Inexpensive way to use my US iPhone's data connection in Turkey?
I want to use my AT&T iPhone – specifically the data connection – while in Turkey in September.
What's the easiet, cheapest way to make my phone work in that country? How good is the service? Is it even worth it outside of Istanbul?
Best Answer
You probably don't want to use AT&T roaming. It does work but the Turkish providers are going to hit you up with some pretty beafy data fees. Getting a local SIM card is prefered.
Your AT&T iPhone should support GSM bands and a SIM card, but there are a couple bariers. First your phone is probalby locked -- meaning the software in the phone won't accept anything but an AT&T SIM card. You can talk to AT&T about getting them to unlock it for you so that you can use it while traveling. As long as they don't think they are going to lose you as a customer they will sometimes do that. Alternativly you can hack it yourself to get it unlocked.
Coverage in all major cities is pretty good. You can usually get pre-paid cards from any of the major operators (Turkcell, Avea, Vodafone) at the airport or at any shop. The pre-paid SIMs get a certain amount of credit, then you can use that credit to add a data package. The more data you buy the cheaper it gets per unit.
Secondly and specific to Turkey are foreign phone import issues. Your phone will work in Turkey as a "guest" for a while, but don't plan on more than a couple weeks. As part of the import restrictions, you must register the IMIE number of your phone. If you don't register your device as having been imported it will get blocked from the networks after a period of a couple weeks. Sometimes they actually do this, sometimes months later they haven't gotten around to it. If you have a residence permit you are allowed to import one phone per year free of charge, but you can't do this on a turist visa.
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Can I use my mobile data in Turkey?
Will your phone work in Turkey? Your phone or hotspot must be able to operate in the 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz and/or 3G 2100 Mhz frequency band(s), or it will not work in Turkey. Most European-based phones are GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) phones using the 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2G, 3G or 4G LTE standards.Do you get charged for data roaming in Turkey?
More\u2026 International roaming in Turkey can be a relatively expensive way to make calls, as roaming charges can be high. Basically, you're paying two phone companies: your home one, which is billing you for the call, and a Turkish one, which is connecting the call.Which mobile network works in Turkey?
There are three mobile operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone, and T\xfcrk Telekom. Turkcell has the greatest coverage and most customers, and is the best option for most visitors to Turkey.How do I register my phone for free in Turkey?
Go to your nearest PTT branch (Turkish Post Office) with your passport, and resident permit (aka ikamet) and ask for an "e-devlet password" (e-government) to register your phone.Using Your US iPhone In Mexico
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Answer 2
This is the long-term best strategy:
- Sell your carrier-locked iPhone.
- Buy an unlocked iPhone.
The Apple Online Store sells the latest-version unlocked iPhones for:
- USA
- Canada
- A few Euro countries
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
With an unlocked iPhone, you can use foreign SIM cards. And it will be inexpensive to use. However, the upfront cost is higher. An unlocked iPhone is a few hundred dollars more than one under contract.
If you're not staying abroad too long, and you don't travel abroad much else, then consider swallowing the expensive roaming fees. It may be the cheaper option then.
Answer 3
Considering two facts that you are mainly interested in data connection and buying a SIM Card is quite complicated for foreigners in my country, I would switch my phone to flight mode and look for mobile wifi rental options in Turkey.
So you can skip the main hassle about AT&T and other complications.
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