Turkey Excluded from European Roaming Network Again: Internet Issues Continue on Sıla Yolu

Millions of users in Europe benefit from internet, SMS, and calling services without additional charges when traveling to different EU countries. However, Turkey continues to remain outside this system. For expats coming from Germany to Turkey by car, this situation still means a serious cost and connection problem.

The European Union (EU) plans to include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia in the roaming zone, where mobile operators do not charge roaming fees from subscribers of other member countries. However, Turkey is not included in the new proposal.

The EU Commission has submitted the negotiation mandate for the inclusion of Western Balkan countries in the roaming system to the EU Council. If the proposal is accepted, the commission will make bilateral agreements with these countries. If the agreements are successfully completed, these countries will become part of the EU roaming zone, and users will be able to use mobile internet, SMS, and calling services without additional charges while traveling between these countries.

Inclusion in the roaming network means that a GSM package in one country is also valid in another. However, as Turkey still remains outside the system, internet use abroad continues with high costs.

EU Roaming System and Turkey’s Situation

Thanks to the “Roam Like At Home” model applied in the EU, users can use internet, SMS, and calling services through their own tariffs without additional charges when traveling to another EU country.

At the beginning of 2026, the EU had also included Ukraine in the system. Now it is the turn of the Western Balkan countries, but the proposal for Turkey was not accepted.

The main reason for Turkey's exclusion from the EU roaming system is cited as the concern of operators about losing roaming revenues. According to industry sources, these revenues are critical for operators, and the proposal may not have been deemed appropriate due to cost balances.

This situation means high costs, especially for users who travel frequently for business, education, or tourism purposes. Users coming to Turkey from EU countries or going from Turkey to EU countries still face high roaming charges.

Internet Problem on the Sıla Yolu

The Sıla Yolu route is the path starting from Germany and reaching Turkey via Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. For users traveling along this route, roaming charges pose a serious problem.

Along the way:

• Varying internet packages in different countries
• Unexpected high bills
• Uncontrolled data usage

all of these can victimize the user. Especially for expats who use their mobile devices for work or communication, bills reaching thousands of euros pose a great risk. At this point, modern technologies come into play: eSIM.

What is eSIM and Why Should You Use It?

eSIM is a digital SIM card technology that allows you to manage your internet and mobile line on your phone without carrying a physical SIM card.

Advantages of Using eSIM:

• No hassle of carrying a physical SIM: No need to get a separate SIM for each country.
• Fast and easy setup: Can be activated in minutes via QR code.
• Keeps bills under control: Extra roaming charges are eliminated.
• Internet in multiple countries with a single package: Provides uninterrupted internet on the Sıla Yolu or during European travels.

In other words, for a user who will set off on the Sıla Yolu, eSIM offers both an economic and a practical solution.

eSIMfo Advantages – Uninterrupted Internet on the Sıla Yolu

Using the internet on the Sıla Yolu or at different points in Europe is now very easy thanks to eSIMfo. Especially setting your internet plan before going abroad provides a great advantage along the way.

What Do Users Gain with eSIMfo?

Affordable and Flexible Packages

eSIMfo offers packages valid in both EU countries and Turkey and other non-EU countries. You can choose the internet that suits your needs with long-term or short-term packages.

Instant Setup and Activation

No need to carry a physical SIM, it can be activated in minutes with a QR code. You can add the eSIM to your phone before the journey and enjoy trouble-free internet.

Uninterrupted Connection

Even if you stay outside the EU roaming network, your internet connection continues with eSIMfo. You will not experience data loss while roaming on the Sıla Yolu or in different European countries.

No Surprise Bills

You will not be affected by the roaming charges of operators. By using the internet with pre-determined packages, you prevent unexpected high bills.

Multi-Country Use with a Single Package

Even if you pass through multiple countries on the Sıla Yolu route, you can enjoy the internet with a single eSIM package.

Practical Tips for Internet Use on the Sıla Yolu and Abroad

Prepare Your eSIM Before Setting Off: Buy and activate the internet package via eSIMfo before the trip. Thus, your internet will be ready as soon as you cross the first border.

Track Your Data Package: Track your data usage instantly via the eSIMfo application. Prevent unnecessary data consumption and avoid surprise bills.

Package Selection for EU and Non-EU Countries: Western Balkan countries have not yet been included in the EU roaming system. You can ensure uninterrupted internet along the way by choosing eSIMfo’s valid non-EU packages.

Use on Multiple Devices: You can use eSIM on devices such as phones, tablets, or modems. Thus, the internet is always ready for both navigation and communication throughout the journey.

Create a Backup Plan: Especially for long journeys, a second short-term package ensures that your data usage remains under control.

Trouble-Free Internet with eSIMfo Even if Turkey is Not in the EU Roaming Network

The fact that Turkey remains outside the EU roaming network still means high costs and risks for users going abroad. Especially on long routes like the Sıla Yolu, roaming charges pose a serious problem.

However, thanks to eSIM technology and eSIMfo, these problems are now a thing of the past:

• Multi-country use with a single package
• Uninterrupted internet connection
• End to surprise roaming bills
• Easy setup and affordable price

Activate your internet with eSIMfo before going abroad and enjoy a smooth connection throughout the journey. Check your packages on eSIMfo now and guarantee your internet on the Sıla Yolu!