And as inviting as they are, there’s more to Turkey than its tourist resorts. With proper planning, you should be able to learn some basic Turkish phrases, study the country’s fascinating history and politics, and even discover the historical treasures of Istanbul.
But for all this to happen, you’ll need to find a way to easily navigate from the beaches of Antalya to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Having an eSIM will enable you to immerse yourself in this country where East and West meet in a unique and unforgettable way. Keep reading to learn more.
Why connectivity matters for modern travellers
The world’s population is on the move. And according to a report by the World Tourism Organization, the global populace will have taken over 2 billion trips by the year 2030. This wouldn’t have been possible without the advancements in the technological and communications industry.
One such technological advancement is the eSIM, a groundbreaking technology that has helped redefine mobile connectivity among travellers. The eSIM enables travellers to easily switch between network operators when traveling in remote Turkish regions.
eSIMs and the dual nature of connectivity in modern-day tourism
Connectivity in modern-day tourism is broadly defined as being both social and technological. Technological connectivity includes the tools and systems that help make global travel easier, such as travel apps, eSIM data plans, and modern transportation networks.
On the other hand, social connectivity refers to the relationships and interactions that occur between people through community engagement, social media, and cultural exchange programs. The implications of such advancements on travellers are profound.
eSIMs, for example, have helped eliminate the hassle of managing connectivity while on the move. Thanks to their many features, such as seamless carrier switching, you and your family can now enjoy a truly global and borderless mobile experience while on a tour of Turkey.
Essential travel apps for a smooth Turkish adventure
Traveling internationally is always exciting, but as every seasoned traveller knows, visiting a new country comes with its share of challenges. Some of these will include learning to navigate unfamiliar streets, finding the best spots to visit, and even finding ways to manage and use the Turkish Lira.
Enter travel apps. Whether it’s the first time visiting Turkey or you’re a seasoned visitor, having the right apps on your phone can transform your family trip, leading to a seamless experience. Below are the must-have apps for your upcoming trip:
• Skyscanner: Best for booking international flights: This is the best app for anyone looking for cheap flights to Turkey. It works by checking live deals from different travel agencies and carriers.
• Kiwi: Best for use in finding domestic flight deals: Tired of walking through the bustling streets of Istanbul and need to visit a new city? Use Kiwi to create a custom itinerary and find affordable standalone flights.
• Google Maps: Best for navigating Turkish streets: No matter where you find yourself in Turkey, if you need to find the closest mall or visit an interesting attraction, Google Maps will help you get there in the shortest time possible.
• Moovit: Best for public transportation. While this is yet another navigation app, it differs from Google Maps in that it provides detailed plans for local transportation. It includes information on where to find trams, buses, and the metro.
How eSIM Turkey keeps you online while exploring
An eSIM is a virtual card that enables you to activate a Turkish cellular plan without using a traditional SIM card. All you need to do is download an eSIM profile and connect to a local network. An eSIM Turkey helps you stay online while exploring remote areas, and offers benefits like:
1. Better network coverage: Your eSIM provider allows you to seamlessly switch between multiple carriers while traveling in Turkey, ensuring wider coverage.
2. Unlimited access to the internet: Provided you’ve a local data plan, you can use it to download maps, travel guides, and other resources you need to find your way around.
3. No risk of losing your SIM card: Traditional SIM cards are easily misplaced. eSIMs don’t come with this risk as they’re built into your device.
4. Avoid international roaming fees: Your home carrier may charge high roaming fees, which can, in turn, dissuade you from going online. eSIMs don’t have this problem.
Best gadgets & accessories for staying powered up
Access to the right tech gadgets and accessories can make all the difference when traveling through Turkey. But given the many tech gadgets available today, one can’t help but wonder,
‘What kind of devices should I pack in my carry-on bag?’
• Good wireless headphones: If you love listening to music while hanging out at the beach, you’ll need to find a pair of headphones that are comfortable and can deliver quality sound.
• A portable smartphone charger: There’s no worse feeling than checking your phone only to realise that the battery is about to die. A portable charger will give you the juice needed to stay powered up.
• A digital camera: Yes, your smartphone comes with a built-in camera, but it doesn’t hurt to have a standalone camera. Invest in one that allows you to shoot both still and moving pictures and that can upload your content to the cloud.
Cybersecurity tips when using public WiFi in Turkey
You must have used a public WiFi connection at some point while traveling. These are freely available at public bus/train stations, libraries, and hotel rooms. But as convenient as they’re, public WiFi hotspots come with several risks.
Top examples of such risks include:
• Attacks that involve the “man in the middle”
• Dissemination of malware
• Networks without encryption
• Snooping and sniffing
To ensure you don’t become a hacking victim, always confirm that you’re connected to the right public WiFi. While at it, disable automatic connection to prevent your devices from connecting to such networks immediately they become available.
And if you’re unsure of your ability to follow these simple instructions, confirm that your eSIM is loaded with enough data! This will help you stay away from public WiFis.