{"id":8095,"date":"2026-10-30T03:37:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T00:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/?post_type=travel-guide&#038;p=8095"},"modified":"2026-10-30T07:36:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T04:06:58","slug":"iraq-sim-card","status":"publish","type":"travel-guide","link":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/travel-guide\/iraq-sim-card\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying an Iraqi SIM card: a guide for pilgrims"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pilgrims travelling to Karbala, Najaf, Kadhimiya and Samarra need a phone line to call family, coordinate with drivers and hotels, and get online. There are two ways: use roaming on your home SIM, or buy an Iraqi SIM card. This guide covers the second: the operators, the special line for pilgrims, data packages, documents, where to buy, USSD codes and the official apps. Everything was checked against Zain\u2019s and Asiacell\u2019s official pages, linked in the text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-short-answer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Short answer: which SIM should you buy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For most pilgrims:<\/strong> the visitor line of one of Iraq\u2019s two main operators: the <strong>Hala line<\/strong> from Asiacell or the <strong>Zeyarah line<\/strong> from Zain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cheapest start:<\/strong> the Asiacell Hala SIM costs 1,500 dinars and is valid for 30 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For internet:<\/strong> buy a data package, and keep mobile data switched off until you do; data without a package is very expensive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid Korek:<\/strong> Iraq\u2019s third operator is caught up in a shutdown dispute (details below).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bring:<\/strong> the original passport with your Iraqi visa or entry stamp, and some dinars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-operators\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iraq\u2019s mobile operators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two main operators with full coverage in the pilgrimage cities, and a special line for pilgrims, are <strong>Zain Iraq<\/strong> and <strong>Asiacell<\/strong>. Both have fast 4G and official shops in the pilgrimage cities and at the airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-korek\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why we don\u2019t recommend a Korek SIM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third operator, <strong>Korek Telecom<\/strong>, is in a dispute with Iraq\u2019s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) over licence debts. In August 2026 the CMC announced it would move to shut down Korek\u2019s network and told subscribers not to top up or renew Korek lines. Korek offices in several southern and central provinces have since closed, and its future depends on paying part of its debt. At the time of writing the outcome is unclear, so we don\u2019t recommend a Korek SIM for a pilgrimage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-visitor-line\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The visitor line: Hala or Zeyarah?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular Iraqi lines are usually for citizens and foreigners with residency. Most pilgrims don\u2019t have residency, so their main option is the <strong>visitor line<\/strong> that both operators offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Asiacell: <strong>Hala Line<\/strong>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asiacell.com\/en\/personal\/mobile-plans\/tariff-plan\/hala-line-for-visitors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Hala Line page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zain: <strong>Zeyarah Line<\/strong>; <a href=\"https:\/\/iq.zain.com\/en\/knowledge-center\/prepaid-plans-category\/prepaid-plans\/zeyarah-line\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Zeyarah Line page<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-compare\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hala vs Zeyarah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Asiacell: Hala<\/th><th>Zain: Zeyarah<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>SIM price<\/td><td>1,500 IQD<\/td><td>Not stated on the official page; ask in the shop<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Validity<\/td><td>30 days from activation<\/td><td>15 days; renewable once on day 15 for another 15 (30 days max)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5,000 IQD bundle<\/td><td>30 min to Asiacell + 10 min international<\/td><td>30 min to Zain + 10 min international; minutes valid 7 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local calls (per second)<\/td><td>3 IQD to Asiacell; 3.9 IQD to other networks<\/td><td>3 IQD to Zain; 3.9 IQD to other networks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>International calls<\/td><td>Depends on the country<\/td><td>From 350 IQD per minute<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local SMS<\/td><td>50 IQD to Asiacell; 60 IQD to other networks<\/td><td>50 IQD to Zain; 60 IQD to other networks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>International SMS<\/td><td>400 IQD to Iran (other countries vary)<\/td><td>200 IQD (all countries)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Data packages<\/td><td>All packages in the <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*344#<\/span> menu<\/td><td>Not stated on the official page<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Top-up<\/td><td>Asiacell cards (5, 10, 25 and 100 thousand IQD)<\/td><td>All Zain top-up cards<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: official Hala Line and Zeyarah Line pages; checked October 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-hala\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hala line (Asiacell)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hala line is for pilgrims and visitors, costs 1,500 dinars and is valid for 30 days from activation. Its 5,000-dinar bundle includes 30 minutes to Asiacell numbers and 10 international minutes to one of these countries: Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Turkey, India and Pakistan. To activate it, send a free blank SMS to 296.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hala users can also buy every package in the <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*344#<\/span> menu, including data and social-media packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-zeyarah\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zeyarah line (Zain)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Zeyarah line is valid for 15 days. To renew it, send the 4-digit code from the SIM pack to 2024 <strong>on day 15 exactly<\/strong>; renewal is free and keeps the line active for another 15 days. The line can be used for at most 30 days from registration. <strong>Keep the SIM pack<\/strong>: without that code you can\u2019t renew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zain\u2019s 5,000-dinar bundle includes 30 minutes to Zain numbers and 10 international minutes to the same list of countries; activate it by sending 1 to 1010. The minutes are valid for 7 days; each time you subscribe again, new minutes are added to what is left and the 7 days restart. Check remaining minutes with <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*209#<\/span>. A single top-up of 10,000 dinars or more also gives 15 free international minutes to Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria and Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-data\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Data packages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> without a package, Hala data costs 12 dinars per 10 KB (6 dinars from midnight to 8 am), so a few minutes of browsing can empty your credit. Turn mobile data off before inserting the SIM and switch it on only after buying a package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both operators sell \u201cunlimited\u201d packages: a set amount of data at full speed, then slower data until the package ends. Prices and allowances are almost the same at both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-data-asiacell\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asiacell unlimited data packages (4G+)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Package<\/th><th>Price (IQD)<\/th><th>Validity<\/th><th>Full-speed data<\/th><th>After the allowance<\/th><th>Code (SMS to 291)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Daily<\/td><td>3,000<\/td><td>1 day<\/td><td>3 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weekly<\/td><td>12,000<\/td><td>7 days<\/td><td>20 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>40,000<\/td><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>100 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monthly Plus<\/td><td>45,000<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>150 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4 weeks Premium<\/td><td>50,000<\/td><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>250 GB<\/td><td>up to 5 Mbps<\/td><td>8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monthly Platinum<\/td><td>60,000<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>350 GB<\/td><td>up to 5 Mbps<\/td><td>11<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Subscribe by sending the code to 291, dialling <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*299#<\/span> or in the Asiacell app. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asiacell.com\/speedo\/speedoo-products\/inter-for-your-mobile\/4gunlimitednew\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Asiacell data packages page<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-data-zain\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zain unlimited data packages (4.5G+)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Package<\/th><th>Price (IQD)<\/th><th>Validity<\/th><th>Full-speed data<\/th><th>After the allowance<\/th><th>Subscribe \/ stop renewal (SMS to 21777)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Daily<\/td><td>3,000<\/td><td>24 hours<\/td><td>3 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>10 \/ 010<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weekly<\/td><td>12,000<\/td><td>7 days<\/td><td>20 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>20 \/ 020<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>40,000<\/td><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>100 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>40 \/ 040<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monthly (45k)<\/td><td>45,000<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>150 GB<\/td><td>up to 3 Mbps<\/td><td>54 \/ 054<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4 weeks (50k)<\/td><td>50,000<\/td><td>4 weeks<\/td><td>250 GB<\/td><td>up to 5 Mbps<\/td><td>57 \/ 057<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monthly (60k)<\/td><td>60,000<\/td><td>30 days<\/td><td>350 GB<\/td><td>up to 5 Mbps<\/td><td>60 \/ 060<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Monthly packages can also be bought with <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*321#<\/span> or in the Zain app. Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/iq.zain.com\/en\/knowledge-center\/prepaid-category\/offers\/unlimited-4g-lte\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Zain unlimited internet page<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These packages are listed for regular prepaid lines. Asiacell states that the Hala line has access to every package in the <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*344#<\/span> menu, but the Zeyarah page says nothing about data packages. If you buy a Zeyarah line, ask the seller which data package works on it before you pay. For a one-week trip, the 12,000-dinar weekly package is usually enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documents\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documents you need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your original passport, for both operators.<\/strong> The seller registers your passport details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Your Iraqi visa or entry stamp is checked.<\/strong> At both Zain and Asiacell the seller checks (and usually photographs) the Iraqi visa page or entry stamp to record that you are in Iraq. If you have two passports, bring the one with the Iraqi entry stamp.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask the price of the SIM and the package before paying, and don\u2019t pay any unofficial \u201cregistration fee\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-where\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to buy an Iraqi SIM card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safest place is the operator\u2019s official shop; official shops, at the airport or in town, are usually cheaper than the small shops around the shrines. At Najaf airport both Zain and Asiacell have shops, and Asiacell lists its shops at Najaf airport and in both arrival halls of Baghdad airport as open 24 hours. In practice, buying at the airport isn\u2019t always possible: sometimes the shop is unattended, out of SIMs, has a long queue, or takes dinars only. So carry some dinars, and if you need your phone from the moment you land (for example to reach your driver), switch on roaming on your home SIM before you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"8130\" src=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-zain-shop-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Zain shop at Najaf airport\" class=\"wp-image-8130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-zain-shop-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-zain-shop-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-zain-shop-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-zain-shop.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zain shop at Najaf airport (photo: Nebras, October 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"8131\" src=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-asiacell-shop-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Asiacell shop at Najaf airport\" class=\"wp-image-8131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-asiacell-shop-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-asiacell-shop-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-asiacell-shop-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/najaf-airport-asiacell-shop.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Asiacell shop at Najaf airport (photo: Nebras, October 2026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-asiacell-shops\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Asiacell shops in the pilgrimage cities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>City \/ place<\/th><th>Address<\/th><th>Opening hours<\/th><th>Phone<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Najaf airport<\/td><td>Najaf International Airport<\/td><td>24 hours, every day<\/td><td>07737771660<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Baghdad airport<\/td><td>Samarra arrival hall and Babylon arrival hall<\/td><td>24 hours, every day<\/td><td>07723136816<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Karbala (Al-Jumhuriya)<\/td><td>Al-Jumhuriya Street, opposite Al-Rafidain sweet shop<\/td><td>Every day, 9 am \u2013 11 pm<\/td><td>07730037171<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Karbala (Al-Mujamma\u2019at)<\/td><td>Al-Mujamma\u2019at Street, Asiacell head office, opposite TBI bank<\/td><td>Sat \u2013 Thu, 8 am \u2013 7 pm<\/td><td>07701191118<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Karbala (Al-Naqib)<\/td><td>Opposite the Teacher Training Institute<\/td><td>Sat \u2013 Thu, 8 am \u2013 11 pm<\/td><td>07730013731<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Karbala (Al-Jami\u2019a)<\/td><td>Al-Harith shopping centre<\/td><td>Every day, mall hours<\/td><td>07730013434<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Najaf (Rashid)<\/td><td>Rashid office street, near Al-Jazeera boys\u2019 middle school<\/td><td>Sat \u2013 Thu, 9 am \u2013 9 pm<\/td><td>07700499080<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Najaf (Kufa\u2013Najaf)<\/td><td>Kufa\u2013Najaf main road, Al-Harith area<\/td><td>Sat \u2013 Thu, 9 am \u2013 9 pm<\/td><td>07700995030<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Najaf (Al-Furat)<\/td><td>Al-Ghadeer Street, near Foodland restaurant<\/td><td>Sat \u2013 Thu, 8 am \u2013 4 pm<\/td><td>07701191164<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Samarra<\/td><td>Al-Jubairiya area<\/td><td>Sat \u2013 Thu, 10 am \u2013 7 pm<\/td><td>07747003047<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asiacell.com\/en\/personal\/help\/StoreLocator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Asiacell store locator<\/a>; Baghdad branches (including near Kadhimiya) are listed there too. Call ahead to check opening hours.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-zain-shops\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Zain shops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zain\u2019s branches and agents are listed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/iq.zain.com\/en\/support\/store-locator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official Zain store locator<\/a>; choose a city to see them on the map, and check the address and hours there before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-phone-shops\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phone shops around the shrines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phone shops around the shrines are usually not official agents, and their prices are usually higher than the official shops\u2019. If you buy from one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Know the official price first; the Hala SIM is 1,500 dinars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The SIM should be activated in front of you, on your own phone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the seller wants to keep your phone while you\u2019re away, or asks for more than your passport, walk away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-codes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Useful USSD codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Task<\/th><th>Asiacell (Hala)<\/th><th>Zain (Zeyarah)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Activate the 5,000 IQD bundle<\/td><td>Free blank SMS to 296<\/td><td>Send 1 to 1010<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Check balance<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*133#<\/span><\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*100*1#<\/span>, or <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*100#<\/span> then 1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Top up with a recharge card<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*233*card code#<\/span><\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*101#card code#<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Top up another number with a card<\/td><td>Asiacell app (credit transfer)<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*101#16-digit code#recipient number#<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Remaining bundle minutes<\/td><td>Asiacell app<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*209#<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Special offers<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*350#<\/span><\/td><td>Zain app<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All packages menu<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*344#<\/span><\/td><td>Zain app<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Buy an unlimited data package<\/td><td><span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*299#<\/span> or send the package code to 291<\/td><td>Send the package code to 21777; monthly packages with <span dir=\"ltr\" class=\"nb-ussd\" style=\"unicode-bidi:isolate;white-space:nowrap\">*321#<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Stop data auto-renewal<\/td><td>Asiacell app<\/td><td>Send the cancel code (e.g. 020) to 21777<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Renew the line<\/td><td>Not needed; 30 days<\/td><td>4-digit code from the pack to 2024, on day 15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Support<\/td><td>In the app (24-hour chat)<\/td><td>107<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asiacell.com\/en\/personal\/help\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Asiacell FAQ<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iq.zain.com\/en\/recharge-them-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zain recharge page<\/a> and the instructions on Zain recharge cards; the Asiacell top-up and Zain balance codes were tested by the Nebras team.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-apps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Zain and Asiacell apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With each operator\u2019s official app you can check your balance and remaining allowances, buy packages and top up. Install it before you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:18% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/asiacell-app-icon.png\" alt=\"Asiacell app icon\" class=\"wp-image-7953 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/asiacell-app-icon.png 256w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/asiacell-app-icon-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 id=\"h-app-asiacell\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asiacell app<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Balance and remaining data, minutes and SMS; top up by QR code or bank card; transfer credit; buy data and call packages; 24-hour support chat. Languages: Arabic, Kurdish and English.<br>Download: <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.asiacell.asiacellodp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/id1037701735\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">App Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:18% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zain-iraq-app-icon.png\" alt=\"Zain Iraq app icon\" class=\"wp-image-7952 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zain-iraq-app-icon.png 256w, https:\/\/nebras.tours\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zain-iraq-app-icon-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 id=\"h-app-zain\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zain Iraq app<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manage your line, see new offers and packages, top up, pay bills and reach 24-hour support.<br>Download: <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=mobi.foo.zain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/id878028175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">App Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-esim\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">eSIM or physical SIM?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Zain<\/strong> sells eSIMs, but only in person at a shop: you scan a QR code and the line is activated. Check that your phone is compatible on <a href=\"https:\/\/iq.zain.com\/en\/services\/esim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zain\u2019s eSIM page<\/a> first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Asiacell<\/strong>\u2019s app lets you order a new SIM with delivery, but the official page doesn\u2019t say whether this works for the Hala line and foreign visitors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For most pilgrims, a physical SIM from an official shop is the simplest and safest option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-tips\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips before and after buying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before you travel, make sure your phone isn\u2019t carrier-locked and takes two SIMs; with a second SIM slot your home line stays active for bank SMS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a test call and note your new number before leaving the shop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep mobile data off until you have bought a data package.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carry some dinars from the start of your trip, especially if you plan to buy the SIM at the airport; even without a SIM you\u2019ll need them for the taxi and first expenses. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/travel-guide\/iraqi-dinar\/\">Iraqi dinar guide<\/a> for rates and how to get them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At busy times such as Arbaeen, shop queues are long and the network near the shrines is congested; buy your line on the first day, and if the airport doesn\u2019t work out, go to an official shop in town.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-en-s1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much is an Iraqi SIM card for pilgrims?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Asiacell Hala SIM costs 1,500 dinars. Zain doesn\u2019t publish the Zeyarah SIM price, so ask in the shop. Call and data packages cost extra.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-en-s2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I make international calls with an Iraqi SIM?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. The 5,000-dinar Hala and Zeyarah bundles both include 10 international minutes to Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Turkey, India and Pakistan. Calling over WhatsApp or Telegram with a data package is usually cheaper.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-en-s3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long is the visitor line valid?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The Hala line is valid for 30 days from activation. The Zeyarah line is valid for 15 days and can be renewed once, only on day 15, for another 15 days.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-en-s4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should I buy an Iraqi SIM or use roaming?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For a trip of several days with heavy internet use, an Iraqi SIM is usually cheaper. If you don\u2019t want to spend time buying one, or need internet the moment you land, roaming on your home SIM is easier; check your operator\u2019s roaming rates for Iraq before you travel.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Short trip, simple calls:<\/strong> Asiacell Hala with the 5,000-dinar bundle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>15 to 30 days with international calls:<\/strong> Zain Zeyarah; keep the SIM pack for renewal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy internet use:<\/strong> Asiacell or Zain unlimited packages; for Zeyarah, ask the seller first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always:<\/strong> bring your passport, buy from an official shop and check the line works before you leave.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This guide was checked against Zain\u2019s and Asiacell\u2019s official pages in October 2026. Rates and packages may change; ask the seller for the price before you buy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book your hotel and trip with Nebras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the best hotels in <a href=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/hotel-category\/karbala\/\">Karbala<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/hotel-category\/najaf\/\">Najaf<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/hotel-category\/kadhimiya\/\">Kadhimiya<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/hotel-category\/samarra\/\">Samarra<\/a>, or a complete <a href=\"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/solo-trip\/\">independent trip<\/a> with private transfers, get in touch with Nebras.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8126,"parent":0,"template":"","travel-guide-category":[66],"class_list":["post-8095","travel-guide","type-travel-guide","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","travel-guide-category-connectivity-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide\/8095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/travel-guide"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide\/8095\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8112,"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide\/8095\/revisions\/8112"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"travel-guide-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nebras.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/travel-guide-category?post=8095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}