Key takeaways
Iran has fast 4G in its cities and growing 5G, but the local internet is heavily filtered, with apps like Instagram, Telegram, X and YouTube blocked on Iranian networks. Roamix covers Iran with Roamix Omni, a pay as you go eSIM on MCI, the largest network. Roamix routes traffic internationally, so blocked apps work without a VPN while the network is up. The authorities can and do shut down mobile internet during unrest, and no eSIM can get around that. Many governments advise against all travel to Iran, so check your government's advice first. Budget 2 to 4 GB for a week.
- Check your government's travel advice before planning a trip. Many advise against all travel to Iran.
- Roamix routes traffic internationally, so apps blocked on local Iranian networks work without a VPN.
- Mobile internet can be shut down entirely during unrest. Keep offline maps and documents on your phone.
- International cards do not work in Iran because of sanctions, so bring all the cash you need.
- MCI is Omni's network in Iran and has the widest coverage, including 5G in large cities.
Best way to get data in Iran
Roamix Omni is the simplest way to use your normal apps in Iran without juggling VPNs, as long as the network itself is up.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix Omni eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travelers | Internationally routed, so apps work without a VPN. |
| Local SIM | Best for: Long stays | Cheap, but filtered, so blocked apps need a VPN. |
| Home carrier roaming | Best for: Rarely possible | Many carriers have no roaming in Iran. |
| Hotel Wi-Fi | Best for: Unblocked sites only | Filtered like local networks. |
Hotel Wi-Fi is common but filtered, so blocked apps do not work on it without a VPN.
Apps and internet access in Iran
Iran filters a large share of the internet. Many foreign apps and websites are blocked on Iranian networks, and the list changes often.
No VPN needed on Roamix
Roamix routes traffic internationally rather than through Iran's filtered local gateway, so apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Google and YouTube work normally without a VPN. This is the most important connectivity advantage for travelers visiting Iran.
Instagram, Telegram, X, YouTube and many news sites are blocked on local networks. WhatsApp and Google Play were unblocked in late 2024, but rules change. Roamix routes traffic internationally, which avoids local filtering, but cannot help during a full shutdown.
WhatsApp, works
Works on Roamix with international routing.
Instagram and Telegram, works
Blocked on local networks, but work on Roamix.
Google Maps, works
Works on Roamix. Local apps like Neshan are more detailed.
YouTube and X, works
Blocked locally, work on Roamix.
How much data you need
Pay as you go suits Iran well, since you pay only for what you manage to use.
1 to 2 GB
Short city break
Messaging, maps and ride hailing.
2 to 4 GB
One week tour
Keeping in touch and sharing photos.
4 to 8 GB
Two weeks or more
Regular video calls home.
Data per hour, by activity
- WhatsApp messages for a day
- 10 to 30 MB
- Maps navigation for an hour
- 5 to 10 MB
- Instagram for 30 minutes
- 100 to 200 MB
- A 10 minute video call
- 50 to 150 MB
Turn on Low Data Mode and pause backups to make your balance last.
How to set up a Iran eSIM
Install Roamix Omni over Wi-Fi before you leave. App stores and setup pages may be blocked once you are in Iran.
- 1
Load $10 or more on the Roamix Omni page. Your balance never expires.
- 2
Scan the QR code to install Omni over Wi-Fi before you fly.
- 3
Keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and turn off data roaming on it.
- 4
Set Omni as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for Omni only.
- 5
Land in Iran and Omni connects to its partner network automatically.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Omni sets its APN automatically. If data does not start, toggle airplane mode on and off.
If data does not connect, check data roaming is on for Omni and select MCI manually. If nothing works, the area may be under a shutdown.
Visa and entry for Iran
Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can apply for an e-visa approval online, and some can get a visa on arrival at major airports. US, UK and Canadian citizens face extra restrictions and usually need a licensed guide.
- eVisa or ETA
- Apply through Iran's official e-visa portal well before travel. Approval is collected as a visa on arrival or at an embassy.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
- Onward ticket
- A return ticket and travel insurance valid in Iran are generally required.
Save your e-visa approval, insurance and hotel bookings offline.
Entry rules for Iran depend on your passport and change often, and many governments advise against all travel. Check your government's travel advice and the official e-visa portal before booking.
When you land in Iran
0 of 5 done
How people message here
WhatsApp and Telegram are widely used, alongside local apps such as Eitaa and Rubika.
Do you need a local number?
Not for most travelers. Omni is data only, and WhatsApp covers calls.
Agree a check in schedule with someone at home, so a silence during a shutdown does not cause panic.
Airports in Iran
IKA
Imam Khomeini International Airport
Tehran
Limited Wi-Fi, filtered like the rest of the local internet.
Omni connects on landing, so you can reach your hotel or guide before passport control.
SYZ
Shiraz International Airport
Shiraz
Limited Wi-Fi.
Use Omni to book a taxi app ride into the city.
IFN
Isfahan International Airport
Isfahan
Limited Wi-Fi.
Load your hotel's address on your phone before you land.
Getting around Iran
Domestic flights, comfortable long distance buses and trains connect the main cities cheaply.
Snapp and Tapsi (ride hailing)
Work in most cities. Need data and an Iranian number for some features.
Long distance VIP buses
Signal drops in the desert between cities.
Trains
Patchy coverage on long routes.
Tehran Metro
Coverage in many stations.
Use Snapp rather than street taxis to avoid haggling.
Money and payments in Iran
The rial (IRR) is the currency, but prices are often quoted in toman, which is 10 rials.
- Cards and cash
- Foreign cards do not work in Iran. Bring all your money in cash, ideally euros or US dollars.
- ATMs
- ATMs only take Iranian cards.
- Payment apps
- Some tour operators sell prepaid local tourist cards.
- Tipping
- Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
Daily budget
Iran is affordable, and many travelers spend 40 to 80 US dollars a day.
Local tips for Iran
- Language
- Persian is spoken everywhere. English is common among younger people in cities.
- Food
- Kebabs, stews like ghormeh sabzi and fesenjan, saffron rice and endless tea.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type C and F plugs
Apps worth having
Snapp
Rides
Iran's main ride hailing app.
Neshan
Navigation
Detailed local maps.
Google Translate offline
Language
Persian without data.
Safety and health in Iran
Many governments advise against all travel to Iran because of the security situation and the risk of arbitrary detention of foreign nationals.
- Stay reachable
- Avoid filming or photographing government and military sites, and be mindful of what you post while in Iran.
- Health
- Healthcare in big cities is good. Travel insurance valid in Iran is required.
- Tap water
- Tap water is generally treated in cities, but most travelers drink bottled water.
Networks and coverage in Iran
Iran's main mobile networks are MCI (Hamrah-e Avval), Irancell and RighTel. MCI has the largest coverage, with 4G in cities and along main highways, and 5G in parts of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad. Roamix Omni connects to MCI and routes your traffic internationally.
MCI (Hamrah-e Avval)
The largest network, with the best rural coverage. Omni's network in Iran.
Irancell
Strong in cities. Not used by Omni.
RighTel
Smaller network focused on cities. Not used by Omni.
- Typical speeds
- Expect 10 to 50 Mbps on 4G in cities. Speeds drop sharply during periods of tightened filtering.
- 5G
- 5G is available in parts of the largest cities. Omni connects at 5G where MCI supports it.
Download offline maps, translation packs and copies of your documents before you land, in case of a shutdown.
Coverage is limited in the deserts and mountains. During protests or security events, mobile internet has been cut nationwide or regionally for days. Iranian networks use common LTE bands supported by modern unlocked phones.
Where to go in Iran
Iran has some of the world's great architecture, from the mosques of Isfahan to the ruins of Persepolis, and a famously warm welcome.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild.
Tehran
The capital, with palaces, museums, bazaars and mountains on the northern edge.
- Golestan Palace
- Grand Bazaar
- Tabiat Bridge
- Darband
Strong 4G and some 5G.
Isfahan
Blue tiled mosques, bridges and one of the world's grandest squares.
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- Si-o-se-pol
- Vank Cathedral
Good 4G across the city.
Shiraz and Persepolis
Gardens, poetry and the ruins of the ancient Persian capital.
- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
- Eram Garden
- Persepolis
Good 4G in Shiraz, weaker at the ruins.
Yazd
A desert city of mud brick lanes and windcatchers.
- Old City
- Jameh Mosque
- Towers of Silence
4G in town, little in the desert.
Working remotely from Iran
Limited. Filtering, sanctions and shutdown risk make regular work difficult.
- Connection
- Omni avoids filtering, but full shutdowns stop all data.
Do not plan deadlines around reliable internet in Iran.
