Planning a trip to Turkey? Great choice! Turkiye is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting more and more visitors from around the globe every year.
Turkey is famous for its all-inclusive resorts, where you can indulge in delicious food and drinks while relaxing by the pool in some of the finest hotels. And for those with a passion for exploration, Turkiye offers a variety of hidden gem cities, rich in history, culture and charm that can satisfy even the most unique travel tastes.
From charming beaches and fairy-tale landscapes to ancient caves, historic streets and castles that feel like stepping back in time, Turkey offers an unforgettable mix of nature, culture, and history. Did I mention the unique bazaars? Turkiye is especially known for its Istanbul Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. Dating back to 1461, it stretches across 61 streets and is home to more than 4000 shops, selling everything from textiles and jewellery to spices and antiques. Visiting the bazaar is like entering a maze of culture and history where bargaining isn’t just allowed, it’s expected.
While researching the best places to visit in Turkey, you’ve probably also wondered how to stay connected during your trip. These days, paying sky-high roaming fees is a thing of the past. Most travelers now rely only on eSIMs, a convenient and cost-effective way to stay online abroad. But what happens when eSIMs are restricted or even banned? Unfortunately, Turkey is one of the countries where certain regulations limit eSIM usage.
Staying connected in Turkey: are eSIMs banned or allowed?
As of July 10, 2025, a new directive issued by the BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Turkey) has imposed restrictions on several major international eSIM providers. As a result, some eSIM services may no longer function within Turkish borders.
So, are eSIMs banned in Turkey? In practice, yes. Many international eSIM providers are currently blocked, making it difficult and often impossible for travelers to purchase or activate an eSIM once inside the country. And we can only imagine how frustrating it can be to rely only on WiFi Internet sources or searching for markets to buy a local SIM card.
What are the best alternatives to stay connected in Turkey?
For those who plan ahead, there’s a simple and affordable workaround: buy and activate your Turkey travel eSIM before arriving in the country.
The current restrictions only affect eSIMs that are bought or activated while physically in Turkey, they don’t apply to those set up in advance 😉. So while you do the final preparations for your trip, do yourself a favor and install and activate your eSIM. Once it’s set up, it will work just fine while you’re in Turkey, helping you stay connected without paying roaming charges. And if you need more data, simply top up your existing plan before your current data reaches zero. If your plan runs out completely while you’re already in Turkey, you won’t be able to buy or activate a new eSIM due to the local restriction, so topping up in advance ensures you stay connected without interruption.
Turkey is full of natural wonders and unique experiences, with countless places worth exploring. The eSIM restriction mentioned above shouldn’t discourage you from visiting it, just prepare ahead. By setting up your eSIM before you arrive, you’ll enjoy reliable internet access wherever your journey takes you through the beauty and charm of Turkey.
That way, you’ll have no trouble finding your way with online maps or instantly sharing unforgettable moments, like those magical photos of the Cappadocia hot air balloons with friends and followers on social media.
Author: Bianca from MobileSIM
