How to get an Iranian SIM Card

Publish Date: 2024-08-25

You can easily get an Iran SIM card at major airports like Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport, where kiosks offer prepaid options. Tourist services and telecom branches like Irancell and Hamrah-e Aval also provide SIM cards. You’ll need your passport for registration. These SIMs offer affordable data plans, perfect for staying connected while traveling in Iran.

Why you should get an Iran prepaid SIM card

As mentioned, having an Iranian SIM card is the easiest way to stay connected to the Internet, share your experience with friends and family, and feel safe anywhere, at any time. If you wonder why you should get an Iran prepaid sim card instead of a travel sim card, here is the contract:
A tourism SIM card is more convenient for short-term trips, visitors, or those travelling to multiple countries, offering the flexibility of an international SIM card for Iran at a higher cost.
An Iranian SIM card is ideal for those staying in Iran for a longer period (up to one month) or looking for the best value, with full access to local services (mobile data, calls, and texts) and low rates during your stay.

also read : When is the Best Time to Visit Iran?

Where To Purchase An Iranian SIM Card

Get an Iranian SIM card from official mobile operator stores:
A SIM card can be bought from the official operator stores, airport kiosks, and authorized dealers within Iran. Most tourists can buy a SIM card at their landing, for example, at Imam Khomeini International Airport in the city.

Get Iranian Sim Card Online:
Some Iranian mobile operators such as Irancell and MCI have online services that will allow you to place an order for a SIM card before your trip. This very option comes in handy for people wanting to avoid the lines or plan.
How it Works:

Go to the mobile operator’s official website.
Choose Type of SIM Card You Need (prepaid, postpaid, or tourist SIM card)
Fill in your passport number and visa details if needed.
Pay with supported payment methods online.

Delivery Options:

It can be delivered to your home, hotel, or airport pick-up point. It is one of the dimensions that makes it easier for travelers who like to avoid a hassle in their journey.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Iran SIM Card

Know What Type of SIM Card You Need
Determine the length of your stay and what your communication needs are. If you’re a tourist, generally, a prepaid or tourist SIM card is excellent.
Gather Required Documents
A valid passport is required for purchases over the counter or online.
Go to a Store or Use Online Services
How to do it: In Person: Go to a mobile operator store or airport kiosk.
Online: Order via the operator’s official website; select delivery method.
Choose a Plan
Choose a plan accordingly — heavy on data for all that navigation and streaming, or more balanced between calls and texts.
Activate Your SIM Card
Activation is very simple. If you purchase in-store, store reps will activate it for you. For online purchases, activate it using the instructions included with the SIM card.

Activating Iran SIM Card

Insert the SIM Card: After purchase, insert the SIM card into your phone. Make sure your phone is unlocked and will work with local networks.
Activate Your SIM Card: Iranian mobile operators usually have an activation code that you need to enter (most often 123# or 444#). This will start the activation, and a confirmation might be displayed.
Check Connection: Your SIM card should be ready to go once activated. For example, you can verify that you have a balance or if the network is working by making a call or surfing the web.
Assistance: Try an authorized store or kiosk if the activation fails. The staff will assist with issues related to your registration or activation.

Iran SIM Card Price

The price of a SIM card in Iran typically ranges between 200,000 to 2,000,000 Iranian Rials (IRR) or $0.50 to $4.80, depending on the provider and the type of plan you choose. For a basic prepaid SIM card, the price is usually at the lower end of this range. Notice that SIM cards in Iran can vary based on the provider and the type of plan you choose.

Here’s the Iran SIM Card Price

Prepaid SIM Cards

MCI (Hamrah Aval): Prices range from 200,000 to 4,500,000 IRR ($0.50 to $10.80), depending on the data and talk plan selected.
Irancell: Prepaid SIM cards range from 200,000 to 2,000,000 IRR ($0.50 to $4.80), with options for both basic and more extensive packages.
Rightel: The cost for prepaid SIM cards starts from 190,000 IRR ($0.50) and can go higher, depending on the package.

Postpaid SIM Cards

MCI (Hamrah Aval): Postpaid SIM cards start from 1,000,000 IRR ($2.40) and can increase depending on the data and service plan.
Irancell: Prices for postpaid SIM cards typically begin at 600,000 IRR ($1.40) and can go higher for more comprehensive plans.
Rightel: Postpaid SIM cards usually start from 730,000 IRR ($1.80) and may increase depending on the selected package.

How to Recharge an Iran SIM Card

To recharge an Iran SIM card (Irancell or MCI), buy a top-up voucher from local shops or online platforms. Dial the recharge code (141 for MCI or 555 for Irancell) followed by the voucher PIN and the “#” key. Press “Call” to activate. Alternatively, use official apps like MyIrancell or MCI’s Hamrah Man for easy online recharging and account management.

Here Are Complete Ways to Charge SIM cards:

Purchase a Recharge Card

The recharge cards are sold in stores, kiosks, and approved retailers throughout Iran. Every card comes with its own unique PIN code. To use it:

Peel back the rear of the card to uncover the code.
Call the code you have been given (this would be like 123PIN#) or you may be asked to follow specific instructions by an operator.
Once successful, you will get a confirmation message.

Use Mobile Apps

Most of the Iranian mobile operators (for example: Irancell, MCI, Rightel) have their dedicated apps and they make recharging your SIM card easy and quick. MyIrancell, an Irancell-exclusive app, is one of the popular ones.

MyIrancell App

With MyIrancell you can manage your account, recharge your balance, purchase data packages, etc. from your phone. How to top up your SIM using the app:

Download the App: Download the App: You can download the MyIrancell app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Sign In or Create an Account: When you open the app, you’ll need to sign in with a phone number or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Payment Information: You need to add your payment information.
Select a Recharge Amount: You can choose a specific recharge amount or data package as per your requirements.
Recharge will be successful: on payment confirmation, recharge will be complete instantly. You will get a message that the recharge has taken effect.

You can also check your balance, show your data consumption, and follow the validity of the packages on the MyIrancell app.

Recharge Online via Websites

For those who would rather top up via a web browser, several operators offer online recharging:

Open the web page for your mobile operator (Irancell, MCI, or Rightel)
Sign in with your phone number or set up an account if you haven’t already.
Recharge with a Custom Amount or choose from your data plans
Choose your payment method (credit card, bank transfer, etc.), and your balance will be created within minutes.

Top Up at Retailers

Just by a visit to any authorized mobile retail shop helpful people there can recharge your SIM card in Iran. Just enter your phone number and choose a recharge amount, and the retailer will then process the transaction for you.

Check Balance

After you recharge your SIM card, you can check how much balance you have left by:
You enter a USSD code (for most operators it is *100#).
Tracking your account and usage using the operator’s mobile app (for example the MyIrancell app).

How and where to register your SIM card

After arriving at the airport, go to the kiosks or stores that sell SIM cards. You will see stands with signs of the best SIM card in iran, MCI (Hamrah-e Aval), MTN Irancell, and RighTel. These kiosks are usually located in the entrance hall or near the passenger exits.

Go to the store with your passport or other identification documents in hand (we will explore more about the necessary documents further in the next section). Then, ask for a SIM card. Although you can do the registration and charging work on your own, the service people will do most of the work for you.
To register your SIM card, after purchasing one, which costs between 15 to 30 euros, you should provide your passport to the seller to activate the SIM card for you. If not, you can dial the USSD code *140*1# for Irancell, or *140*#[insert pin number]# for MCI to make your first call or text message. Then, your information will be registered, and the SIM card will be activated in your name.

For recharging you Iran SIM card and purchasing an internet package, enter the following USSD codes:
First, consider changing the SIM card’s language to English by dialling *555*4*3*2# for Irancell, or *198*2# for MCI.

There are many USSD codes for each operator that you can dial to recharge your SIM card. However, we suggest dialling *1# or *780# to access a variety of services you need, such as recharging and purchasing internet packages. These services are available for all types of Iran SIM card numbers from Irancell, MCI, and RighTel.

You can also recharge your SIM card online using the “MyIrancell” app for Irancell or “My-MCI” app for MCI. Download and install the app from Google Play or AppStore, log in to your account, and use the “Recharge SIM Card” option. You can also check your quota and balance with that. It is possible to recharge your SIM card using the official Irancell or MCI website.
Our recommendation regarding Iran SIM card internet for you is a minimum 10GB monthly data plan due to the high data usage of VPNs for accessing many applications in Iran.

also read : Traveling to Iran during Nowruz

What documents do I need to buy a SIM card?

As same as in most countries, you will typically need some identity proof documents in order to buy a SIM card in Iran:
• Foreign nationals: passport – Amaiesh card (temporary residence permit) – refugee card – identity card
• Juridical persons: business registration document, business tax statement, business license, or an official newspaper ad warranting business registration
• Minors (under 18): completed registration form by an adult person (above 18) in addition to their NID card
You also may be asked to provide additional personal information, including the address where you’re staying in Iran and your contact details.
After providing these documents, the SIM card will be registered in your name, and you can start using it immediately.

also read : Is Iran a safe travel destination?

Types of SIM Cards Available in Iran

Iran offers various SIM card options to cater to the needs of residents, tourists, and businesses. These SIM cards vary in terms of functionality, price, and services. Below is a detailed overview of the types of SIM cards available in Iran:

Prepaid SIM Cards
Prepaid cards are always best for tourists or short-term visitors. They give you freedom and require no contracts or long-term commitments.
Postpaid SIM Cards
postpaid cards are perfect for long-term visitors and residents who like recharging monthly. They often come with preferred rates for frequent users.
Tourist SIM Cards
As a tourist, your best option will be to go for a tourist plan- which includes loaded data, or a call plan for the short term (a few days at max).

Iran SIM card Operators

There are three main mobile network operators that provide SIM cards with various services in Iran, MCI (Hamrah-e-Aval), MTN Irancell, and RighTel. We will discuss each of these in turn, as each of these has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
Here’s a detailed look at the Iran SIM card for tourists packages each major Iranian mobile operator offers:

1. Irancell

Tourist Packages: Irancell offers several options tailored for tourists, including:
Data Bundles: High-data plans that provide substantial amounts of internet data for use during your stay.
Combined Packages: Packages that include data, minutes for local and international calls, and SMS.
Prepaid SIM Cards: Typically come with an initial data allowance and additional minutes for calls and taxes.
Special Offers: Often have promotions or temporary deals for short-term visitors.

2. MCI (Hamrah-e Aval)

Tourist Packages: MCI offers comprehensive packages that cater to a variety of needs:
Data, Call, and SMS Packages: Plans that include data, local and international call minutes, and SMS.
Prepaid SIM Cards: Often come with a basic package of data and call credits, which can be expanded with additional recharge options.
Tourist Deals: May have special packages or discounts for tourists, especially if purchased at airports or major cities.

3. RighTel

Tourist Packages: RighTel provides data-centric packages that are particularly attractive for users who consume a lot of internet data:
Large Data Bundles: Packages with significant data allowances suited for streaming, browsing, and using apps.
Prepaid SIM Cards: Include a preloaded amount of data and may also offer a small number of call credits.
Flexibility: Options for additional top-ups and data packages as needed.
Each operator typically provides options that cater to different usage patterns, so it’s a good idea to choose a plan based on how much data, calling, and texting you anticipate needing. You can purchase these packages at mobile operator stores, airports, and some tourist centers.

Best SIM Card in Iran

The best SIM card in Iran for travelers is Irancell due to its affordable packages, high-speed 4G LTE network, and wide coverage across urban and rural areas. Hamrah-e Aval (MCI) is another reliable option, offering excellent coverage but at slightly higher prices. For shorter stays, RighTel provides budget-friendly data-only plans. All three providers offer prepaid SIM cards, and registration requires your passport.

Tips for Using an Iranian SIM Card (Point Form)

Ensure Your Phone is Unlocked: Check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with local networks before traveling to Iran.
Choose the Right Operator:
- Irancell: Affordable data plans with excellent 4G coverage.
- MCI: Best for rural areas with strong network coverage.
- Rightel: Good for urban areas with competitive plans.
Use a Tourist SIM Card: Ideal for short-term visitors; comes with preloaded data, calls, and texts.
Download Mobile Apps:
- MyIrancell: For managing Irancell accounts.
- MyMCI: For MCI users to recharge and check their balance.
- Rightel App: For Rightel account management.
Monitor Balance and Data: Check your balance and data usage via USSD codes (*100#) or mobile apps to avoid interruptions.
Use a VPN: Secure your internet access and bypass restrictions on blocked apps and websites.
Recharge Regularly: Keep your SIM active by topping up before the credit or package expires.
Be Aware of Network Coverage:
- Urban areas: 4G is widely available.
- Rural areas: Opt for operators like MCI for better connectivity.
Avoid Sharing Your SIM Card: Keep your SIM card private to avoid legal issues tied to misuse.
Carry Your Passport: A passport is required to purchase or register a SIM card in Iran.
Save Customer Support Numbers: Have your operator’s support line handy for troubleshooting and account assistance.

Conclusion

Getting an Iranian SIM card is crucial for any traveller, especially solo traveller and backpacker, looking to stay connected and make the most of their time in Iran. With a local SIM card, you can easily navigate the country, communicate with locals, and access important online resources without worrying about high roaming fees or unreliable Wi-Fi connections. By understanding the different ways to obtain a SIM card, knowing where and how to register it, and having the necessary documents ready, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether you choose one of Iran’s leading mobile operators like MCI, Irancell, or RighTel or opt for a tourism SIM card, staying connected will enhance your overall travel experience.
If you still have any further questions regarding this matter, don’t hesitate to contact us or drop a comment below. We will help you with whatever you need to enjoy everything this historical country offers.

frequently asked questions about Iran SIM card

Is it possible to buy a SIM card in Iran?

Yes, definitely! You can buy a SIM card by arrival from three of the main telecom company booths, MCI, Irancell, and RighTel.

How to get a SIM card in Iran?

You can get one at the airport from three of the main telecom company booths, MCI, Irancell, and RighTel. You need to present some identification documents.

Where can I buy a SIM card in Iran?

At major airports, official stores of MCI, Irancell, RighTel, and some authorized dealers and tourist centers.

Which Iran SIM card is best for tourists?

There are not many differences, but when it comes to an Iran SIM card for tourists, Irancell and RighTel are popular for their data packages and coverage. MCI is also a good option for extensive coverage.

How to activate Iran SIM?

The seller usually activates the SIM card for you. If not, you can dial the USSD code *140*1# for Irancell, or *140*#[insert pin number]# for MCI to make your first call or text message.