Once you set foot in a new country, having access to the internet becomes as important as having a roof above your head. You need it to find your directions, to let your friends and family know about your trip, and maybe to do some work remotely.
Finding internet in Iran is as easy as in other developed countries. For example, you will have WiFi in the airport. Alternatively, you can get your own SIM card upon arrival.
The article below guides you through the different ways to get high-speed internet during your Iran trip.
WiFi Access
In most cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, you can find free WiFi. However, it might be good only for exchanging WhatsApp messages or quick Google searches. Also, high-speed internet is not common in public places. Besides, in some hotels, WiFi connections might be weak in the rooms. Therefore, if internet quality is important to you, ask about the connection before booking your hotel.
SIM Card
Irancell, Hamrah Aval, and RighTel are the main phone operators in Iran. When you arrive at Imam Khomeini airport, you will see a large yellow stand with a sign like the photo below. There, you can buy an Irancell visitor SIM, valid for 30 days.
After purchasing the SIM, get an internet package based on your stay duration and data needs. The table below shows Irancell 4G packages for visitor SIMs.
Hamrah Aval is the largest mobile phone network operator in Iran. Its internet coverage area is wider than other operators. You can buy a Hamrah Aval SIM card from service centers in the city, government offices (pishkhan e dolat), or ask your hotel reception for help.
Mah Cell / Pocket WiFi
If you don’t want to change your SIM card, but want high-speed internet all the time, Mah Cell is a great option. It is a pocket-sized portable WiFi hotspot that offers unlimited 4G internet in Iran. Plus, it works as a power bank. Sounds brilliant, right?
You leave a 50 EUR deposit at Mah Card and take the device. The pricing works like this: For each week of use, you pay 15 EUR. This gives you unlimited data 24/7 everywhere in Iran.
Read more about getting a pocket Wi-Fi hotspot device: Mobile WiFi for Iran travel: Mah Cell.
Want first-hand feedback about Mah Cell? Watch Lotte and Sam talking about their MahCard and MahCell experience!
1 Comment
“For every week that you need to use the device, you should pay 15 EUR and that allows you to have an unlimited amount of data 24/7 everywhere in Iran.” These words written in the Mah Cell wifi. How does a tourist pay the15 EUR? Thank you’