Mobile Phones

In 2017 Iran implemented a tax on mobile phones purchased from abroad, including used phones brought in by travellers. Consequently, once a SIM card is inserted into such a mobile phone, it will function normally for only 30 days before being automatically blocked by mobile networks. To continue using the phone beyond this period, it needs to be registered upon entry into the country and the applicable tax must be paid.

Foreign Mobile Phone Registry

To register a foreign mobile phone in Iran, one must follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Shenaseh Faragir Code: This is normally printed and affixed to the back of the passport at the airport.
2. Visit the Mobile Registration Office: At Imam Khomeini International Airport, this office is located after luggage pick-up.
3. Register Personal and Device Details: The passenger’s personal details, Shenaseh Faragir code, and the phone’s unique IMEI number will be recorded.
4. Pay the Tax: The passenger must return to the airport within 30 days to pay the tax, which is approximately 20-40% of the phone’s retail value, as determined by customs.

Note: The phone owner and the SIM card owner must be the same in order to register the phone.

Purchasing a handset within Iran might be more convenient and cost-effective than registering one from abroad. Phones bought locally have already had the tax paid and require only simple registration via SMS. While managing two phones may seem inconvenient, many students find it useful to have one phone for their home country and a separate one for use in Iran.

SIM Cards

There are three main mobile operators in Iran:

Iran Mobile Communications Company (MCI)

Commonly referred to as ‘Hamrah Avval’, this is the first and largest state-owned operator. Their services are generally more suited to Iranians than foreigners.

MTN Irancell

The second largest mobile operator, preferred by many foreigners due to the ease of purchasing and registering SIM cards and other services.

Rightel

A recent addition to the mobile network market, with a smaller market share and limited services.

As with other countries, signal quality depends on numerous factors, including distance from the nearest mobile tower. It may be worth checking signal strengths in areas where one will spend most of their time before deciding which SIM card to buy.

Each mobile operator offers both pre-paid (i’tibari) and post-paid (daimi) SIM card options. A pre-paid SIM card is where credit is purchased in advance of service use and can be used for calls, text messages, internet data etc. A post-paid SIM card is where the mobile network service is provided first, and the user is billed after a period according to their use of services. Mobile operators also provide a switching service from pre-paid to post-paid.

Apps for each of the operators are also available (MyMCI, MyIrancell or MyRightel) where users can manage their account, check their credit balance, top-up credit and pay bills.

Foreigners are recommended to purchase a SIM card from the airport, as it can be more challenging to obtain one later, especially without a residence permit. MTN Irancell and Hamrah Avval kiosks are available at the airport both before and after luggage pick-up, where passengers can buy and register a SIM card for around $2. If a SIM card is not purchased at the airport, it can be obtained from one of the mobile operator offices in Qum.

Mobile Data

Iran has nationwide 4G network coverage with many areas also supporting 4.5G technology and speeds. The new 5G technology is only available in one part of Tehran at the moment and it will likely take many years before the infrastructure is ready for a nationwide roll-out.

Mobile data packages can be purchased either by:

• Visiting a retailer (where cash can also be accepted) to top-up one’s balance
• Using the mobile operator’s dedicated mobile app
• Using mobile banking apps
• Using the mobile operator’s USSD codes. These codes are dialled on the mobile phone to access various menus which allow the user to change numerous settings as well as buy credit or internet packages. The USSD codes for the three operators are as follows:

Android vs iOS

There are two predominant mobile phone operating systems worldwide: iOS, exclusive to Apple, and Android, owned by Google. While Apple holds a significant market share globally, the situation in Iran is different due to sanctions that have led to the blocking of the Apple App Store. Consequently, iPhone users are relatively scarce in Iran. Android, on the other hand, is the most popular operating system here. This is unsurprising given its adoption by numerous mobile phone manufacturers, its greater versatility and customisability and its lower initial cost and repair expenses.

Apps

An app, short for “application,” is a type of software that can be installed and run on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device. Most frequently, the term refers to mobile applications designed for specific functions. Apps are typically downloaded from the device manufacturer’s app store (such as the Apple App Store, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, etc.) or from third-party app stores.

For Android users, Google’s Play Store is one of the most common and popular app stores; however, in Iran, internet restrictions make the Play Store inaccessible without a VPN. As a result, many alternative app marketplaces in Iran offer thousands of free and paid apps. The most popular app store in Iran is Cafe Bazaar (often referred to simply as Bazaar), which boasts over 36 million users and more than 150,000 apps. A significant advantage of Iranian app stores over the Google Play Store is the availability of local apps for banking, shopping, taxi services, social media, and more. Other Iranian Android app stores include Myket, Farsroid, Getandroid, Yasdl and Iranapp.

As previously mentioned, iPhones have limited capabilities in Iran due to difficulties accessing the Apple App Store. To download any apps from the Apple App Store, a VPN is required. Additionally, purchasing apps from the App Store presents further challenges.

Despite Apple’s security measures, Iranians have developed their own app stores for Apple users. Unlike Cafe Bazaar and other Android app stores, these Iranian Apple app stores are membership-based and relatively expensive. After registering with a local mobile telephone number and paying the membership fees, users can access and download apps. The most common Iranian Apple app marketplaces are Sibche, Sibapp, Sibaneh and iApps.

Useful Apps

• Cafe Bazaar
• Fast Dictionary
• MyIrancell
• Baad Saba
• Snapp!
• Eitaa
• Digikala
• Divar
• AP
• Snapp Food!
• Alibaba

• Cafe Bazaar: This is one of the most popular marketplaces for downloading both Iranian and non-Iranian Android apps. In order to install apps from Bazaar, the phone settings will need to be adjusted to enable the option “Install Apps from Unknown sources”.
• Fast Dictionary: This is an essential app for navigating and learning the Farsi language. This English-Farsi/Farsi-English dictionary not only offers translations but also provides example sentences for each word searched.
• MyIrancell: MTN Irancell is a popular mobile operator in Iran. This app allows users to check their balance, top-up credit, purchase internet packages and change numerous settings.
• Baad Saba: This is an Islamic calendar app with functions including prayer times, adhan alarms, daily du’as & ziyarat, calendar reminders, weather forecast and more.
• Snapp!: Uber revolutionised the taxi industry and many tried to replicate their success. Snapp! is one such Iranian taxi and transport app that allows users to hail a taxi by selecting the origin and destination. Other features include Snapp Bike (for getting a ride on a motorbike), Snapp Box (for a courier service) and Snapp Van to transport larger items such as furniture and white goods. Other similar taxi apps include Tapsi and Maxim.
• Eitaa: With many of the western messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram unavailable, an alternative like Eitaa is almost essential. Like many other messaging apps, Eitaa also allows users to send images, audios, videos and documents and create groups and channels. The new update includes the ability to make voice and video calls to other Eitaa users.
• Digikala: Digikala is one of the most famous brands for online shopping and is considered the Amazon equivalent in Iran. They offer a wide range of goods from mobile phones and laptops to kitchen appliances and clothing.
• Divar: Divar is an online classified ad service similar to eBay, Craigslist or Gumtree. It has a user friendly interface and can be used for both buying and selling new or used goods. A huge variety of items and services are advertised, ranging from houses and cars to private tuition.
• AP: Asan Pardakht or AP for short, literally means ‘easy payment’. It is a third party payment platform which allows users to make financial transactions across a wide variety of institutes, pay utility bills, give donations and even search and pay for bus and train tickets.
• Snapp Food!: One of the largest online food ordering platforms in Iran is an offshoot of Snapp! called Snapp Food! What started off as an app to order food from restaurants has now grown to include delivery of groceries, fruits & vegetables, meat & poultry, bread and even ice-cream. Although these services can be accessed through the main Snapp! app, this standalone app is also available.
• Alibaba: Alibaba is a metasearch engine and online travel agency. In addition to searching and purchasing domestic and international flights, users can also buy inter-city train and bus tickets and reserve hotels.