If you are wondering how to stay connected to the internet during your trip to the Istanbul, here we give you detailed information about Wi-Fi in Istanbul and the internet connection for travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about wi-fi and internet in Istanbul and Turkey for tourists.
One of the issues we tend to overlook about travelling to another country is staying connected to the internet on a cheaper budget. It is very exciting to be able to share moments of our trips with our friends and families while we travel and post our experiences via social media, and most importantly keep in touch with our job, and the need for a GPS application, so we do not get lost.
The best part of travelling and exploring is staying connected and being in constant communications with our family, friend or with our jobs and our social media presence.
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Some ways to get Wi-Fi in Istanbul
1. Buy a Prepaid Sim Card for Turkey:
If you are on a business trip, then you definitely will need to receive and make calls. This will entail you buying a Turkish Sim Card or a prepaid card with Wi-Fi connection.
There are only three GSM providers in Turkey that will be able to set you up with a Sim card and data plan, Vodafone, Turk cell and Turk Telekom. They offer different amount of data use, and it can only be purchased with a valid passport. The rates may be similar, but they change constantly.
What you need to know about getting a prepaid sim card in Turkey
If you are staying in Turkey for more than 120 days, you need to register your sim card.
If you exceed the data, you will face very high fees
If you plan on getting a sim card, make sure to get it from the stores of Vodafone, Turk Telekom or Turkcell.
Find out more on Turkish SIM Cards
2. You can use the free Wi-Fi hotspot in your hotel, apartment or hostel:
If you are low on funds and don’t need to always be connected to the internet, using the free internet connection at your accommodation will be ideal, you could just quickly check your mail, post on social media and check in with friends.
This is also a great alternative if you want to unplug and spend time away from the internet.
3. Get an international plan for Turkey with your GSM provider:
Before your trip down to Istanbul, it is always a great idea to arrange for an international plan to get data and call package with your GSM provider. You will not need an activation, and can easily get connected when you land in Istanbul.
4. Free Istanbul city Wi-Fi provided by the municipality:
The city of Istanbul and about every top destination in Turkey offers free Wi-Fi connection and Internet that is sponsored by the local municipality via several hotspot locations around town.
Tour Booking Advice
It is free, but you have to register first to get access to it. You are given 1 GB of data every day with 2 Mbps speed. The connection may not be as strong as you’d like but it can get the job done.
5. Change to an international plan with your original GSM provider:
This option is the least beneficial because it is the most expensive option if you do not want to bother with getting a sim card in Turkey, it can cost about 3 dollars for a gigabyte, this is the option if you are extremely rich, but since you will be exploring the town, you will need affordable roaming and data wherever you go.
6. Rent a pocket Wi-Fi:
This is one of the practical and affordable ways to get access to the internet is by renting a mobile hot spot that provide the service to tourists. They send you a small, light handheld device that has a 4G sim card inside, for your internet connection.
Pros of renting a pocket Wi-Fi:
- It can be connected to about 10 separate devices
- You do not need a sim card
Con.
- You are unable to make calls
Some things to consider when using local networks
Protect your personal information on public computers
Using a public computer, make sure to erase your public information such as username and passwords when you are done with your session.
Virtual private networks
Accessing the internet while travelling, you should always consider using a virtual private network to protect and prevent you from hackers stealing your sensitive information like your username, credit cards, passwords and bank accounts details.
A VPN is not expensive to use, it is an online service that is easy to set up and the basic services are free.
