What is the best value for mobile internet in Antalya for 1–2 weeks: roaming, a local Turkish SIM card, or paid hotel Wi‑Fi?
From messages by 2 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 20 days ago
From messages by 2 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 20 days ago
TL;DR
For a short stay in Antalya, travelers often recommend using your home operator’s roaming package; one example mentioned was MTS with 5 GB for 2300 RUB. A Turkish SIM may be slightly cheaper, but people warned about setup hassles and unreliable performance, while hotel Wi‑Fi was mentioned at about $3 per day.
For a 7–10-day trip, Merhaba eSIM is an option: a 7-day package costs about 1,000 RUB and a 10-day package about 1,500 RUB. The 10-day plan includes 3 GB per day, with reduced speed after the daily allowance; it can be activated before departure using a QR code sent by email.
Another option for a trip of up to two weeks is a Yesim eSIM package with 20 GB valid for 30 days. One traveler reported coverage in many locations and enough data to tether a second phone. For handsets without native eSIM support, a physical-SIM-style adapter that can host an eSIM was mentioned.
If you are staying in Antalya for less than 10 days and mostly need data rather than local calls, using your home carrier’s roaming package is considered the easier option. Travelers recommend it because you avoid hunting for a mobile shop and dealing with local SIM setup.
One specific example shared was MTS roaming at 2300 RUB for 5 GB. Travelers said other Russian operators offer similar bundles too, so this can work well for a short trip if you need roughly 5–10 GB.
A Turkish SIM card may be a bit cheaper than roaming, but travelers warned about extra hassle: the connection may work inconsistently, and setting everything up on your own can be difficult. It is less convenient if you want internet immediately after arrival.
Paid hotel Wi‑Fi was also mentioned at around $3 per day. It was unclear whether this fee was per device or per person, so it could end up costing more than mobile data if you need internet outside the hotel or on multiple devices.