Iran SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Iran soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Iran SIM card.

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Iran in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Iran. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Persian – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Iran.

Best SIM Cards In Iran

If you’re traveling in Iran, we recommend using a SIM card from Irancell, Rightel, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to the Middle East, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Middle Eastern countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Iran

You can either buy an Iran prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Middle Eastern prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Irancell and Rightel.

Irancell SIM Cards

Irancell offers several different types of data plans:

• 1.5 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 4 ($4.31)
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 6 ($6.47)
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 8 ($8.62)

Rightel SIM Cards

Rightel has three different relevant prepaid plans available:

• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for IRR 100,000 ($2.37)
• 6 GB, valid for 30 days for IRR 200,000 ($4.74)
• 14 GB, valid for 30 days for IRR 400,000 ($9.48)

Overall, we think Irancell is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy An Iran Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Orange World Holiday SIM works in more than 100 countries and gives you up to 10 GB of data for 14 days. Iran is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Iran or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for the Middle East.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Iran

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Iran.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo.

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Iran.

Airalo Iran

If you want to buy an eSIM for Iran, you could purchase one on Airalo. This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for the Middle East and Iran.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9.50

Here’s an overview of the options available for the Middle East:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $15
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $28
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $39

The options mentioned above are part of Menalink and offer coverage in 15 countries, including Iran.

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Iran

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly. You can read our Holafly eSIM review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Iran:

• 2.5 GB, valid for 5 days for $29
• 3.5 GB, valid for 7 days for $37
• 5 GB, valid for 10 days for $44
• 7.5 GB, valid for 15 days for $47
• 10 GB, valid for 20 days for $59
• 15 GB, valid for 30 days for $79

Go to Holafly

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Iran

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Iran or even an eSIM for your travels in Iran is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in the Middle East without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a Middle Eastern plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Iran if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Lebanon SIM card
• Azerbaijan SIM card
• Jordan SIM card
• Iraq SIM card