Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers, from all-inclusive weeks in Antalya and Dalaman to city breaks in Istanbul and long visits to family. Turkey is not in the EU, so many UK phone plans that include roaming in Europe do not cover it, or charge extra for it. A travel eSIM is a simple way to have mobile data while you are there without changing your UK SIM. This guide explains how to choose one, how much data you are likely to need and how to set it up before you fly.
Do I need an eSIM for Turkey?
You have three main options for staying online in Turkey:
- Roaming with your UK network: some UK plans include Turkey in their roaming list and many do not. Check your network’s roaming page before you go, because using data abroad without an add-on can be expensive.
- A local Turkish SIM: available at the airport and in phone shops, but you need your passport, and phones brought from abroad have to be registered if you keep using a Turkish SIM for longer than a short visit.
- A travel eSIM: you buy it before you travel, install it at home over Wi-Fi and switch it on when you land. Your UK SIM stays in the phone, so you can still receive texts such as bank codes.
For most holidays and family visits, a travel eSIM is the easiest of the three. Our Turkey eSIM has plans from a few days to a month.
How much data do I need in Turkey?
Everyone uses their phone differently, but this rough guide will help you choose:
| How you use your phone | Rough amount for a week |
|---|---|
| Maps, messaging and checking emails | 1GB to 3GB |
| Social media, photos and some video calls | 5GB to 10GB |
| Streaming, lots of video calls or sharing your connection | 20GB or an unlimited plan |
If you are staying in a hotel with good Wi-Fi, you will probably use less mobile data than you expect. If you are touring, using ride apps or working while you travel, choose a larger plan.
Which plan length should I choose?
Match the plan to the length of your stay. The days count from when the eSIM becomes active, so install it at home but switch it on when you arrive. For a typical one-week holiday a 7-day plan is enough; for a two-week trip choose a 15-day plan; and for long family visits a 30-day plan is better value than buying several short ones. You can see every option and price on the Turkey eSIM plans table.
Will my phone work with an eSIM?
Your phone needs to be unlocked and support eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onwards, recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel phones can use one. Apple explains how to add an eSIM in its iPhone eSIM guide. Our UK eSIM guide also explains how to check whether your phone is unlocked.
How do I set up a Turkey eSIM?
- Order your plan and pay by UK bank transfer or PayPal.
- Once your payment is confirmed, we send the QR code by email or live chat.
- Scan the QR code at home while you are on Wi-Fi. Do not delete the eSIM afterwards.
- When you land, switch the eSIM line on, set it as the line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for that line.
- Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM so it does not use data abroad.
Where does the signal work in Turkey?
Coverage is generally good in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and the resort areas along the coast, including Antalya, Side, Alanya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. Signal can be weaker in the mountains, on boat trips and in rural areas in the east, so download offline maps before day trips. Before you travel, read the GOV.UK travel advice for Turkey, which covers entry requirements and areas to avoid.
Can I use the same eSIM in Greece?
No. A Turkey eSIM is for Turkey only. If you are taking a day trip to a Greek island such as Kos or Rhodes, you will need a Greece eSIM for that part of the trip. You can see every country we cover on our travel eSIM page.
Frequently asked questions
Will I keep my UK number?
Yes. The eSIM is added beside your UK SIM. You can keep receiving calls and texts on your UK number, although your UK network may charge for calls you take while abroad.
Can I make calls with a Turkey eSIM?
Our Turkey plans are mobile data only. You can call and message over WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar apps using the data.
Can I send credit to a phone in Turkey?
Yes. If family or friends in Turkey need credit on their own number, you can send it from the UK with a Turkey mobile top-up.
When should I order?
Order at least a day before you travel, so there is time to receive the QR code and install it at home.