To purchase a Turkish SIM card, a foreigner buys it by passport at an official store of one of three operators — Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom; the line is registered in their name. If you insert a Turkish SIM card into a phone purchased abroad, it will work on the Turkish network for 120 days from the date of entry; after that, you need to register the IMEI through e-Devlet, which costs 54,258 TL in 2026. Below is what to choose if you're a tourist or resident, where to buy, and which mistakes cost the most.
Operators: Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom
Turkey has three mobile operators with their own networks. All three operate nationwide, including Antalya, Alanya, and coastal resort areas; all sell tourist packages and standard prepaid and contract plans.
- Turkcell — the country's largest operator by number of subscribers. Tourist packages are sold only when opening a new line with a foreign passport.
- Vodafone — the second largest; tourist offers are also arranged only in person, with a passport.
- Türk Telekom — the former state operator; in addition to mobile service, it provides home internet. On its official tourist page, Welcome packages are listed for 7, 15, and 28 days.
In practice, the difference between them for Alanya residents is minimal: in the center, in Mahmutlar, Obe, and Kestel, all three networks work reliably. If you're buying an apartment outside the city or in the mountainous part of the district, ask neighbors which network works best in that particular building — this is more reliable than any coverage maps.
Where to Buy: Official Store, Not a Kiosk
SIM cards are sold in operator stores (at Antalya Airport AYT, Gazipaşa Airport GZP, in city centers and shopping malls), through official dealers, and in small phone accessory shops. Buy from an official store or an authorized dealer who draws up a contract in your name based on your passport. Here's why:
- The line must be registered in your name. By law, the subscriber is the person whose document the contract is concluded under. From June 25, 2026, new rules for verifying the subscriber's identity take effect: for foreigners without a Turkish electronic ID card, verification is done through the Migration Management system (mobile app or visit to the provincial migration office). Lines that fail verification can be restricted and closed by the operator.
- A SIM card "in someone else's name" is a risk for you. A number registered to the seller or a random person can be closed at any time, cannot be recovered if lost, and all actions associated with it are legally tied to the contract holder. For banks, e-Devlet, and real estate transaction confirmations, such a number is not suitable.
- Prices at the airport are higher. The store in the arrival zone is convenient, but tourist packages there are often more expensive than in the city. If you need internet right away, you can buy a minimal package at the airport and choose a main plan in the city.
When purchasing, verify that your name and passport number are correctly entered in the contract, save the PUK code, and confirm how long the line remains active without a top-up.
Documents: Tourist and Resident with ikamet
A tourist opens a line using a foreign passport. The passport number is entered in the contract instead of a Turkish identification number. According to reports from Turkish media about BTK (the telecom regulator) decision, one foreign passport without a foreign identification number (YKN) can have one individual line per operator.
A resident with a residence permit (ikamet) receives a foreign identification number starting with 99. With it, contract plans are available, as well as access to e-Devlet and online services from operators. According to the same reports, the limit for YKN holders is three lines per operator; for Turkish citizens, it's six. For details on obtaining a residence permit, see the article residence permit in Turkey.
If you bought a line as a tourist and later obtained ikamet, update your subscriber information at the operator's store: bring your residence permit card so the contract is linked to your YKN. For foreigners who do not update their registration, restrictions have been introduced; according to media reports, BTK postponed their start to March 5, 2027, with a final update deadline of April 23, 2027. You should double-check these dates with your operator.
Tourist Plans and eSIM
A tourist package is a prepaid line with a bundle of gigabytes, minutes, and SMS for 7–28 days. Packages are one-time: after the period ends, you cannot renew the same offer; you need to switch to a regular plan or top up your balance. Prices change frequently and depend on the point of sale, so check the price list in the store and ask for the total amount together with the SIM card.
| Türk Telekom Welcome Package | Internet | Minutes / SMS | Duration | Price on Operator Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome 10 GB | 10 GB | 250 / 250 | 7 days | 320 TL |
| Welcome 25 GB | 25 GB | 750 / 750 | 28 days | 420 TL |
| Welcome 50 GB | 50 GB | 1500 / 1000 | 28 days | 550 TL |
| Welcome 75 GB | 75 GB | 750 / 750 | 15 days | 550 TL |
Prices are from the Türk Telekom tourist page as of October 26, 2026; the page has no update date, the cost of the SIM card itself is not specified, and the total in stores may vary. Turkcell and Vodafone publish tourist offers as time-limited campaigns — actual prices are quoted in the store.
eSIM. All three operators issue eSIM, but for a foreigner without a Turkish ID, it is typically arranged only in person at a store — online purchase is designed for citizens and residents. A separate option is international eSIM services: the profile works as roaming from a foreign operator; you don't get a Turkish number, calls to Turkish numbers and SMS from Turkish banks and government services don't work through such a profile. This is enough for a vacation, but not for living in Turkey.
The 120-Day Rule and IMEI Registration
Each phone on the Turkish network is identified by its IMEI (you can find it by dialing *#06#). Phones officially imported and sold in Turkey are already on a "whitelist." A phone brought from abroad will work on the Turkish network with a Turkish SIM card for a limited time: according to BTK rules, registration must be completed within 120 days of entering Turkey. Operators remind you of this via SMS. If the deadline has passed and there's no registration, the phone is disconnected from Turkish networks and cannot be registered afterward.
A phone with your home SIM card on roaming continues to work — the restriction applies only to use on the Turkish network with a Turkish number.
How Much Registration Costs in 2026
Registration is paid: it's a state fee "for permission to use a phone brought by a passenger." The amount for 2026 was approved by General Announcement on the Fee Law No. 98 (Resmî Gazete No. 33124 of December 31, 2025) and is effective from January 1, 2026.
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fee for registering one phone brought by a passenger | 54,258 TL |
| Time without registration on Turkish network | 120 days from date of entry |
| If phone is used without paying the fee | Device is blocked; fee is collected with 50% surcharge plus penalties |
| How often you can register | One device once every several calendar years (see below) |
The amount is enormous compared to the price of many phones, so for an inexpensive model it's almost always more profitable to buy a device in Turkey and use the one you brought for only 120 days.
How to Register
- Log in to e-Devlet (turkiye.gov.tr) and use the BTK services section to check if you are eligible to register a device. According to the official BTK press release, you can register one phone every two calendar years; however, 2026 reports sometimes mention a three-year period, so rely on the system's status rather than hearsay.
- Pay the registration fee — this can be done at the tax office (vergi dairesi), an authorized bank, or online during the application process via e-Devlet connected banks.
- Within the "IMEI Kaydet" service, enter your IMEI number(s) — for dual-SIM phones, provide both — and the details of the passport you used to enter the country.
- Complete the application process until you receive a tracking number. Paying the fee alone does not constitute registration.
As of July 2, 2026, all registration applications must be submitted via e-Devlet, following changes to the BTK regulations published in Resmî Gazete No. 33298. Consequently, registration is effectively impossible without an e-Devlet password. Residents obtain their password using their residence permit (ikamet izni) — instructions are available in our article e-Devlet in Turkey. If you do not have a Foreigner Identification Number (YKN), consult your mobile operator about alternative options before paying any fees.
Checking phone and line status via e-Devlet
Residents with e-Devlet access can use three useful BTK services:
- Mobil Hat Sorgulama — a list of mobile lines registered under your ID number across all operators. Check this every few months: if you see a number you did not open, close it through the operator.
- IMEI Sorgulama — verifies if your phone was imported legally and has not been reported lost or stolen. This check is mandatory before buying a pre-owned device.
- Reporting a lost or stolen device — blocks the IMEI, preventing the phone from being used within Turkey.
Having a Turkish mobile number in your own name is essential for more than just calls: it is required to receive verification codes from banks, e-Devlet, and government agencies. Without it, opening a Turkish bank account and confirming transactions is significantly more difficult.
Common issues
- The phone stopped connecting to the Turkish network. This almost always means the 120-day limit has expired. Check your IMEI status in e-Devlet; if the time has passed, you can no longer register this device. Your options are to use roaming with your home SIM or purchase a new phone in Turkey.
- The number is registered to a real estate agent, landlord, or seller. You should transfer the line to your own name at an operator's store (usually requires both parties to be present with documents) or open a new one. Such lines are the first to be suspended during identity verification checks, and you will not be able to recover a SIM card not registered to you.
- The line was disconnected due to inactivity. Prepaid lines have a lifespan without top-ups — ask about this when purchasing and manage your balance through the operator's app, bank, or a kiosk.
- Purchased a used phone that does not work. The IMEI might be on a "blacklist," or the phone may have been imported without registration. Always check the IMEI via e-Devlet before payment.
- Dual-SIM phone with two IMEI numbers. You must provide both IMEI numbers for the same device; BTK rejects registrations where the declared numbers belong to different hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Turkish SIM card at Antalya Airport?
Yes, operator stores are available in the arrivals area of AYT. You will need your passport. Prices there are typically higher than in the city center.
How many days does a foreign phone work with a Turkish SIM card?
It works for 120 days from your date of entry. Within this period, you must register the device via e-Devlet and pay the fee of 54,258 TL (2026 rates) to prevent it from being blocked on Turkish networks.
Do I need a residence permit (ikamet izni) to buy a SIM card?
No, tourists only need a passport. However, a residence permit provides a YKN number, access to e-Devlet, contract-based plans, and the right to hold multiple lines.
Can I purchase a Turkish eSIM immediately?
Yes, but as a foreigner without a Turkish ID, you can usually only set this up in an official store using your passport. International eSIM services provide data but do not include a local Turkish phone number.
What if the SIM card is not in my name?
You should transfer the ownership to yourself at an operator's branch or open a new line under your own passport. Relying on a line owned by someone else is risky: it can be terminated at any time, and you will not be able to restore it.
Is a Turkish SIM card required for buying an apartment?
While not strictly required by law, in practice, a local number in your name is essential for banking, e-Devlet, payment verifications, and communication with management companies after buying real estate in Turkey.
Sources
- Resmî Gazete No. 33124 (5th Supplement) dated 31.12.2025: Harçlar Kanunu Genel Tebliği (Series No: 98) — 2026 registration fees
- Resmî Gazete No. 33298 dated 02.07.2026: amendments to the BTK device registration regulation
- Resmî Gazete No. 33277 dated 11.06.2026: amendments to subscriber identity verification regulations
- Resmî Gazete No. 33277 dated 11.06.2026: amendments to consumer rights in telecommunications
- BTK: press release on registration of passenger-imported devices
- e-Devlet: IMEI Kaydet (BTK)
- e-Devlet: IMEI Sorgulama (BTK)
- e-Devlet: Mobil Hat Sorgulama (BTK)
- Türk Telekom: Prepaid Tourist SIM Turkey (official operator website)
- DonanımHaber, 12.08.2026: BTK postpones line number restrictions (media source)