✓ Reviewed before publicationCritical · 5/5Overcharging

The Tourist SIM Card Rip-off at Istanbul Airports (IST & SAW)

📍 Istanbul AirportsPublished 18/09/2026Chloe_Backpacks · Traveler

Reviewed report

What happened?

As soon as I landed at Istanbul Airport, I went straight to the official telecom booths (Turkcell/Vodafone) in the arrivals hall to get a local SIM card. They offered me a 'Tourist Welcome Pack' for 1800 TL (around $52) with 20GB of data. It felt expensive, but I thought it was the standard price. The next day, I walked into a regular telecom store in a non-tourist neighborhood near Sisli, and the exact same package was being sold for 900 TL! They charge double at the airport just for the convenience.

What should I do?

Confirm the licensed operator, included services, cancellation rules and final price in writing before paying.

Warning signs to check

A price that changes after pickup
Important extras excluded from the advertised price
No written booking or cancellation conditions

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