Where can I buy a physical SIM card in Istanbul, how much does it cost, and is it better value than roaming?

From messages by 6 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 51 days ago

TL;DR

The messages do not provide verified prices or shops for local Turkish SIM cards. Alternatives mentioned include Tele2 roaming at about RUB 2,000 for 4 GB over 7 days, or a prepaid physical eSIM World SIM ordered from Ozon at about RUB 600 for 5 GB of data only.

What the community said

One option is to order a physical eSIM World SIM from Ozon before departure. A reported plan was 5 GB for RUB 600, data only. Pay before the trip and activate it in Turkey; disable mobile data on your home SIM and select the travel SIM for data.

eSIM World — 5 GB for RUB 600

As an alternative to buying a local SIM, Tele2 roaming was reported at around RUB 2,000 for roughly 4 GB over 7 days. A 10-day promotional package was also said to work in Turkey.

Tele2 — about RUB 2,000 / 4 GB / 7 days

A Megafon roaming package with 1 GB for RUB 999 may be too small for a week if you frequently send photos and videos or use Instagram and messaging apps: one traveler used it up in about four days.

Megafon — 1 GB for RUB 999