Short answer

• The simplest reliable option is a local prepaid SIM from one of Iran’s main operators (Hamrah‑e‑Aval/MCI, MTN Irancell, or RighTel) with 4G/4.5G coverage in cities. Buy and register with your passport on arrival (airport booths, carrier stores or tourist‑SIM vendors). (yohomobile.com)

Practical step‑by‑step (what to do)

1. Bring your passport and an unlocked phone that supports local bands (4G/LTE). Major carriers provide wide 4G coverage in cities. (yohomobile.com)
2. Buy at the airport kiosk or an official shop: look for Hamrah‑e‑Aval (MCI), Irancell or RighTel booths, or buy a tourist SIM from a trusted third‑party that delivers to hotels/airport. You’ll register the SIM with your passport—staff usually do this for you. Expect activation to take a few hours. (VisitOurIran.com)
3. Pick a data plan based on length of stay and data needs; prepaid tourist SIMs often come with set data and voice bundles (30 days typical). Top‑ups are via vendor website/apps, USSD codes, or local shops—some online payment options may require Iranian bank cards. (VisitOurIran.com)
4. If you need immediate connectivity before buying a local SIM, consider a global eSIM or your carrier’s roaming plan—but roaming is usually expensive and global eSIM providers may not provide full local coverage or Iranian numbers. Verify beforehand whether the eSIM provider specifically supports Iran. (SimOptions.com)

eSIM — current state (important)

• As of recent reports, eSIM rollout in Iran has been limited and generally not available to short‑term foreign visitors; most reliable travel guidance still recommends a physical SIM. Some vendors/marketplaces sell “Iran eSIM” products, but availability/activation can be inconsistent—check the provider’s claim and reviews carefully. (VisitOurIran.com)

Performance and coverage

• 4G (and in many places 4.5G) is widespread in cities (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, tourist sites). Speeds in urban areas are generally good for streaming, maps and messaging; rural/remote road coverage is weaker. RighTel/Irancell/MCI are the main choices; pick the one with the best urban coverage for your itinerary. (yohomobile.com)

Blocked services and VPNs

• Many international services (some social media and Google services) are restricted inside Iran. If you must access blocked apps or sites, install and test a reputable VPN before you travel. Be aware of local rules and risks around circumvention tools. (deytrips.com)

Payment and practical cautions

• International credit/debit cards and some payment services may not work for buying or topping up local plans because of sanctions/merchant limitations—cash or trusted vendor arrangements are common. Use official booths or well‑reviewed tourist SIM sellers to avoid scams. Keep your passport copy secure; registration data is required. (VisitOurIran.com)

Quick checklist before you go

• Unlocked phone and compatible bands (4G).
• Passport (for SIM registration).
• A preinstalled, trusted VPN (if you need access to blocked services).
• Consider buying a tourist SIM in advance from a reputable service that will deliver on arrival if you want to skip lines. Verify recent reviews. (VisitOurIran.com)

If you want, I can:

• Look up current tourist‑SIM vendors that deliver to your arrival airport and compare prices/plans for your travel dates. (I’d check recent availability and reviews before you buy.)