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Turkey has more restrictions than most other countries when it comes to the internet and online censorship. The Turkish government does all that it can to gain control over websites and social media, meaning that a vast amount of online content is unavailable.
Both citizens and visitors may find that they cannot access certain media content, news articles, or even some websites such as Wikipedia or Imgur when using a local IP address in Turkey. In fact, over 245,825 domain names were blocked in Turkey by the end of 2018, and many more since then. In late 2020, Law. 7252 was approved in Turkey and has since been dubbed as the ‘social media law’. Under this law, social media platforms that are accessed over 1 million times each day from Turkey will need to appoint at least one Turkish representative. Turkey can also request for any content to be removed or restricted if they don’t want it to be accessed by Turkish citizens.
Clearly, this is a huge issue and those living in or traveling to Turkey deserve to access the same online content as everyone else. The restrictions placed forward by highly censored countries such as Turkey demonstrate how the fight for freedom of internet access is far from over. Luckily, VPNs can allow travelers and citizens to obtain access to all geo-blocked content. The Turkish government has placed a ban on VPNs but has been largely unsuccessful since most providers are still currently available in the country.
Quick Guide of Best VPNs for Turkey in 2021
NordVPN – Best overall option for traveling in censored regions.
Surfshark – For if you’re on a budget but still want exceptional security and privacy.
ExpressVPN – For if you want to use unrestricted streaming services when abroad.
Why do I need a VPN in Turkey?
If you are planning on a trip to Turkey soon and want to have access to the same content as you would in your own country, then using a VPN is in your best interest. A VPN will mask your IP address and present you with a new one located in a different country so websites won’t know that you’re accessing them from Turkey. Using a VPN is the only way you’ll be able to access geo-blocked websites and content.
Also, if you want to access streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, then a VPN will ensure that you have the same content available as if you were in your home country.
What else can I use a VPN for?
VPNs are not only great for when you want to finish your favorite series while aboard, but they help protect you and your personal data from prying eyes. VPNs encrypt your data so when it travels across a network it’s completely scrambled and unreadable. Your ISP, search engines, and other third parties won’t be able to eavesdrop on your online activity when you browse the web using a VPN.
You’ll also be safe from cyber threats and targeted advertising as a VPN makes sure you are completely anonymous. With extra security, there’s no risk of your data or browsing history being leaked or shared. A reputable VPN provider will also have a no-logs policy, meaning that even they won’t be able to see any of your online activity.
Which features to look out for when choosing a VPN
VPNs can suit each user differently so it’s important to understand the unique features and benefits of each provider. If you tend to use streaming services often, then you’ll want a VPN with exceptionally fast server speeds so you can avoid any buffering or lag. Alternatively, if you’re a regular traveler who spends a lot of time connecting to public WiFi networks, then you’ll want a VPN that offers robust security and has many servers located around the world.
Whatever your needs, you’ll want a reliable VPN that guarantees that your data is completely safe and encrypted. Most providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll have a chance to test them out before committing to a monthly subscription.
Our Top Recommended VPNs for Turkey in 2021
The best VPNs for Turkey will be those with air-tight encryption, a wide array of servers in multiple countries, and strict privacy policies. Here is a list of our top recommended VPNs for when you want to stay safe and anonymous online in Turkey.
- NordVPN – NordVPN packs the best security and privacy features as well as offering some of the fastest speeds out of all available VPNs, earning its spot at the top of our list. Their top-level encryption is partnered with a double VPN feature, making it near impossible for hackers to intercept and get a hold of your data. NordVPN’s website is also still available in Turkey, so if you forget to set up a VPN before arriving in the country, you’ll still have this provider as an option. Their Obfuscated Servers feature also hides the fact that you’re using a VPN so you’ll be able to bypass any VPN-blocking firewalls imposed by the Turkish government.With all these useful features packed into an easy-to-use app, NordVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs to use in countries with strict censorship restrictions such as Turkey.
- Surfshark – If you want to save money whilst still getting excellent protection, then Surfshark is the best VPN for you. Although their prices are significantly cheaper than other top providers, Surfshark still offers all the best features necessary for traveling abroad..A kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and DNS Protection are just a few of the crucial security features that Surfshark packs. They also have a NoBorders mode which detects if a user is in a highly restricted region and automatically gives them a list of servers that are best suited to perform under the network restrictions. All in all, Surfshark is perfect for those who have a tight budget but still want to stay protected and anonymous online.
- ExpressVPN – ExpressVPN is a versatile and noteworthy VPN, especially for those who want to access streaming services when in Turkey. They offer valuable security features such as 256-bit AES encryption and ipv6 leak protection to make sure you stay completely hidden while accessing geo-blocked content.ExpressVPN server speeds are very impressive so you’ll have no problem with streaming your favorite shows and movies on up to five simultaneous devices. The only downside of this VPN is that its prices are a tad more expensive than the other top competitors. Despite this, ExpressVPN is still a quality provider that guarantees you can access streaming services and other geo-blocked content without any hassle.
Overall, using a VPN is the only way to bypass restrictions imposed by the Turkish government in their attempt to control the online content consumed by citizens and travelers. The best VPNs for Turkey will ensure that you remain completely anonymous online without any risk of being identified or tracked. With a VPN you’ll be able to access all geo-blocked content and freely navigate an uncensored and transparent internet, no matter where in the world you are.