How to set up an eSIM for Turkey — troubleshooting activation and APN settings

In June 2026 a traveler said she had bought a Merhaba eSIM at home but could not add it — the phone said the code was invalid. She then bought an eSIM on Trip.com: activation seemed to go through, but adding it by QR code failed again. Even so, after she switched off her own SIM cards, mobile internet started working and the network name showed 'Turk Telekom'. This is one individual case, not a rule for every eSIM.

In June 2026 a traveler installed a Trip.com eSIM by QR code in advance, but on arrival the internet did not work: the phone had not loaded all the settings and the access point (APN) was missing. Once he entered it manually, everything worked. His tip: after installing the eSIM, check your mobile data settings and, if there is no access point, add it yourself — the APN name should be in the eSIM instructions on Trip.com. He was happy with the service: speed and signal strength held up everywhere he went.

Installation steps for a Trip.com eSIM recommended in June 2026: find your booking in the Trip.com app and tap 'Quick install on this device', then go through all the steps — ideally before departure while you are on Wi-Fi. In your settings, turn off data roaming for the main SIM and turn it on for the eSIM. According to the person giving the tip, the internet then comes on by itself after landing.