The country Iran, which used to be perceived as full of nukes and danger, is today becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In this Iran tourism guide, you will find everything you need to know about the internet and social media in Iran.
Following these guidelines may make your trip easier.
Despite its beauty, Iran is one of the most maligned countries in the world. Some travelers are hesitant to visit Iran because of misinformation spread by Western media.
Our goal in the Iran Travel Guide Center is to dispel these myths and give you a few facts about Iran every traveler should know before setting foot in the country.
Despite the propaganda of some Western media, Iran’s social media and the internet are almost everywhere in Iran (except in caves and mountains), and it is very easy to use. While in Iran, you have many options for accessing the internet. Many cafes offer free Wi-Fi for their clients, but public/free Wi-Fi is not common in the country.
The Situation of Social Media and the Internet in Iran
The majority of Iran’s hotels offer free Wi-Fi; some cafes and restaurants also provide it. but You can access the internet almost anywhere in Iran if you purchase an Iranian SIM card. There might be a decrease in internet speed outside of cities or on the roads. You can purchase a local SIM card with internet service at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) upon arriving in Iran.
Iran has three mobile operators that offer SIM cards to tourists. According to the rules, the SIM card can only be purchased if the passport and visa have been stamped. Irancell and Rightel provide better internet connections than MCI. They provide good 3G and 4G/LTE data packages at a reasonable price.
SIM Card Charging
In Iran, you can add credit to your SIM card easily. Buying a recharge card/code from a supermarket is the most convenient way to top-up your prepaid SIM card. You can also make purchases from the operator’s websites, but you will need to use an Iranian debit card.
More info: Mobile SIM card in Iran
If you are not into digital detox but would like to share your trip with your friends online, there are a few things to know about using social media in Iran.
In Iran, WhatsApp and Instagram are the most commonly used messenger applications, so sending messages to your family is the best option. Instagram and messaging apps like WhatsApp are easily accessible in Iran. You should install WhatsApp if you want to chat with Iranians.
Through VPNs, you can bypass filtering in Iran!!!
Since the Internet is filtered in Iran, some websites may not be accessible. When you try to log into Facebook, for example, your navigator will show an error message or your mobile application won’t refresh. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram, the Iranians’ favorite messaging apps, are indeed blocked.
Also, the majority of Western news outlets are blocked too, but if you’re addicted to them, you can get around the firewall. It is possible to do this by using a VPN. In less than 5 seconds, you can connect to a VPN service and bypass domestic and international restrictions.
You can search for VPN services on Google. In many cases, the paid versions start at one month, so if you’re just staying a week, you can choose a free version.
You can access any website or application without restrictions in Iran this way: just launch the VPN application, connect to a foreign server, and then access the website or application normally. Disconnect your VPN when you aren’t using it. This will save you battery life as well as prevent unnecessary data consumption.
According to what was mentioned above, we could say Access to Iran’s social media and the internet couldn’t cause any problems for you during your journey. So, enjoy your trip safely.
Iran’s Social Media and Internet Situation in 2023
In 2023, Iran’s social media and internet landscape continues to be marked by a delicate balance between connectivity and government control. While the Iranian population is digitally active, relying heavily on platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and local alternatives such as Soroush, government censorship and monitoring persist. The authorities regularly block access to certain websites and throttle internet speeds during times of political unrest or protests, limiting the free flow of information.
Despite these challenges, Iranians remain resilient, using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access blocked content and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape with creativity and adaptability. The ongoing tension between an active online community and government restrictions characterizes Iran’s social media and internet situation in 2023.
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