Can I use my phone in Iran?

Be sure to read this article before traveling to Iran and using your mobile phone.

The unlocked mobile phone can be used in every country. So, it can be easily switched to the local mobile SIM card (mobile provider in the destination country) and benefit from using cheaper deals and services. Of course, you should know that these unlocked phones only work in Iran for 30 days. If you want to stay in Iran for more than 30 days or if you are traveling to Iran for the second time, you have to register in Customs.

Using the locked mobile phones will be cost an extra charge based on the roaming services of mobile operator. As a consequence, it is necessary to unlock your mobile phone by paying an extra charge.

• Before you travel to Iran, there are a few ways to know that your cellphone is locked in Iran:
  1. If you bought your mobile phone in installments, you should know that your mobile phone is probably locked in Iran and maybe unlocked after the payments are completed.
  2. If you have purchased your mobile phone from countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and a few European and Asian countries, you are likely to have a locked mobile phone.

If you're not sure what your mobile phone status is like, you can get notified by making a call to your operator support department.

• How to unlock your mobile in Iran?

If you understand that your cellphone is locked, don't be afraid! There is a way to legally unlock your mobile and easily use your mobile forever in Iran.

Follow these below steps to get an unlocked cellphone in Iran:

1-    The first step is finding your IMEI number. You can find this code by entering*#06# on your mobile phone.

2-    The second step is to go to the Customs website to the address https://epl.irica.gov.ir/ImeiRegister?0 and enter your IMEI code. 

3-    After registration, the site will notify you of the amount of the charges, and after payment of the specified prices, your mobile phone will be approved and will not be considered a trafficking mobile phone.

4-    In the final step, you should go to the Hamta site to the address https://hamta.ntsw.ir/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F and enter your information and IMEI code. Next, one message SMSed to you so you can continue to the next steps. Finally, you can use your phone without any time limit.

It should be noted that these sites introduced are Farsi so it is best to follow these steps with an Iranian friend.