Traveling to Iran? You’ll need a reliable way to stay connected. While international mobile devices do work in Iran, you’ll have to activate data roaming, which can be quite expensive. To avoid these high costs and ensure you stay online throughout your trip, it’s best to get an Iranian SIM card as soon as you arrive. This guide is here to help you with everything you need to know about getting a local SIM card in Iran in 2024.
How to Secure Your SIM Card Online
Visit Our Iran offers several convenient options for getting your SIM card. If you’re staying in a hotel in Tehran, you can opt for hotel delivery. This service is available for a $5 fee and is perfect for those who want to avoid any hassle. Alternatively, if you prefer to receive your SIM card as soon as you land, you can choose our airport delivery service. For a $10 fee, our driver will hand over your SIM card when you arrive at the airport.
If you’re booking a tour through our website, your tour leader will provide the SIM card as part of the tour service. For those who prefer to pick up their SIM card themselves, you can visit our company office between 5:00 and 10:00 AM on business days. Please note, this option is not available on Fridays, Saturdays, or public holidays. If none of these options work for you, coordinate with our support team to arrange alternative delivery. Additional fees may apply for this service.
What You Need for Registration
When it comes to registering your SIM card, you’ll need to provide some essential documents:
- Your arrival time in Iran.
- Photos of the first and second pages of your passport.
- A photo of the application card.
Ensure photos are clear, under 500 KB, and taken with the Camscanner app. Make sure to send us a clear photo of the first and second pages of your passport, as well as a photo of the application card. All images should be under 500 KB and clearly visible. Using the Camscanner app to take these photos ensures the best quality.
This registration step is crucial as it activates your SIM card and gets you ready for use as soon as you land.
To get your Iran SIM card online, visit our SIM card services page. For further assistance, contact us via the chat icon at the bottom right of the page.
Activating Your SIM Card
Once you have your SIM card, activating it is straightforward:
- First, insert the SIM card into your phone and enter the PIN code you received.
- Next, go to your phone’s Settings menu, find the “Connections” section, and select “Mobile Networks.”
- Within this menu, tap on “Access Point Names.”
- You’ll need to choose your SIM card (SIM1 or SIM2), then click on “Add” to create a new Access Point Name.
- In the fields for APN and Name, type ‘Aptel’ and save these settings.
This will configure your phone to use the new SIM card and access mobile internet.
Choosing the Right Provider and Package
Iran has several major telecommunications providers, each offering various services and coverage. Hamrah-e Aval, or MCI, is the largest operator, providing extensive network coverage and a range of services, including voice calls, SMS, and mobile internet.
Irancell, or MTN Irancell, is another major player, known for its competitive data services and expanding 4G and 5G networks. Shatel, primarily an internet service provider, also offers SIM cards with reliable mobile internet. Rightel, a newer entrant, offers affordable packages and targets a younger demographic.
Our Aptel SIM cards support not only 3G and 4G but also 4.5G technology, significantly boosting your internet speed. You’ll experience seamless connectivity and fast internet access wherever your travels take you.
Recharging Your SIM Card
To keep your SIM card active, you’ll need to top up its credit. You can do this through Aptel’s website or mobile app, or by dialing *99*2# from your phone. Make sure to regularly check your balance and recharge as needed to avoid any interruptions in service.
Additional Tips
Before arriving in Iran, it’s wise to purchase a VPN. This will help you access social media and other restricted content, as platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are often blocked. Also, keep in mind that using your international phone with data roaming is an option, but it can be expensive. A local SIM card is more economical and provides better connectivity.
In terms of internet speed, you can expect speeds ranging from 10-30 Mbps in major cities. However, this might be slower in rural areas. Make sure to check your provider’s coverage and data packages to ensure you get the best service for your needs.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to stay connected throughout your trip to Iran. Enjoy your travels and the convenience of having reliable mobile service at your fingertips. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. Safe travels and happy connecting!
