Iraq’s mobile market is dominated by three major operators: Asiacell, Zain Iraq, and Korek Telecom. Travelers visiting Iraq can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards offering fast 4G/LTE internet, affordable calling rates, and specialized tourist data bundles. This guide explains everything you need to know before buying a SIM card in Iraq.
Basic Information About SIM Cards in Iraq
SIM cards are widely available across Iraq.
Registration with a valid passport is mandatory.
Most urban areas have strong 4G LTE coverage.
Biometric verification is required by law.
eSIM support is limited but growing through global providers.
Availability of SIM Cards in Iraq
SIM cards are available:
At international airports (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil)
Operator stores in all major cities
Authorized mobile shops
Shopping malls and kiosks
Where to Buy SIM Cards
You can buy prepaid SIM cards from:
Airport telecom counters
Official operator retail outlets
Street mobile shops
Large electronics markets
Frequencies in Iraq (Table)
Operator
2G (GSM)
3G (UMTS)
4G/LTE Bands
Asiacell
900 / 1800 MHz
2100 MHz
Band 3 (1800), Band 8 (900)
Zain Iraq
900 / 1800 MHz
2100 MHz
Band 1 (2100), Band 3 (1800)
Korek Telecom
900 / 1800 MHz
2100 MHz
Band 3 (1800)
Coverage & Speed (Table)
Operator
Coverage Area
Avg 4G Speed
Max Speed
Asiacell
Nationwide
20–50 Mbps
Up to 150 Mbps
Zain Iraq
Major cities
15–45 Mbps
Up to 120 Mbps
Korek Telecom
Central & Northern Iraq
10–35 Mbps
Up to 100 Mbps
At a Glance Comparison (Table)
Feature
Asiacell
Zain Iraq
Korek Telecom
4G Availability
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Tourist SIM
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Limited
eSIM
Limited
Limited
Not available
Best for Data
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐
Best for Calls
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
Biometric User Registration
All SIM cards must be registered using:
Passport or Iraqi national ID
Fingerprint or facial biometric scan (at operator stores)
This is mandatory for security and legal compliance.
Device Registration in Iraq
Iraq has IMEI device registration:
Your phone IMEI may be logged when SIM is activated.
Some imported phones may be blocked if not approved.
These work without physical SIMs and activate via QR code.
Other Options
Pocket WiFi Rental
International roaming SIMs
Dual SIM phones
SIM Activation Process
Insert SIM card
Visit operator store
Submit passport
Complete biometric scan
SIM activated within minutes
Help Line Numbers
Operator
Customer Care
Asiacell
111
Zain Iraq
107
Korek Telecom
125
How to Top Up (Recharge Methods)
You can top up via:
Scratch cards
Mobile shops
Bank ATMs
Mobile apps
Online recharge websites
Recharge Code Example:
Dial: *123*RechargeCode#
Conclusion
Prepaid SIM cards in Iraq are affordable, easy to purchase, and widely available. Asiacell offers the best overall coverage and data speeds, Zain Iraq is strong in cities, and Korek Telecom provides budget-friendly plans in northern regions. With simple registration, competitive data bundles, and tourist-friendly packages, staying connected in Iraq has never been easier.
