Best eSIM for Turkey (Türkiye)

For a typical Istanbul, Cappadocia or coast trip, a 10 GB / 30 day data eSIM from Yesim, Ubigi or Saily covers maps, rideshare and WhatsApp for well under the cost of roaming. Coming from the UK or Europe? Your home roaming bundle and many Europe eSIMs don't include Türkiye, so check before you fly.

Last updated: 29 Oct 2026 (Pacific/Auckland)Common networks: Turkcell, Vodafone TR, Türk Telekom

Comparison — Turkey

Approx USD list prices from provider pages and public round-ups, checked Oct 2026 — ranges, check the provider for today's price. Kiwis: these are charged in USD, so roughly add 70–75% for NZD before card fees — check the exchange rate before you buy.

Provider	Data	Days	Approx price	Hotspot	Best for
Yesim Value	10 GB	30	~US$12–18	Yes	Cheap fixed plans; Europe+Turkey regional option
Ubigi	10 GB	30	~US$15–20	Yes	Solid speeds reported on Turkcell; app top-ups
Airalo	10 GB	30	~US$18–25	Yes	Familiar app; Turkey country plan (check Eurolink list if combining)
Saily	10 GB	30	~US$16–22	Yes	Clean app; install once, top up by country
Holafly	Unlimited*	15–30	~US$40–70	Capped	Only for very heavy data; fair-use caps apply

Turkey isn't in the EU roaming zone. UK and EU carriers usually bill Türkiye as a far-off destination, even when you land on a partner network, so a few days of data can cost more than a whole travel eSIM. Keep your home SIM for calls and texts and use the eSIM for data.

Doing Greece or Europe too? Many Europe regional plans skip Turkey. Either pick a plan that names Türkiye on its country list, or buy a cheap Turkey plan alongside your Europe eSIM.

Staying months, not weeks? Turkey blocks foreign phones on a Turkish SIM after about 120 days unless you pay the IMEI registration fee. Travel eSIMs are for visits; long-stayers should look at a local line.

Quick take

Buy a 10 GB Yesim or Ubigi plan before you leave, install it at home on Wi-Fi, and switch it on when you land at Istanbul. Heavy streamer or hotspot user? Compare a 20 GB fixed plan before paying for 'unlimited'.

Check Airalo Check Holafly (official site) Check Saily (official site) Check Nomad (official site) Check Ubigi (official site) Check Yesim

FAQ

Does my Europe eSIM or EU roaming work in Turkey?

Often not. Türkiye is outside the EU, so UK and EU 'roam like home' bundles usually charge it as a far-off destination, and many Europe regional eSIMs leave it off the country list. Check Turkey is named on the plan before you buy.

Will my phone get blocked in Turkey?

Turkey blocks foreign-registered phones that use a Turkish SIM for more than about 120 days without paying an IMEI registration fee. A short holiday on a travel eSIM is fine; this only bites long stays on a local Turkish SIM.

Which network is best in Turkey?

Turkcell generally has the widest coverage, especially outside Istanbul and the coast, with Vodafone TR and Türk Telekom close behind in cities. Most travel eSIMs ride on Turkcell or Vodafone — check the network list on the plan page.