How to get a tourist SIM card in Istanbul: prices, carriers, options
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 18 days ago
TL;DR
Tourist SIM cards in Istanbul are available with a passport. Turk Telekom offers a 10 GB package for around $15 plus the SIM card fee. Alternatively, eSIMs via trip.com start from $5–7 for 20 GB over 15 days.
What the community said
If you only need a local +90 number without data, Turkish SIM cards can be purchased at Istanbul airport on arrival using your passport.
18 days ago Voice-only SIM, no data
For a week-long trip needing data, eSIM plans offer around 500 MB/day for $3–4 for a few days. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, a physical Turkish SIM card is the alternative.
18 days ago eSIM ~$3–4 / 500 MB per day
For phones without eSIM support, one option is an eSIM adapter (around $29) that lets you use eSIM plans on a regular phone. Combined with a trip.com plan (20 GB for 15 days at $5–7), this can be cost-effective for longer stays.
18 days ago eSIM adapter ~$29, trip.com 20 GB/15 days ~$5–7
Turk Telekom is one of the main carriers for tourists. A 10 GB data package costs around $15, with the SIM card itself sold separately (price may vary). The M8 device is available for approximately $4.50.
18 days ago Turk Telekom: SIM + 10 GB ~$15