City, Turkey
Internet in Istanbul: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Istanbul?
Median fixed broadband in Turkey is 83 Mbps and mobile is 171 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-05). Fast free wifi in cafés and coworking spaces. Throttling of social apps occurs during protests.
Getting online in Istanbul
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre is widespread, 100–1000 Mbps for about 500–900 TRY a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Fast free wifi in cafés and coworking spaces. Throttling of social apps occurs during protests. |
| Tourist SIM | Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom |
| Monthly data plan | ₺500–900 ($10.2–18.3) |
| Blocked services | Some sites and apps are blocked, and social media is throttled during protests; VPNs work and are widely used. |
Coworking spaces in Istanbul
Spaces we checked are open in 2026. Prices change; confirm on their sites.
| Space | Area | Day pass |
|---|---|---|
| Kolektif House | Several locations including Levent and Beyoglu | — |
| WeWork Istanbul | Maslak and other towers | — |
Internet speeds in Middle East
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Istanbul?
Median fixed broadband in Turkey is 83 Mbps and mobile is 171 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-05). Fast free wifi in cafés and coworking spaces. Throttling of social apps occurs during protests.
Which SIM card should I get in Istanbul?
Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered.
Can I use an eSIM in Turkey?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
Are there coworking spaces in Istanbul?
Yes: Kolektif House, WeWork Istanbul.
More about Istanbul
Going to Istanbul solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Turkey
- Turkcell
- Vodafone
- Türk Telekom
- Istanbul Metro
- Istanbul Airport
- Istanbul Public Transport (IETT)
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.