Description
Northern Cyprus attracts UK holidaymakers with the harbour at Kyrenia, the Venetian walls of Famagusta, quiet beaches on the Karpas Peninsula and castles such as St Hilarion perched in the mountains. Many British Turkish Cypriot families also travel back regularly to see relatives. Your phone’s roaming arrangements for Cyprus may not apply in the north, so a travel eSIM made for Northern Cyprus avoids surprises.
The eSIM sits next to your UK SIM. Your UK number stays in the phone for calls and bank texts, while the eSIM handles maps, messages and video calls. Install it at home over Wi-Fi and switch it on when you arrive.
Choose your Northern Cyprus data plan
There are 12 plans for Northern Cyprus. Pick the one that matches the length of your stay and how much you stream, video call or share photos.
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | £3.38 |
| 2GB – 15 days | £4.88 |
| 3GB – 30 days | £6.00 |
| 5GB – 30 days | £8.25 |
| Unlimited – 3 days | £8.62 |
| 10GB – 30 days | £12.75 |
| Unlimited – 5 days | £14.62 |
| 20GB – 30 days | £18.00 |
| Unlimited – 7 days | £20.25 |
| Unlimited – 10 days | £26.25 |
| Unlimited – 15 days | £36.75 |
| Unlimited – 30 days | £54.38 |
- Week in Kyrenia: 1GB for 7 days or 3GB for 30 days covers maps, messages and booking restaurants.
- Two weeks with family: 5GB for 30 days or 10GB for 30 days leaves plenty for video calls and photos.
- Short stay with heavy use: unlimited for 3 days up to unlimited for 15 days.
- Month-long stay: 20GB for 30 days or unlimited for 30 days for longer visits or working remotely.
How ordering works
- Choose a plan and place your order. Pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we prepare your eSIM and send you the QR code by email or live chat. Orders are handled by hand, so we suggest ordering at least a day before you fly.
- Scan the QR code at home over Wi-Fi, then switch the eSIM on when you arrive in Northern Cyprus.
Installing your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM.
Install it before you travel, while you have a steady Wi-Fi connection. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM from your phone until your trip is over. The phone makers also have step-by-step guides: Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel. When you land, turn on the eSIM line, set it as the line for mobile data and switch on data roaming for that eSIM.
Using mobile data in Northern Cyprus
Flights to Ercan Airport go via Turkey, so many UK visitors fly direct to Larnaca in the Republic of Cyprus and cross into the north at one of the crossing points, such as those in Nicosia. Data is useful for taxi and car hire arrangements, maps on the coast road, finding beaches and translating Turkish.
On the Karpas Peninsula and in the Kyrenia mountains, signal can be weaker. Download offline maps before exploring remote beaches and villages, and keep your passport with you for the crossing points.
Check your phone first
Your phone must be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later can use one. Some models sold in certain countries have no eSIM, so look for an Add eSIM option in your settings. If you are not sure, ask us before you order.
Good to know
- Travel advice: before you go, read the GOV.UK travel advice that covers Northern Cyprus, which covers entry requirements, safety and local laws.
- Data only: these plans give you mobile data, not a local phone number. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps for calls and messages.
- For travel only: the plans work in Northern Cyprus and are not meant for use in the UK.
- Your UK SIM: keep it in the phone to receive texts such as bank codes, but turn off data roaming on it so it does not use data abroad.
- Northern Cyprus only: this plan covers Northern Cyprus, not the Republic of Cyprus. If you land at Larnaca or Paphos, or spend time in the south, ask us about a Cyprus plan as well.
- Unlimited plans: a fair-use policy can apply, as with most unlimited travel plans.
More travel eSIMs
Visiting more than one country? We also have travel eSIMs for Cyprus, Lebanon and Palestine. See all our travel eSIM destinations, or our UK eSIMs if you want a UK line on an eSIM too.
Questions
Will my eSIM work when I land at Larnaca?
No. Larnaca is in the Republic of Cyprus, which this plan does not cover. Use airport Wi-Fi or a Cyprus plan until you cross into the north.
What currency is used in Northern Cyprus?
The Turkish lira is the main currency, though euros and sterling are often accepted in tourist areas. Check FCDO travel advice for the latest guidance on visiting the north.
When should I buy my Northern Cyprus eSIM?
A day or more before you travel is best. That leaves time to receive the QR code and install it at home.
When do the days start counting?
The number of days is how long the plan lasts once it is active. Install it before you go and switch it on when you arrive.
Can I cancel after the QR code is sent?
No. Like our other codes, an eSIM cannot be returned once the QR code has been sent. See our refunds and cancellations page.
