Turkey might be a beautiful, historic destination for tourists. However, the country’s virtual environment does not offer the freedom that its pristine blue waters promise.
In fact, between 2014 and 2018, the Turkish government blocked over 245 thousand websites, including Facebook and Wikipedia. This is but one instance of the numerous webpages and internet services that the government has over the years blocked. In such cases, you should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to get around internet censorship.
Even when using Turkey’s otherwise restrictive connections, you can use this service to get around blocked access to websites and enjoy all the freedoms you might take for granted at home.
We have the information you need right here. So what websites are blocked in the nation and why? And which Turkey VPN should you pick specifically? .
Traveling to Turkey and wondering if you can use Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family back home? The answer is a resounding yes! Messenger, along with other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp Viber and Telegram, work seamlessly in Turkey.
This guide will delve into the world of using Messenger in Turkey, covering everything from data usage to alternative options and helpful tips.
Staying Connected with Messenger in Turkey
Whether you’re catching up with loved ones, sharing travel updates, or coordinating with your travel buddies Messenger provides a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected while exploring Turkey’s vibrant cities and stunning landscapes.
Here’s how to use Messenger in Turkey:
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Turkey offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect to Messenger without using your mobile data.
- Download the Messenger app: If you haven’t already, download the Messenger app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in to your account: Use your Facebook login credentials to access your Messenger account.
- Start chatting: Send messages, share photos and videos, and even make video calls to your contacts.
Data Usage and Costs
While using Messenger over Wi-Fi is free, using it on your mobile data plan will incur charges. The data usage for Messenger can vary depending on your activity, but generally, sending text messages consumes minimal data, while video calls use significantly more.
To minimize data usage:
- Turn off auto-download for media: This prevents Messenger from automatically downloading photos and videos, which can eat up your data quickly.
- Use voice messages instead of video calls: Voice messages use less data than video calls, especially if you’re in an area with a weak internet connection.
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card: If you plan on using your phone extensively, purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan can be a cost-effective option.
Alternative Messaging Apps
Several other messaging apps function well in Turkey, even though Messenger is a popular option. These include:
- WhatsApp: A widely used messaging app with features similar to Messenger, including text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and group chats.
- Viber: Another popular messaging app that offers free calls and messages to other Viber users, as well as the ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones at low rates.
- Telegram: A secure messaging app that focuses on privacy and security, offering features like end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages.
Tips for Using Messenger in Turkey
- Download the app before your trip: This ensures you have access to Messenger as soon as you arrive in Turkey.
- Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible: This will help you avoid using your mobile data and incurring charges.
- Be mindful of your data usage: If you’re on a limited data plan, be mindful of your data usage and consider using alternative messaging apps that consume less data.
- Check your phone’s settings: Make sure your phone’s settings allow data roaming if you plan on using Messenger outside of Wi-Fi zones.
Staying connected in Turkey doesn’t have to be a challenge. With Messenger and other messaging apps readily available, you can easily stay in touch with loved ones and share your Turkish adventures with the world.
Additional Resources
- Turkey Travel Planner: https://turkeytravelplanner.com/details/Communications/mobile_phone_apps_in_turkey.html
- Similarweb Top Apps in Turkey: https://www.similarweb.com/top-apps/google/turkey/communication/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Messenger for free in Turkey?
A: Yes, you can use Messenger for free in Turkey as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi. However, using Messenger on your mobile data plan will incur charges.
Q: What are some alternative messaging apps that work well in Turkey?
A: Some popular alternatives to Messenger include WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram.
Q: How can I minimize my data usage when using Messenger in Turkey?
A: Turn off auto-download for media, use voice messages instead of video calls, and consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan.
Why does Turkey restrict access to so many services?
When it comes to social media censorship, Turkey is one of the world leaders. This suggests that access to websites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wikipedia, and others was previously blocked in the country. This happens intermittently, especially in times of political unrest.
For example, online rights activist Sevket Uyanik claims that in 2019, Turkey blocked access to 6,200 Facebook shares, 10,000 YouTube videos, 408,000 websites, and 40,000 tweets.
The country’s 2007 Internet Act revision, which it enhanced in February 2014, includes the blocking. This meant the Turkish government passed an omnibus law that further impacted internet freedoms. As a result the country is now classed by the Freedom House index as “Not Free”.
In 2021 the government introduced another law to push this even further. Recent internet laws require social media giants like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube that have more than a million daily users to appoint a local representative to carry out court orders mandating the removal of specific content. Furthermore, it forces these companies to employ data localization strategies, requiring them to maintain user data in Turkey.
The reason behind these restrictive laws? The country says its trying to fight internet crime and determine liability. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be shocking in the slightest to see complete bans in the future (a la China’s Great Firewall).
Are VPNs legal to use in Turkey?
At the time of writing, using a VPN is completely legal. In actuality, using a virtual private network service to access prohibited websites is not legally responsible for users.
Although, you should always keep in mind that everything that you do online is still subject to Turkish law. And, anyone that publicly criticizes the nation can face up to two years of jail time. As Politico reported, about 36,000 people – among which more than 300 children – were investigated for insulting Erdoğan in 2019 alone.
Since your location and identity are hidden by a VPN, the risk taken here should be lower. Please be advised that using your social media profile to criticize Turkish authorities still carries a real risk.