You're Safe for 120 Days
The short answer: If you're visiting Turkey as a tourist with an eSIM, your phone will work normally for up to 120 days. No registration required.
Turkey's IMEI registration law is designed to catch phones being imported for resale—not tourists on vacation. Your travel eSIM from Airalo, Holafly, or any other provider will work perfectly.
✅ You're fine if: You're visiting for less than 120 days (4 months)
⚠️ Registration needed if: You're staying longer than 120 days OR buying a local Turkish SIM card for a phone purchased abroad
What is Turkey's 120-Day IMEI Rule?
Turkey requires all phones used with Turkish SIM cards to be registered with the government's IMEI database. This is to prevent tax-free phone smuggling.
🌐 Foreign Phones (That's You!)
Get a 120-day grace period. Your phone works automatically without any registration. Perfect for tourists.
🏠 Residents / Long-Term Stays
Must register their phone and pay import tax (~€100-200) after 120 days, or the IMEI gets blocked.
Why Does My eSIM Say "No Service" in Istanbul?
Don't panic! This is almost never the IMEI block. It's usually a simple network selection issue.
🔧 The Fix: Manual Network Selection
- 1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
- 2. Turn OFF "Automatic"
- 3. Wait for the network list to load (can take 30-60 seconds)
- 4. Select Turkcell or Vodafone TR
- 5. Wait 10-15 seconds for connection
📶 Still Not Working? Try These:
- ✓ Make sure Data Roaming is ON for your eSIM
- ✓ Toggle Airplane Mode on/off
- ✓ Restart your phone completely
- ✓ Check that your eSIM plan is activated and has data remaining
💡 Pro Tip: Turkcell has the best coverage in Turkey, especially outside major cities. If your eSIM provider offers network choice, pick Turkcell.
Best eSIM Providers for Turkey
Airalo Turkey
Uses Turkcell network. Excellent coverage across Turkey including Cappadocia and coastal areas.
From $4.50 for 1GB / 7 days
Holafly Turkey
Unlimited data plans. Great for heavy users who don't want to worry about limits.
From $19 for 5 days unlimited
Nomad Turkey
Budget-friendly option with straightforward pricing.
From $5 for 1GB / 7 days
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my phone is blocked in Turkey?
If your phone is blocked, you'll see "No Service" on ALL networks and won't be able to connect to any Turkish carrier. However, if you've been in Turkey less than 120 days, this is almost certainly a settings issue, not a block.
Does the 120-day rule apply to eSIMs?
Yes, but it doesn't matter for tourists. The 120-day grace period applies to ALL foreign phones using ANY Turkish network connection—physical SIM or eSIM. You're protected either way.
Can I use my eSIM in Turkey multiple times?
Yes! The 120-day counter resets each time you leave Turkey for more than 2 months. So if you visit twice a year, you'll get a fresh 120 days each time.
What if I'm staying longer than 120 days?
You'll need to register your phone's IMEI with Turkish authorities and pay an import tax. Visit a Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi) with your passport. Budget €100-200 for the tax.