Stay Connected in Turkey: The best roaming SIMs

If your itinerary planning includes a trip to Turkey, staying connected to the internet is essential. Whether you're a yacht Captain, ships engineer, or frequent traveller, finding the best SIM card for roaming can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a plan that doesn't suit your needs. But fear not! We've done the research for you and put together a comprehensive guide to help you discover the best SIM cards for roaming in Turkey. From the most affordable options to those with the best coverage and fastest internet speeds, we've got you covered. So, whether you're looking to stream movies, stay connected to your social media accounts or need to make important business calls, read on to find out which SIM cards you should consider for your next trip to Turkey.

​

Why you need a SIM card in Turkey

Turkey is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, but staying connected to the internet is essential for many travellers. A SIM card allows you to stay connected to the internet, make calls, and send texts without having to rely on Wi-Fi or expensive roaming charges from your home country. With a local SIM card, you can enjoy fast internet speeds and affordable rates, making it easier to stay in touch with loved ones and access important information while traveling. Additionally, having a local number can be helpful for booking tours and making reservations while in Turkey.

Types of SIM cards available in Turkey

There are several types of SIM cards available in Turkey, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common types of SIM cards in Turkey are prepaid and postpaid.

Prepaid SIM Cards

Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice for travellers who want to avoid long-term contracts and commitments. These SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or any Turkish mobile carrier store. They come with a set amount of data, minutes, and texts, which can be topped up as needed. Prepaid SIM cards are a great option if you don't plan on using your phone too much or if you're on a budget.

Postpaid SIM Cards

Postpaid SIM cards are a good choice if you plan on staying in Turkey for an extended period of time. They require a contract and monthly payments, but they often come with more data, minutes, and texts than prepaid SIM cards. Postpaid plans also offer more flexibility and additional services, such as international roaming and free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Comparison of the Best SIM Card Providers in Turkey

There are several mobile carriers in Turkey, each offering different plans and services. Here are some of the best SIM card providers in Turkey:

Turkcell

Turkcell is the largest mobile carrier in Turkey and offers a wide range of plans for both prepaid and postpaid customers. They have the best coverage in Turkey and offer fast internet speeds. They also offer additional services, such as free Wi-Fi hotspots and international roaming.

Vodafone

Vodafone is another popular mobile carrier in Turkey. They offer competitive rates for prepaid and postpaid plans and have good coverage in most parts of the country. They also offer additional services, such as international roaming and access to Vodafone's global network.

Turk Telekom

Turk Telekom is a popular choice for travellers who want to stay connected to the internet while in Turkey. They offer affordable prepaid plans with good coverage and fast internet speeds. They also offer additional services, such as free Wi-Fi hotspots and international roaming.

How to choose the right SIM card for your needs

When choosing a SIM card in Turkey, there are several factors to consider, such as your budget, data usage, and length of stay. Here are some tips to help you choose the right SIM card for your needs:

Determine your data needs

Before choosing a SIM card, determine how much data you'll need for your trip. If you plan on using your phone for social media, video streaming, or other data-intensive activities, you'll need a plan with more data. If you're just using your phone for basic tasks like checking email and using maps, a plan with less data should suffice.

Consider your budget

When choosing a SIM card, consider your budget and how much you're willing to spend. Prepaid plans are generally more affordable, but they offer less data and fewer services than postpaid plans. Postpaid plans require a contract and monthly payments, but they often come with more data and additional services.

Check coverage and speed

Make sure to check the coverage and internet speed of the mobile carrier you're considering. Some carriers have better coverage in certain areas of Turkey, while others offer faster internet speeds. You can check coverage and internet speed by visiting the mobile carrier's website or asking a representative at their store.

Tips for using your SIM card in Turkey

Once you've chosen a SIM card in Turkey, here are some tips for using it:

Keep your passport handy

When purchasing a SIM card in Turkey, you'll need to provide your passport. Make sure to keep your passport handy in case you need to show it to a representative at the mobile carrier's store.

Know your phone's compatibility

Make sure your phone is compatible with the mobile carrier you've chosen. Most phones are compatible with Turkish mobile carriers, but it's always best to check before purchasing a SIM card.

Save emergency numbers

Save emergency numbers, such as the police and hospital, to your phone in case of an emergency.

How to activate and top-up your SIM card

Activating and topping up your SIM card in Turkey is easy. Here's how to do it:

Activating your SIM card

To activate your SIM card, insert it into your phone and turn on your phone. You should receive a text message with instructions on how to activate your SIM card. Follow the instructions to activate your SIM card.

Topping up your SIM card

To top up your SIM card, you can purchase top-up cards at any Turkish mobile carrier store or online. You can also top up your SIM card using a credit card or online banking.

Additional services available with your SIM card

Many mobile carriers in Turkey offer additional services, such as international roaming, free Wi-Fi hotspots, and access to their global network. Make sure to check with your mobile carrier to see what additional services they offer.

Common issues with SIM cards in Turkey and how to resolve them

While using a SIM card in Turkey is generally easy and hassle-free, there may be some common issues that arise. Here are some solutions to common issues with SIM cards in Turkey:

No signal

If you're not getting a signal, make sure your phone is compatible with the mobile carrier you've chosen. You can also try restarting your phone or resetting your network settings.

Slow internet speeds

If you're experiencing slow internet speeds, try turning off your phone's data roaming and then turning it back on. You can also try resetting your network settings.

Using a roaming SIM card for use in Turkey

If you're using your home operator and want to connect to the internet in Turkey, check that this region is covered under your plan. Some operators provide roaming for EU destinations only, since Turkey in not in the EU (but rather wider Europe), your roaming plan may not work here.

Commercial certified IoT roaming SIM cards can connect to networks in Turkey, but with a caveat. You can only connect to Turkish networks for a maximum 120 days per year. If you use for more than this amount of time, it's likely you'll be disconnected from the internet.

Conclusion and final recommendations

Staying connected in Turkey is easy and affordable with a local SIM card. With so many mobile carriers to choose from, it's important to consider your data needs, budget, and length of stay when choosing a SIM card. We recommend choosing a mobile carrier with good coverage and fast internet speeds, such as Turkcell or Vodafone. Remember to keep your passport handy when purchasing a SIM card and save emergency numbers to your phone in case of an emergency. With these tips, you'll be able to stay connected and enjoy your trip to Turkey to the fullest.