How to get a SIM card or eSIM for Istanbul Turkey as a tourist?
Based on 2 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 6 days ago
TL;DR
If your phone supports eSIM, get one via Trip.com. Otherwise, buy a physical M8 SIM card on Russian marketplaces for around 250 RUB, or use a Unisimka adapter. You can also buy a local Turkish SIM on arrival.
What the community said
The M8 physical SIM card is available on Russian marketplaces like Wildberries for around 250 RUB. You top it up for however many days you need, making it flexible for trips of any length.
2 days ago M8 SIM — ~250 RUB, Wildberries
If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you can get a physical M8 SIM from online marketplaces, or use a Unisimka adapter (looks like a regular SIM but runs an eSIM profile). If your phone supports eSIM natively, Trip.com is the easiest option.
2 days ago Trip.com (eSIM) / Unisimka adapter / M8 physical SIM
If eSIM isn't an option, you can order an M8 SIM card from Ozon before your trip and activate an internet package. Alternatively, you can pick up a local Turkish SIM card with a Turkish number on arrival at Istanbul airport.
2 days ago M8 on Ozon / local Turkish SIM on arrival