Staying connected while traveling is crucial, whether you're navigating unfamiliar streets or staying in touch with loved ones. If you're heading to Turkey, using an eSIM is the smartest way to ensure seamless connectivity.
In this guide about eSIM Turkey, we will walk you through why an eSIM is the best option for your travel in Turkey, which provider stands out as the top choice, and provide you a comparison table for the best eSIM deals in Turkey.
Let’s begin with some basics.
- If you want more information about SIM cards in Turkey, check out our "Best Turkish SIM Card for Tourists in Antalya" article. Here, we’ll explain why Holafly’s eSIM is the ideal option for travelers in Turkey.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a physical card into your phone, you simply download the eSIM profile to your smartphone. This technology allows you to switch between carriers and data plans without changing the physical SIM card in your phone.
Why Choose an eSIM Turkey instead of a Turkish SIM Card?
Here's an overview of the advantages of using an eSIM in Turkey compared to traditional SIM cards:
- No Need to Swap Physical SIMs: With an eSIM, you don’t have to worry about removing your current SIM card. This means no risk of losing your original SIM or dealing with the hassle of swapping cards.
- Easy Setup: The eSIM setup process is straightforward and can be done in a few minutes from the comfort of your home or hotel room, avoiding the need to visit a local store.
- Hassle-Free Activation: eSIMs are incredibly easy to activate, making them ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free experience.
- Avoid Possible Scams: In Turkey, tourists often face higher prices for Turkish prepaid SIM cards because Turkish GSM operator branches and resellers set their own individual prices. With an eSIM Turkey, you avoid the risk of being overcharged.
- Immediate Connectivity: An eSIM allows you to be connected as soon as you land, without wasting time searching for a local SIM card store. This is especially beneficial after a long flight when all you want is to get online and get going.
- Tailored Data Plans: eSIM providers like Holafly, Esquik, Airalo, and Jetpac offer a range of data plans that cater to different travel durations, whether you're in Turkey for a short visit or an extended stay. Their eSIM plans usually delivers maximum speeds (4G and 5G) to keep you connected wherever you go.
- Robust Coverage: Most of the eSIM providers partner with top local networks in Turkey, ensuring strong, stable connections wherever you go.
In short: eSIMs are perfect for travelers because they are easy to set up, eliminate the need to hunt down a local SIM card, and provide instant connectivity as soon as you land in your destination.
Important: If you choose to buy an eSIM for your trip to Turkey, make sure your smartphone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Most newer smartphones are eSIM-compatible. If you're unsure whether your phone is compatible, please follow these steps:
→ For Android devices: Open your phone’s Settings, go to Connections, and select SIM card manager. If you find an option to add a mobile plan, your device is eSIM-compatible.
→ For iOS devices: Navigate to Settings on your iPhone, then go to Cellular or Mobile Data. If you see the option to "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Data Plan", your device supports eSIM technology.→
eSIM Turkey: Comparison table for all available eSIM deals
In Turkey, most eSIM providers operate on major networks like Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Turk Telekom, delivering strong coverage and stable connections throughout the area.
What sets each provider apart is their data plans, pricing structures, and validity periods. To help you find the ideal option, we’ve put together a detailed comparison of the best SIM card and eSIM choices for Turkey.
Holafly | Esquik | Airalo | Jetpac | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PROVIDER |  |  |  |  |
DATA ALLOWANCE | UNLIMITED | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 20 GB & unlimited data offer | 1 GB - 30 GB |
VALIDITY | Selectable from variety of validity periods | 7, 15, or 30 days | 7, 10, 15, or 30 days | 4, 7, or 30 days |
NETWORK COVERAGE | Turkcell & Turk Telekom | Turk Telekom / Avea | Turk Telekom / Avea | Turk Telekom / Avea |
PRICE & DATA EXAMPLE | 3 days unlimited data: €11.90 | 30 days 3 GB: €8.00 | 15 days 2 GB: €6.50 | 4 days 1 GB: €1.00 |
Price + data for 7 Days | €26.90: unlimited data | €4.50: 1 GB data | €4.50: 1 GB data | €4.00: 3 GB data |
BEST FOR | Digital nomads, business travelers, and users with heavy data needs | Travelers seeking a reliable yet cost-effective choice | Short-term travelers seeking adaptable data plans | Travelers seeking budget-friendly plans with ample data allowances |
PRICE |
Details of the available eSIMs for Antalya and Turkey
1. Holafly
Holafly is a global eSIM provider operating in 160+ countries, one of them being Turkey. Holafly stands out as a unique provider for its unlimited data plans, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers in Antalya. With no data restrictions, it’s an excellent option for those who require fast and consistent internet throughout their stay.
- Data Allowance: Unlimited
- Validity: Choose from multiple duration options
- Network Coverage: Turkcell & Turk Telekom
- Best for: Business travelers and heavy-data users needing unlimited data usage
- Additional Features:
- Immediate activation right after purchase
- 24/7 customer support
- 500 MB daily hotspot for sharing
Holafly's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 5 days unlimited data in Turkey: €18.90
- 7 days unlimited data in Turkey: €26.90
- 10 days unlimited data in Turkey: €33.90
- 15 days unlimited data in Turkey: €46.90
To benefit from a 5% discount, and get more information about Holafly's eSIM deals, click on the following link!
2. Esquik
This well-established eSIM provider known for its cost-effective, high-speed 5G plans in Turkey. Esquik offers the same data plans as Airalo, but for more competitive rates, which makes it a great choice for travelers seeking affordable connectivity. With coverage on Turkey’s top mobile networks, Esquik ensures a fast and stable internet connection throughout the region, making it a reliable option for seamless browsing and communication.
- Data Allowance: From 10 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Turk Telekom (Avea)
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking a reliable coverage and affordability
- Additional Features:
- Offers data-only plans
- Supports 5G
- Instant activation
Esquick's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 7 days 1 GB in Turkey: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB in Turkey: €6.50
- 30 days 10 GB in Turkey: €18.00
- 30 days 20 GB in Turkey: €26.00
Visit the official website of Esquik to benefit from a 5% discount!
3. Airalo
Airalo is a widely recognized eSIM provider, offering affordable prepaid data plans in over 200+ countries. It ensures a stable internet connection for maps, messaging, and browsing, making it an excellent choice for short-term visitors in Antalya. Note that its plans are data-only, meaning calls and SMS are not included.
- Data Allowance: An unlimited data plan for Turkey, and other packages from 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7, 10, 15, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Turk Telekom / Avea
- Best for: Short-term visitors looking for flexible and customizable data options
- Additional Features:
- Free 500 MB data for 3 days for first-timers
- Supports 5G
- Data-only offers
Airalo's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 7 days 1 GB in Turkey: €4.50
- 10 days unlimited data in Turkey: €35.00
- 15 days 2 GB in Turkey: €6.50
- 30 days 20 GB in Turkey: €26.00
Visit Airalo's website to get more information about the eSIM deals for Turkey!
4. Jetpac
Jetpac is a recent provider in the eSIM market, catering to travelers seeking offering affordable, high-data plans. Offering options from 1 GB up to 30 GB, it focuses on delivering cost-effective connectivity. Jetpac also includes extras like free VPN services and discounts on airport lounge access. But, it's important to note that this eSIM is for data use only.
- Data Allowance: 1 GB to 30 GB
- Validity: 4,7, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Turk Telekom / Avea
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking low-cost plans with high data allowances
- Additional Features:
- Optional VPN trial and discounted Lounge Access
- Supports 4G/5G
- Data-only plans
Jetpac's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 4 days 1 GB in Turkey: €1.00
- 7 days 3 GB in Turkey: €4.00
- 30 days 15 GB in Turkey: €13.50
- 30 days 30 GB in Turkey: €23.00
Visit the link below and learn more about up-to-date plans of Jetpac!
How to Activate an eSIM for Turkey?
Activating your eSIM for Turkey is a straightforward and quick process. However, before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM technology. If you're unsure how to check this, follow the steps outlined here.
Once you purchase an eSIM for Turkey, you’ll immediately receive a QR code or activation code via email. While the email will include detailed instructions for activation, you can also follow these simple steps directly on your phone:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android).
- Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Mobile Plan".
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider or enter the activation details manually.
Conclusion:
In summary, an eSIM is the best choice for travelers heading to Turkey, offering convenience, reliability, and cost savings. Don’t miss out on the exclusive discounts offered in this article. For more travel tips, be sure to read our article about recommended Hotels in Antalya, our Antalya Airport guide, and our guide about using the Antalyakart.
FAQ - eSIM Turkey for Tourists
Yes, Turkey supports eSIM technology across major mobile networks. Check out our comparison table for eSIM providers in Turkey to find out the plan that is most suitable for your needs!
Our recommendation is Holafly. With its reliable coverage, flexible unlimited data plans, and competitive pricing, Holafly is the top eSIM choice for tourists in who need unlimited data in Turkey, while Esquik stands out for its affordable and competitive pricing. Jetpac, on the other hand, is a newer provider offering the cheapest eSIM plans.
You can buy an eSIM for Turkey online from providers like Holafly, Esquik, Airalo, and Jetpac. Simply choose a plan, complete the purchase, and scan the QR code sent to your email for instant activation. Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before purchasing.
Once you activate your eSIM, it connects to local Turkish networks, providing you with seamless internet access throughout your stay. The setup is quick and easy, and you can start using it as soon as you arrive.
To use an eSIM, it is crucial that your smartphone is unlocked compatible to the eSIM technology. You will also need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile, and the QR code provided by Holafly after purchase.