Do you want to know how to maintain an internet connection when going to Turkey? If you want to save money and prevent inconvenience, you may be interested in learning more about data roaming in Turkey and the alternatives. Data roaming is defined, implemented, and explained in this article, along with its prices, methods for avoiding it, and the top choices for internet connection in Turkey. Come on, we can begin!
In this article
Here are a few things you should know about phone roaming in Turkey before we get into the details:
Let’s discuss phone roaming in Turkey now that everything is clear. When going abroad, mobile devices are “roaming” on foreign networks. In this sense, “data roaming” connects your phone to a foreign network. This also works for Turkey.
Your phone uses the local network while you’re on vacation. Your carrier charges extra for this feature. These charges may be substantially more than at home, depending on your carrier, plan, region, and usage.
To demonstrate, a UK SIM card user visiting Turkey will pay £6 for 25 MB of data consumption and £6 for every 25 MB after that. The 100 MB daily data limit costs £24 roaming. A week’s data consumption (1 GB) will cost £168 in roaming. This sample price may vary by carrier and plan.
Yes. Data roaming in Turkey may be expensive, especially for heavy users. Turkey isn’t in the EU or EEA; thus, you can’t enjoy the free or reduced roaming rates. Your carrier usually has higher roaming fees.
Prices for data roaming in Turkey from the most popular UK, US, and Australian carriers:
| Carrier | Country | Rates data roaming in Turkey for Data Usage |
| EE | UK | £6 per day for up to 25 MB, £6 for every additional 25 MB |
| O2 | UK | £3.99 per day for up to 120 MB, £3.99 for every additional 120 MB |
| Vodafone | UK | £6 per day for unlimited data |
| AT&T | US | $10 per day for unlimited data |
| Verizon | US | $10 per day for 0.5 GB, $10 for every additional 0.5 GB |
| T-Mobile | US | $5.25 per MB |
| Telstra | Australia | $5 per day for 200 MB, $5 for every additional 200 MB |
| Optus | Australia | $10 per day for unlimited data |
| Vodafone | Australia | $5 per day for unlimited data |
If your daily internet consumption reaches a few gigabytes, roaming in Turkey might be costly. To avoid these expensive roaming fees, you should choose cheaper and more convenient internet options in Turkey. We will give affordable suggestions below.
While visiting Turkey, there are several options for avoiding fees of data roaming in Turkey, each with advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most typical choices are as follows:
In Turkey, this is among the best and most affordable online options. You may purchase prepaid SIM cards from Türkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom at the airport, kiosks, and stores.
To use a Turkey SIM card, you must pay a little cost and register your passport. Select an affordable data plan next. Acquiring 1 GB of data costs 20 TL ($2.5).
With this plan, you may enjoy fast local speeds and no roaming costs. You risk losing your home number when you switch SIM cards, and there can be language or technical problems when you purchase and activate your new SIM.
This is another inexpensive and quick Turkish online option. However, it must be safer and more trustworthy. Free Wi-Fi is provided at hotels, restaurants, stores, museums, and public spaces. Email, online surfing, and social networking are among the uses.
Geography and user density might diminish Wi-Fi speed and quality. Wi-Fi networks may be vulnerable, so keep sensitive data carefully. A VPN protects your data and identity when utilizing sensitive information or conducting online transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
A pocket WiFi device for Turkey creates a Wi-Fi hotspot utilizing mobile data. This device uses a SIM card to create mobile data connection. Popular pocket WiFi providers like Skyroam, Travelwifi, and Tep Wireless offer or rent mobile hotspots for multiple devices.
You should choose a budget-friendly data bundle that connects many devices. However, this device also comes with drawbacks, such as incompatible gadgets and chargers, short battery life, and network issues.
Good to know: Most establishments in Turkey offer free Wi-Fi, but it's important to be cautious when using public networks. Avoid accessing sensitive information such as internet banking, emails, and social media platforms like Facebook, as these networks may pose a risk to your confidential information.
Utilize a Turkey eSIM instead of data roaming in Turkey. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you use local data while keeping your home number. It eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and works with most modern devices with various advantages:
As a specific suggestion, you should choose a reputable eSIM provider like Gigago to get cheap and flexible data plans.
For Turkey, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Turkey eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Turkey, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
To use Gigago Turkey eSIM, you need to follow these simple steps:
Gigago offers flexible data plans starting from 1GB/3 days, with coverage in 190+ countries. Their service provides an easy, cost-effective way to stay connected while traveling in Turkey.
Use a local SIM card, mobile hotspot, or eSIM instead of data roaming in Turkey to prevent inadvertent costs. This is how:
Turn off international data roaming in Turkey on Android When Traveling.
Turn off international data roaming in Turkey roaming on iPhones
Yes, there are data roaming charges in Turkey. Since Turkey is not part of the EU, the EU regulations that aim to reduce roaming charges do not apply here
Roaming charges in Turkey can vary depending on your mobile phone provider. It is advisable to check with your provider for specific rates and conditions. However, it is worth noting that roaming charges in Turkey can be quite expensive, with one minute of usage potentially costing more than one euro.
The mobile network in Turkey generally offers fast internet speeds, even in central and eastern Anatolia. Mobile internet works well in cities, tourist areas, and hotels. However, there may be some areas with sparser population where internet coverage is limited
You may find data roaming in Turkey both bothersome and expensive if you use a lot of data or stay for a long time. An eSIM, free Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, or a local SIM card may provide a better and cheaper internet connection in Turkey. It could be challenging to roam.
Because of its speed, comprehensive network coverage, and practicality, an eSIM is the best option. Turkey is one of the countries where Gigago offers flexible and affordable data plans for eSIM subscribers. Their website and app include more information and discounts.
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