Istanbul eSIM: what to know before you land
🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey · IST / SAW · 4-day pick: 3 GB for $3.99
Landing in Istanbul
- IST Istanbul Airport
- SAW Sabiha Gökçen
Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side and is linked by the M11 metro and Havaist buses. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side, so check which one your ticket uses before booking the hotel.
- Install the Turkey eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.
- When the plane lands at IST, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, so maps and transport apps work from the arrivals hall.
- The days start counting on first connection in Turkey, not at purchase.
You'll need about 2 GB over 4 days. 3 GB covers it with room to spare.
Maps and messaging only? 2 GB · 15 days for $2.99.
Pay · $3.99Short stays in Istanbul
| Stay | Maps & messaging | Plus socials & photos | Streaming & hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~409 MB | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1 GB | $3.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.6 GB |
| 3 days | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~614 MB | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.5 GB | $5.99 Unlimited · 3 daysneeds ~3.9 GB |
| 4 days | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~819 MB | $3.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2 GB | $7.99 Unlimited · 5 daysneeds ~5.2 GB |
| 5 days | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1 GB | $3.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.5 GB | $7.99 Unlimited · 5 daysneeds ~6.5 GB |
| 7 days | $2.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.4 GB | $4.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~3.5 GB | $5.99 10 GB · 15 daysneeds ~9.1 GB |
Networks
The Turkey eSIM connects to Turk Telekom (Avea). It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
Also in Turkey
Ankara · Antalya · Bodrum · Cappadocia · Fethiye · Izmir
Going on from Istanbul? Europe (41 countries), Global (202 countries) — cover Turkey too.
Questions about Istanbul
Which airports serve Istanbul?
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side and is linked by the M11 metro and Havaist buses. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side, so check which one your ticket uses before booking the hotel.
How much data do I need for 4 days in Istanbul?
About 2 GB for maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick is 3 GB · 30 days for $3.99. If you only need maps and messaging, 2 GB · 15 days for $2.99 is enough.
Can I be online as soon as I land at IST?
Yes, if you install the eSIM before you fly. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch on data roaming for the eSIM line when you land; the plan's days start when it first connects to a network in Turkey.
Which networks will I use in Istanbul?
The Turkey eSIM connects to Turk Telekom (Avea). It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.