Free Call to Turkey from US — $0.08/min (2026)
Call Turkey free with WhatsApp (55M+ users) or Telegram. Calling a phone? Google Voice $0.02/min, BubblyPhone $0.08/min. +90 dialing guide, Istanbul dual area codes.
Turkey has a massive WhatsApp user base of over 55 million people — making it the go-to for free calls. Telegram is also surprisingly popular in Turkey, partly because the government briefly considered blocking WhatsApp in 2021 (which drove millions to Telegram as a backup). Both work well for free calls.
Whether you're calling family in Istanbul, business contacts in Ankara, or friends vacationing in Antalya, here's every option from free to the cheapest paid rates.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. No charges, no limits.
1. WhatsApp — The Default in Turkey
55+ million Turks use WhatsApp— it's the dominant messaging and calling app. Voice calls, video calls, and group calls are all free. If someone in Turkey has a smartphone, they almost certainly have WhatsApp.
Note: Turkey has good 4G/LTE coverage in cities and tourist areas. Turkcell, Vodafone TR, and Turk Telekom all offer reliable data. WhatsApp calls work well on Turkish networks.
2. Telegram — Very Popular Backup
Telegram surged in Turkey after the 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy controversy. Millions of Turks now use both WhatsApp and Telegram.Telegram voice calls are free and high-quality. It's a great alternative if WhatsApp call quality is poor.
3. FaceTime — For iPhone Users
iPhone market share in Turkey is around 25-30%. Samsung and Chinese brands (Xiaomi, Oppo) dominate. If your Turkish contact has an iPhone, FaceTime works, but don't assume — check first.
4. Facebook Messenger
Facebook is popular in Turkey, and Messenger calls work fine. However, most Turks prefer WhatsApp or Telegram for voice calls. Messenger is more of a chat tool in Turkey.
Calling Turkish Phone Numbers — Moderate Rates
Turkey is a mid-range destination for international calling. Not as cheap as Latin America, but nowhere near the most expensive:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | $0.02/min | $0.02/min | US Google account required |
| BubblyPhone | $0.08/min | $0.08/min | Browser, iOS, Android — no app needed |
| Rebtel | $0.06/min | $0.04/min | Unlimited plans available |
| Viber Out | $0.079/min | $0.059/min | Convenient if already on Viber |
| KeepCalling | $0.059/min | $0.029/min | Good value for landlines |
| AT&T / Verizon | $2.00-4.00/min | $2.00-4.00/min | Up to 50x more expensive |
Our honest take:Google Voice ($0.02/min) is cheaper than BubblyPhone ($0.08/min) for Turkish phone numbers. If you need to dial a Turkish phone number frequently, Google Voice is the better deal. BubblyPhone's advantage is no Google account needed and browser-based simplicity. But really — just use WhatsApp for free.
How to Dial Turkey from the US
# From a US phone:
011 + 90 + number
# From a mobile (or VoIP app):
+90 + number
# Example — calling an Istanbul European side landline:
+90 212 123 4567
# Example — calling an Istanbul Asian side landline:
+90 216 123 4567
# Example — calling a Turkish mobile:
+90 532 123 4567
Important: Turkish numbers start with 0 domestically. When dialing from the US, drop the leading 0: 0212 becomes +90 212 (Istanbul European), 0532 becomes +90 532 (mobile). Istanbul uniquely has TWO area codes: 212 for the European side and 216 for the Asian side.
Major Area Codes
- Istanbul (European): 212
- Istanbul (Asian): 216
- Ankara: 312
- Izmir: 232
- Antalya: 242
- Bursa: 224
- Adana: 322
Carriers & Mobile
- Turkcell: Largest carrier (~35% share)
- Vodafone TR: Second largest
- Turk Telekom: Third carrier, strong landline base
- Mobile prefixes: 5xx (e.g., 530-539 Turkcell, 540-549 Vodafone)
- 4G/LTE: Good coverage in cities and tourist areas
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family or friends in Turkey
WhatsApp — free, and it's what 55+ million Turks use. Telegram is also a great option — many Turks have both apps installed.
Calling a Turkish business landline
Google Voice ($0.02/min) is cheapest. A 30-minute business call costs $0.60. BubblyPhone ($0.08/min) works if you don't have a Google account.
Calling a Turkish mobile number
Google Voice ($0.02/min) beats BubblyPhone ($0.08/min) for Turkey. But WhatsApp is free and nearly universal — try that first.
Calling someone traveling in Turkey
WhatsApp or Telegram — tourist areas and cities have excellent WiFi and 4G. Hotel, cafe, and restaurant WiFi is widely available across Turkey.
Tips for Calling Turkey
- Turkey is 8 hours ahead of EST (TRT, UTC+3). When it's 8 AM in New York, it's 4 PM in Istanbul. Best window: 8-10 AM EST (4-6 PM TRT) for afternoon/evening calls, or 6-8 PM EST (2-4 AM TRT — avoid unless urgent)
- Istanbul straddles two continents — it has two area codes: 212 (European side) and 216 (Asian side). Make sure you have the right one when calling a landline
- WhatsApp + Telegram — Turkey is one of the few countries where both are very popular. After WhatsApp's 2021 privacy controversy, millions of Turks installed Telegram as a backup. Having both gives you flexibility
- Internet is good in cities — Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have fast 4G. Tourist areas (Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia) also have solid connectivity. Rural eastern Turkey may have weaker signals
- Skype shut down in 2025 — if you used Skype to call Turkey, switch to Google Voice ($0.02/min), BubblyPhone ($0.08/min), or WhatsApp/Telegram (free)
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the country code for Turkey?
Is WhatsApp blocked in Turkey?
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Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +90. No app needed.
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