Internet Access & SIM Cards

If you've just arrived in Istanbul, this guide will provide you with the right options you have while you are on your way to discover Istanbul. Let's look at the general information about the options of acquiring internet in Istanbul.

• Wi-Fi Zones and Free Internet in Istanbul

• Prepaid SIM Card Options

Wi-Fi Zones and Free Internet in Istanbul 

Hotels

Like other large towns and cities, you can use free Wi-Fi at Istanbul hotels. Almost every hotel in Istanbul has its Wi-Fi setup, and the only thing you need to do is learn the password of Wi-Fi service. Unfortunately, you might have little problem finding the right connection speed in the hotels. The internet connectivity and speed in hotels may vary due to their historical locations and poor network setup. 

Cafes/Bistros

Luckily, there are a lot of cafes located in Istanbul offering free internet access services to the customers. You can easily get the internet in Istanbul by simply asking the waiters for the password. Well-known restaurant brands such as Starbucks or Cafe Nero also have stable Wi-Fi options. Yet, it would be better not to try to access the internet in Istanbul when they are crowded. 

İBB Wi-Fi Locations

Thankfully, the municipality of Istanbul has recently offered free public internet access available in public centers and squares. When you are near them, all you need to do is register your ID with your mobile. Then you are ready to go!

Airports

To ease the stress on travelers who need to spend long hours at the airports, you also have free Wi-Fi in Istanbul. 

Istanbul Airport 

Istanbul airport offers a Wi-Fi service through an application. This mobile app includes various options such as transport options, access to the internet, information about outlet campaigns, and navigation support. The app is available on the Apple Store and Google Play. Additionally, you can find free Wi-Fi service as well. 

Sabiha Gökçen Airport

On the other hand, Sabiha Gökçen Airport has specific locations inside to offer you internet access. The airport provides WiSpotter wireless internet access for a fixed price.

Prepaid SIM Card Options

However, if you don't plan on using these free internet connectivity options, there are SIM Card options available for tourists in Istanbul. The first thing you need to have in mind is to find the right provider for you. Before deciding on your operator, be sure that you check if the internet provider operates in your area.

There are three network providers in Turkey; Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom. Turkcell is the most preferred one among the others. But don't forget that Istanbul is a big city, so you have to do your research well because the service you get might not be available everywhere. 

Before moving on to the details of these providers, let's talk about the initial steps you must take. Firstly, you need to carry your passport to get your SIM Card. There are different options available for data packages. We recommend you take your SIM Card to the official stores of these providers.

Turkcell

Turkcell is the most preferred service provider in Turkey. It offers the fastest internet service. The operator has a special welcome pack for tourists. You can get your SIM Card from the nearest Turkcell stores once you come here.

You can visit the official Turkcell website for up-to-date information about the packages.

Vodafone

If you are in a rush and want to get a SIM Card as soon as you land, Vodafone can be a great choice. You can find Vodafone stores at the airports. They have a specialized tourist package as well. 

Please, visit the official Vodafone website for further information. 

Turk Telekom

Turk Telekom has less extensive coverage in Turkey compared to its competitors. But, it has local SIM Card options as well. You can buy your local SIM Card in Turk Telekom stores.

For detailed information, check the official Turk Telekom website.

Making Phone Calls From and To Turkey

Last but not least, once you have your internet in Istanbul, you might wonder how to make phone calls within and to Turkey. This practical guide will give you the general information of making phone calls in Istanbul, Turkey.

Calling Turkey From Abroad

All Turkish mobile phone numbers include 10 digits; beginning with 0 and followed by 3 digits of city code. The rest contains 7 digits local numbers.  To make international calls to Turkey, you need to know the country code first. 

Country Code for Turkey: 90 - City code for the European side is 0212 and the city code for Asian side is 0216.

• Example: +90 (216) XXX XX XX or +90 (212) XXX XX XX

One of the most vital issues today is communication, and the availability of many tools for communication makes our lives easier. So how should you do this if you are an international traveler and need to change your communication channels? Of course, one of the most important points at this will be to get your Sim card from your destination country. It is quite easy and effortless to get Turkish Sim Cards in Turkey. 

Turkish SIM Cards for Tourists

Are you going to come to Turkey as a traveler from a foreign country and are you looking for an internet service that you can use other than wifi devices? Of course, it may be financially difficult for you to use the SIM card you use in your own country and the operator in Turkey. For this reason, you can evaluate the Turkish SIM Card options before coming to the country. 

When traveling as a tourist, you must also provide internet access without wifi devices. Especially if you want to discover Istanbul, some places and roads will seem a little complicated to you. The most used phone feature of tourists today maps, and you definitely need to get the Internet. You may continue to use the internet of your own sim card, but if your stay in Turkey is prolonged, the money you will pay may also increase.

The issue of a sim card is important for meeting with loved ones in your own country, finding ways as a tourist, and socializing online. In order to get general information about the Turkish SIM card, you should definitely read the rest of our article.

Getting a Turkish SIM Card

It will be very easy to get your sim card with a prepaid feature when you arrive in Turkey. Everything can be easier for you if you do some research on the Turkish SIM Card before coming to the country. Knowing in advance where you can get the Turkish SIM Card from the country can also protect you from financial loss. 

Are you a tourist and a foreign traveler coming to discover Istanbul? Then you can get general information about a large airport such as Istanbul airport in advance and look at the sim card options. After your plane lands at Istanbul's modern airports, you can start using the airport's Internet. After that, you will not be deprived of communication by purchasing a Turkish SIM Card at the airport or from a central location.

Turkish SIM Card can be purchased as prepaid, and it will be quite easy for you to find the package and price options that suit you on some operators. If you have a flight to Istanbul from your own country, it is the right option to get a sim card from the airport or contact certain places for general information. Those who are eager to explore Istanbul know that Istanbul is a big city and there are two airports. Therefore, first, determine which of the SAW or IST Airports you will land at.

It is important to know which airport you are going to land at in order to find out the Turkish SIM Card operators in advance. There are line operator centers at both airports where you can consult and get a prepaid sim card. For example, you can use your preference from one of the famous and well-known line operators such as Turkcell or Vodafone.

Important Points of the Registration Process

• You have already landed in Turkey and have general information about the Turkish SIM Card! Then all you have to do is determine the operator that makes the most sense to you financially or in terms of convenience. Getting a Turkish SIM Card is actually not considered very cheap, but instead of constantly searching for Wi-Fi devices, getting a sim card is the most logical solution.

• If you are coming to Turkey as a tourist, i.e. a non-resident foreign traveler, it is possible to obtain a visitor line sim card only. Your Turkish SIM Card, which you will receive with your passport number, can be used for a maximum of 2 or 3 months. For this reason, it is very important for you to carry your passport with you constantly during this process to obtain a Turkish SIM Card.

• After signing an agreement with the desired sim card operator, you can get an e-sim card or a sim card that you will place on your phone. After installing this sim card, which you will receive only with your tourist information, on your phone, you can conveniently communicate with the tariff you have paid.