Which mobile operator should I choose for a tourist SIM card in Istanbul for mobile data, if my phone does not support eSIM, and can I use hotspot from an eSIM?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 17 days ago
TL;DR
For mobile data in Istanbul, travelers usually pick Turkcell for stronger coverage, Vodafone Türkiye as a cheaper option, and Türk Telekom as a mid-range alternative. Hotspot from an eSIM generally works if the carrier and plan allow tethering.
What the community said
If you specifically need tethering, an eSIM usually supports hotspot just like a physical SIM. In practice, the main thing to check is whether your carrier or plan blocks tethering.
17 days ago eSIM / hotspot
If your phone does not support eSIM and you just want reliable mobile data in Istanbul, a physical Turkcell SIM is the usual recommendation. Travelers often choose it for stronger coverage both in the city and on trips around Turkey.
17 days ago Turkcell
If price matters more, travelers often look at Vodafone Türkiye. It is commonly treated as a better-value option for data, especially if you mostly need coverage within Istanbul rather than on longer trips.
17 days ago Vodafone Türkiye
Another option is Türk Telekom, which is usually seen as a middle ground between price and network quality. Among the three main operators, it is often treated as the balanced choice.
17 days ago Türk Telekom