SIM cards and internet in Iran

A local SIM card is the single most useful thing you can buy in Iran: maps, translation, ride-hailing apps and messaging with your hostel all depend on it.

Tourist SIM at the airport

At Imam Khomeini Airport (Tehran) and other international airports, the two big operators — Irancell (MTN Irancell) and Hamrah-e Aval (MCI) — sell tourist SIM cards right after passport control. You need only your passport; activation takes a few minutes. Tourist SIMs come with a data package and are valid for the length of a normal visa.

Which operator?

• Irancell has good 4G in cities and an easy English menu for buying data packages.
• MCI (Hamrah-e Aval) usually has better coverage in remote areas, deserts and mountain villages.

Data is cheap: a large monthly package costs little by European standards. Top up in any phone shop or supermarket.

Blocked websites and apps

Many international services are filtered in Iran, and the list changes from time to time. Popular social networks and some news sites are typically unavailable, while others work normally. Download offline maps (Maps.me, Organic Maps or Google offline areas) and an offline translator before you arrive, and ask your hostel which apps are working this month.

Useful local apps

• Snapp and Tapsi — ride-hailing (like Uber). You need a local number; many hostels will order a car for you.
• Neshan and Balad — local maps with accurate addresses and traffic.
• Translation apps with downloaded Persian (Farsi) language packs.

Wi-Fi

Almost every hostel and café has Wi-Fi, though speed varies. During periods of unrest the government sometimes slows or limits mobile internet, so keep important documents (bookings, insurance, contacts) saved offline.