Keep your phone online in Turkey โ no IMEI registration.
Turkey blocks foreign phones from local SIMs after ~120 days. A roaming data eSIM isn't a local SIM โ your data keeps working, no registration, delivered instantly.
Turkey plans โ on Turkcell 5G & Vodafone TR
Long stay? The 20 GB / 30 days plan renews by top-up โ no new QR, no reinstall.
You'll need Data Roaming on for this eSIM โ that's normal for travel eSIMs and costs nothing extra. ยท Apple Pay ยท Google Pay ยท Card โ what you see is what you pay.
Check your phone in 30 seconds
1. Dial *#06# โ if an EID number appears, your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. iPhone: Settings โ General โ About โ Carrier Lock must say "No SIM Restrictions". Full device guide โ
Honest answers
What is Turkey's 120-day IMEI rule?๏ผโ
Foreign phones using local Turkish SIMs must have their IMEI registered (for a significant fee) after roughly 120 days in the country, or they lose local-network service. It affects long-stay visitors, students, and remote workers.
Why does a roaming eSIM keep working?๏ผโ
The rule applies to foreign phones on local Turkish SIMs. A roaming eSIM isn't a local SIM โ it connects your phone the way your home carrier would while roaming, which doesn't involve IMEI registration. That's a fact of how roaming works; rules can change, and we'll always say so plainly.
Do I get a Turkish phone number?๏ผโ
No โ data only. WhatsApp, FaceTime and Messenger calls work normally over data; keep your home SIM active in the other slot if you need SMS codes.
Which networks will I use?๏ผโ
Turkcell (4.5G) and Vodafone TR, selected automatically โ fast LTE in every major city and the entire tourist coast.
Can I top up without a new QR?๏ผโ
Yes โ standard plans top up in place. Unlimited plans can't be topped up; buy a new plan and we deliver it instantly.
Prepaid only โ no subscription, no lock-in. Full Turkey coverage guide โ