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How to get and activate a Turkcell eSIM Turkey
Discover how to get and activate a Turkcell eSIM for your Turkey trip. Learn about packages, pricing, coverage, and step-by-step activation instructions.
October 11, 2023
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Turkcell is the largest mobile network operator in Turkey. With over 38 million users, it is the go-to mobile provider for most locals and tourists alike. Turkcell’s network covers 99% of the population and enables high-speed data. They were the first to introduce 5G and eSIM technology in Turkey.
Expanding 5G networks in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, makes a Turkcell digital SIM card a good choice for your travels.
In this article, you’ll learn more about Turkcell’s eSIM and how it can help you stay connected without having to buy a physical local SIM card in Turkey.
Turkcell eSIM pricing and plans
Turkcell mobile network offers different prepaid packages, and it’s worth noting that every Turkcell SIM card comes in the form of an eSIM. You just need to pick your plan and choose that option during the purchase.
However, you have to check if you are eligible to use different Turkcell plans or if they are limited to Turkish residents. So, if you want a local SIM card, you must look for Turkcell tourist offers.
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Turkcell eSIM Tourist Welcome Pack
Turkcell Tourist Welcome Pack SIM card, which also comes as an eSIM, is only available for tourists and can only be purchased with a foreign passport. It is valid for 30 days and offers 20 GB of high-speed data, 200 minutes for calls within Turkey, and unlimited texts via BiP and WhatsApp. You can expect to pay around $5 USD for this eSIM.
Turkcell eSIM Tourist Starter Pack
Turkcell’s Tourist Starter Pack is another package created for tourists visiting Turkey. It costs $6.42 and is valid for 28 days. During that period, you can use 20 GB of mobile data, 1,000 minutes to all Turkish mobile networks, 100 SMS, and 5 GB of mobile data for BiP only.
Turkcell eSIM Tourist Premium Pack
The Tourist Premium Pack is the biggest package available to tourists. Just like the Starter, the Premium package is valid for 28 days. However, the price is $14, and for that money you get 75 GB of mobile data, 1,000 minutes to Turkish networks, 1,000 SMS, and 5 GB of mobile data valid on BiP. As an additional perk, you will get two months of Youtube Premium subscription for free from Turkcell.
Turkcell mobile network coverage and speed
While Vodafone and Türk Telekom don’t fall much behind, Turkcell has the best coverage in Turkey. In many cases, the coverage is 4G+ network, but there are places in urban areas where 5G is available.
When it comes to speed, Turkcell is again the winner among Turkish mobile networks. The Turkcell mobile network can reach 37.77 Mbps in download and 13.00 Mbps in upload speeds.
Where to buy a Tukcell SIM card and eSIM
You can get a Turkcell SIM card or its eSIM equivalent in several places. Unfortunately, you cannot buy Tourist packages online; you have to visit one of the Turkcell sales points in person.
There is information available online about how you can convert any Turkcell SIM card to an eSIM. However, if you are a tourist, this doesn’t really apply to you because you have to buy your SIM in person, so you might as well purchase it as an eSIM right away. Here’s where you can get your eSIM:
Airports: Turkcell stores and kiosks are easily found at all major airports. Look for a yellow round logo on a blue background.
At a Turkcell Store: You’ll easily spot Turkcell stores all over Turkey. You may see other mobile stores that offer this Turkish SIM card, but be careful with them. If you are not 100% sure that you are purchasing your digital SIM cards from reputable sellers or official stores, don’t do it. There are some scams out there to look out for.
How to get a Turkcell digital SIM card
There are several steps you need to take to get one of the best digital SIM cards in Turkey:
Step 1: Check if your phone is compatible with Turkcell eSIMs. You can check the list of devices below.
Step 2: Get your passport ready because you’ll need it to identify yourself and register your eSIM.
Step 3: Choose your plan. You can choose between the Turkcell Tourist Welcome Pack, Starter, and Premium plans.
Step 4: Go to the Turkcell store to purchase your plan. You have to do this in person.
Smartphones compatible with the Turkcell eSIM Turkey
Virtual Turkcell SIM card can be used on different eSIM compatible smartphones, but also on iPads. Here is the full list of devices that can use a digital Turkcell SIM card:
- 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, 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, 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: 7 Pro, 8 Pro
- Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40, Mate 40 Pro
- Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T
- Oppo: Find X3 Pro, Reno 6 Pro
- Realme: X600NFC, Rea-NX9
How to install the Turkcell digital SIM
As a tourist, you will have to purchase your Turkcell eSIM at the official Turkcell store. This is necessary because Turkcell needs to register your eSIM to your device, and to your name, so they have to confirm your identity.
During the purchase process, tell the shop assistant that you want an eSIM, not a SIM card. They will print out a QR code for you to scan. Once you scan it, simply follow the prompts on the screen, and your eSIM will be installed on your phone.
In rare cases, scanning the QR code doesn’t work. Maybe the camera on your phone isn’t working properly at the moment, or there’s another technical glitch. If that happens, the shop assistant will help you enter the SM-DP+Address and the activation code for your eSIM. This is how you do it:
iOS
- Go to Settings.
- Click Cellular.
- Click Add Cellular Plan.
- Click “Enter details manually.”
- Type the SMDP+ Address and Activation code located on the eSIM.
- Enter the PIN code to unlock the SIM.
Android
- Go to Settings.
- Click Connections.
- Click SIM card manager.
- Click Add mobile plan.
- Click “Enter details manually.”
- Type in the SMDP+ Address and Activation code on the eSIM.
- Enter the PIN code to unlock the SIM.
All this sounds like a lot of work — and it is. Buying your eSIM in person, registering your eSIM, providing your passport details, and even navigating the Turkcell website make the Turkcell experience something most travelers would rather avoid.
So, let’s look into some alternatives.
Turkcell eSIM alternatives
Besides Turkcell, there are other providers who offer eSIM services in Turkey. However, you’ll have similar experiences with them as you would with Turkcell. With that in mind, let’s start with an option that is truly different from local Turkish SIM card providers.
Holafly unlimited data digital SIM card 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. If you don’t want another physical SIM card and want to save that extra SIM card slot for something else, you can get 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 data plan.
- Data sharing: You get a hotspot sharing 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: There is no physical SIM card to convert, no trips to the eSIM provider’s shop. Simply scan the QR code, and you are good to go.
Turk Telekom
Another popular Turkish mobile provider is Turk Telekom. Their website is much more convenient than Turkcell, and there is an English version of the website. Turk Telekom offers four different plans for tourists:
- 10 GB for 7 days: 250 minutes, 250 SMS for $6.42
- 25 GB for 28 days: 750 minutes, 750 SMS for $8.46
- 50 GB for 28 days: 1500 minutes, 1000 SMS for $11.09
- 75 GB for 15 days: 750 minutes, 750 SMS for $11.09
However, just like with Turkcell, you must buy your eSIM in person, in a store.
Vodafone Turkey
Vodafone Turkey is the local branch of the famous worldwide mobile carrier. It offers both SIM and eSIM services. They have two eSIM options for tourists: Welcome to Turkey Pack and 20 GB and 50 GB. Both packages contain 750 minutes of calls and 250 SMS.
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 eSIM works in Turkey. Here’s what you should get ready for:
- You’ll have to do everything in person. Tourists have to get their packages from physical stores. There are no options to buy your eSIM online.
- You’ll have to identify and register yourself. The purchase process also includes you leaving your data with the mobile provider and proving your identity with your passport.
- It’s possible to max out on the number of eSIMs you buy in Turkey. Some frequent visitors to Turkey say that they weren’t able to buy another SIM or eSIM card after they already bought three of them in the past.
- Your eSIM expires entirely after a certain period. Also, some tourists report that after 90 days, you have to verify your number 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 Tourist packages is to search for them in the search bar.
- The language barrier is a big challenge online and offline. This is probably one of the most distracting parts of this entire experience. Finding your way around the website and app in Turkish with little help 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 be activated in a matter of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, eSIM technology is available in Turkey. Turkcell was the first company to introduce it.
Yes, Holafly eSIM works in Turkey. Besides the eSIM for the entire Turkey, you can also get a Holafly eSIM for Istanbul.
Yes, all plans from Turkcell come in both SIM and eSIM versions. You choose whichever you like.
Yes, Istanbul supports eSIM. Moreover, Istanbul is one of the rare places where you can get 5G coverage in Turkey.
