Foreigners can connect to the Internet and GSM in Turkey by obtaining a SIM card and using Turkish mobile operators. Below we give general information about GSM operators in Turkey, required documents and approximate fees as of December 2022.
1. Mobile Operators in Turkey
Turkcell: Turkcell is a converged telecommunications and technology service provider, founded and based in Turkey. It provides its customers with voice, data, TV and value-added services for consumers and businesses on mobile and fixed networks. Mobile communication in Turkey started when Turkcell started operations in February 1994. Turkcell has a strong network and coverage in all cities of Turkey.
Vodafone Turkey: Part of the Vodafone Group, which is one of the world’s leading mobile communications companies by revenue, Vodafone Turkey is the second largest mobile communications company in Turkey. As of June 30, 2016, Vodafone Türkiye had 22.4 million subscribers. Offering mobile voice, fixed voice, mobile internet, ADSL and fiber services to individuals and businesses in line with its vision to lead Turkey’s digital transformation, Vodafone Turkey operates with over 3,300 employees , more than 1,200 retail stores and a family of 43,000 stakeholders.
Turk Telekom: Türk Telekom International is a leading telecommunications operator in the CEE region, Turkey, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Asia. Türk Telekom International provides a full range of internet/data, infrastructure and wholesale voice services to incumbent operators, alternative operators, mobile operators, cable TV companies, Internet service providers and to client companies. Türk Telekom International is 100% owned by Türk Telekom and acts as its international business unit handling all international wholesale data and voice business functions. Türk Telekom International provides single account management and unified network operations across the entire Türk Telekom International network which includes 19 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and the Caucasus.
2. Physical SIM Card and ESim
In Turkey, you can use both a physical SIM card and an electronic SIM card. If your phone does not have a physical SIM card slot, you can go to the GSM carrier store and request an e-sim setup. Note that Turkcell offers e-sim for an additional 89TL and Vodafone Turkey for 100TL. Turk Telekom does not have an e-sim option.
For physical SIM cards, you can get standard, micro, and nano SIM cards.
3. Documents Required for The Tourist SIM Card
You must have a valid passport or recognized travel documents to buy a SIM card in Turkey. The SIM card you use must be registered in your passport.
Also note that foreigners can use their phone for up to 120 days without registering it. If you want to use your mobile phone in Turkey after 120 days, you must register it.
4. Validity of the tourist SIM card
The tourist SIM card is valid for 3 months. If you want to use more than 3 months, you must have a residence permit and a foreigner’s identification number
Usually tourist SIM cards are active for 90 days. If you want to keep your number, you must have a residence permit and a foreigner’s identification number. You must go to the GSM store to present your residence permit and keep your number.
5. Fees and Packages
Turkcell: The price for getting the SIM card is 600 TL (20 GB internet and 200 call minutes for the first month are included). If you want to get an extra internet connection, 20 GB is 140 TL. For E-sim you need to pay extra 89TL.
Vodafone: The price for obtaining the SIM card is 450 TL (15 GB Internet, 250 SMS and 750 call minutes for the first month are included). If you want to get an extra internet connection, 9GB is 110TL. For E-sim you have to pay extra 100TL.
Turk Telekom: The price for obtaining the SIM card is 350 TL (30 GB Internet, 750 SMS and 750 calling minutes for the first month are included). If you want to get an extra internet connection, 10 GB is 65 TL. There is no e-sim option.
