[2024 Latest Edition] If you're traveling to Turkey! A must-read! A complete guide to recommended SIM cards!
Planning a trip to Turkey? Merhaba! Are you ready for your trip? The Republic of Turkey has many attractive spots, such as the World Heritage sites of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, Istanbul, a city where Eastern and Western cultures blend, and Turkish cuisine, which is one of the three great cuisines in the world. A smartphone is essential to enjoy Turkey to the fullest, with local navigation, restaurant searches, translation functions, and social media updates. Here, we will show you how to choose and use the best SIM card for your stay in Turkey.
1. Communication environment and SIM card selection
Checking coverage and communication quality
When choosing a SIM card for Turkey, it's important to make sure that the areas you plan to visit have adequate coverage. We recommend a local SIM card, which will provide stable connections not only in urban areas like Istanbul, but also in popular tourist destinations like Antalya and Cappadocia.
Determine your data plan and speed
4G and LTE networks are common in Turkey. 5G is becoming more and more available in urban areas. The communication environment is relatively stable except on subways. Choose a plan that suits your travel style, taking into consideration the amount of data and communication speed you need. If you watch a lot of videos, upload photos to SNS, or download a lot of data, a large-capacity data plan is suitable.
Deciding on a pricing plan
Choose a plan that offers the best cost performance depending on the length of your stay and the amount of data you will use. If you are staying for a short period of time, a pro-rata plan is convenient. On the other hand, if you are staying for a long period of time or have a lot of data usage, we recommend a monthly plan.
2. Key points for choosing a SIM card in Türkiye
Check the SIM card type and compatibility
When visiting Turkey, the most important thing is to choose a SIM card that is compatible with your device. In addition to traditional physical SIM cards (standard SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM), the latest devices also offer eSIM. It is important to check the type of SIM card your smartphone supports before traveling.
3. How do I get a SIM card in Türkiye?
Where to buy a SIM card
In Turkey, you can get a SIM card at Istanbul International Airport, as well as in the city center and shopping malls. When purchasing a SIM card, you will need to show your ID (passport). Be sure to check that you can connect to the Internet on your smartphone before leaving the store.
Recommended SIM cards for Türkiye
■ Turkcell SIM
Turkcell is the top telecommunications company in the country, headquartered in Istanbul. It offers an extensive 4G/LTE network and high-speed communications. The Tourist Welcome Pack, a prepaid plan perfect for travelers, offers 20GB of data, 200 minutes of free calls within Turkey, and is valid for 30 days.
■ Vodafone Turkey SIM
Vodafone Türkiye, part of the UK-based Vodafone Group, is known for its reliable network and wide coverage. You can purchase a prepaid card called the Welcome to Turkey Pack at the Vodafone shop. It comes in 20GB and 50GB plans, with 750 free minutes of calls within Turkey and unlimited use of Facebook, Instagram and X for one week.
■ Türk Telekom SIM
Türk Telekom is a Turkish state-owned telecommunications service company headquartered in the capital Ankara. It provides a network that covers the entire country of Turkey. It offers prepaid SIM card plans for travelers in Turkey, which can be purchased at Türk Telekom shops and airports. There are 25GB and 50GB plans valid for 28 days, and a 75GB plan valid for 15 days, both of which include over 750 minutes of free calls and unlimited use of Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube for one week.
Important information when using a SIM card in Türkiye
How to obtain a SIM card and preparations
It is important to check in advance how to obtain a SIM card, the compatibility of the smartphone you will be using, and the documents required for purchase. You can obtain a SIM card at the airport or a local mobile phone specialty store. Setting your smartphone's language to English in advance will make the activation process smoother. Activation may take some time, so plan well in advance. You may also need to have local currency ready when purchasing, so be sure to have it ready in advance.
Select a data plan
When using data in Turkey, if you use the smartphone you brought from Japan as is, you may incur high international roaming charges. It is important to check the data volume and speed limits of your current smartphone plan in advance and choose a plan that suits your usage pattern.
Check the SIM card size
Find out what size SIM card your phone needs - most commonly a nano SIM, but you might need a different size - and also make sure you have a pin to replace your SIM card, and a way to store your current SIM card.
Check the SIM lock status of your smartphone
If your smartphone is SIM-locked by a specific carrier, you may not be able to use a local SIM card. Please check the SIM-lock status of your smartphone before traveling and see if it can be unlocked.
■The eSIM "VOYAGEESIM" for traveling to Turkey, which can be purchased in advance in Japan , can be purchased here .
The best communication method for traveling in Turkey is " eSIM "!
■Benefits of eSIM when staying in Turkey
If you are planning a trip to Turkey, we recommend using eSIM as a means of communication. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into a smartphone or tablet. With eSIM, there is no need to replace the troublesome SIM card; you can start communicating immediately by completing a few steps of settings online! Even if you rent a Wi-Fi router, it is a hassle to carry it around, charge it, and return it, but with eSIM, there is no such hassle or stress. It is sure to make your trip to Turkey more comfortable.
■ Recommended for traveling to Türkiye! If you want an eSIM, try "VOYAGE eSIM"
VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE
Supported countries are here
Click here for a list of products
You can choose from four plans: 5G for 10 days, 10GB for 15 days, 20GB for 30 days, and 50GB for 60 days.
With " VOYAGEE SIM ", you don't need to replace the SIM card you are using in Japan! No need to wait for a purchase! After purchasing online, just set it up online in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will immediately be able to communicate in 42 countries and regions in Europe! It's simple, convenient, and smart!
*The communications service provided by this product is Vodafone Roaming Services S.à rl.
■VOYAGEESIM FOR Europe review
"easy to use
I used it in Turkey/UK and it worked without any problems. It was easy to connect to the line. "-April 22, 2024-
"This is my first time using this comfortable internet environment. I used the 5GB, 10-day plan for an 8-day tour of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
I downloaded the app onto my iPhone in advance in Japan as instructed in the manual, and when I arrived at Munich Airport, I switched to the eSIM and was able to use it immediately.
I was able to connect to 5G or 4G networks without any problems in any country, and had a comfortable internet environment. The signal was weak near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and I couldn't connect, including to other service users, but otherwise there were no problems at all.
Compared to renting Wi-Fi, it is very convenient that you don't need to charge your device or carry around the Wi-Fi itself, and you can easily check the remaining charge at any time. It's also good value for money, and I would like to use it when traveling abroad in the future. " March 19, 2024
"It saved me.
I bought it with the intention of using it in Finland, Portugal, and London, including transit points. I had trouble connecting at first, but after tweaking the settings, it finally connected. I would like to use it again. " - May 11, 2024 -
Source: VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 10 days/5GB
VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 15 days/10GB
VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 30 days/20GB
summary
If you are considering traveling to Turkey, an eSIM is the best communication option as it is easy and quick to set up. In this article, we have introduced the benefits of eSIM when traveling to Turkey, how to obtain a SIM card, and the key points for using it. A comfortable and convenient means of communication will make your travel experience even more enjoyable. Use this guide to make the most of your stay in Turkey. Until then, iyi yolculuklar (have a good trip) everyone!
