As of 2014, there are three mobile operators that offer connectivity for tourists. Of these, Turkcell has the widest coverage . A passport is required to purchase a SIM card. As well, official registration of the sim is required for all foreign mobile phones, costing up to 120 lira ($56 USD). The government will lock your phone permanently, disabling it from GSM usage within Turkey if the registration is not complete (usually between 5 days and two weeks). Purchasing a local phone will buy you around 21 days before the same registration requirement pops up.
Top Prepaid SIM options
1. Turkcell
Cost: 30 TRY ($14 USD) for the SIM, 1 TRY ($.50 USD) for 10 mb data lasting one day, or 12 TRY ($5.50 USD) for 1 gb data lasting one week. Link
2. Vodafone
Cost: 30 TRY ($14 USD) for the SIM, 2 TRY ($1 USD) for 250 mb data lasting one day, or 15 TRY ($7 USD) for 1 gb data lasting one week. Link
Where to Buy: Authorized center is best.
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