For 2024, several affordable eSIM phones offer great options without breaking the bank. Here's a gui...
With Iran set to introduce visa-free travel from February 2025, cross-border movement is expected to increase significantly. Therefore, more travelers will visit Iran, and an eSIM will make their trips more convenient.
Holafaly and BNESIM are two recommended eSIM options for Iran. Holafly provides an unlimited data plan, while local provider BNESIM gives you flexible daily options at $4 per day. Both connect you to Iran's reliable MTN Irancell network.
This article explores eSIM options for travelers in Iran with details on Holafly and BNESIM along with their data plans, pricing and coverage. It explains the requirements for using an eSIM, how to install and activate it, and its key features. The article also answers common questions about eSIM usage in Iran.
One of the first things you have to know is that, since it is such a new product, there are some requirements you must meet to buy an international eSIM card and use it properly. You can read the list below, where you can find the conditions and make sure that you can get an eSIM.
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You can obtain an eSIM card from international eSIM card providers. They offer eSIM cards with cellular data for travelers, that’s the reason why their eSIM cards won’t last longer than 2 months, only for short-term use. If you want to connect to the internet for a longer time, you can buy an eSIM from a local cellular operator. Their eSIM cards last more time, but the purchasing process is a little bit more complex since you have to live in Iran, have a passport, and get a data plan for more than 4 months.
The providers are the following:
Two of the most important things are the data plan and the price each company offers. So, to help you make your final decision that best suits your needs and budget, we have listed this information below, so you can compare and pick the one that you prefer.
Anyway, you should also check the coverage each company offers. We are going to talk about this later.
| Provider | Cellular data | Days | Price (USD) | Support | Where to buy it |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 15 | $96.90 | English, Spanish, and more | Web |
| BNESIM | 100 MB | 1 | $4 | English | Web and physical stores |
Now that you know how to get an eSIM card, we are going to tell you about the main features of this device, so you can have a more clear perspective of the product you are about to buy. You can read the list below, where you will find the main characteristics:
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As we already told you, you have to consider the coverage you are going to have when you arrive at your destination. Because if the coverage is not good, your connection won’t be the best. No matter if you have an unlimited data plan or tons of data, if the coverage is bad, your connection will be bad too.
To avoid having problems, you have to make sure that the eSIM card you get connects to the best networks available at your destination. If it connects to the MTN Irancell network, then you will enjoy one of the best connections in the country. The Holafly eSIM card works with this operator as well!
If you are planning to acquire an eSIM card with a cellular data plan that lasts more than 2 months, you can buy it from a local operator. To buy one, you will have to visit the physical store of the operator that offers this product, and sign up for a data plan that includes an eSIM card.
The local cellular operator that offers eSIM cards in Iran is BNESIM, it offers 100 MB at $3.36/day.
No, it is not necessary, but some providers may need an address to give you the eSIM card. It can be the address of your hotel, for example.
It will depend on your provider. Some will let you do it, while others won’t.
The activation process will depend on your cellphone. But usually, you only have to scan the QR code that you receive on your email when you complete the purchase. Once you do that, you have to choose the eSIM card as the cellular data provider, turn on the data roaming, and that’s it! Easy-peasy.
You have to consider two things: the amount of cellular data you usually use, and the number of days you are going to stay at your destination. This way, you will be able to pick the eSIM card that best suits your needs!
There are many options to connect to the internet during your trip. Some of them are very expensive or uncomfortable. International roaming service or Pocket WiFi are some alternatives.
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