilli area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 100 m² in a complex built in 2004, located 1000 m from the sea and 400 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, sea views and a spacious layout.
2+1
100 m²
10924
In the Cikcilli area, furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in a complex built in 2004, located 1000 m from the sea and 400 m from the center of the area, with two bathrooms, two balconies and a spacious family layout.
2+1
95 m²
10923
In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments of 75 m² in a complex built in 2015, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, with two balconies and a convenient layout for everyday life and leisure.
2+1
75 m²
10922
In the center of Alanya, 1+1 apartments of 70 m² in a complex built in 2014, located just 200 m from Cleopatra Beach and 100 m from the city center, with a modern furnished layout and high rental potential.
1+1
70 m²
10921
In the center of Alanya, furnished 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 750 m from the sea and 500 m from the center, with the possibility of short-term rental and rich resort-level infrastructure.
1+1
55 m²
10920
In the Oba area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 50 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, with a view of the pool and the infrastructure of the complex, modern decoration and developed internal infrastructure.
1+1
50 m²
10919
In the Oba area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 51 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, new furniture and appliances, and views of the surrounding area.
1+1
51 m²
10918
In Konakli Alanya, 2+0 apartments of 45 m² in a hotel complex with permission for short-term rental, located 600 m from the sea, on the south side, with heated floors and a full sea view.
1+1
45 m²
10917
In the Avsallar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 65 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 600 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, heated floors in the living room and views of the green surroundings.
1+1
65 m²
10916
In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 95 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 650 m from the sea and 450 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, two balconies and a partial sea view.
2+1
95 m²
10915
In the Verkhnyaya Oba area, this 1+1 apartment with an area of 52 m² in a complex built in 2024, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, is suitable for short-term rent and features high-quality modern finishing.
1+1
52 m²
10914
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2007, located 300 m from the sea and 200 m from the center of the area, with a sea view, two bathrooms and a spacious layout.
2+1
120 m²
10913
In the Mahmutlar area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 45 m² in a complex built in 2023, located 1500 m from the sea and 800 m from the center of the area, with a partial sea view, panoramic windows and developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay.
1+1
45 m²
10912
In the Demirtaş area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 49 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 1200 m from the sea and 700 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, partial sea views and modern decoration.
1+1
49 m²
10911
In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 125 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, with a functional layout, a glazed balcony and developed infrastructure.
2+1
125 m²
10910
In the Payallar area, 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new complex built in 2024, located 2000 m from the sea and 750 m from the center of the area, with sea views, panoramic windows and high investment potential.
1+1
55 m²
10909
In the Obagol district, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2006 on the first coastline, located 100 m from the center of the district, with a sea view and suitable for obtaining Turkish citizenship.
3+1
120 m²
10908
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.
This 1+1 apartment with an area of 70 m² in Mahmutlar is a spacious, furnished home with a glazed balcony and infrastructure for comfortable living by the sea.
1+1
68 m²
10928
1+1 apartment of 60 m² in Mahmutlar is located in a complex with a swimming pool, garden and parking, just 300 meters from the sea.
1+1
60 m²
10926
This 1+1 apartment with an area of 54 m² in Mahmutlar is a modern home in a new complex built in 2025 with a rich infrastructure for relaxation and comfortable living.
1+1
54 m²
10925
In the Cikcilli area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 100 m² in a complex built in 2004, located 1000 m from the sea and 400 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, sea views and a spacious layout.
2+1
100 m²
10924
In the Cikcilli area, furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in a complex built in 2004, located 1000 m from the sea and 400 m from the center of the area, with two bathrooms, two balconies and a spacious family layout.
2+1
95 m²
10923
In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments of 75 m² in a complex built in 2015, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, with two balconies and a convenient layout for everyday life and leisure.
2+1
75 m²
10922
In the center of Alanya, 1+1 apartments of 70 m² in a complex built in 2014, located just 200 m from Cleopatra Beach and 100 m from the city center, with a modern furnished layout and high rental potential.
1+1
70 m²
10921
In the center of Alanya, furnished 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 750 m from the sea and 500 m from the center, with the possibility of short-term rental and rich resort-level infrastructure.
1+1
55 m²
10920
In the Oba area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 50 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, with a view of the pool and the infrastructure of the complex, modern decoration and developed internal infrastructure.
1+1
50 m²
10919
In the Oba area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 51 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, new furniture and appliances, and views of the surrounding area.
1+1
51 m²
10918
In Konakli Alanya, 2+0 apartments of 45 m² in a hotel complex with permission for short-term rental, located 600 m from the sea, on the south side, with heated floors and a full sea view.
1+1
45 m²
10917
In the Avsallar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 65 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 600 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, heated floors in the living room and views of the green surroundings.
1+1
65 m²
10916
In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 95 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 650 m from the sea and 450 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, two balconies and a partial sea view.
2+1
95 m²
10915
In the Verkhnyaya Oba area, this 1+1 apartment with an area of 52 m² in a complex built in 2024, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, is suitable for short-term rent and features high-quality modern finishing.
1+1
52 m²
10914
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2007, located 300 m from the sea and 200 m from the center of the area, with a sea view, two bathrooms and a spacious layout.
2+1
120 m²
10913
In the Mahmutlar area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 45 m² in a complex built in 2023, located 1500 m from the sea and 800 m from the center of the area, with a partial sea view, panoramic windows and developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay.
1+1
45 m²
10912
In the Demirtaş area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 49 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 1200 m from the sea and 700 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, partial sea views and modern decoration.
1+1
49 m²
10911
In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 125 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, with a functional layout, a glazed balcony and developed infrastructure.
2+1
125 m²
10910
In the Payallar area, 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new complex built in 2024, located 2000 m from the sea and 750 m from the center of the area, with sea views, panoramic windows and high investment potential.
1+1
55 m²
10909
In the Obagol district, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2006 on the first coastline, located 100 m from the center of the district, with a sea view and suitable for obtaining Turkish citizenship.
3+1
120 m²
10908
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.
