Your BuddySIM Guide: Everything You Need to Know About eSIMs in Turkey!
Hotspot with an eSIM, roaming fees, and eSIM activation – we answer the questions our support team gets asked most often!
Are you planning a trip to Turkey and wondering how to get online with your smartphone while you are there? Perfect, you are in the right place! At BuddySIM, today is all about eSIMs and mobile internet in Turkey. We have collected and answered the most common questions our support team receives. Let’s jump straight into the questions!
Is Turkey part of the EU roaming zone?
Unfortunately not. While roaming within the EU no longer causes additional costs, this does not apply to travel in Turkey. In Turkey and in other European countries that are not part of the EU or the EEA, such as Switzerland, roaming fees definitely apply. That means you should expect extra costs when using your phone in these countries.
Can I use my German SIM card in Turkey?
Yes, that is possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Your German SIM card works in Turkey, but remember the roaming fees, which can be quite high. That is why we recommend our BuddySIM eSIM. Another important point is the IMEI block: phones used in Turkey for more than 120 days must be registered. For short holidays, however, this is not a problem.
How much does mobile internet cost in Turkey?
The cost of mobile internet in Turkey varies depending on the provider. Roaming fees are charged, and prices may differ depending on your mobile provider and chosen plan. It is worth comparing the different offers before your trip.
Which SIM card also works in Turkey?
In Turkey, you can buy a local prepaid SIM card to make calls and browse on the mobile network. These cards are usually available at airports, in supermarkets, and in mobile phone shops. If you want to avoid swapping SIM cards so you can still be reached on your German number, you can use our eSIM.
How do I activate the eSIM in Turkey?
The eSIM from BuddySIM works just as easily in Turkey as it does in other countries. The exact setup depends on your smartphone. You can find detailed step-by-step instructions for iPhones, Samsung phones, and Google phones in our WhatsApp support.
How does the eSIM work in Turkey?
With a BuddySIM eSIM in Turkey, you can only use mobile data; it does not include a local phone number for calls or messages. Simply choose the data package that best suits your travel needs.
Which eSIM should I choose for a trip to Turkey?
The right eSIM depends on your needs. Do you only need a small amount of data for messaging and navigation, or more for heavy browsing and streaming? Our clear table helps you choose the perfect package.
| Data allowance | Ideal for | My tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | Short trips, messaging | Perfect for a short city break if you only go online now and then. |
| 3 GB | Moderate browsing, social media | Great for an active holiday if you regularly check email or post photos. |
| 5 GB | Lots of browsing, streaming, laptop hotspot | Ideal if you want to stream a film now and then or browse more intensively. |
| 10 GB | Longer stays, work, laptop hotspot | A top choice for longer trips or if you also need to be online for work. |
| 20 GB | Groups, intensive use | The all-round carefree package if you are traveling with friends or need a lot of data. |
Can I use a hotspot with an eSIM in Turkey?
Yes, that is possible. Using an eSIM (embedded SIM card) in Turkey generally gives you the same functions as a traditional physical SIM card, including the ability to set up a mobile hotspot. This is especially useful if you want to connect several devices, such as your laptop, at the same time or provide an internet connection for other travelers.
We hope we were able to answer some of your questions. If you have more questions, you can also reach our phone support at +49 223 42190667. Remember to check your smartphone’s compatibility and find out about the latest offers and plans from BuddySIM!
