Best Turkcell SIM Card for Tourists: Ultimate Guide

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.

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: 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G 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

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

According to the latest report by OpenSignal, Türk Telekom has shown significant improvements in its network coverage and quality. Below are some key highlights from the report:

• Coverage Experience: Turkcell leads with a Coverage Experience score of 7.2 out of 10. This metric assesses network presence in populated areas, indicating that users have a reliable connection in the most frequently visited locations.
• Availability: Turkcell also excels in Availability, scoring 98.5%. This reflects the proportion of time users have a network connection (3G, 4G, or 5G), suggesting minimal instances of no signal, even indoors.

Turkcell’s high scores in both Coverage Experience and Availability demonstrate its strong network infrastructure, ensuring reliable and consistent connectivity for its users across Türkiye.

2. Turkcell Speed

Turkcell demonstrates impressive performance in both downloads and upload speed experiences compared to other operators in Türkiye:

• Download Speed Experience: Turkcell leads the pack significantly, offering the highest average download speed of 37.6 Mbps. This performance suggests that Turkcell users experience faster data downloads, enhancing activities such as streaming, browsing, and downloading large files.
• Upload Speed Experience: Turkcell again tops the list with an average speed of 12.7 Mbps. This superior upload performance is crucial for activities that require sending data, such as uploading videos, sharing large files, and participating in video calls.

Turkcell’s leading position in both download and upload speed experiences reflects its robust network infrastructure and capacity to deliver high-speed mobile internet to its users. These speeds significantly enhance user experience, making Turkcell a favorable choice for those who prioritize fast and reliable mobile internet connectivity in Türkiye.

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
• eSIM
• Pocket Wifi
• Roaming

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

IV. Best Turkcell SIM Card for Tourists & Cost

Turkcell offers several options for tourists visiting Turkey, including the Turkcell Welcome Pack. This pack is specifically designed to cater to the needs of travelers.

It typically includes:

• A SIM card with a Turkish phone number.
• A set amount of data, minutes for local calls, and SMS.

V. Does Turkcell Support eSIM in Turkey?

Yes, Turkcell supports eSIM in Turkey. The carrier provides eSIM services for its customers, both citizens and travelers. This can be particularly convenient for users who have devices that support eSIM, with the same package above.

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 and eSIM can be bought in the following ways:

1. Where To Buy A Turkcell SIM card?

If you’re looking to buy a Turkcell SIM card, you have several options:

1. Turkcell Stores: The most reliable place to purchase a Turkcell SIM card is directly from a Turkcell store. These stores are widespread throughout Turkey and can provide the most up-to-date information, support, and services.
2. Authorized Dealers: Besides official Turkcell stores, some numerous authorized dealers and kiosks sell Turkcell SIM cards. These can often be found in shopping malls, major transit hubs, and tourist areas.
3. Airports: Major airports in Turkey often have Turkcell kiosks or stores where you can purchase a SIM card as soon as you arrive in the country. This is a convenient option for travelers.
4. Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: Some convenience stores and supermarkets also carry Turkcell SIM cards. Look for stores that have a wide range of mobile phone accessories and services.
5. Online: For those who prefer to plan, certain online platforms and Turkcell’s official website offer the option to order a SIM card to be delivered to a Turkish address.

When purchasing a SIM card, make sure to have your passport with you, as identification is typically required.

2. Where to Buy Turkcell eSIM in Turkey?

To get Turkcell eSIM as a tourist, you can only purchase from Turkcell in person. Visit any Turkcell store to purchase and activate an eSIM. Find the nearest store using the Turkcell website.

Both methods provide reliable options to obtain a Turkcell eSIM, depending on your preference for in-person service or the convenience of online shopping.

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 is ‘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.

VIII. Turkey Turkcell Call & SMS Rates

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

Turcell Call & SMS Rates

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:

• *159# – Call Customer Service
• 532 – Call Customer Service
• 2222 – texting KALAN (meaning “remaining”) free of charge

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.
• 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. Alternatives to Turkcell

When traveling to Turkey, tourists have multiple options for mobile connectivity beyond Turkcell. Here are some alternatives:

• Türk Telekom offers nationwide coverage, including rural areas. They provide various prepaid options with data, talk, and text. SIM cards can be purchased at stores, airports, and authorized retailers.
• Vodafone Turkey has excellent coverage, especially in urban and tourist areas. They offer tourist-friendly prepaid plans. You can buy SIM cards at Vodafone stores, airports, and retail outlets.
• Turkeyesim.com provides the convenience of an eSIM with online purchase and QR code activation. They offer multiple eSIM plans tailored for tourists. Activation is instant via a QR code.

For those who prioritize extensive coverage and traditional SIM cards, Türk Telekom and Vodafone Turkey are excellent choices. Conversely, for tech-savvy travelers looking for a quick and easy setup, TurkeyESIM.com offers a modern solution with its eSIM service.

Stay Connected in Turkey with Ease!

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XI. FAQs about Turkcell in Turkey

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 it online, and enjoy reliable service on the go.