Where in Istanbul airport can I rent a portable 3G/LTE Wifi hotspot?
Since Turkey's mobile phone legislation is a pain in the ass, I'm considering renting a 3G/LTE Wifi hotspot on the two stopovers I will have there in February.
Is there a company which could rent me one at Istanbul airport? If not, maybe I can find such a service in the center of the city?
Technically I could just buy a sim-card and discard it later, but my 24-hour stopovers are over 3 weeks apart so it would be impossible for me to get Internet on the way back, since my IMEI would have been blocked by then.
Best Answer
Even though I still believe that using WiFi at the airport might be a better solution for your data needs you can a MiFi device from places like: Global WiFi Rental, which is available for pick up and return at the airport. And similar discussion on TripAdvisor.
There is also Cell Hire in UK that also offers the MiFi Rental service.
Pictures about "Where in Istanbul airport can I rent a portable 3G/LTE Wifi hotspot?"
How do I get portable WiFi in Turkey?
In Turkey, several companies offer easy rental of mobile Wifi hotspots: order your rental hotspot online and it will be waiting for you a the airport or at your hotel or rental apartment when you arrive. Put it right to work, use it to communicate as much as you want, and you'll know in advance the price you'll pay.Can you pay for WiFi at Istanbul Airport?
Yes, Istanbul airport afforded wifi access service to all visitors. Visitors can enjoy using the Istanbul airport internet for one hour free of charge through a smartphone, tablet, or personal laptop computer at the airport. Then a small fee is charged for the service extension.Can I buy Internet in Istanbul Airport?
All passengers are offered 1-hour free internet access at Istanbul Airport. Free wireless internet can be requested at the wireless internet kiosks provided by Turk Telekom. There are 2 ways to get an internet code, via SMS on your mobile phone or by entering your passport number at any Wi-Fi terminal in the airport.How do I get WiFi at Istanbul Airport?
Our passengers are offered 1-hour free internet access at Istanbul Airport with the wireless internet kiosks whose infrastructure is provided by T\xfcrk Telekom. You can benefit from the service via SMS or by entering your passport number.Buying a Sim Card at Istanbul Airport in 2022
More answers regarding where in Istanbul airport can I rent a portable 3G/LTE Wifi hotspot?
Answer 2
You can check all mobile wifi rental companies by yourself and see the list of companies offering the rental service in Turkey.
As your travel plan suggests, buying a SIM card is not the best option to solve the connection problem. According to the new law of duties, cell phones from outside Turkey will be blocked between 7-10 days if they are not registered with a fee of 115 Turkish Liras (approx. 40 Euros).
I think it is not the most efficient way to pay such a tax to the government for just one time use. Also, you will have to sign some papers, change your SIM card, keep it safe etc. And you will not be able to share your connection with your other devices unless your mobile phone can be used as a hotspot.
Basically, there are some companies to rent a pocket wifi in Turkey. However, I think that the local companies offer more fair prices, and a qualified service than the international companies do.
I hope you enjoy your holiday in Turkey.
Answer 3
The place called IUGO and it was at the Ataturk Airport, Arrival Terminal. We rented a wifi modem and paid tptal of 29 Euro per 5 days.
Answer 4
My wife and I were in Istanbul last January. At the Istanbul Ataturk Airport there were 3 stores who sells simcard. The prices are almost same 80 Turkish Lira for just simcard. But they are overcrowded. We finally rent a mobile hotspot from "iugo gadgets for rent" at the arrival terminal. We paid total of 40 Euros for 7 days. The mobile hotspot had unlimited data. It was cheap comparing to other simcards.. We dropped the device back to the store before our flight
Answer 5
There is a local company called Rent 'n Connect but as far i know they have no booth at Ataturk Airport however they provide delivering to your hotel and pick up from there. And also they are working with Sabiha Gokcen Airport (booth).
Hope it helps you and other travellers.
Answer 6
Depending on the number of days you will want to be connected to the internet and on the data you will need, you have 3 options:
buy a sim card from Turkcell, Vodafone, Turk Telekom (find more here). The advantage is that you can find them all around the city and you pay one time, no additional or hidden fees. The not so good part is that they are not as cheep as you would expect (for the data they include) and you can't use them if your phone is blocked by your telecommunication company.
rent a portable wifi. If you want to compare offers and prices in Turkey, try a directory with pocket wifi offers. You can compare there prices, minimum of days you will need to rent the device, deposit costs, the daily available data (not all of them have unlimited data), number of devices you can connect to, pick-up and return policy, reviews from clients, technology (3g/ 4g) and more.
hunt free wifi hotspots. It's a little problematic because it's not safe, it's slow and sometimes it can disconnect when you need it the most. But it's FREE so... :)
Answer 7
I used IUGO during my first trip in Turkey but this year, I learned that it is closed. I found another company that rents mobile wifi device named Alldaywifi. I am pleased with airport delivery, unlimited data and the ease of connection. If anyone needs you can check their website https://alldaywifi.com
Answer 8
u can check the company called RENTNCONNECT. they have the option that online booked. u can book your pocket wifi before u arrive turkey. airport, hotel or airbnb options are avilable for delivery. the size of the device is great. easy to carry it, and u can connect up to 10 devices. The fair usage limits are set by the operators. If you exceed the fair usage limit, no extras will be charged and the connection will remain as 4.5G speed. returning the device is also simple. u can return the device at airport or your hotel.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Erik Mclean, Oleksandr Pidvalnyi