Using mobile phone in Turkey
Discussion
Good evening, going to Turkey in a couple of weeks, what's the best way of getting data on phone as it appears to be really expensive via EE, should i buy a separate sim, any advice greatly appreciated as i can't go on holiday without reading the car forums/classifieds, it's my favourite pastime.
I used to run a 2nd sim in Turkey as we visited most years with my parents having a place there, these days however wifi is so widely available at every bar, hotel, cafe etc i dont tend to bother anymore and just take the hit on Vodafone's fee the odd day i need to be connected for work etc.
Turkcell will still no doubt do a sim only deal if you go to a store and add some credit but be sure they set it up before you leave as often the process to add balance and activate it is obviously in Turkish
Turkcell will still no doubt do a sim only deal if you go to a store and add some credit but be sure they set it up before you leave as often the process to add balance and activate it is obviously in Turkish
eddietiv1 said:
Good evening, going to Turkey in a couple of weeks, what's the best way of getting data on phone as it appears to be really expensive via EE, should i buy a separate sim, any advice greatly appreciated as i can't go on holiday without reading the car forums/classifieds, it's my favourite pastime.
Does your phone work with e-sims? Many modern smart phones do. I use Airalo but there are other apps. 3gig is about £5 for Turkey but they have lots of options. Much easier than having to buy and mess with a physical sim. If you find a friend to refer you then you will get the first data even cheaper. Edited by Graveworm on Thursday 6th July 21:14
bristolbaron said:
I called Vodafone before we went to check cheapest option. Very helpful guy advised upgrading contract to worldwide use the day before we left and then cancelling (within 14 days) on our return. He even scheduled to call me on both dates. Incredible service 
I hope their coverage in Turkey is better than than their nonexistent coverage in the UK otherwuse it'll be a waste of money. Get an e-sim.
I have airlo and Mobimatter installed. They are just retailers for the e-sims.
I have just spent 10 days in Turkey and used Mobimatter for the 10gb which was $12 (ish).
If your sim duration length is longer than your stay then just buy and install it before you go and switch to e-sim for data on the flight. Usually the more data you buy the longer the duration of the sim anyway.
I even used one for Le mans as EE wanted £2.25/day just to use data in France. E-sim was about $7.
This assumes your phone can use e-sims so just double check first.
I have airlo and Mobimatter installed. They are just retailers for the e-sims.
I have just spent 10 days in Turkey and used Mobimatter for the 10gb which was $12 (ish).
If your sim duration length is longer than your stay then just buy and install it before you go and switch to e-sim for data on the flight. Usually the more data you buy the longer the duration of the sim anyway.
I even used one for Le mans as EE wanted £2.25/day just to use data in France. E-sim was about $7.
This assumes your phone can use e-sims so just double check first.
Edited by Kiribati268 on Friday 7th July 19:22
Kiribati268 said:
Get an e-sim.
I have airlo and Mobimatter installed. They are just retailers for the e-sims.
I have just spent 10 days in Turkey and used Mobimatter for the 10gb which was $12 (ish).
If your sim duration length is longer than your stay then just buy and install it before you go and switch to e-sim for data on the flight. Usually the more data you buy the longer the duration of the sim anyway.
I even used one for Le mans as EE wanted £2.25/day just to use data in France. E-sim was about $7.
This assumes your phone can use e-sims so just double check first.
Very helpful, I've had a look, I'm assuming the fact that I'm purchasing from the UK and an e-sim from these places is in $ won't be an issue? I have airlo and Mobimatter installed. They are just retailers for the e-sims.
I have just spent 10 days in Turkey and used Mobimatter for the 10gb which was $12 (ish).
If your sim duration length is longer than your stay then just buy and install it before you go and switch to e-sim for data on the flight. Usually the more data you buy the longer the duration of the sim anyway.
I even used one for Le mans as EE wanted £2.25/day just to use data in France. E-sim was about $7.
This assumes your phone can use e-sims so just double check first.
Edited by Kiribati268 on Friday 7th July 19:22
HTP99 said:
Very helpful, I've had a look, I'm assuming the fact that I'm purchasing from the UK and an e-sim from these places is in $ won't be an issue?
Nope, it's fine. Just a normal $ transaction. Make sure to use a card that has no exchange fees, Monzo/starling/Halifax Clarity credit card etc.eddietiv1 said:
Good evening, going to Turkey in a couple of weeks, what's the best way of getting data on phone as it appears to be really expensive via EE, should i buy a separate sim, any advice greatly appreciated as i can't go on holiday without reading the car forums/classifieds, it's my favourite pastime.
Check your hotel, I was there all inclusive & wifi was great around hotel & pool, I’d data switched off & just operated as normal.eddietiv1 said:
We're off to you icmelar but apparently the WiFi can be pretty poor around the hotel, very interesting on exchanging money whilst there, unfortunately we've just done ours through Hsbc which was more favourable than all the comparison sites.
That's where we are going, where are you staying, we are flying out on the 21st July, staying at the Sea Star? Re the money change, I don’t usually bother as all inclusive, & pre pay the airport transfers.
I take a bundle of €10 notes out with me for tips
(I did get them from the local post office purely for convenience as ex rate differences were likely to be negligible v the hassle of ordering online etc
If you’ve a few € & £ plus a card you won’t come unstuck
I take a bundle of €10 notes out with me for tips
(I did get them from the local post office purely for convenience as ex rate differences were likely to be negligible v the hassle of ordering online etc
If you’ve a few € & £ plus a card you won’t come unstuck
Edited by AndyAudi on Saturday 8th July 16:50
Kiribati268 said:
HTP99 said:
Very helpful, I've had a look, I'm assuming the fact that I'm purchasing from the UK and an e-sim from these places is in $ won't be an issue?
Nope, it's fine. Just a normal $ transaction. Make sure to use a card that has no exchange fees, Monzo/starling/Halifax Clarity credit card etc.WiFi in the hotel is more than adequate and also extends to the beach.
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