Simcards for foreigners in Iran: Q&A

[kunibald]

Hi, just an information for people traveling to Iran soon: at the moment it's impossible to get a simcard. Some locals told me it's a new law. I went to multiple irancell stores in multiple cities, and even though they did not know about the law, the system rejected all requests of foreigners (doesnt matter what nationality). So be aware that you might have little access to internet during your time here.

[Koen]

In big tourists city's it is possible to get tourist simcart.
It's more expensive then normal.
Or go with a local. I got simcart for $5 Iran cell with 24gb
Beware that after 30 day's they block your phone imei code. This is because they trying to ban illegal import of phones without paying taxes. Unblock is possible but you have to pay the tax.
Recommended to get a simcart router if you stay longer then 30 days. Or have multiple phones. (simcart stayes active)

[kunibald]

I tried exactly that in major cities and it did not work. Another post in this forum mentioned 01.09.2018 as the beginning for the new rule. How recent is the last successful simcard registration for a foreigner you know of?
Yes, going with a local is of course one possible workaround. But since this can cause trouble to the locals and they don't really want to buy simcards for strangers, this is not likely to be the solution for every traveller.

Good tip with the IMEI block after 30 days, can confirm that.

[Jealgu]

In both Mashhad and Tehran I have been unsuccesfullbto get a simcard, whether tourist or normal. Problem is that me details are not, yet (?), in the sytem. In Masshad one Irancell emplotee told that should happen within in three days after entry. I also went to Imam Khomeini airport thinking that shoukd be the place that is most able to deal with foreigners. Same story, but the girl said it should take one day (perhaps Tehran airport should be quicker). I am in Iran for the eight day now....... Perhaps the border crossing from Asbgabat has a work backlog and is late, or are they not going to register me at all?

At the airport I was asked if I was to Iran before, if so I should already be in the system and there should be no problem (I guess this should be with the same passport)

[ninanina]

How recent is the last successful simcard registration for a foreigner you know of?

I was successful at the end of october (26th or something like that) in ardabil. there's an irancell store close to basij square. it's a copy and computer shop, too, and should be around here: 38.229042, 48.272725 (not 100% sure but it seems like everybody around knows the shop).
(I received a "normal" sim card, i.e. non-tourist one.)

good luck everybody!

[Loris]

I was able to buy a sim card at an Irancell store in Tabriz on November 11th. I don't know why it worked for me

[QuentinT]

I just bought a sim card at Teheran airport. 6$ for 30 days, 5Go and 4h call with Irancell.
It took about 60seconds to have it done and 20min activation. You need to show your passport.

[Bigbidule]

we just bought a sim card has mashhad without problem, I just discussed with a friend traveler who informs me of the blockage of the phone after 30 days of use, what it is the best solution to get around the problem?

[QuentinT]

You have to register your phone with by the customs to use it more than 30 days -> Pay them an amount.

[jafari3113]

There are some hotels which provide you simcard, like Heritage in Tehran.