Just resurrecting this topic as someone may be able to help -
A bit of a saga but basically, I want to be able to buy internet access to use for the few weeks we are in Calis. I like to sit on the terrace at night and catch up on emails/facebook etc as using free wi-fi when we are out can be a bit anti-social with my head stuck in my iPad!
I get completely baffled by the regulations and also am not 'techy' in any way when it comes to phones/internet access etc.
First attempt in 2011 was to buy a mini-sim for my iPad whilst in Fethiye - cost a few bob but worked a treat for the 2 weeks we were there in June. Went through all the passport and contract stuff and was very pleased. The guy in the shop was very helpful (Baris) but I didn't really know what I was doing or understand the legalities.
On return in September it was of course switched off as it hadn't been renewed/topped up within the time frame. Apparently a big problem as it was now recognised as not being 'turkish' so a mini sim was not going to work in this iPad any more - great!
Next attempt was to buy a data sim and use my mobile to tether to the iPad - yes very good, it worked but not cheap and had to go through all the passport/contract stuff again.
Back we come in June last year and again, not been topped up in time so had to buy another data sim. This is getting expensive for 3 weeks a year internet !
On returning in September last year my mobile was now blocked in Turkey 'cos it's not Turkish……….
Somehow the shop managed to unblock it (without me visiting the tax office) which cost me again and I got a new sim, for which I have no idea of the number etc as it worked for data only - I didn't know how to top up for calls.
I just know when we come back in June, as I haven't used it/topped it up, it will not work even though the imei thingy is no longer blocked so, my big question -
How do I buy temporary internet access for my phone that will be reasonable cost for 2 weeks then again in Sept for another week, without it being switched off in-between visits whilst we are at home in UK?
If anyone can tell me (in the simplest of terms - no techy stuff!) what to buy or ask for without all the contract stuff, I would be very grateful.