Merhaba offers low-cost eSIMs for visitors to Turkey. Plans start from US$4.50 (~₺130) and give you 4G coverage from Turk Telekom (Avea).
If you're planning a trip to Turkey, one of the easiest ways to use your cellphone whilst you're there is with a Merhaba eSIM. The service is named after 'merhaba' (the Turkish word for 'hello').
You can get a Merhaba eSIM from US$4.50 (approximately ₺130) at Airalo. This will allow you to use your cellphone in Turkey for up to 7 days. The Merhaba eSIM is available on a pre-paid basis for visitors to Turkey and gives you an allowance of 4G mobile data to use whilst you're there.
In this article, we'll look at the Merhaba service in Turkey, including how you're able to get it and the best Merhaba eSIM deals. We'll also look at the coverage available on a Merhaba eSIM, and the other ways of using your mobile phone in Turkey (e.g. through international roaming).
| Plans From: | US$4.50 (~₺130) for 7 days |
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| Best Deals: |
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| Compatible Devices: |
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| Coverage: | 4G coverage (Turk Telekom (Avea)) |
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Merhaba Plans
If you're looking for an affordable way to use your cellphone when travelling in Turkey, you can get a Merhaba eSIM from only US$4.50 (approximately ₺130) for 7 days usage.
To get a Merhaba eSIM, you'll need to have an eSIM-compatible device such as the iPhone 11, Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 or later devices. You can then order your Merhaba eSIM through the Airalo app with instant delivery direct to your phone. There's no need to queue at the airport or to register the Merhaba eSIM with your ID, saving you lots of time.
The following table shows the eSIM plans that are currently available from Merhaba in Turkey:
| Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | None | None | 1GB | US$4.50 (~₺130) valid for 7 days |
| None | None | 2GB | US$6.50 (~₺188) valid for 15 days |
| None | None | 3GB | US$8.00 (~₺231) valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 5GB | US$12.00 (~₺347) valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 10GB | US$18.00 (~₺520) valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 20GB | US$26.00 (~₺752) valid for 30 days |
As a special offer for December 2023, you can get a 10% discount on all Merhaba eSIMs. Simply enter the KEN10 voucher code at checkout. This offer is only available if you're new to Airalo.
If you've already used an Airalo eSIM in the past, you can use the KEN5 voucher code to get a 5% discount on your plan.
Once you've ordered your Merhaba eSIM, it will only activate when your cellphone actually connects to a supported network in Turkey. This means the validity period will only begin when you actually land in Turkey and turn your cellphone on.
Your Merhaba eSIM works with the dual-SIM function on most modern smartphones. This means you can use your regular SIM card alongside the Merhaba eSIM (e.g. to receive incoming phone calls and text messages on your normal phone number).
Alternatives to Merhaba
The main disadvantage of Merhaba is the fact you're getting a data-only service on the eSIM. You will not get a local phone number in Turkey when you're using the Merhaba eSIM in your phone.
If you'd like to call or text whilst you're travelling in Turkey, you'll need to use your normal SIM card instead (on which international roaming fees may apply). Alternatively, you can side-step these charges by making your calls through WhatsApp or other similar apps.
If you're looking for a more fully featured SIM card with a local phone number in Turkey (starting with +90), you could consider getting a regular prepaid SIM card upon arrival instead. This will involve some additional hassle (e.g. queuing up at the airport to get your SIM card, a registration process for the SIM card, etc) but it can be preferable and better suited for longer-term use in Turkey.
Merhaba Coverage
If you're using a Merhaba eSIM, you'll have access to 4G mobile coverage in Turkey. This is provided by the following partner networks:
| Coverage Provider | Network Type | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Turk Telekom (Avea) | 4G LTE | Turkey |
There's no international roaming available on a Merhaba eSIM. Therefore, you won't be able to use it outside of Turkey. If you're planning to visit multiple countries on your trip, you may need to get a separate eSIM for the other countries you visit.
Other Airalo eSIMs
Airalo's Merhaba eSIM can only be used in Turkey.
If you're planning to visit multiple countries on your trip, you could consider getting a Eurolink or Discover eSIM. These eSIM plans will work in Turkey, as well as a number of other countries.Eurolink eSIM
Airalo's Eurolink eSIM will also work in Turkey, giving you 4G coverage from Vodafone & AVEA. In addition, you'll be able to use it in 38 other countries. The Eurolink plans start from US$5 for 1GB of data:
| Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | None | None | 1GB | US$5.00 (~€4.60) valid for 7 days |
| None | None | 3GB | US$13.00 (~€11.80) valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 5GB | US$20.00 (~€18.20) valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 10GB | US$37.00 (~€33.70) valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 50GB | US$100.00 (~€91.10) valid for 90 days |
| None | None | 100GB | US$185.00 (~€168.60) valid for 180 days |
Discover eSIM
Airalo's Discover eSIM will also work in Turkey, giving you 4G & 5G coverage from AVEA & TCELL. In addition, you'll be able to use it in 129 other countries. The Discover plans start from US$9 for 1GB of data:
| Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | None | None | 1GB | US$9.00 valid for 7 days |
| None | None | 2GB | US$17.00 valid for 15 days |
| None | None | 3GB | US$24.00 valid for 30 days |
| None | None | 5GB | US$35.00 valid for 60 days |
| None | None | 10GB | US$59.00 valid for 180 days |
| None | None | 20GB | US$69.00 valid for 365 days |
Discover+ eSIM
The Discover+ eSIM works in a very similar way to the Discover eSIM, also allowing you to use your mobile phone in Turkey. However, it adds the ability for you to make and recieve phone calls and SMS text messages on your eSIM. You'll be assigned a +43 phone number (based in Austria) to use for calling and texting.
The Discover+ plans currently start from US$15 for 10 minutes, 10 texts and 1GB of data:
| Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10 | 10 | 1GB | US$15.00 valid for 7 days |
| 20 | 20 | 2GB | US$27.00 valid for 15 days |
| 30 | 30 | 3GB | US$36.00 valid for 30 days |
| 50 | 50 | 5GB | US$50.00 valid for 60 days |
| 100 | 100 | 10GB | US$79.00 valid for 180 days |
| 200 | 200 | 20GB | US$89.00 valid for 365 days |
Other Country Specific eSIMs
You can also buy other country-specific eSIMs from Airalo, including the following:
- Yes! Go! (Australia)
- Maneiro (Brazil)
- Tuque Mobile (Canada)
- Chinacom (China)
- Bonbon Mobile (France)
- Hallo! Mobil (Germany)
- Hkmobile (Hong Kong)
- Indicomm (India)
- Indotel (Indonesia)
- Mamma Mia (Italy)
- Moshi Moshi (Japan)
- Chorro Fon (Mexico)
- Choukran (Morocco)
- Fofo Mobil (Portugal)
- CellSA (South Africa)
- Guay Mobile (Spain)
- Burj Mobile (United Arab Emirates)
- Uki Mobile (United Kingdom)
- Change Mobile (United States)
- Xin Chao (Vietnam)
For more information, read our Airalo review.
More Information
For more information about Merhaba, please see the Airalo website. If you're based inside the UK, you can also read our guide on the best SIM cards for roaming in Turkey.
Gilberto said:
hi. when I use Eurolink e card can I keep and use my original WhatsApp number?
Ken replied:
Hi Gilberto,
Thanks for your comment. Indeed, you can – you can continue using WhatsApp with your original number 🙂
Ken
James said:
I just arrived in the USA and Airalo is amazing – I bought the the sim on the airport wifi, and had it fully set up and on the network before I got to LAX baggage claim! So easy, no paperwork, didn’t need to find a shop/kiosk, queue, open up the phone or any of that nonsense. Also with dual sim capability I’m still able to use my British number for receiving sms/iMessage.
It’s good coverage too, and it automatically swaps between AT&T or T-Mobile depending on the area. I’d highly recommend it and look forward to using it in other places in the future.