If you’re planning a vacation in Turkcell and want to stay in touch, getting some Turkcell SIM cards is just the ticket. A SIM card investment simplifies travel to Turkcell. With low prices for data, calls and texts you will not have to pay exorbitant roaming fees from your home service provider. In this article, we will cover all the important steps someone needs to get a prepaid SIM card in Turkcell.

Turkcell SIM Card and eSIM

I. Quick Facts about Turkcell

Turkcell is the clear market leader in Turkey’s telecom industry with the largest subscriber base and network nationwide. Here are some quick facts about this brand:

  • Established: 1994
  • Branding name: Turkcell
  • Services provided: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE mobile service, fixed broadband, IPTV
  • Number of subscribers: Around 36 million (Q3 2022)
  • Number of stores: Over 2,500 Turkcell stores and over 45,000 sales points
  • Customer service: Available via phone, online chat, social media, stores
  • Awards: Awarded “Best Mobile Operator of the Year” multiple times at the World Communication Awards
Turkcell SIM Card and eSIM for Tourists
Turkcell

II. Why Turkcell When You’re Exploring Turkey – Coverage and Speed

Turkcell offers excellent coverage and speeds, making it a great choice for exploring Turkey.

1. Turkcell Coverage in Turkey

Turkcell Coverage map
Turkcell Coverage map. Source: nperf.com

Turkcell has the best overall coverage in Turkey, covering 98% of the population. It has an extensive 4G LTE network reaching over 95% of the population, plus widespread 3G and 2G coverage. Turkcell’s network reaches all major cities and tourist destinations across the country. So you can stay conveniently connected wherever your travels take you.

2. Turkcell Speed

Using Turkcell SIM Card- Download Speed
Download Speed Experience – Turkcell
Using Turkcell SIM Card- Upload Speed
Upload Speed Experience – Turkcell

With an average 4G download speeds of around 30 Mbps, Turkcell provides fast and reliable mobile data throughout Turkey. Its network is well-equipped to handle high usage and congestion in crowded tourist areas. So you can enjoy smooth web browsing, social media, streaming, and more.

In summary, this mobile operator is a good choice for tourists thanks to its extensive high-speed network across Turkey.

III. Turkcell Connectivity Options for Travelers to Turkey

As a tourist visiting Turkey, you have a few options to get connected on Turkcell:

  • Turkcell SIM card
  • Pocket Wifi
  • Roaming
Option Pros Cons
SIM Card Affordable data bundles Need compatible device
Works with any unlocked phone Coverage outside major cities
Local number for cheaper calls/texts
Pocket WiFi Covers multiple devices at once Higher rental cost than SIM
No SIM swapping Return shipping if international
Roaming Familiar home number/plan Very expensive data usage
No purchasing abroad Speeds may be slower than local SIM

In summary, buying a Turkcell SIM card is the most convenient connectivity option for most travelers to Turkey.

IV. Best Turkcell SIM Card for Tourists & Cost

Turkcell offers several prepaid SIM cards suitable for tourists in Turkey:

Turcell SIM

Plan Data Minutes SMS Price (TRY) Price (USD)
Tourist Welcome Pack 20 GB 200 Unlimited 320 17
12 GB Turkcell SIM Card 12 GB 750 1,000 855 15.80
25 GB Turkcell SIM Card 25 GB 750 1,000 970 18.00
50 GB Turkcell SIM Card 50 GB 750 1,000 1,070 19.80
70 GB Turkcell SIM Card 70 GB 750 1,000 1,170 21.70
100 GB Turkcell SIM Card 100 GB 750 1,000 1,270 23.60

In short, the ideal Turkcell SIM card option is dependent upon your unique circumstances. The Turkcell SIM Card provides diversified plans for tourists.

V. Does Turkcell Support eSIM in Turkey?

Yes, Turkcell does offer eSIM in Turkey, only for citizens. If your mobile phone supports this technology, you will be able to obtain your new Turkcell numbers as eSIM.

VI. Where can You Buy a Turkcell SIM Card/eSIM?

To make sure you have reliable cellular access during your visit to Turkey, look into obtaining a prepaid SIM from the nation’s leading carrier, Turkcell. Their SIM cards can be bought in the following ways:

1. Where to Buy Turkcell SIM card?

Turkcell prepaid SIM cards are widely available at:

  • Turkcell stores – Find them in airports, shopping malls, metro stations.
  • Retail stores – Sold at phone shops, supermarkets, kiosks. Look for Turkcell signs.
  • Online – Can be delivered to your hotel via websites like TurkeySIMcard.com.

When buying, you’ll need to show your passport. Opt for tourist SIMs that come ready-to-use, if available. Basic usage rates start from 20 TL ($1).

2. Where to Buy Turkcell eSIM in Turkey?

To get Turkcell eSIM as a tourist, your best option is to purchase from an international eSIM provider such as Turkey eSIM from turkeyesim.com.

You can buy directly on website. eSIM profiles are delivered to your phone via email or QR code. Prices start from $5 for 1 GB packages.

Purchasing eSIM online is easier than finding in local stores. Just activate on your phone within minutes! However, check eSIM-compatible devices list before purchasing your own!

Get Turkey eSIM – Beat roaming fees and bypass airport SIM shops.
Buy my eSIM

VII. How to Activate Turkcell SIM Card/eSIM in Turkey?

1. How to Use Turkcell SIM Card in Turkey?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready:

  1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device and insert your Turkcell SIM.
  2. Power on your device: Turn on your phone and wait for it to recognize the new SIM.
  3. Activate the SIM card: Prepaid tourist SIMs are usually pre-activated. If not, call 333 from your device.
  4. Set up APN settings: Default APN is ‘internet’ and username/password are ‘turkcell’.
  5. Check your services: Make a test call and browse the internet to verify connectivity.

That’s all – you can now start using your Turkcell prepaid SIM card in Turkey!

2. How to Activate Turkcell eSIM?

Getting started with a Turkcell eSIM for Turkey is quite easy:

  1. Install the eSIM: Download the eSIM profile on the provider app or email to your phone. Accept installation prompts.
  2. Activate the eSIM: Open the app or email link. Follow prompts to activate your Turkcell eSIM plan.
  3. Set up the eSIM: Select Turkcell eSIM as the cellular plan. Configure settings like data usage alerts.
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once activated and set up, you can start using Turkcell service on your eSIM.

With a few simple steps, you’ll be set up to use Turkcell hassle-free during your stay in Turkey.

Please check detailed instructions for your device:

VIII. Turkey Turkcell Call & SMS Rates

Here are the latest Turkcell prepaid call and SMS rates for Turkey:

Turcell Call & SMS Rates

Call/SMS Type Rate (USD)
Calls to Turkcell numbers $0.04/min
Calls to other Turkish mobiles $0.05/min
Calls to Turkcell landlines $0.02/min + $0.05 connection fee
Calls to other Turkish landlines $0.02/min + $0.05 connection fee
Calls to international numbers $0.07-0.85/min depending on country
SMS within Turkey $0.01/SMS
SMS to international numbers $0.02/SMS

Rates may be slightly higher for prepaid SIMs. But in general, domestic calls and texts using Turkcell are quite affordable within Turkey.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Turkcell SIM card/eSIM

Here are some useful USSD codes for checking your Turkcell account balance and more:

  • *100# – Check remaining balance
  • *123*RECHARGE CODE# – Recharge/top-up your prepaid credit
  • *102# – Check data usage
  • *111# – Check main account info and last 5 transactions
  • *444*4# – Check remaining minutes, messages, data
  • *555# – Turkcell customer service

Dial these codes directly on your Turkcell mobile to access account info and services quickly and easily. They work on both physical SIM and eSIM.

X. How to Top-up Turkcell SIM card/eSIM

There are several ways to top-up your Turkcell prepaid credit:

  • Online – Recharge via Turkcell website/app using international credit/debit card
  • Vouchers – Purchase top-up vouchers from stores and kiosks. Dial *123*CODE# to redeem.
  • Stores – Visit Turkcell stores and authorized dealers to recharge in person.
  • ATMs – Many ATMs support directly recharging prepaid Turkcell via bank account.

For Turkcell eSIM, the easiest way to top-up or extend your plan is through the eSIM provider’s website/app. Add funds to your wallet and renew data packages with a few clicks.

Auto top-up can be enabled to conveniently recharge your Turkcell account when your balance is low. Overall, keeping your prepaid or eSIM account topped up in Turkey is quick and straightforward.

XI. FAQs about Turkcell in Turkey

Does Turkcell offer unlimited data plans?

Yes, Turkcell has unlimited data prepaid plans like Turkcell Maxi Unlimited. There are also unlimited data eSIM options through resellers. Speeds may be throttled after exceeding certain data thresholds.

Can I use Turkcell SIM in North Cyprus?

Yes, Turkcell has good roaming coverage in Northern Cyprus. But you may need to pay roaming fees outside Turkey.

How long is Turkcell SIM card valid for?

Turkcell tourist SIMs are usually valid for 15-90 days depending on plan. You can extend validity by recharging. Regular prepaid SIMs last up to 120 days from last top-up.

Does Turkcell have good coverage in Istanbul?

Turkcell tourist SIMs are usually valid for 15-90 days depending on plan. You can extend validity by recharging. Regular prepaid SIMs last up to 120 days from last top-up.

How can I check Turkcell data usage?

You can check your data usage by dialing *102# on your Turkcell mobile or through account management apps/websites.

XII. Final Words

In summary, Turkcell is the top mobile network operator in Turkey making it a great connectivity choice for travelers. With outstanding coverage, fast speeds, and affordable prepaid SIMs, Turkcell connects you across Turkey.

For ultimate convenience, Turkcell eSIM options are also available from international providers. Just purchase a plan, activate online, and enjoy reliable service on the go.