How to Buy a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) for Tourists: Where and Price

Discover the prices, procedures and best options for buying a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) in Iran.

Purchasing a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) is necessary if you wish to maintain connectivity while on a journey. Find out which SIM card plans are available, where to buy one, and what to pack by reading this article. 

I. How to Get a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)?

There are several convenient ways to pick up a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA):

• Get it at the airport by placing your order online ahead of time: Choose to pick up your SIM card at the airport upon arrival, or reserve it online for a hassle-free experience.
• Buy right away when you get there: Immediately upon landing, purchase a SIM card from any of the airport shops. Fast and simple to do.
• Get an eSIM (if it works with your phone): Purchase a digital SIM online for quick activation if your phone is compatible with eSIM to save time and space.

II. Where to Buy a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)? 

At Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) airport, mobile providers like MCI and Rightel offer special desks or kiosks.

1. Buy Irancell SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport 

You can easily purchase an Irancell SIM card at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran. 

• Location: At the Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) arrivals hall, you’ll find a big yellow booth with the “Irancell” sign. Approach the booth with your passport ready and request a visitor SIM card.
• Opening hours: Generally, you can expect Irancell booths at airports to be open all day long during peak travel times. This might include early morning and late evening hours to accommodate arriving and departing passengers.

2. Buy RighTel SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport

At the Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, you can definitely buy a RighTel SIM card: 

• Location: Once you clear immigration and collect your luggage, look for mobile service provider kiosks, including RighTel, in the arrivals area (after passport control and baggage claim). These kiosks are typically easy to spot and are located near other essential services such as car rentals and transportation desks.
• Opening hours: The RighTel kiosk at Tehran IKA usually operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

3. Buy MCI SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport 

You can buy an MCI (Hamrah-e-Avval) SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) from the following locations:

• Locations: On the 1st floor, inside the arrivals part, by the B gate, you can find a booth that sells SIM cards.  Look for the official MCI kiosks located in the arrivals hall of the airport. These kiosks are staffed with representatives who can assist you in selecting and activating a SIM card.
• Opening hours: Most kiosks and service counters, including those for MCI, are usually open around 24/7 to accommodate arriving and departing travelers.

III. Do shops selling SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport open after midnight? 

Yes, the SIM card shops at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) generally operate 24 hours a day, including after midnight. This means you can purchase a SIM card at any time, regardless of your arrival time.

IV. Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport SIM card Price ?

The price of a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) can vary depending on the telecom provider and the package you choose. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:

Provider	SIM Card Type	Approximate Price (IRR)	Approximate Price (USD)	Package Inclusions
MCI (Hamrah-e-Avval)	Basic SIM Card	200,000 IRR	$5	Basic connectivity
	Tourist Packages	400,000 – 1,000,000 IRR	$10 – $25	Data, local calls, possible international calls
Irancell	Basic SIM Card	200,000 IRR	$5	Basic connectivity
	Tourist Packages	300,000 – 1,500,000 IRR	$8 – $40	Data, local calls, possible international calls
Rightel	Basic SIM Card	150,000 – 250,000 IRR	$4 – $6	Basic connectivity
	Tourist Packages	300,000 – 1,200,000 IRR	$8 – $30	Data, local calls, possible international calls

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport 

For tourists buying a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, you’ll need the following:

• Passport: This is required for identity verification and registration.
• Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone can accept SIM cards from local networks.
• Payment: Both cash and card options are usually available.

The registration process requires you to submit personal details such as your passport information and full name. Although this step can be time-consuming, it is standard procedure for SIM card activation in Iran.

If you’re looking for an easy experience, consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip. This eliminates the need for physical SIM card registration at the airport and provides a more secure and convenient option.

An eSIM provides a digital SIM that can be installed directly on your phone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This method saves time, as you won’t need to visit a kiosk or complete a lengthy registration process at the airport.

VI. eSIM at SIM Card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport – Alternative to Iran SIM Card

If you’re planning a trip to Iran and want an easier way than buying a SIM Card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport to stay connected, an Iran eSIM might be the perfect choice. Unlike traditional SIM cards, you can just activate eSIM remotely and don’t need to worry about finding a physical store.

Look for a reputable eSIM provider like Gigago and choose an Iran eSIM plan that suits your needs. Once you’ve purchased your eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code of the Iran eSIM via your email and step-by-step guidance about how to activate it. Check out Gigago Iran eSIM options for tourists. Gigago offers a minimum of $10.50 for 7 days use and 1GB internet data. 

VII. FAQ about SIM Card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport 

VIII. Conclusion 

In conclusion, buying a SIM card at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) offers travelers a convenient way to connect upon arrival. While the process requires a valid passport and an unlocked phone, it provides access to various telecom options. For a simpler experience, travelers might consider international SIM cards or eSIMs, which bypass the registration process. Overall, ensuring connectivity is essential for enhancing your travel experience in Iran.