What works in Turkey

Turkey⚠️ Some limits

Messengers, Instagram, YouTube and Google usually work, but during protests (March and September 2025) social networks and WhatsApp were restricted for 1-2 days. Since July 2025 the websites and apps of foreign eSIM services are blocked, so it is better to buy and install your eSIM at home.

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  Other Websites and apps of eSIM services (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim, BNESIM) blocked since 10.07.2025; an eSIM that is already installed works. Discord (since 09.10.2024) and Wattpad (since 07.2024) are also blockedSource: medyascope.tv, 11.07.2025 · verified
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  WhatsApp calls Usually work; WhatsApp was restricted during the protests on 7-8.09.2025Source: al-monitor.com, 08.09.2025 · verified
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  Messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Usually work; WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal were throttled during protests in March 2025Source: bianet.org, 19.03.2025 · according to bianet.org, 19.03.2025
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  Facebook Works, but access was restricted during protests on 19-21.03.2025 and 7-8.09.2025Source: al-monitor.com, 08.09.2025 · verified
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  Instagram Works; it was blocked for 9 days in August 2024 and restricted twice during protests in 2025Source: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · verified
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  YouTube Works, but access was restricted during protests on 19-21.03.2025 and 7-8.09.2025Source: al-monitor.com, 08.09.2025 · verified
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  TikTok Works, but access was restricted during protests on 19-21.03.2025 and 7-8.09.2025Source: al-monitor.com, 08.09.2025 · verified
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  X (Twitter) Works; some journalists' and politicians' accounts are hidden in Turkey, access was restricted during the 2025 protestsSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · verified
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  VPN Using a VPN is not banned, but the websites of dozens of VPNs (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton, Surfshark) have been blocked since 11.2023Source: tomsguide.com, 11.2023 · according to tomsguide.com, 11.2023

Getting round via a roaming eSIM: We found no reliable source that a roaming eSIM bypasses local blocks. The eSIM block only affects websites and apps for buying, not mobile data: an eSIM that is already installed works (Teknoblog, Medyascope)

What to do

• Messages work, calls may drop. Have a fallback: voice notes or a normal call.
• Sites and apps of many eSIM services are blocked in Turkey since 10.07.2025: buy and install the eSIM at home. An installed eSIM works.
• VPN services' sites may not open here. Is a VPN legal: Using a VPN is not banned, but the websites of dozens of VPNs (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton, Surfshark) have been blocked since 11.2023
• During protests, elections or exams the internet or some services have been cut here (07 (б.2024, 02.08.2024, 19.03.2025, 07.09.2025). It usually affects a tourist for a day or two.
• Install and sign in to the apps you need at home: WhatsApp, Telegram, Privat24, monobank, Diia, Maps. Some app stores and sites may not open in the country.
• Keep your Ukrainian SIM in the phone with roaming on: bank SMS come to it. Switch data to the eSIM and turn off «Data roaming» on the Ukrainian SIM.
• About Tutu eSIM, honestly: Tutu eSIM is data only, without a number. Normal calls and SMS go through your Ukrainian SIM at roaming rates. So where calls in messengers are blocked, the eSIM alone won't open them.