How to get and activate a Turkcell eSIM Turkey

A Turkcell eSIM offers reliable coverage, high-speed data, and tourist-friendly plans that can be activated in-store with your passport. It’s one of the most popular eSIM options for short-term visitors to Turkey.

As one of the largest mobile networks in Turkey, Turkcell covers approximately 99% of the population, ensuring connection to a 4G+ or 4.5G mobile network.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to get and activate a Turkcell eSIM, what to expect from their tourist plans, and why a travel eSIM like Holafly might be a faster, easier alternative to stay connected, especially if you prefer to set everything up online before your trip.

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Turkcell eSIM pricing and plans 

You can get a Turkcell tourist eSIM with five different plans, and these are also available as a Turkey SIM card if you have a SIM-only phone.

Here are the current available tourist Turkcell tourist SIM plans for tourists:

Where to buy a Tukcell eSIM and SIM

You can buy a Turkcell tourist eSIM online or in-store, but in both cases, you’ll need your passport and must verify your identity with a Turkcell agent, either in person or through a live video call in the Turkcell app.

Once verified, your eSIM profile will be activated and ready to use as soon as you arrive in Turkey. For travelers who prefer a physical Turkcell SIM card, you can complete the process at any official Turkcell store, including those at Istanbul Airport.

How to get a Turkcell digital SIM card

You can now buy a Turkcell eSIM online and activate it entirely through the Turkcell app. The process is 100% digital and available to travelers with an eSIM-compatible phone.

After placing your order, you’ll activate your Turkcell eSIM using the app by:

• Scanning your passport with your phone camera
• Using NFC to tap your passport to your phone
• Completing a short identity check and live video confirmation
• Accepting the contract to finalize the setup

Once your eSIM profile is installed and you arrive in Turkey, your tourist package will activate automatically.

If you prefer, you can also visit a Turkcell store in Turkey, where a representative will assist you in completing the process in person.

Smartphones compatible with the Turkcell eSIM Turkey

You can get a Turkcell eSIM that can be used on different eSIM-compatible phones, but also on iPads. 

You can also check the full eSIM Turkcell compatibility list for the most up-to-date supported devices.

• iPhone: XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, SE 2020, SE 3
• iPad: 7th Gen, 8th Gen, 9th Gen, 10th Gen, Air 3rd Gen, Air 4th Gen, Air 5th Gen, Pro 11-inch 1st Gen, Pro 11-inch 2nd Gen, Pro 11-inch 3rd Gen, Pro 11-inch 4th Gen, Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Gen, Pro 12.9-inch 5th Gen, Pro 12.9-inch 6th Gen
• Samsung Galaxy: A35 5G, A55 5G, M34 5G, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G, S20, S20 5G, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, S20+ 5G, S21, S21 FE 5G, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra, S21 Ultra 5G, S21+ 5G, S22, S22 5G, S22 Plus, S22 Plus (Exynos), S22 Ultra, S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra, S25, S25 Ultra, S25 Plus, S25 FE, Xcover 7, Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 6, Z Fold3 5G
• Google Pixel: 6A, 6Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL
• Huawei: Mira 3, Mira 4, P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40, Mate 40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 80 Pro
• Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T, 15T, 15 Ultra
• Oppo: Find X3 Pro, Reno 6 Pro
• Realme: X600NFC, Rea-NX9

How to install the Turkcell eSIM

Once your Turkcell eSIM is activated, either in-store or via the Turkcell app, the installation process is usually handled for you. If you do need to install it manually, you’ll be given a QR code or activation details like the SM-DP+ address and a PIN

Both iOS and Android devices let you add a mobile plan in your phone’s settings. A Turkcell agent can walk you through this step if needed.

Turkcell eSIM alternatives

Besides the digital Turkcell SIM card, other providers offer eSIMs in Turkey. However, you’ll have similar experiences with them as you would with Turkcell. With that in mind, let’s see what each one offers and which one makes using your cell phone in Turkey the easiest.

International eSIM: Holafly unlimited data eSIM for Turkey

For all those who want to avoid these complicated processes and limitations that come with getting local Turkish SIM cards,  Holafly is the solution. You can get a Holafly eSIM for Turkey in minutes, entirely online – even before you reach Turkey.

Here are some of the reasons why Holafly eSIM makes perfect sense for your travel to Turkey and other countries. You can choose from over 200 destinations, both regional and country-specific.

• Unlimited data: All Holafly eSIM plans come with unlimited data. That means you don’t have to worry about running out of data at any point during your trip.
• Customizable plans: Pick the exact number of days you’ll be in Turkey. That’s precisely how much you’ll pay for your mobile data plan.
• Data sharing: You get a hotspot sharing mobile data allowance of 500 MB daily.
• 24/7 customer support: The language barrier is a big issue in Turkey. If you want to avoid it, choose an eSIM that has multi-language support that’s available 24/7 via WhatsApp and Holafly App.
• Quick installation: you don’t have to learn how to convert a physical SIM card to eSIM, no trips to the eSIM provider’s shop, plus, your SIM card slot remains free. Simply scan the QR code, and you get your mobile data instantly.

If you’re planning to spend an extended amount of time abroad, Holafly Plans offers a monthly subscription service with worldwide coverage. Pick from 25 GB to unlimited data monthly plans and enjoy staying connected, using high-speed data, for as long as you need.

Local eSIM alternatives to Turkcell

If you want to skip the virtual Turkcell SIM card, there are two other reliable local options for eSIM users in Turkey: Vodafone Turkey and Turk Telekom. Please note that their eSIMs typically require activation in person at a local store, and you will need to present a valid passport.

• Vodafone Turkey: Offers two eSIM packages for visitors — 20 GB and 50 GB — both including 750 local minutes and 250 SMS. Vodafone network is strong in urban areas and tourist destinations, making it a dependable choice for most travelers.
• Turk Telekom: Provides several short-term tourist plans, including 10 GB for 7 days ($6.42), 25 GB for 28 days ($8.46), 50 GB for 28 days ($11.09), and 75 GB for 15 days ($11.09). 

Challenges with buying a Turkcell eSIM

There are several challenges you can face when buying your eSIM from Turkcell. Some of these are Turkcell-specific, but others are simply the way the virtual SIM process works in Turkey. Here’s what you should get ready for:

• You’ll have to identify and register yourself. The purchase process also involves leaving your personal inforrmation with the mobile provider and providing your identity with a valid passport.
• Your eSIM expires entirely after a certain period. Additionally, some tourists report that after 90 days, you must verify your eSIM or local SIM card, or it expires. The catch is – you can only register it with a valid Turkish ID.
• The website is extremely difficult to navigate for tourists. The only way to find Turkish SIM card packages for tourists is to search for them in the search bar, and everything is in Turkish.
• The language barrier is a big challenge online and offline. This is one of the most distracting parts of this entire experience. Navigating the website and app in Turkish with minimal assistance from the shop assistants is quite a challenge.

Good thing there’s an easy and elegant way to avoid all of this: by choosing to arrive in Turkey with your Holafly eSIM already purchased and ready to activate and connect to the best mobile networks it can detect.

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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