Iran: Ancient Persia — 2,500 years of empire, blue-tiled mosques, saffron & legendary hospitality
📞+98Dial Code
🏛️TehranCapital
💰IRRCurrency
🚨110Emergency
🔌220V 50Hz · Type C/FElectricity
The international dialing code for Iran is +98, and its capital city is Tehran. Visitors pay in IRR · ﷼ · Iranian Rial (Toman informally used). Regionally, Iran lies close to Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan. For charging your devices, the sockets are 220V 50Hz · Type C/F. The local emergency number is 110. Don't miss tasting Ghormeh sabzi (herb stew), Chelow kebab (rice & kebab), Ash reshteh (herb soup).
🛂 Iran passport: ranked #182 of 197 worldwide, with 40 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Iran:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Iran's country code: +98
Dial +98 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +98 1 [number]. From mobile: + +98 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Iran
How to Call Abroad from Iran
To call another country from Iran: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Iran numbers is +98 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +98 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Iran
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Iran to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +98 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Iran.
Common Questions About Calling Iran
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +98 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Iran?
For a mobile: dial +98 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +98, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Iran from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +98 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Iran via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +98 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Iran?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +98 mean and where does it come from?
+98 is the international dialing code assigned to Iran by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Iran number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +98 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Iran
Country Code
+98
Calling abroad from Iran? Start with
00
Mobile number length
10 digits
📱 Mobile: +98 9XX XXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +98 21 XXXX XXXX (Tehran)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+98 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 98 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 98 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 98 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +98.
Tehran · +98 21
Isfahan · +98 31
Mashhad · +98 51
Tabriz · +98 41
Shiraz · +98 71
Ahvaz · +98 61
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in Iran start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
Hamrahe Avval (MCI)
091
Irancell
093
Rightel
092
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+98 9XX XXX XXXX
Landline
+98 21 XXXX XXXX (Tehran)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in Iran
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from Iran.
💬 WhatsApp
Officially blocked
🔵 Skype
Officially blocked
📹 FaceTime
Officially blocked
📲 Viber
Officially blocked
💡 Calling Tips for Iran
WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and Viber are officially blocked in Iran. International calls are only possible via a local SIM on standard mobile networks. VPNs are technically restricted but widely used by locals.
📲 How to Call Iran from Other Countries
To reach Iran, first dial your country's international exit code, then Iran's country code +98, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 98local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 98local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 98local number
🇫🇷 France
00 98local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 98local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 98local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 98local number
🇮🇳 India
00 98local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +98 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Iran
Iran uses UTC+3:30. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Iran from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–14:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–19:00
🇩🇪 Germany
08:00–20:00
🇫🇷 France
08:00–20:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
09:00–21:00
🇦🇪 UAE
10:00–22:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
09:00–21:00
🇮🇳 India
11:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Iran
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–98–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Iran
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Iran
Do I need a visa to visit Iran?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Iran visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Iran offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Iran currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Iran?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Iran grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Iran on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Iran visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Iran using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Iran visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Iran using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Iran?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Iran on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
October–April offers pleasant, mild temperatures in Iran. Avoid June–August when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F). Ramadan dates shift yearly — restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours; respect daytime fasting in public.
📶 SIM & Internet
Tourist SIM cards available at airports — bring passport for registration. eSIM growing (Airalo, Holafly work in most countries). Data is affordable ($5–20 for 5–20GB). VPN apps may be restricted; download before arrival. Free Wi-Fi available in hotels, malls, and cafés.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress is essential in Iran: cover shoulders, knees, and chest. Women should carry a scarf for mosques and conservative areas. Saudi Arabia and Iran have specific dress codes — abaya/headscarf required in Iran. UAE and Bahrain are more relaxed but modesty still appreciated.
🌍 Iran: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Iran?
Some of the most famous foods in Iran include: Ghormeh sabzi (herb stew), Chelow kebab (rice & kebab), Ash reshteh (herb soup), Fesenjan (walnut pomegranate stew), Tahdig (crispy rice crust), Kashk bademjan (eggplant), Zereshk polo (barberry rice), Joojeh kabab (saffron chicken), Bastani sonnati (saffron ice cream), Chai (tea with dates).
What are the best places to visit in Iran?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Iran include: Persepolis (UNESCO), Imam Square Esfahan (UNESCO), Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque), Golestan Palace Tehran (UNESCO), Yazd Old City (UNESCO), Arg-e-Bam Citadel (UNESCO), Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat (UNESCO), Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque Esfahan, Tabriz Historic Bazaar (UNESCO), Mount Damavand.
What are the main customs and traditions in Iran?
Notable customs and traditions in Iran include: Ta'arof — elaborate politeness rituals, Women must cover hair in public, Remove shoes at homes and some mosques, No alcohol (prohibited), Ramadan strictly observed.
What is Iran famous for?
Iran is well known for: Persian carpet art, Nowruz (Persian New Year), Poetry (Hafez, Rumi, Omar Khayyam), Saffron — world's main producer, Hospitality (Ta'arof culture of politeness).
Where in the world is Iran located?
Iran is located in the Middle East.
What countries are near Iran?
Countries near Iran include: Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Pakistan, Turkey, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Iran
Knowing the right emergency number in Iran can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Iran. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
October–April offers pleasant, mild temperatures in Iran. Avoid June–August when temperatures exceed 45°C (113°F). Ramadan dates shift yearly — restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours; respect daytime fasting in public.
How much does a trip to Iran cost per day?
Daily costs in Iran range from $50 (budget) to $120 (mid-range) to $280 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many provinces does Iran have?
Iran has 31 provinces.
What is the emergency number in Iran?
In Iran you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Police: 110, Fire: 123, Ambulance: 115. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping appreciated but not mandatory. Round up or add 10% at restaurants.
💧
Tap WaterUse cautionTap water is treated in cities but bottled water is recommended for travelers.
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Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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