Stay Connected in Iraq
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Staying connected in Iraq has improved significantly in recent years, though the situation varies greatly by region. Major cities like Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil have decent 4G coverage from multiple carriers, while rural areas often rely on 3G or have patchy coverage. The telecom infrastructure continues to recover and modernize, but power outages can still affect network reliability. For travelers, having a connectivity plan is essential - not just for convenience, but for safety and navigation. Internet speeds in urban areas typically range from 10-50 Mbps on 4G networks, sufficient for most travel needs including video calls and streaming. The security situation means reliable communication is particularly important, making advance preparation crucial rather than figuring it out upon arrival.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Iraq.
Network Coverage & Speed
Iraq's Mobile network operates on three main carriers: Zain Iraq, Asiacell, and Korek Telecom. Zain Iraq generally offers the most extensive coverage nationwide and tends to have the most reliable network in Baghdad and southern regions. Asiacell has strong coverage in central Iraq and Baghdad, while Korek dominates in the Kurdistan Region (northern Iraq). All three operators provide 4G LTE service in major cities, though speeds and reliability vary. Network coverage is strongest in the Kurdistan Region, which has more stable infrastructure. In Baghdad, expect decent coverage in most areas, but network congestion can slow speeds during peak hours. Rural areas between cities often have limited coverage, and mountainous regions in the north can have dead zones. The networks use standard GSM frequencies (900/1800 MHz) and LTE bands that are compatible with most international phones. Power grid instability occasionally affects cell tower operations, though operators have backup systems in major cities.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is an excellent option for Iraq, offering significant advantages in a destination where navigating local services can be challenging. The main benefit is immediate connectivity upon arrival - crucial in a country where you want to have maps and communication working from the moment you land. eSIM plans typically cost $15-40 for 1-7 days depending on data allowance, which is more expensive than local SIMs but offers peace of mind and convenience. You'll avoid language barriers at SIM shops and the hassle of providing documentation. Providers like Airalo offer Iraq-specific plans that work across all local networks, giving you the best coverage automatically. The downside is higher cost for longer stays and limited data compared to local options. However, for most travelers, especially first-timers, the convenience and immediate connectivity make eSIM worthwhile. It's particularly valuable in Iraq where having reliable navigation and communication from arrival enhances both convenience and safety.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards in Iraq are significantly cheaper than eSIM options, with prepaid plans starting around $5-10 for substantial data allowances. You can buy SIMs at the airport, Mobile shops in cities, or from street vendors, though airport locations are most reliable for tourists. You'll need your passport for registration - this is strictly enforced. The main carriers (Zain, Asiacell, Korek) have different coverage strengths, so ask locals for advice based on your destination. In the Kurdistan Region, Korek often performs best, while Zain has better coverage in southern Iraq. Activation is usually immediate, and top-ups are available everywhere. The challenge is language barriers - English isn't widely spoken at Mobile shops outside tourist areas in Erbil. Shop staff may not be familiar with tourist needs, and the documentation process can be time-consuming. Plans offer much more data for the money - often 20-50GB monthly plans for under $15. For stays over a month, local SIMs make financial sense despite the initial hassle.
Comparison
Local SIMs are 60-70% cheaper than eSIM options, making them attractive for budget travelers or extended stays. However, eSIM wins on convenience, immediate activation, and avoiding documentation hassles. International roaming from your home carrier is typically extremely expensive and often unreliable in Iraq. For short trips (under 2 weeks), eSIM offers the best balance of convenience and reliability. For budget travelers staying longer, local SIMs provide better value if you don't mind the setup process. Roaming should be avoided unless for emergency backup only.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM from Airalo - it's the smart choice for Iraq. You'll have connectivity immediately upon landing, avoiding airport SIM shop hassles and language barriers. The peace of mind and instant access to maps and communication is worth the extra cost, especially in a destination where navigation and safety communication matter. Budget travelers: If you're on an extremely tight budget, local SIMs cost much less, but factor in the time and potential frustration of the setup process. For most budget travelers, eSIM still makes sense for the convenience and reliability. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM becomes worthwhile for the significant cost savings and larger data allowances. Get it sorted in your first few days while using eSIM as backup. Business travelers: eSIM is your only practical option - you need immediate, reliable connectivity without airport delays. The time saved and guaranteed connectivity far outweigh the modest cost difference for business purposes.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Iraq.
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