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Best eSIMs for Turkey travel in 2024

best esim for turkey

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that can work in any country worldwide. Its main focus is easily accessible mobile data no matter where you are while cutting roaming costs during visits or stays in foreign countries. There are various eSIM providers for traveling to Turkey, with prices ranging from $1 to $35 depending on the length of your stay and the data you choose with your plan. The best providers for Turkey eSIM are Saily, Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly, and Nomad, offering a broad range of plans from 1GB to unlimited data for local or global use, with various plan lengths.

Before including them on my best eSIM for Turkey list, I tested all of these providers and evaluated my findings so you could make an informed decision before choosing one. So, continue reading to learn more about top Turkey eSIM providers and how to use them.

Top 5 Turkey eSIMs for speedy internet access

Overview of best Turkey eSIM cards

Choosing eSIM for Turkey travel has many advantages. For one, using an eSIM eliminates the need to switch between the physical cards when traveling, which, being as small as they are, are very prone to getting lost. The perks don’t end there, though – eSIMs, in contrast to physical cards, are very hard to tamper with and are generally safer to use. Lastly, with eSIMs, you can keep several different profiles on your phone if you want to separate your business and personal matters.

You can get a Turkey eSIM starting from $1 up to $35, depending on the length and the data size of your chosen plan. As for the plan lengths, you can choose from 1 day and up to 90 with a data allowance ranging from 1 GB with Saily to unlimited data with Holafly.

Turkey eSIMs Plan duration Plan Capacity Data sharing Unlimited data Price
Saily 7 to 30 days Up to 20 GB ✅ Yes ❌ No From $3.99 to $22.99
Airalo 7 to 30 days Has plans with unlimited data ✅ Yes ✅ Yes From $4.50 to $35.00
Jetpac 4 to 30 days Up to 30 GB ✅ Yes ❌ No From $1.00 to $24.0
Holafly 1 to 90 days Has plans with unlimited data ✅ Yes ✅ Yes From $6.90 to $139.90
Nomad 1 to 30 days Up to 10 GB ✅ Yes ❌ No From $4.50 to $14.00

The cheapest eSIM for Turkey is Jetpac, with a plan for Turkey for just $1 for 4 days with 1 GB of data. Any new Jetpac users are eligible for this plan, while those coming back for repeat purchases will have to pay $4.00 for the same plan. The best choice for short Turkey trips is Nomad, with plans of customizable lengths and reasonable prices. While with Nomad, a 1-day plan will cost you $4.00, a 3-day plan will only cost $5.00. A 1-day plan from Holafly costs significantly more – $6.50. However, Holafly is an excellent Turkey eSIM for extended visits, as it offers mobile data plans for up to 90 days. It is worth noting that none of these providers support direct calls or SMS messages, so you’ll have to rely on VoIP apps to make your calls.

That said, there’s one eSIM provider that emerges as the best for Turkey – Saily. From my experience, Saily offers the best plans for all travel needs. The installation process is very straightforward, and you get world-class customer support for the price you pay.

Saily is the best eSIM to use in Turkey because it offers flexible plans from 1 GB to 20 GB, lasting from 7 to 30 days. Additionally, Saily supports 5G contractual speeds and offers reliable connections all over Turkey. Lastly, Saily’s customer support is probably the best around and will solve any issues you might encounter.
9.6 /10
Supports 5G
Offers flexible eSIM Turkey plans
Plans start from $3.99

Best eSIMs to use in Turkey: detailed list

To find the best eSIM Turkey providers, I tested over 20 of the most popular eSIM services. Only the top 5 providers made it to the list, as they offered the best eSIM plans for Turkey with wide choice and data ranges. Additionally, my top 5 choices for Turkey travel eSIM proved to be the easiest to use and had the best customer support.

1. Saily - the best eSIM for Turkey travel in 2024 overall

Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
150
Support
Support:
24/7 live chat, email, FAQs
  • Flexible eSIM Turkey plans
  • Best customer service
  • Very easy to use
  • Does not support phone calls

Saily is the overall best eSIM for Turkey as it offers flexible plans and very reliable connections no matter where in Turkey you decide to go. It’s super simple to install and activate, and if you’ve ever run into trouble while using it, Saily has probably the best customer support you could want.

Regional coverage: In addition to the Turkey eSIM plan, you can choose a regional package that includes 34 other European countries. Such a regional plan is an excellent choice if you’re visiting several countries in a row and is generally cheaper than buying separate plans for each destination.

Plan variety: The plan variety doesn’t end there – with Saily, you can choose from plans varying from 7 to 30 days in length and from 1 GB to 20 GB in data. However, none of the allow for regular phone calls or messages, so you’ll have to rely on VoIP apps for that.

Cost of Turkey eSIM plan: The starter plan for Turkey eSIM costs $3.99 for 7 days of use with a 1 GB data allowance. The most extensive Saily plan for Turkey costs $22.99, is valid for 30 days, and offers 20 GB of data. All of Saily's plans are prepaid, but you can easily top them up in the app if you run out of data. I really liked that there were no hidden fees or additional charges, so I felt safe while using it. Additionally, I got a nice deal on this plan by using the current Saily coupon codes.

Saily eSIM plans for Turkey
Saily eSIM plans for Turkey

Activation process: To activate your Saily eSIM, you do not need to have a physical SIM card inserted in your phone. The activation process is very straightforward and is done via the official Saily app you can get from its website, Apple App store, or Google Play store. No identity verification is requested upon activation. Lastly, you can pay for your Saily eSIM with a credit or debit card, Google Pay, and PayPal.

Customer support: As if all of this wasn’t good enough already, Saily probably has the best customer service that I’ve tried. I reached out to them via the 24/7 live chat I found on the app and got a polite and clear solution in moments.

If you’d like a more in-depth look, you can read our Saily review.

2. Airalo - the most popular eSIM for Turkey with affordable plans

Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
200
Support
Support:
Email, live chat, WhatsApp
  • Multiple plan choices for Turkey
  • Supports 5G
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Only accepts credit or debit cards and PayPal

Airalo is a great eSIM for Turkey as it offers inexpensive plans and many data range choices. It’s very simple to use even if you haven’t used an eSIM before.

Regional coverage: Turkey is also included in Airalo’s Europe regional package with 41 other European countries, and the Global package covers 136 countries in total.

Plan variety: The provider offers 7 eSIM plans for Turkey, from 7, 10, 15, and 30 days to 1 GB to unlimited data. However, similar to other providers on this list, Airalo does not allow regular calls and messages – all of them have to be made via VoIP apps.

Cost of Turkey eSIM plan: The cost of the Turkey eSIM plan at Airalo ranges from $4.50 for 1 GB of data with 7 days of use and up to $35 for 10 days with unlimited data. The longest plan that Airalo offers lasts for 30 days, has 20 GB of data, and costs $26.00. If you run out of data while using your prepaid plan, you can easily top it up via the app or the official website. Remember that you can get an extra discount by using our Airalo coupon codes. Plus, the top-up extends over the expiration date of your original plan, offering a new level of flexibility.

Airalo eSIM plans for Turkey
Airalo eSIM plans for Turkey

Activation process: Once you purchase your selected plan, you can activate the eSIM via the official app by scanning a QR code or manually entering the eSIM details into your phone’s settings. All in all, it’s a very simple process, taking up to several minutes. However, I recommend activating your eSIM before you land, as it will become active the minute you enter your destination country, and you’ll save yourself from unexpected issues. You can pay for your Airalo eSIM with a debit or credit card and PayPal, and the app might ask you for eKYC verification, depending on your chosen destination.

Customer support: Airalo offers a Help Center choice and the FAQ section both on the website and in the app. However, you can choose the 24/7 live chat available on Airalo’s app if you prefer to chat with someone.

If you’d like to learn more about this provider, take a look at our Airalo review.

3. Jetpac - cheapest eSIM for Turkey

Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
Support
Support:
  • Very affordable Turkey eSIM plans
  • Additional airport perks
  • WhatApp customer service
  • Does not support phone calls and SMS

Jetpac is the cheapest eSIM for Turkey that offers flexible plans for all kinds of travelers. Additionally, Jetpac offers a JetPass feature with every purchase, allowing you to use the Fast Track option in selected airports as well as giving Lounge Access if your flight gets delayed.

Regional coverage: If you’re looking for more flexibility, Turkey and 100 other countries worldwide are included in Jetpac's Global coverage pack. Additionally, you can choose the Middle East and North Africa pack if it better suits your needs.

Plan variety: You can choose from 4, 7, and 30-day plans covering 1 GB to 20 GB of data. However, like other providers on this list, Jetpac does not support regular calls or messages. So, ensure you have a mobile data-supported way of contacting people while using Jetpac.

Cost of Turkey eSIM plan: The cost varies from $1 for a plan lasting 4 days and offering 1 GB of data to $24 for a plan of 30 days and 20 GB of data. Jetpac’s plans are prepaid, and you cannot top them up. If you run out of data with your current plan, you must purchase, install, and activate a new Jetpac eSIM.

Jetpac eSIM plans for Turkey
Jetpac eSIM plans for Turkey

Activation process: Jetpac eSIMs are activated with a QR code, which you will get sent to your email or find in the app after purchasing a plan. The card activates once you land in your destination country, but remember to turn on roaming beforehand for it to be able to connect to a local network. Paying for your eSIM is very easy with Jetpac, and you can choose from credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay options.

Customer support: You can reach Jetpac’s customer support via a WhatsApp chat, in-app 24/7 live chat, email, or look for an answer in the blog section on the website. I tried out the WhatsApp chat and was pleased with the prompt and polite answers.

4. Holafly - Turkey eSIM with unlimited data plan

Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
190
Support
Support:
Email, live chat, WhatsApp
  • Plans with unlimited data
  • Flexible eSIM for Turkey choices
  • Supports 5G
  • More expensive than average

Holafly is an excellent Turkey eSIM if you want a solution with unlimited data. All Turkey eSIM plans are given unlimited data, and the eSIMs are very easy to activate and use.

Regional coverage: If you’re looking for broader coverage, Turkey is included in Holafly’s Europe regional package, together with 39 other countries. Additionally, Turkey is included in the Global package, which covers 113 countries in total.

Plan variety: Holafly offers a range of day-by-day plans for a Turkey eSIM. This means you can choose any number of days from 1 to 90. All eSIMs for Turkey from Holafly have unlimited data but do not support regular calls or messaging.

Cost of Turkey eSIM plan: Holafly’s Turkey eSIM plans are a bit more expensive than other providers, starting at $6.90 for 1 day of use with unlimited data and ending at $139.90 for the 90-day plan with unlimited data. All of Holafly’s Turkey plans are prepaid, and you cannot top them up. However, that shouldn’t be an issue since the plans are unlimited.

Holafly eSIM plans for Turkey
Holafly eSIM plans for Turkey

Activation process: To activate your Holafly Turkey eSIM, scan the QR code you’ll receive by email and WhatsApp or manually enter the installation code in your phone’s settings. The card does not activate automatically once you land in your destination country; you must activate it yourself. Holafly offers only Google Pay and PayPal payment options, so check beforehand if they work for you.

Customer support: If any issues should arise while using the Holafly Turkey eSIM, you can reach out to customer support via a WhatsApp chat and in-app 24/7 live chat, email, social media channels, or look for an answer on Holafly’s Help Center page. I tried the in-app 24/7 live chat and got my answers quickly and delivered politely and professionally.

5. Nomad - flexible eSIM for Turkey and beyond

Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
110
Support
Support:
Ticket support, FAQ
  • Some plans include free internet connection
  • Great customer support service
  • Covers 180+ destinations
  • Can ask for photo ID verification

Nomad is a great eSIM for Turkey if you want flexibility and ease of use. The provider offers a wide range of plans and several regional and global package choices.

Regional coverage: In total, Nomad covers 180+ destinations, and if you’re looking for packages rather than just a single location, you can find Turkey included in the Global and Regional packages.

Plan variety: Nomad offers regular and day plans for Turkey, and you can choose from 1-day use and up to 30 days of continuous use. The day plans come with a 1 GB data allowance; however, if you run out of high-speed data, Nomad allows you to use slower 512 Mbps connections, so you won’t be cut out of the network entirely until you top up. As for the regular plans, they vary from 1 GB for 7 days and 10 GB for 30 days. None of Nomad’s plans support regular calls or SMS messages.

Cost of Turkey eSIM plan: The cost for a Turkey eSIM at Nomad starts at $4.50 and goes up to $14 for the most extensive plan. Some of Nomad’s eSIM plans allow for top-ups once you run out of data, but you’ll have to check for the option before purchasing. If your preferred plan does not allow for additional data, you have to purchase, install, and activate a new eSIM.

Nomad eSIM plans for Turkey
Nomad eSIM plans for Turkey

Activation process: Activating Nomad eSIM is very easy and involves a QR code. You’ll get it in your email or in the app after purchasing a plan. Then, scan it and activate your eSIM. Remember to turn on roaming after landing for it to work. Usually, Nomad does not ask for eKYC verification, but some users reported they were asked to upload a copy of their photo ID, so it is better to have one prepared if need be.

Customer support: Nomad offers email tickets, a Help Center, and an in-app 24/7 live chat option to contact customer support. I tried the live chat and got a solution to my problem delivered in a couple of minutes, which is the average time for a customer support agent to respond.

How to use eSIM in Turkey: 5 easy steps

The introduction of eSIMs has made staying connected on international travels easier than ever. The process of purchasing, installing, and activating is straightforward if you follow these 5 easy steps on how to use an eSIM in Turkey:

  1. Select a Turkey eSIM and choose a plan that suits your travel needs. I recommend choosing Saily eSIM, as it proved to be the best choice for Turkey.
  2. Download the eSIM app onto your smartphone. You can get it from your device’s app store.
  3. Install the eSIM onto your phone by following the in-app instructions.
  4. Activate your eSIM by enabling the Turkey data plan on your eSIM app.
  5. Check your phone settings and ensure that roaming is turned on.
  6. That’s it – enjoy hassle-free connection the instant you land in Turkey!
Stay connected in Turkey with Saily eSIM

What you need to know before buying a Turkey eSIM for tourists

There are a couple of useful things to remember before purchasing an eSIM for Turkey:

  • Choose an eSIM provider on time and compare their prices. It’s always a good idea to choose a provider and purchase the eSIM before your Turkey trip. This way, you can easily compare prices and choose the best provider for your unique needs. And if you’d rather spend your time elsewhere instead of researching on eSIMs, trust my recommendation and choose Saily as the best eSIM for Turkey.
  • Decide how much data you will need. Simply checking routes on Maps or posting on social media does not require a lot of available data. However, if you plan to watch videos on YouTube or stream movies on Netflix while abroad, your data requirements may be much higher. Choose your eSIM Turkey plan according to your needs. What you can do with 3GB in Turkey
  • Check if your device is compatible with eSIM. Older devices might not be compatible with eSIMs, only supporting conventional SIM cards. Make sure to check if yours is compatible – you can easily find such information on your eSIM provider’s page. However, most iPhones after iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel smartphones are compatible with the technology.
  • When to activate eSIM. Most eSIMs activate the moment you land in your destination country, requiring only a minimum setup beforehand. However, some eSIMs activate the moment you turn them on. If that’s the case, do not activate your eSIM until you land, as you might run out of data before your trip is over.
  • Consider the timing required for activation. A lot of eSIMs take mere moments to set up and activate. However, I still recommend doing it before you arrive in your destination country to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
  • Contractual speeds. If you want a seamless internet connection in Turkey, make sure your chosen eSIM provider offers at least 4G connections throughout. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for a way to stay connected, then 3G might also be enough.

Keep these pointers in mind before you purchase a Turkey eSIM. This way, you’ll avoid any unexpected issues and find the best price-to-feature ratio for your specific travel needs.

Enjoy seamless eSIM connection in Turkey with Saily

Does my phone support eSIM?

You can check for compatible device lists on your eSIM provider’s website. But if you’d instead do it manually, you can look for information on your phone. For iPhones, go to Settings > Mobile Service and look for a field named Add eSIM. If you find it, it means your iPhone is compatible. To find such information on an Android device, head to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager and look for an eSIM option.

Remember that older iPhone and Android smartphones might not support eSIMs. If that’s the case with your device, there’s nothing much you can do; you will have to stick to conventional SIM cards you can purchase in your destination country. However, if you plan to travel often, upgrading to a newer smartphone might be smart, as using eSIMs will save you time and roaming costs.

Stay connected with Saily eSIM

Is it better to use eSIM or physical SIM in Turkey?

eSIMs for Turkey are usually easier to use than traditional SIMs, can significantly cut roaming costs, and are generally safer to use. However, traditional SIM cards also offer some benefits, such as better prices for prolonged stays. To illustrate the pros and cons better, I created a table for a side-by-side comparison:

Feature eSIM card Physical SIM card
Activation Can be activated remotely Requires physical installation
Form factor Virtual card embedded into your device Physical card requiring insertion in your device
Portability Can be shared between devices via app or settings Needs to be removed and inserted
Safety Impossible to lose and very hard to tamper with Easy to lose, can be hacked
Storage capacity Only compatible with eSIM-available devices Compatible with all SIM devices
Availability Available through selected providers Available from all mobile carriers
Switching between plans Instant and simple Requires changing SIM cards or a dual-SIM device
Cost Can be significantly cheaper for short-term use Can be more affordable for long-term use

Overall, both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs have unique benefits and caveats, but eSIMs are generally easier to use and more cost-efficient for short-term stays abroad. However, if you plan to stay in Turkey for an extended period, then a traditional SIM might be a more affordable choice.

Get the #1 Turkey eSIM now

Alternative ways to stay connected in Turkey

If you’d like to keep your options open and check out alternative ways to stay connected in Turkey, there are a couple more ways you can achieve that:

  • Local SIM cards. Upon arriving in Turkey, you can purchase a traditional local SIM card. You can find such cards in airport kiosks or general shops. Look for popular network carriers, such as Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom, as they all offer affordable data packages for short- and long-term stays.
  • Portable Wi-Fi devices. You can get a pocket Wi-Fi router and use it to stay connected while in Turkey. The devices are usually very portable and simple to use, no matter where you are.
  • International roaming plans. Your own provider might have an international roaming plan that you can use to stay connected while in Turkey. However, check for availability beforehand and see whether it’s a viable option affordability-wise.
  • Public Wi-Fi. You can use public Wi-Fi connections in train stations, cafes, malls, airports, and more. However, public connections are generally very unsafe to use, and I always recommend pairing them with the best travel VPNs.

Make travel simple with Saily

Conclusion: what is the best eSIM for Turkey?

eSIMs are excellent for travelers who want to stay connected in Turkey while also saving on roaming costs and ensuring safety. In comparison to traditional SIM cards, eSIMs offer more flexibility, are easier to use, can be activated remotely, and offer plans to suit your unique travel needs.

Right now, the best eSIM for Turkey is Saily, and I stand firmly behind my recommendation. The provider offers flexible plans that cater to every need. The eSIM is super simple to activate and use, and you also get world-class customer support that is there 24/7 to respond to your requests. Not to mention, it allows to save a lot of money on international roaming fees.



FAQ

Can I use eSIM in Turkey?

Yes, you can use an eSIM in Turkey. My top recommendation is Saily, as it provides seamless connection no matter where in the country you are, offers great data plans, and has probably the best customer service in the industry. Additionally, Ssily eSIMs are very easy to activate and use.

Where to buy an eSIM card for Turkey?

You can buy an eSIM card for Turkey from your chosen provider. Simply head to their website or download the app, select your preferred plan, and purchase it. Remember to activate your new eSIM before you land; it will start working automatically.

Is Saily eSIM good in Turkey?

Saily eSIM is a very good choice for Turkey travel. Saily offers 5 flexible data plans catered to Turkey and partners with the most trustworthy local telecom carriers. Additionally, the provider supports 5G connections, so you can enjoy smooth connectivity whenever you need it.

How much is an eSIM for Turkey?

An eSIM for Turkey starts at $1. Jetpac offers this plan, which is valid for 4 days and has a 1 GB data allowance. If you’re looking for unlimited data for extended periods, then Holafly has unlimited data, 90-day eSIM for Turkey for $139.90.

Which SIM card has the best coverage in Turkey?

Saily has the best coverage in Turkey. The provider partners with the best telecom providers in Turkey and supports 5G connection throughout the country. Additionally, Saily offers very affordable plans, starting at just $3.99.

Is Airalo working in Turkey?

Yes, Airalo is working in Turkey. You can choose from 7 different data plans to cater to your needs, and the price for them starts at $4.50 for 1 GB and ends at $35.00 for unlimited data allowance.

How can I avoid data roaming charges in Turkey?

You can avoid data roaming charges in Turkey by purchasing an eSIM. My top eSIM for Turkey choice is Saily, as it offers flexible data plans, is very simple to use, and activates automatically once you land. Additionally, Saily supports a 5G connection for a seamless experience.

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