How to avoid roaming charges in Istanbul

Turkey eSIM plans

Set your eSIM as the data line

Before departure, install your eSIM and open your phone’s SIM settings. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM, select the Volt Mobile eSIM for cellular data, and disable automatic data switching if your phone offers that setting.

The Volt Mobile eSIM is for data only and does not include a Turkish phone number. Once you arrive, confirm that mobile data is using the eSIM line—not your home SIM—before you start browsing, navigating or using apps.

Choose data for your trip, not your home roaming

Use 150 MB a day for light use, 400 MB a day for regular use, or 1000 MB a day for heavier data use as simple planning assumptions. Match that estimate to your stay and leave room for the apps you expect to use most.

Available plans are 1 GB for 7 days at €1.39, 3 GB for 15 days at €3.99, 5 GB for 30 days at €6.99 on Vodafone 5G only, 10 GB for 30 days at €9.99, and 20 GB for 30 days at €22.99.

The supplier listing names Vodafone 5G and Türk Telekom 5G. This is not a coverage guarantee, so check your connection where you are rather than relying on a network name alone.

Manually select a Turkish network on the Aegean coast

On the Aegean coast, switch off Automatic Network Selection and choose Vodafone TR or Türk Telekom manually instead of a Greek island network. Check the selected network name before using mobile data, especially if your phone has recently changed networks.

Typical first stops in Istanbul include Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, Galata and Kadıköy. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) connect with central districts by metro and Havaist airport buses, routes and timetables change, and coverage varies by place and building.

Choose data for 7 days

Estimate your data use for maps, messages and video, then choose your Turkey plan. Actual usage depends on your apps and Wi-Fi availability.

• Light use (150 MB a day, about 1.05 GB in total): 3 GB Turkey, €3.99, 3 GB for 15 days.
• Moderate use (400 MB a day, about 2.8 GB in total): 3 GB Turkey, €3.99, 3 GB for 15 days.
• Heavy use (1000 MB a day, about 7 GB in total): 10 GB Turkey, €9.99, 10 GB for 30 days.

Networks and device compatibility

Plan details updated 2026-10-17. Vodafone 5G and Türk Telekom 5G are listed for Turkey plans; 5 GB supports Vodafone 5G only. Reception and speeds vary by location and device. All plans are data only, with no Turkish phone number. Check compatibility before purchase.