Connecting to the Internet and using phones in Türkiye
When you move to Türkiye, setting up your own phone and internet is a smart move to make right off the bat. Sure, you'll find free WiFi in many cafes and restaurants, and there are pay-as-you-go phones around. But having your own reliable connection is going to be a game-changer in your new Turkish adventure. With that said, there are quite a few nuances to setting up your mobile phone in Türkiye.
Mobile phones in Türkiye
Getting your mobile phone sorted in Türkiye comes with a few steps, but it's worth it to stay connected. If you're bringing your own phone from abroad, first check that it's unlocked and compatible with Turkish SIM cards. But here's the twist: to use a foreign phone in Türkiye, you need to register it with the authorities. If not, it'll stop working after 120 days.
Important:
And here comes the scary part: as of 2024, registering a mobile phone in Türkiye will cost you 31,692 Turkish Liras (approximately USD 1,000).
Because of the high cost of registering a phone in Türkiye, some expats prefer to buy a cheaper phone locally to use inside the country while keeping their more expensive phones for personal use on Wi-Fi networks.
To register your phone, you can stop by a local mobile service store. Don't forget your passport – it's necessary for the process.
For a tech-savvy shortcut, you can register your phone's IMEI number online through the government portal e-Devlet. Not sure of your IMEI? Dial *#06# and hit call; a text message with the info will follow. Pay the fees online or at a tax office, then finalize the registration via the e-Devlet application, available in English on the Google Play Store and App Store.
Remember, you can only register one foreign phone every two years.
Once your phone is up and running, it is time to procure a Turkish SIM card. Türkiye's leading mobile service providers are Turkcell and Vodafone. Both offer prepaid or subscription-based packages, including voice calls, SMS and mobile data. Package prices differ substantially based on the amount of data included.
Pre-paid plans may be easier to purchase if you do not yet have a local bank account and residence permit.
Home internet connection in Türkiye
In order to get home phone and fixed internet, you should first check whether your dwelling has been connected in the past and is associated with a functional landline.
If not, Türkiye's historical operator, Turk Telekom, can provide you with a phone line.
For your communications plan, you can elect to stay with Turk Telekom, or to turn to competitors Turksat or Turkcell Superonline. All offer bundles including home phone and unlimited high-speed internet, some also comprising access to cable TV, with subscription periods ranging from 3 to 24 months.
You will be required to present valid Turkish identity papers in order to open a fixed phone or internet line. If you do not have your residence permit yet, your landlord should be able to give you a hand and open one on your behalf.
Good to know:
Turkish phone numbers break down as follows:
0090 (the international phone code, optional if you are dialing within the country) followed by a three-digit area-specific code, and a unique combination of seven digits.
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