Product info
Istanbul eSIM plans
| Unlimited data · 5 days | $17.99 | Buy eSIM |
| Ohayu recommendsUnlimited data · 10 days | $33.99 | Buy eSIM |
| Unlimited data · 15 days | $40.99 | Buy eSIM |
| Unlimited data · 30 days | $49.99 | Buy eSIM |
| 3GB prepaid eSIM · 14 days | $5.99$2.00 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 5GB prepaid eSIM · 30 days | $9.49$1.90 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 10GB prepaid eSIM · 30 days | $14.49$1.45 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 15GB prepaid eSIM · 60 days | $17.79$1.19 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 20GB prepaid eSIM · 90 days | $21.49$1.07 / GB | Buy eSIM |
| 50GB prepaid eSIM · 90 days | $46.49$0.93 / GB | Buy eSIM |
You can install your eSIM before the trip and activate it when you arrive in Turkey. Validity starts after eSIM activation.
Plan details
How much mobile data you need
What's the best eSIM for Istanbul?
Istanbul weekend – 3 GB
Enough for Maps, Grand Bazaar navigation, and posts from Galata.
A week in Turkey – 10 GB
Everyday navigation and messaging. Covers both sides of the Bosphorus.
Istanbul + Cappadocia – 20 GB
Fly to Goreme. One eSIM covers all of Turkey.
Remote work – Unlimited
Hotspot for your laptop, video calls from Karakoy or Levent.
Coverage and network
Honest about coverage
Turkey mobile networks
Turkey ranks 13th globally for mobile download speed at 179 Mbps - ahead of most EU countries, including Spain (93 Mbps) and the UK (76 Mbps). Istanbul is 268 Mbps download (rank 17 among cities), above New York (234 Mbps) and Paris (195 Mbps). (Speedtest by Ookla, June 2026)
Speedtest Global Index · Mobile · Istanbul · June 2026
Download
268.45 Mbps
Upload
30.79 Mbps
Latency
18 ms
Global rank
#17 of 98
Real Istanbul conditions
- Metro & Marmaray tunnel: The Marmaray cross-Bosphorus tunnel and newer Metro M2 and M7 lines have platform coverage, but mid-tunnel signal can be inconsistent. Older tram and funicular routes (T1, F1) have minimal in-tunnel connectivity.
- Grand Bazaar & dense historic areas: The historic peninsula's dense stone architecture around the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and Sultanahmet can weaken indoor signal. Outdoor areas and open squares maintain much better connectivity.
- Bosphorus crossings & water: Ferry crossings between the European and Asian sides typically maintain signal, but coverage can drop on the water during busy periods. Islands like Buyukada in the Princes' Islands have limited signal compared to the mainland.
One eSIM, all of Turkey
Istanbul is the gateway, but this plan covers all of Turkey. Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus, or the Black Sea coast - the same eSIM works wherever you travel in the country.
How to install eSIM
Connected in 3 steps
- 01
Buy before you fly
Choose your data plan before your trip.
- 02
Download & install
Log in to your account, tap your eSIM, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 03
Land & activate
Activate when you arrive in Turkey. Turn on roaming for the eSIM and it connects to a local network.
Before you buy, make sure your phone supports eSIM — see Ohayu compatible devices list or dial *#06#. It's a free request to your phone's settings. If you see the EID number — your phone is eSIM-compatible.
Arriving in Istanbul
Free Wi-Fi in Istanbul
Only remembered on the plane? Istanbul Airport has free Wi-Fi - connect via SMS or use the passport scan kiosks.
Side by side
Istanbul eSIM Comparison
Indicative comparison based on publicly listed Turkey plans as of May 6th, 2026. Competitor pricing and policies change - check their sites for current terms.
Frequently asked questions
Where to buy a SIM card in Istanbul?
Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Turk Telekom all have full stores in the Istanbul Airport (IST) arrivals hall, open 24/7. Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) has the same three operators in the single arrivals hall, though late-night arrivals may find some counters closed. Passport required, takes about 2-3 minutes. Always pay in Turkish Lira - EUR or USD quotes at the counters usually carry a 30-100% markup versus the actual local rate. One important note on eSIMs for Turkey: Turkish authorities blocked most international eSIM providers (Airalo, Holafly and others) in July 2025. If you want to use a travel eSIM like Ohayu, install and activate it before your flight - pre-installed eSIMs can connect you to supported networks like Turkcell and Vodafone Turkey. You just can't buy or top up after you land.
Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM card in Istanbul?
Yes. To buy a local SIM card in Turkey, you need to pass identity verification at a physical store - tourists show their passport. Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Turk Telekom all handle this at the airport counters.
Online travel eSIMs are distributed without a store visit or ID check. Ohayu does not require KYC (know your customer) verification, which means travelers don't have to go through a registration process when activating mobile data. One important note: Turkish authorities blocked most international eSIM providers in July 2025, so any eSIM for Turkey must be installed and activated before your flight - pre-installed eSIMs work fine on supported networks.
Why isn't my eSIM working in Istanbul?
On the Bosphorus ferries and in the Grand Bazaar's covered halls it dips. Otherwise it is nearly always one setting - Ohayu chosen for mobile data, roaming allowed - followed by an Airplane mode toggle. If that does not fix it, chat and support@ohayu.com are open 24/7.
