How to get a SIM card or mobile internet in Istanbul as a tourist?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 5 days ago
TL;DR
Easiest option is buying a SIM or eSIM in advance from home (e.g. Travel Mobile or M8 apps, $3-9 for 10GB/15 days) since local Turkish SIM cards require a residence permit (kimlik) and cost 2-3x more.
What the community said
The M8 eSIM (bought online for about 290 RUB / $3) worked fine for internet in Istanbul for 3 days — messengers and Google worked, but it's data-only, no calls.
5 days ago M8 eSIM, ~$3
Getting a regular local Turkish SIM requires a residence permit (kimlik). There's a 3-month tourist SIM option without one, but it's pricier, and some travelers reported it stopped working after just 2 weeks.
5 days ago 3-month tourist SIM
It's cheaper to buy a SIM before the trip through a service like Travel Mobile — a regular SIM with 10GB for 15 days cost about 800 RUB (~$9), roughly 3 times cheaper than buying one locally in Turkey.
5 days ago Travel Mobile, ~$9/10GB/15 days