Merhaba offers low-cost eSIMs for visitors to Turkey. Plans start from US$4.50 (~₺94) 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 ₺94) 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 (~₺94) for 7 days
Best Deals:
Compatible Devices:
  • Apple iPhone 11 and newer
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
  • Google Pixel 3 and newer
  • see more...
Coverage: 4G coverage (Turk Telekom (Avea))
Voucher Code: Save 5% on all Merhaba eSIMs using KEN5 voucher code

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 ₺94) 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:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataPlan
Cost
AiraloNoneNone1GBUS$4.50
(~₺94)
valid for 7 days
AiraloNoneNone2GBUS$6.50
(~₺135)
valid for 15 days
AiraloNoneNone3GBUS$8.00
(~₺166)
valid for 30 days
AiraloNoneNone5GBUS$12.00
(~₺249)
valid for 30 days
AiraloNoneNone10GBUS$18.00
(~₺374)
valid for 30 days
AiraloNoneNone20GBUS$26.00
(~₺540)
valid for 30 days

As a special offer for June 2023, you can get a 5% discount on all Merhaba eSIMs when you enter the KEN5 voucher code at checkout.

See all Merhaba eSIM deals →

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 ProviderNetwork TypeCoverage Area
Turk Telekom (Avea)4G LTETurkey

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 Global 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:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataPlan
Cost
EurolinkNoneNone1GBUS$5.00
(~€4.70)
valid for 7 days
EurolinkNoneNone3GBUS$13.00
(~€12.20)
valid for 30 days
EurolinkNoneNone5GBUS$20.00
(~€18.70)
valid for 30 days
EurolinkNoneNone10GBUS$37.00
(~€34.60)
valid for 30 days
EurolinkNoneNone50GBUS$100.00
(~€93.50)
valid for 90 days
EurolinkNoneNone100GBUS$185.00
(~€173.00)
valid for 180 days

Discover Global eSIM

Airalo's Discover Global eSIM will also work in Turkey, giving you 4G coverage from Vodafone. In addition, you'll be able to use it in 84 other countries. The Discover Global plans start from US$9 for 1GB of data:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataPlan
Cost
Discover GlobalNoneNone1GBUS$9.00
valid for 7 days
Discover GlobalNoneNone3GBUS$24.00
valid for 15 days
Discover GlobalNoneNone5GBUS$35.00
valid for 30 days
Discover GlobalNoneNone10GBUS$59.00
valid for 60 days
Discover GlobalNoneNone20GBUS$89.00
valid for 180 days

Other Country Specific eSIMs

You can also buy other country-specific eSIMs from Airalo, including the following:

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.

Your Comments

We'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you may have. You can add your own comment here.

Leave a Reply