Turkey – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Turkey, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Turkey’s international dialling code is +90. To reach a Turkish number from overseas, dial your country’s international exit prefix, then 90, followed by the city area code and the local number. When placing calls within Turkey, you must always include the area code — even for calls within the same city. Unlike certain countries where the leading zero is dropped for international dialling, Turkey’s area codes themselves do not start with zero; the zero functions only as a domestic trunk prefix when dialling long-distance within the country.

Turkey has 82 area codes in total. The table below covers the codes for the cities and regions most frequently selected by expats and internationally mobile residents:

To call abroad from Turkey, dial 00, then the destination country code, the appropriate area code, and the local number. Turkish mobile numbers are ten digits in total following the +90 country code and are not associated with any specific geographic area code — when dialled domestically they begin with 05XX. When calling a Turkish mobile from outside the country, omit the leading zero: for example, +90 532 XXX XXXX.

Who are the major landline providers in Turkey, and how can you contact them?

Türk Telekom, privatised from the state-owned PTT in 1995, is the backbone of Turkey’s fixed-line telephone network. It is overwhelmingly the leading fixed-line operator across the country, owning and managing the infrastructure over which the vast majority of residential and commercial landlines operate. Whether you are settling in Istanbul, Antalya, or a smaller provincial town, Türk Telekom will almost certainly be the provider through which any new fixed-line connection is arranged.

As Turkey’s foremost telecommunications and technology company, Türk Telekom delivers a broad portfolio of services covering broadband internet, digital television, mobile communications, and traditional fixed-line telephony. Consequently, it is commonplace for households to combine their landline, internet, and TV into a single Türk Telekom package — a model similar to bundled offerings from providers such as BT in the UK or Deutsche Telekom in Germany.

For up-to-date landline tariffs and bundle pricing, consult the official Türk Telekom website directly, as rates are subject to regular revision. Always request a current quote when contacting providers, and note the date of any figures you find during your research, as prices may have changed.

All fixed-line services in Turkey fall under the remit of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). Should a dispute with a provider prove impossible to resolve through direct contact, BTK operates a consumer complaints mechanism accessible via its official website.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Turkey, and how can you contact them?

Turkey’s mobile market is divided among three private operators: Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom. As of 2024, Turkcell reported 43.2 million subscribers, Türk Telekom had 26.2 million, and Vodafone held 25.4 million. All three operators offer both prepaid and postpaid plans, and 4G LTE and 5G services are available across covered areas.

According to Statista, Turkcell became the leading Turkish mobile operator as of 2024, commanding approximately 41% of the market each quarter. Turkcell’s signal footprint is the most extensive in the country, reaching not only urban centres but also remote regions and mountainous terrain — making it a compelling option for anyone who needs a reliable connection whether in Istanbul or a village on the Black Sea coast.

Vodafone Turkey is a well-recognised name across European markets and performs strongly in cities, tourist resorts, and coastal areas. Data speeds are competitive, pricing plans are flexible, and its app is relatively user-friendly even for those navigating Turkish-language interfaces for the first time. That said, some users have noted patchy coverage in areas away from urban or tourist hubs.

Türk Telekom occupies third place by subscriber count but is often underestimated — it can offer particularly attractive terms for new customers and is a solid choice for residents who plan to remain in larger cities. Its competitive pricing and broad service bundles make it especially appealing for those watching their budget closely.

Beyond the three principal operators, several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) — including Bimcell and TurkNet — lease spectrum from the major carriers and resell it, sometimes at lower price points that suit light users.

All three operators provide mobile apps for account management and plan top-ups. 5G networks have been launched by all three major carriers — Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom. Plan pricing changes frequently, so always confirm current tariffs on each provider’s official website at the time you are making your decision.

How do I get a landline connected in Turkey?

Setting up a fixed-line telephone connection in Turkey is handled almost entirely through Türk Telekom, which owns and operates the national copper and fibre network. The procedure is fairly manageable but does require either a visit to a Türk Telekom branch or contact via their website, and having the right documents prepared in advance will speed things along considerably.

1. Check availability at your address. Visit turktelekom.com.tr or call 444 1 444 to confirm that your property can receive a fixed-line connection. Whether fibre or standard ADSL is available will depend on the infrastructure already in place in your specific neighbourhood.
2. Gather your documents. You will generally need a valid passport or Turkish national ID, your Turkish Tax Identification Number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası), proof of your address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement), and your residence permit (ikamet tezkeresi) if you are a foreign national. Property owners may also be asked to produce their title deed (tapu).
3. Submit an application. Applications can be lodged online through the Türk Telekom website, by phoning the customer service line (444 1 444), or in person at a Türk Telekom branch. If your Turkish is limited, it is advisable to bring a Turkish-speaking companion or a translated summary of your documents, as English-language support in stores may be limited outside major tourist cities.
4. Wait for a technician visit. Once your application has been approved, Türk Telekom will arrange for a technician to connect or activate the line at your property. Lead times can range from a few days to two or more weeks depending on local demand and your location — confirm the expected timeframe when you apply.
5. Select a plan and activate the line. Following connection, you will choose a tariff — either landline-only or bundled with broadband and/or digital television. Renting your property does not disqualify you from applying, though it is worth checking with your landlord first, as some prefer to handle utilities themselves. Clarify whether a deposit is required, as this can vary.

As Turkey’s fixed-line infrastructure continues to develop, a growing number of expats in major cities forgo a traditional landline altogether in favour of mobile or fibre broadband. This is an increasingly practical option if you have no specific need for a fixed-line number. Always verify current requirements and any applicable connection fees directly with Türk Telekom, as these change from time to time. The BTK regulator’s website also sets out your rights as a consumer when establishing a new fixed-line service.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Turkey?

Obtaining a mobile connection in Turkey is a fairly uncomplicated process for both visitors and long-term residents. SIM cards are available from mobile operator outlets, electronics retailers, and airport kiosks upon arrival. However, there are important differences between how prepaid SIMs function for short-term visitors versus residents, and there is a critical handset registration requirement — applicable to phones purchased outside Turkey — that has no equivalent in most other countries.

Prepaid SIM cards

The first step in acquiring a SIM card is to present the required documentation. Tourists need their passport for identification. Expatriates will typically also need to show their residence permit (ikamet) alongside their passport. A passport with a valid expiry date is the core document required for purchase. For passports written in Arabic script or any non-Latin alphabet, a notarised translation by a sworn translator is additionally required.

All prepaid SIM cards issued in Turkey operate only within Turkey and Northern Cyprus — international roaming is not included. This is a notable departure from the way prepaid SIMs work in many other markets, where international roaming is generally available at an additional charge.

Postpaid contracts

Signing up for a postpaid contract typically requires legal residency in Turkey, a valid residence permit, and a Turkish Tax Identification Number. New arrivals who have not yet completed the residency process are generally restricted to prepaid options until their documentation is in order. This is broadly comparable to requirements in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, where proof of a registered address must be provided before a postpaid mobile contract can be issued.

The critical IMEI registration rule for foreign-bought phones

Under regulations established by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), anyone bringing a mobile device into Turkey must register that device within 120 days of arrival. Handsets not registered within this period will have their calling functions blocked, although emergency calls and other non-network features will remain accessible.

Each person may register only one device per passport every three years. To complete registration, you will need your valid passport bearing an entry stamp, your Turkish residence permit, and payment of the registration fee — set at 45,614 Turkish Lira for 2025. This fee is reviewed annually; always confirm the current figure on the official e-Devlet government portal or directly with the BTK before making payment.

1. Find your IMEI number. Dial *#06# on your phone to display the IMEI. Write it down carefully, as you will need it throughout the process.
2. Pay the registration tax. Pay the IMEI registration fee at a local tax office (vergi dairesi) or via the e-Devlet platform online. Bring your passport, residence permit, and your noted IMEI number.
3. Register on e-Devlet. Type “IMEI kaydet” into the search field on e-Devlet and select “IMEI Kaydet (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu)”, or navigate directly to turkiye.gov.tr/btk-imei-kaydet.
4. Complete registration at your mobile operator. Take your phone, passport, Turkish Residence Permit, and payment receipt to a Türk Telekom, Turkcell, or Vodafone store. Purchase a SIM card there, and the member of staff will link the SIM’s mobile number to your phone’s IMEI and your personal details.

Most tourists are unable to complete this registration process because they lack a Turkish ID/YKN and an e-Devlet login. If you are visiting for a short period, using your home country’s SIM with roaming does not trigger the IMEI block and requires no registration. For longer stays, purchasing a phone locally in Turkey eliminates the registration requirement entirely and may prove more economical given the registration fee involved.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Turkey?

Both landline and mobile bills in Turkey are issued on a monthly cycle. Turkish providers offer a range of payment options, and the system will feel broadly familiar to residents of other European countries — though there are a few local details worth knowing before you set up your account.

Payment methods

• Online banking and provider apps: Each of the three main operators — Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom — provides a mobile app and online account portal through which you can view your bill, monitor usage, and pay by debit or credit card. This is the most widely used method among urban residents and expats.
• Automatic bank direct debit (otomatik ödeme): You can arrange a standing monthly direct debit from your Turkish bank account. This is a popular and sensible option for residents, as it eliminates the risk of overlooking a payment deadline.
• ATM payments: The majority of Turkish bank ATMs support utility and telecoms bill payments. You will need your subscriber number (abone numarası) to locate your account at the machine.
• PTT (Post and Telegraph Corporation) offices: Bills can be settled in cash at PTT branches around the country — a useful fallback for those who have not yet opened a Turkish bank account.
• Authorised payment kiosks: Electronic payment kiosks found in supermarkets, petrol stations, and shopping centres allow cash payments for mobile top-ups and bill settlement.
• In-store payments: Payments can also be made in person at any branded operator store, by cash or card.

Prepaid top-up

If you are on a prepaid plan, credit can be added using top-up vouchers sold at newsagents, petrol stations, and supermarkets, through your operator’s app, or via a shortcode. You can check your Turkcell balance by typing “KALAN” and sending a free SMS to 2222, or by dialling *100# from your phone. For Vodafone, type “OZET” and send a free SMS to 7000, or dial *123#.

Late payment

When a bill goes unpaid past its due date, Turkish operators typically send a reminder and may apply a late-payment surcharge before eventually suspending outgoing call functions. Full disconnection then follows after a further period. This follows a broadly standard pattern seen in most markets, though the time between a missed payment and suspension of service may be shorter with some Turkish operators than you might be accustomed to elsewhere. Setting up a direct debit is the simplest way to sidestep any interruption to your service.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Turkey as a newcomer?

International roaming into Turkey

Turkey sits outside the EU and EEA, meaning the roaming regulations that have applied across EU member states since 2017 do not extend here. Charges on most European SIM cards are neither capped nor regulated in Turkey and can be considerably higher than you might expect — making it far more practical to pick up a local SIM on arrival. Check with your home operator before travelling to understand exactly what roaming rates apply to Turkey.

eSIMs

All three major Turkish operators — Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom — support eSIM for visitors. The main advantages include being able to purchase a plan online before you land, avoiding queues at the airport, and accessing a wider selection of data and validity options. Third-party eSIM providers also offer Turkey data plans suitable for shorter stays, though these typically cover data only, without voice calls or SMS. Confirm that your handset is eSIM-compatible before committing to this approach.

Number porting

Porting your number between the three main Turkish operators is permitted and regulated by BTK. Unlike some countries where porting is completed within a single working day, the process in Turkey can take several days. The request should be initiated with the operator you are moving to — not the one you are leaving — and you should check whether your existing contract carries any early termination penalties. It is not possible to port a foreign number to a Turkish operator; you would need to take on a new Turkish number.

Coverage quality in popular expat areas

Vodafone performs well in cities, tourist destinations, and resort areas, making it a popular choice along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines. Turkcell’s network reaches major cities as well as mountainous and remote regions including Cappadocia, Trabzon, Lake Van, and sparsely populated Black Sea coastal areas such as Samsun, Rize, and Artvin. For anyone living or travelling in eastern or rural Turkey, Turkcell is the most dependable option.

Internet content restrictions

Turkish providers have previously restricted access to certain online content. Websites deemed offensive or inappropriate are simply blocked. On occasion, the government has also suspended access to social media platforms for periods of time during significant national events or crises. Roaming SIM cards are not subject to this censorship. Some expats use a VPN to access restricted content, though Turkey’s legal framework governing VPN use should be understood before doing so.

Buying a phone locally

Given the expense and administrative effort involved in registering a handset purchased abroad (see the IMEI section above), many expats relocating to Turkey find it more sensible to buy a phone locally. Handsets sold in Turkey come already registered for Turkish networks and do not require the IMEI tax and registration process. The local market carries a wide range of major international brands, though flagship model prices can be elevated compared to some other markets.

Emergency numbers

The universal emergency number in Turkey is 112, which connects to ambulance, fire, and police services. This number functions from any mobile phone, including unregistered or network-blocked handsets. The dedicated police line is 155, and the fire brigade can be reached directly on 110.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Turkey?

No — it is not possible to port a foreign number directly to a Turkish mobile operator. You will need to acquire a new Turkish SIM card and number. You can, however, maintain your existing foreign SIM on a low-cost plan to receive incoming calls and messages during the transition, or set up call forwarding through your previous operator to redirect calls to your new Turkish number.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Turkey?

For tourists, a passport is sufficient identification for purchasing a prepaid SIM card, and a local address is not strictly required. For postpaid contracts, however, you will generally need a residence permit and a verifiable Turkish address, as the contract is linked to your legal residency status.

How long do I have before my foreign phone is blocked in Turkey?

If you insert a Turkish SIM card into your mobile phone, you have 120 days from the date of your arrival in Turkey to pay the mobile phone use tax and register your handset in the Central Equipment Identity Register. Once this window has passed, the device will be blocked from all Turkish mobile networks.

What is the IMEI registration fee in Turkey?

The registration fee stands at 45,614 TL for 2025. This amount is adjusted annually, so always verify the current figure on the official e-Devlet portal or with the BTK before making payment. The fee has risen substantially in recent years due to annual indexation.

Can I get a postpaid mobile contract without a residence permit?

In most cases, no. Postpaid contracts in Turkey require evidence of legal residency — typically a Turkish residence permit (ikamet tezkeresi) — along with a passport and a Tax Identification Number. New arrivals who have not yet been issued their residence permit are generally restricted to prepaid SIM cards until all their documentation is in place.

Are eSIMs available in Turkey?

Yes. All three major Turkish operators — Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom — support eSIM for visitors. eSIMs can be purchased online in advance, sparing you the need to queue at the airport. Make sure your device supports eSIM before purchasing, and bear in mind that third-party eSIM plans frequently cover data only, excluding voice calls and SMS.

Which mobile operator has the best coverage in rural Turkey?

Turkcell offers the most extensive coverage across the country, including remote and mountainous terrain, making it the strongest choice for anyone living or travelling outside major urban centres. Vodafone Turkey and Türk Telekom both provide solid coverage in cities and towns but are generally less reliable in very sparsely populated or geographically challenging areas.

Who regulates telecoms complaints in Turkey?

Overall political responsibility for telecommunications rests with the Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Communication. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) is the dedicated regulator overseeing internet services and point-to-point telecommunications. If you are unable to resolve a dispute directly with your provider, a formal complaint can be submitted through the BTK’s official website, which operates a consumer complaint mechanism for this purpose.