Prepaid Iran SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This guide covers all the information you need to purchase prepaid Iran SIM cards as a visitor, including the most popular options and the greatest offers.

A prepaid Iran SIM card is necessary if you want to be able to communicate while you’re on vacation. Iran SIM cards allow visitors to save money on local phone calls, text messaging, and Internet access using their mobile device. This guide will explain where to get a prepaid Iran SIM card and how to use it so you can make the most out of your vacation to Iran.

I. What are the Best Iran SIM cards for Tourists? 

When choosing an Iran SIM card, consider Hamrahe Aval, RighTel and Irancell. They all are good options for tourists who need a reliable and affordable Iran SIM card for their trip. 

1. Hamrahe Aval SIM cards 

Hamrahe Aval is one of Iran’s largest mobile network operators and offers a range of affordable SIM card plans. Hamrahe Aval SIM cards are widely available throughout Iran and can be purchased at most airports, mobile phone stores, and even some supermarkets. 

Here are some of their most popular options:

• 15000 IRR ($0.40): 100 MB for 1 day
• 90000 IRR: 1 GB for 1 day
• 100000 IRR: 1 GB for 7 days
• 135000 IRR: 3 GB for 7 days
• 170000 IRR: 4 GB for 30 days
• 219000 IRR: 7 GB for 30 days
• 249000 IRR: 10 GB for 30 days
• 540000 IRR: 25 GB for 30 days

2. RighTel SIM cards

RighTel is notable for being the first operator in Iran to provide 3G network services, later expanding to 4G. RighTel SIM cards provide a range of data plans and broad network coverage, making them ideal for travelers who want to stay connected while seeing the nation. These are a few typical bundles.

• 30000 IRR: 300 MB for 1 day
• 50000 IRR: 400 MB for 3 days
• 55000 IRR: 600 MB for 7 days
• 60000 IRR: 350 MB for 10 days
• 120000 IRR: 2.5 GB for 7 days
• 150000 IRR: 3 GB for 30 days
• 170000 IRR: 3 GB for 7 days
• 270000 IRR: 7 GB for 30 days

3. Irancell SIM cards

Irancell is Iran’s second operator. Irancell provides outstanding coverage and is the favored operator for travelers. Irancell makes it easier to get a SIM card than Hamrahe Aval and RighTel. The following data packs can be added: 

• 15000 IRR: 100 MB for 1 day
• 30000 IRR: 500 MB for 1 day
• 50000 IRR: 1 GB for 3 days
• 70000 IRR: 2 GB for 3 days
• 100000 IRR: 2 GB for 7 days
• 110000 IRR: 2 GB for 15 days
• 165000 IRR: 4 GB for 30 days
• 180000 IRR: 6 GB for 7 days
• 190000 IRR: 6 GB for 15 days
• 325000 IRR: 10 GB for 30 days
• 700000 IRR: 18 GB for 30 days

► Recommendation: 

Customers should consider getting an eSIM if their phone supports it, for several reasons:

• No need to switch out the physical SIM
• Can add multiple network carriers
• Can have multiple phone numbers on the same device

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Iran for Tourists?

In Iran, tourists can easily purchase SIM cards from airports, city centers or online providers. Here’s a breakdown of where to buy SIM cards and what to expect:

1. Buy Iran SIM Card Online 

Some providers, like MTN Irancell, allow tourists to pre-order SIM cards online and collect them at designated locations such as the airport or partner stores. However, this may require in-person activation upon arrival.

Suitable for: Those who prefer to find the best deal locally or explore promotional offers may prefer buying a SIM card upon arrival.

Pros:

• Many online pre-orders come pre-activated, so you don’t have to worry about activation steps once you pick up the SIM card.
• By pre-ordering, you ensure that a SIM card will be available, especially during busy travel seasons when kiosks at the airport might run out of tourist SIMs.
• Online platforms make it easier to compare different SIM card providers and packages, helping you choose the best option without pressure from sales staff.

Cons:

• Buying a SIM card locally may give you access to better promotional deals, discounts, or flexible packages that aren’t available through online pre-order.
• Once you pre-order, you are locked into that provider’s plan, leaving little room for change if you discover a better deal locally or need a different package than initially thought.

2. Buy SIM card at Iran airports

There are official kiosks or booths of mobile providers at airports like Tehran IKA, Shiraz International Airport, and Mashhad International Airport. These kiosks are typically located near the baggage claim or arrivals area. You can buy SIM cards from RighTel, MCI and Irancell at the airport. 

• Suitable for: Those visiting Iran for a few days or weeks can benefit from purchasing a SIM card at the airport for immediate connectivity.
• Pros: convenient, easy activate, immediate connectivity
• Cons: limited choices, complicated because you will need to show your passport to register the SIM card, as SIM registration is mandatory in Iran for security reasons

3. Buy SIM Card in Iran City

Buying a Iran SIM card in the city center is convenient, especially if you’re already there. Numerous mobile phone stores, kiosks, and even street vendors sell SIM cards in Iran city center.

• Suitable for: Tourists who are already in the city of Iran
• Pros: Wide range of SIM card providers and plans
• Cons: The city center can be crowded, especially during peak hours, which might make it slightly more difficult to find a store 

Recommended places for tourists to buy Iran SIM cards:

• Hamrahe Aval Store: Tehran Province, Tehran, Daryan-No، Tohid, Iran
• Rightel Store Navab: Tehran Province, Tehran, Navvab Expy,Iran
• Irancell Digital Center: Tehran Province, Tehran, District 11, Jomhouri Ave, Iran

III. How Much is a Tourist Iran SIM Card?

SIM cards are typically priced between IRR 50,000 and IRR 100,000 (about USD 1 to USD 2). Data plans typically start around IRR 100,000 for smaller bundles, with larger data amounts available at a premium price. The price of a prepaid SIM card in Iran varies according to the supplier and plan you choose. 

IV. What types of Iran SIM cards are available for tourists? 

There are two main types of SIM cards available for tourists in Iran:

• Prepaid SIM card (Iran)
• Tourist eSIM for Iran

Here is breakdown of Prepaid SIM Card and Tourist eSIM for Iran: 

Criteria	Prepaid SIM Card	Tourist eSIM
Convenience	Physical SIM, requires a visit to a store or kiosk	Fully digital, can be downloaded before arrival
Compatibility	Works with any unlocked phone with a SIM slot	Requires eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XR or later, recent Android phones)
How to Use	Insert SIM into phone and follow activation steps	Scan QR code and activate through eSIM settings
Plan Example	5 GB data + local calls for 30 days	3 GB data valid for 15 days
	10 GB data + calls for 30 days	5 GB data valid for 30 days
Price	Around $10-$20 depending on plan	Typically $10-$30 depending on the provider and data package

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Iran? 

When buying a SIM card in Iran, there are a few things you should prepare: 

• Unlocked phone: You must unlock your phone in order to use a SIM card from another country. Make advance arrangements with your home provider to request an unlock.
• Passport: You will need to show your passport as proof of identity when purchasing an Iran SIM card.
• Cash: Have some IRR on hand to pay for your SIM card and the first top-up credit. A SIM card normally costs between 100,000 and 200,000 IRR (~$2–$5 USD), plus additional fees for data packages.

• Small paper clip: Prepare a small paper clip or SIM tool to insert the new Iran SIM card you purchased instead of your old one.

VII. Iran eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards 

eSIM is a convenient and secure alternative to traditional Iran SIM cards for tourists who tend to have a trip there. Tourists can activate Iran eSIM remotely without having to physically visit a store. eSIMs can be easily activated and switched on your phone, making it convenient for travelers who want to switch plans or use multiple SIMs.

You can easily buy eSIM online through mobile operators or eSIM retailers like Gigago. Look for Gigago Iran eSIM with a plan from $10.50 for 7 days and 1GB of data usage. However, remember that your Iran eSIM will not have a phone number to use in Iran. 

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Iran?

Tourist SIM cards in Iran typically last from 7 to 30 days without registration. The exact duration can fluctuate depending on the specific plan you choose and the Iran SIM card provider. The duration of your SIM card may also depend on your data usage. If you exceed your data allowance, your SIM card may expire sooner.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Iran 

Activating both a physical SIM card and an eSIM in Iran involves distinct processes. Here’s a detailed guide for each: 

1. Using Prepaid Iran tourist SIM Cards

To activate a SIM card in Iran, you typically follow these steps:

• Place the SIM card in your phone and enter the PIN number you received.
• Open your phone’s Settings menu, navigate to the “Connections” section, and pick “Mobile Networks.”
• In this menu, select “Access Point Names.”
• To establish a new Access Point Name, select your SIM card (SIM1 or SIM2) and click the “Add” button.
• Type ‘Aptel’ in the APN and Name columns, then save the changes.

2. Setting up and activating Iran eSIM

Here’s a brief guide to setting up and activating an Iran eSIM:

• Check device compatibility: Ensure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked
• Choose a carrier: MTN Irancell offers eSIM. Purchase online or at an authorized store (passport needed)
• Receive QR code: The carrier provides a QR code for activation
• Scan QR code
• For iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
• For Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier
• Activate eSIM: Follow prompts after scanning
• Top up: Recharge via the carrier’s app or store to choose your plan

X. FAQs about Iran SIM card 

XI. Conclusion 

In conclusion, Iran SIM cards offer tourists an easy and affordable way to stay connected. Available from carriers like MTN Irancell and MCI Hamrah Aval, these SIMs can be purchased and activated with a passport at airports or stores. They provide flexible data and call plans without contracts, and for compatible devices, eSIMs add even more convenience. Staying connected while traveling in Iran is simple and hassle-free.