Iraq SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

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

Iraq is just reopening to tourists, so unfortunately, there are not many options available when it comes to buying a prepaid SIM card for your travels here.

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Iraq 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 Iraq.

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 Arabic – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Iraq.

Best Iraq SIM Cards

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

How To Buy A SIM Card In Iraq

You can either buy an Iraq 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 global prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Zain.

Zain SIM Cards

Zain offers three different types of tourist plans:

• 2 GB, valid for 30 days for NZD 29 ($16.86)
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for NZD 49 ($28.49)
• 40 GB, valid for 60 days for NZD 69 ($40.12)

How To Buy An Iraq 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 OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Iraq 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 Iraq or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, a global eSIM plan.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Iraq

eSIM is a new concept allowing 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 Iraq.

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

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.

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

Airalo Iraq

If you want an eSIM for Iraq, you could purchase one on Airalo.

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special global plans and a specific plan for Iraq.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.

Here are the options available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $12
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $30

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries, Discover Global offers coverage in 124 countries, including Iraq.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 60 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

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 Iraq

Holafly is another eSIM provider to consider in Iraq. We have tried Holafly in the past, so you can read our Holafly eSIM review to learn more.

Here’s an overview of the plans available in Iraq:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $29
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $37
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $44
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $59

Go to Holafly

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Iraq

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

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

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Iraq 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:

• Saudi Arabia SIM card
• Mongolia SIM card
• Bhutan SIM card