Yes, ride-hailing apps like Uber and BiTaksi generally work well in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, when you have an active data connection from your eSIM.
Uber operates in several Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, primarily partnering with licensed yellow taxis. While Bolt's presence is less prominent, the local app BiTaksi is widely used and highly recommended for hailing yellow taxis quickly and efficiently across many cities. Having a reliable internet connection is essential for these apps to function, allowing you to request rides, track your driver, and communicate effectively.
Your eSIM provides this crucial data connection by automatically connecting to the strongest available major network in Turkey, ensuring you can use ride-hailing services seamlessly. The exact network provider your eSIM connects to can vary depending on your specific plan.