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eSIM in Turkey
Install the eSIM before your trip, then you are online in Turkey right away.
In Turkey, eSIM provider websites are blocked, but an installed eSIM works there as normal.
Comparison
Roaming, local SIM or eSIM?
Three ways to get online in Turkey. These are the differences.
| Feature | NoBorderSim eSIM | Roaming on your plan | Turkish SIM bought locally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Fixed price for the whole trip | Depends on your plan | Price in the local shop |
| Number and WhatsApp | Kept, your main SIM stays in | Kept | New Turkish number. With only one SIM slot, you take your own card out |
| Online when you land | Yes, if installed at home | Yes | Only after buying it locally |
| Passport and registration | Not needed | Not needed | Passport needed, registration takes a while |
| Subscription or contract | No subscription, ends by itself | Runs on your contract | Prepaid |
| Data | 2 GB fast every day, then unlimited at up to 1 Mbit/s | Depends on your plan | Depends on the package |
NoBorderSim eSIM
- Price
- Fixed price for the whole trip
- Number and WhatsApp
- Kept, your main SIM stays in
- Online when you land
- Yes, if installed at home
- Passport and registration
- Not needed
- Subscription or contract
- No subscription, ends by itself
- Data
- 2 GB fast every day, then unlimited at up to 1 Mbit/s
Roaming on your plan
- Price
- Depends on your plan
- Number and WhatsApp
- Kept
- Online when you land
- Yes
- Passport and registration
- Not needed
- Subscription or contract
- Runs on your contract
- Data
- Depends on your plan
Turkish SIM bought locally
- Price
- Price in the local shop
- Number and WhatsApp
- New Turkish number. With only one SIM slot, you take your own card out
- Online when you land
- Only after buying it locally
- Passport and registration
- Passport needed, registration takes a while
- Subscription or contract
- Prepaid
- Data
- Depends on the package
Information on roaming and local SIMs is general. What your plan costs in Turkey is shown in your provider's app or on its website.
Important for Turkey
Install the eSIM before you fly.
In Turkey, eSIM provider websites are blocked. An installed eSIM works there as normal, you just do the download at home on Wi-Fi.
- At homeInstall the eSIM on Wi-Fi, ideally a few days before you fly. Your days do not count yet.
- After landingTurn on data roaming for the eSIM. Now your days start.
- On the goEvery day 2 GB at full speed, then unlimited at up to 1 Mbit/s.
You cannot add days later, so choose your whole trip right away. Already in Turkey? Buy the eSIM and install it on your hotel's Wi-Fi, as long as our website can be reached.
Questions about Turkey
Why should I install the eSIM before my trip?
In Turkey, eSIM provider websites are blocked. An installed eSIM works there as normal, but the download is best done at home on Wi-Fi. Your days only start when you go online in Turkey.
I am already in Turkey. What now?
If you have already bought the eSIM but not installed it yet: your confirmation email has everything you need, including the QR code and the codes to type in. Install it on your hotel Wi-Fi.
If you do not have an eSIM yet, you can also buy it in Turkey and install it on Wi-Fi, as long as our site can be reached.
Do I need an app?
No. You install the eSIM directly in your phone settings. On iPhone with iOS 17.4 or newer, one tap on the button in your email is enough. iPhone guide or Android guide.
Why are there only unlimited plans?
You cannot add days or data with us. That is why all our plans are unlimited: every day 2 GB at full speed, then unlimited at up to 1 Mbit/s. Choose as many days as your trip lasts right away. What does unlimited mean?
Do I keep my number and WhatsApp?
Yes. The eSIM is for data only. Your own SIM stays in your phone and WhatsApp keeps working with your number. Turn off data roaming for your own number so you do not get charged there.
Will my iPhone from Turkey work?
On iPhones bought in Turkey before 23 June 2020, eSIM may be switched off. Do the test before you buy: dial *#06#. If you see an EID, your iPhone supports eSIM. Compatible phones
I am staying longer than 90 days
Our plans go up to 90 days. If you stay in Turkey longer, your phone may need to have its device number (IMEI) registered there. Ask a Turkish mobile provider about this locally.
Was this helpful? If not, write to us.
Write to us and we will help you. If you cannot find the email with your eSIM, we will send you the link again.