Traveling to Turkey and getting an internet connection is one of the challenges faced by every tourist, worker, nomad or businessman who arrives in this country. This destination belonging to Asia and Europe is not usually included in the international internet plans of many companies.
In this guide we will tell you all the options that exist so that you can connect to the internet in Turkey and can browse with peace of mind during your stay. We will explain each of the methods and options , which will help you connect your devices to the internet in a matter of minutes.
Option 1. Get online an eSIM for Turkey
Getting an eSIM online is one of the recommended methods to access the internet when traveling to Turkey . This card is easy to install and in a matter of minutes it is possible to connect to the mobile networks of the main mobile operators in this country.
Currently there are several eSIM providers that allow you to get it online. These include Maya Mobile, Nomad eSIM, YeSIM and MobiMatter. Each of these stores offer different plans and data packages that fit different types of travelers: tourism, business, digital nomads, etc.
It is recommended to check your stores for compatibility with smartphones. Although if you have already used an eSIM before in your country and your mobile phone is unlocked, you will be able to access the eSIM of these providers without any problem.
After purchasing the eSIM online , you receive it in your email or in the account you register with the provider. They usually send a QR code or an installation code and a complete step-by-step guide on how you can install it on your smartphone. You can do this process from anywhere in the world, the only thing required is to have internet access to make the purchase and activation.
Option 2. Buy a prepaid SIM card for Turkey
A prepaid SIM card can also be useful in Turkey if you don’t have a smartphone that supports eSIM cards. There are different types of SIM cards that can connect you to the internet in Türkiye. However, this option tends to disappear and today it is difficult to get a prepaid SIM card online to receive at home before traveling. The main drawback is shipping, since official stores only ship to some countries, leaving out Spanish-speaking countries most of the time.
On Amazon you can find some SIM card providers for Europe, although most of the time they are out of stock.
Now, you can also get a prepaid SIM card when you arrive in Turkey. This option is also viable for those who cannot access an eSIM. Upon arrival at the airport you will find Türk Telekom, Turkcell and Vodafone stores. Of these three telephone companies, the most notable is Turkcell, providing greater coverage in the country.
In case the prepaid SIM that you find at the airport does not fit the days of travel, you can also find official stores in the city where you are staying. It is common for SIM cards to be more expensive at airports.
Option 3. Rent a portable WiFi
The third option available for you to connect to the internet in Turkey is to rent or rent a portable WiFi. This device works similar to the router you have at home. It is enough to know the password for the device’s WiFi network to access the Internet.
Companies like MioWiFi and TravelWiFi specialize in renting portable WiFi to have internet in Turkey.
After requesting the service, they send the device to your home before making the trip. When you arrive in Türkiye you turn it on and in this way you access the internet.
The drawbacks of this option are found in shipping, since it is necessary to return the device after using it and if you suffer loss or theft of the device you will have to pay a penalty, which is usually around 100 USD. Likewise, if you are late in returning one or several days, you will have to pay a penalty.
The main advantage of this alternative is the amount of data they offer. They include unlimited data packages (with fair usage policy) and you can share them with up to 5 devices. In the same sense, you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of your smartphone with Turkish mobile networks.
Option 4. Search for an eSIM in Turkey
This option is not recommended for tourists. Telecom companies in Turkey do not offer eSIM cards intended for travelers. At the moment, these companies allow their local users to change from SIM to eSIM. Instead, we recommend that you get the eSIM for Turkey online from Maya Mobile, Nomad eSIM, YeSIM or MobiMatter and be able to access the internet without any problems.
Option 6. Activate international data roaming
International data roaming, like eSIM cards, is a convenient option for accessing the internet in Turkey. This service is included by telephone companies in some plans and therefore you need to check if your plan has it active.
You can check this by contacting your operator’s customer service or logging into your personal account registered with the company.
The disadvantage of this option is its prices and restrictions. They may charge you for every MB you spend in Turkey or charge a high daily rate.
Before using international data roaming in Turkey, we recommend that you review the prices for internet use and thus choose the best option.
In case you do not plan to use it, it is also important that you check to deactivate the service. To do this, you can remove the SIM from your operator or deactivate it from your smartphone settings while you are traveling in Turkey.
Option 7. Find free WiFi networks in Türkiye
By choosing this option, your internet connection in Turkey will be uncertain. Free WiFi networks are not secure and have no guarantee of operation. In case of failures you do not have customer service to help you resolve it.
This option is only recommended to be used as a complement in case you are going to use a large amount of data. Especially if you will use it for entertainment.
It is not recommended to enter keys or passwords when you are using a free WiFi network in Turkey. There is a risk that computer criminals will steal this information.
