For most trips to Istanbul, Saily’s Turkey eSIM is an easy pick: plans start at $3.99 for 1 GB, and a 5 GB plan covers a week of maps, rides and messaging.
The catch: plans are data only, so you get no local phone number for calls or texts.
Istanbul runs on mobile data: maps to cross between the European and Asian sides, ride-hailing apps, ferry times and translation. A travel eSIM gets you online the moment you land, without hunting for a SIM shop at the airport or paying roaming fees.
Saily Turkey eSIM plans and prices
These are Saily’s fixed-data plans for Turkey, as listed on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.
| Data | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $6.99 |
| 5 GB Best value | 30 days | $9.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $15.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $22.99 |
Saily also sells unlimited data plans for Turkey, from 5 to 30 days. The price depends on the number of days, so check it on saily.com before you buy.
Which plan should you pick for Istanbul?
- City break of 3–4 days: 3 GB is usually enough for maps, messaging and a few photos.
- A week in Istanbul: 5 GB covers maps, rides and social media comfortably.
- Two weeks or more, or Cappadocia and the coast too: go for 10 or 20 GB, or an unlimited plan if you stream or work online.
How to set up Saily for Istanbul
- Choose your plan on saily.com or in the Saily app.
- Install the eSIM from the app before you travel, and turn on data roaming for the Saily line.
- Land in Istanbul: the plan activates automatically when you arrive.
You have 180 days to activate a plan after you buy it, so you can set everything up at home, days before your flight.
Travel tips for Istanbul
Download offline maps of Istanbul before you go, so you can still navigate if you burn through data faster than planned. Turn off automatic app updates and photo backups over mobile data: they’re the most common way travellers run out of data early.
- Plans from $3.99
- Set up at home before you fly
- Same eSIM works across Turkey
- 24/7 chat support
- Data only, no Turkish phone number
- Your phone must support eSIM
FAQ
What is the best eSIM for Istanbul?
Saily’s Turkey eSIM is a simple choice: plans start at $3.99 for 1 GB (7 days) and go up to 20 GB for 30 days, and it activates automatically when you land.
How much does an eSIM for Turkey cost?
On saily.com on 24 Oct 2026, Saily’s Turkey plans cost $3.99 (1 GB, 7 days), $6.99 (3 GB), $9.99 (5 GB), $15.99 (10 GB) and $22.99 (20 GB), each valid for 30 days except the 1 GB plan.
Does the Turkey eSIM work outside Istanbul?
Yes. The plan covers Turkey, so the same eSIM keeps working in Cappadocia, Antalya and anywhere else you travel in the country.
Plans from $3.99 for 1 GB (7 days), checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.