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Are you planning a trip to Turkey to ride a hot air balloon over the stunning rock formations of Cappadocia, dive into Turkey’s rich culture and history in Istanbul, or explore the iconic Armenian Church of the Holy Cross at Lake Van? Staying connected throughout your journey is essential, but dealing with local SIM purchases and plans can be a hassle. That’s where eSIM Turkey solutions step in to provide a more convenient alternative.
In this guide, we will explore the best eSIM carriers, compare eSIM plans, and help you understand the difference between eSIM vs physical SIM options to find the cheapest eSIM for your trip.
Tips:
Most phones released in recent years are compatible with eSIM, so it shouldn't be a major concern. If you are new to eSIM, it is better to check if your phone is eSIM compatible before purchasing an eSIM for travelling to Turkey.
➢1. Microesim
Microesim provides a convenient, affordable eSIM plan to stay connected with unlimited data while traveling in Turkey. Microesim partners with Turkey’s most reliable eSIM carriers, ensuring a strong and stable network, and with instant email delivery upon purchase, you’re ready to connect as soon as you arrive. There are no additional fees, allowing you to save money with this prepaid eSIM while keeping your original SIM active for calls, WhatsApp, and VoIP apps.
Moreover, what makes Microesim stand out as the best eSIM carrier is that, even if you exhaust your high-speed data, you remain connected to the internet at a reduced speed of 128kbps instead of being completely cut off. This unique feature ensures a smooth travel experience，keeping you online even after your primary data is depleted. Additionally, With support for mobile hotspot，you can share your data with multiple devices and even with others. Microesim also provides more eSIM options for international travel, such as Europe eSIM 30 Days plan and Balkans eSIM.
Overall, Microesim must be the first choice for travelers who need reliable, shareable eSIM plans on the go.
Here are the price packages from Microesim for eSIM Turkey:
| Destination | Duration | Data Plans | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 1-60 Days | Total 200MB to 60GB | $1.39-$61.50 |
| 1-30 Days | Daily 500MB to 3GB | $1.49-$68.70 | |
| 3-30 Days | Unlimited 5Mbps | $10.10-$77.70 |
➢2. Airalo
Airalo offers a wide variety of eSIM plans in Turkey to cater to travelers and short-term visitors. From 1 GB for a week to unlimited data for 10 days, these plans are flexible and affordable, making it easy for users to stay connected while traveling through Turkey. The series is ideal for tourists or business professionals who need reliable data options with varying durations and budgets.
Here are the price packages from Airalo for eSIM Turkey:
| Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 1GB | $4.50 |
| 10 Days | Unlimited | $35.00 |
| 15 Days | 2GB | $6.50 |
| 30 Days | 3GB-20 GB | $8.00-$20.00 |
➢3. Holafly
Holafly, launched in 2017, offers international eSIM cards, providing a convenient way for travelers to stay connected without incurring roaming charges. For those traveling to Turkey, the Unlimited Data eSIM Plan provides affordable access to unlimited internet at a discounted price of $5.90 USD (down from $8.00 USD). The setup process is straightforward: once the global eSIM is purchased, users receive installation instructions to activate their data plan and can connect instantly upon arrival.
Here are the price packages from Holafly for eSIM Turkey:
| Number of days | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1Day-90Days | Unlimited | $5.90-$138.90 |
➢4. Turksim
With Turksim, you can enjoy high-speed internet and stay connected without worrying about costly roaming fees. This eSIM for international travel is designed to be instantly active, so you can use it as soon as you arrive, keeping your original SIM card for receiving calls while relying on Turksim’s data plan for apps like WhatsApp and general internet browsing. Moreover, there are no hidden costs or unexpected charges.
Here are the price packages from Turksim for eSIM Turkey:
| Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 1 GB | 6,90€ |
| 30 Days | 3 GB-50 GB | 12,90€ - 89,90€ |
➢5. Etravelsim
Etravelsim provides flexible travel eSIM plans, offering options for both local calls and data, tailored to various durations and data needs. Turkey Plans like eSIM with phone number and data start at $9, including 100-200 minutes for 30 days and data options ranging from 1GB to 25GB. Unlimited data plans are available for 7 to 30 days, priced between $28 and $94. Data-only plans start at $6, with options from 1GB to 25GB for up to 30 days, or unlimited data for 7 to 30 days, priced between $26 and $87.
Here are the price packages from Etravelsim for eSIM Turkey:
| Local Calls | Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mins Local Calls | 30 Days | 1GB-25GB | $9.00-$28.00 |
| 100 Mins Local Calls | 7-30Days | Unlimited | $28.00-$89.00 |
| 200 Mins Local Calls | 30 Days | 1GB-25GB | $14.00-$34.00 |
| 200 Mins Local Calls | 7-30Days | Unlimited | $34.00-$94.00 |
| Data Only | 30 Days | 1GB-25GB | $6.00-$26.00 |
| Data Only | 7-30Days | Unlimited | $26.00-$87.00 |
➢6. Saily
Saily offers the simple mobile eSIM plan to stay connected while traveling in Turkey, with affordable data plans starting at just $3.99 and no roaming charges. With coverage from Turkey’s top networks, you’ll have reliable mobile data while keeping your original phone number. Saily’s eSIM technology is compatible with all eSIM-enabled smartphones, making it easy to install and activate directly through the Saily app. Flexible plans let you choose global eSIM you need, ensuring you stay in control of your phone bill.
Here are the price packages from Saily for eSIM Turkey:
| Number of days | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 1 GB | $3.99 |
| 30 days | 3 GB-20 GB | $6.99-$22.99 |
➢7. How Do I Know if I Have eSIM or SIM?
If you’re an international traveler, business professional, short-term visitor, backpacker, or multi-national resident, using a mobile eSIM may be the more convenient choice for staying connected online. But what is an esim card and how does it differ from a traditional SIM card? While a traditional SIM card is a physical card that must be inserted into your phone, an eSIM is a digital version embedded directly in your device, allowing you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical card. Below is a detailed comparison between eSIMs and physical SIMs to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
eSIM vs Physical SIM
Different Form:
- SIM: A SIM is a small physical card that can be inserted into your phone's SIM card slot. It comes in various sizes, including: Standard SIM, Micro SIM and Nano SIM.
- eSIM: An eSIM (Embedded SIM), on the other hand, is a digital chip embedded directly into your device. Instead of a physical card, it allows activation through a simple QR code scan. This not only saves space inside your device but also eliminates the need to swap physical cards when changing carriers or plans.
Carrier Flexibility:
- SIM: Devices with traditional SIM cards typically have one or two SIM card slots. You are restricted to the number of SIM slots available on your device, which can be a hassle if you frequently switch between carriers or want to use local networks while keeping your main number active.
- eSIM: With an eSIM, you are not limited by the number of physical slots. You can switch networks from your device settings without physically removing and replacing SIM cards. This increased carrier flexibility provides a stronger and more versatile connectivity solution, especially for those who frequently switch between networks.
Convenience and Security:
- SIM: Using a traditional SIM card and switching to a local network can be cumbersome. You have to physically replace the SIM card, which can be tricky, especially when you're on the move. Moreover, you need to carefully store your original SIM card to avoid losing it, which can be a constant worry for travelers and professionals. Misplacing a SIM card can result in losing access to important contacts, data, or even facing security risks if someone else uses it.
- eSIM: eSIMs are embedded directly in your device, allowing you to switch between eSIM carriers or activate new plans digitally without ever handling a physical card. This not only simplifies the process but also provides added security.
➢8. How Fast Can You Get an eSIM Card?
For this wondering, "how fast can you get an eSIM card?", the answer is incredibly fast! The entire eSIM setup process can realistically be completed in about 5 to 10 minutes. And here’s a quick guide about how to choose and activate your eSIM.
Choose the Right Plan:
When choosing an eSIM plan, you can browse various options to find the one that fits your specific needs. Consider factors like the duration of the plan, data requirements and prices within your budget.
Order and Receive a Code:
When you order an eSIM plan from a carrier, you’ll typically receive a QR code either via email or the carrier’s app. You don't need to wait for physical delivery or visit a store.If you buy esim on Microesim, you can expect to receive your QR code in about five minutes, sometimes even less than a minute.
Scan the Code:
Once you have the code, all you need to do is scan it using your smartphone. This step is quick and can be done from anywhere in the world with internet access.（If you get a "This code is no longer valid" error, click the link for a solution)
Instant Activation:
After scanning, the eSIM is instantly activated on your device. You don't need to physically insert anything or visit a local carrier store. The entire process is managed digitally, taking only a few minutes. Just follow the activation instructions provided by the eSIM carrier, and you’re all set.
➢9. Conclusion:
Choosing the right eSIM plan for Turkey allows you to stay connected affordably and conveniently, so you can fully enjoy everything the country has to offer. Whether you’re looking for cheap eSIM plans or a high-data plan, there’s an eSIM solution for every traveler in Microesim. Select based on the duration, data, and budget that best fits your needs, and get ready for a hassle-free connection on your trip.
If you are travelling to Turkey and countries around it. MicroEsim provides regional eSIM plans for areas covering Turkey. You can take regional plans for consideration and this kind of eSIM can connect seamlessly accrossing boarding.