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Are you planning to travel to Turkey to experience a hot air balloon ride over the stunning rock formations of Cappadocia, experience Turkey's rich culture and history in Istanbul, or explore the iconic Armenian Holy Cross Church on Lake Van?
During your trip, it is very annoying to have a signal interruption or loss of connection. However, the local SIM card in Turkey is very cumbersome. Not only do you have to queue up to buy and receive it, but you also need to manually place it in the SIM card slot. For convenience and speed, I recommend using a Turkish eSIM card to quickly add an eSIM to your phone to travel around Turkey.
In this guide, we will explore the best eSIM operators, compare eSIM plans, and help you understand the difference between eSIM and physical SIM options so that you can 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.
Tips:
Recently, it has come to our attention that Turkey has started to block and restrict some eSIM companies. This has prevented many users in Turkey from installing and activating their eSIMs, leaving them with no choice but to use a local Turkish SIM card.
Therefore, if you're traveling to Turkey, it's highly recommended that you install and activate your eSIM before you depart. This will help you avoid any issues with local policies that may prevent you from using an eSIM once you're there.
➢1. Microesim Turkey eSIM
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.
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.
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 | 3-30 Days | Total 1 GB to 50GB | $2.22-$36.73 |
| 1-60 Days | Daily 500MB to 3GB | $0.98-$122.19 | |
| 1-60 Days | Unlimited | $3.64-$236.48 |
Tips:
Microesim summer season esim card, enjoy the lowest 5% and highest 10% discount on all items.
➢2. Airalo Turkey eSIM
Airalo offers a wide variety of eSIM plans in Turkey to cater to travelers and short-term visitors. From 1 GB for a week to unlimited data for 10 days, these plans are flexible and affordable, making it easy for users to stay connected while traveling through Turkey. The series is ideal for tourists or business professionals who need reliable data options with varying durations and budgets.
Promotion: 0$ per day, 1GB for 24 hours for new users. You can claim it by downloading the APP or binding your bank card.
Here are the price packages from Airalo for eSIM Turkey:
| Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price（USD） |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 1GB | $4.50 |
| 10 Days | Unlimited | $35.00 |
| 15 Days | 2GB | $6.00 |
| 30 Days | 3GB-20 GB | $6.50-$22.50 |
The brand is blocked locally and the URL cannot be opened.
➢3. Holafly Turkey eSIM
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（USD） |
|---|---|---|
| 1Day-90Days | Unlimited | $1.99-$139.90 |
Please Note:
The price for a 1-day unlimited Holafly plan is $1.99. However, if you purchase an unlimited plan for more than one day, the price will be recalculated. To avoid unexpected charges, please carefully understand the potential risks before making your purchase.
➢4. Turksim Turkey eSIM
Tursim Turkey eSIM is a local operator in Turkey. Turksim's products have a variety of specifications to offer travelers a choice. Users who need different specifications can better choose the packages they need, but they can only calculate fees in euros, which is a bit expensive compared to other brands.
Here are the price packages from Turksim for eSIM Turkey:
| Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price（EUR） |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 1 GB | 6,90€ |
| 30 Days | 3 GB-50 GB | 12,90€ - 79,90€ |
The brand is quite expensive, but their local eSIM product is of higher quality than others. If you have a generous budget, you might want to consider their local SIM card.
➢5. Etravelsim Turkey eSIM
Etravelsim offers flexible travel eSIM packages with local calls and data options, which can be tailored to different durations and data needs.
Etravelsim Turkey is suitable for users who need to make frequent calls. The packages with phone numbers in etravelsim are more prominent than all other brands, and at the same time, the price is good for both data and phone number calls, so if you need to make frequent local calls in Türkiye, you can try this brand.
Here are the price packages from Etravelsim for eSIM Turkey:
| Local Calls | Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price（USD） |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mins Local Calls | 30 Days | 1GB-25GB | $6.50-$20.99 |
| 100 Mins Local Calls | 7-30Days | Unlimited | $21.00-$67.00 |
| 200 Mins Local Calls | 30 Days | 1GB-25GB | $10.50-$24.99 |
| 200 Mins Local Calls | 7-30Days | Unlimited | $25.00-$71.00 |
| Data Only | 30 Days | 1GB-25GB | $4.50-$18.99 |
| Data Only | 7-30Days | Unlimited | $19.00-$65.00 |
➢6. Saily Turkey eSIM
Saily offers a 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 the global eSIM you need, ensuring you stay in control of your phone bill.
Note: Prices have not changed compared to last year
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-$21.84 |
| 10 days-30 days | unlimited | $33.24-$68.39 |
➢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.
Pros and Cons of eSIM vs. Physical SIM
Which one should you choose?
The best choice for you depends on your lifestyle and needs.
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If you are a frequent traveler or a tech enthusiast:
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eSIM is a better choice. It allows you to download a local data plan when you travel internationally, saving you the hassle of buying a physical SIM card. You can also keep your primary number active to receive important calls and texts. If you need to manage multiple numbers for work or personal use, the flexibility of an eSIM will be a major plus.
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If you prefer the traditional way or have an older device:
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A physical SIM card is a better fit. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, or you're used to the simple process of swapping cards between devices, the straightforward nature of a physical SIM will feel more comfortable. Its broad compatibility also means you can use it with almost any phone, new or old.
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➢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.
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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.
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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 the 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 across borders.
