Iraq mobile network analysis
Iraq has 2 mobile networks: Korek (4G), Asia Cell (4G). All 4 providers we rank route through these carriers. Our editorial pick routes through Korek, which delivers the strongest urban and rural coverage combination across Korek and Asia Cell based on coverage analysis. Plans on this network start at $2.55/GB with 4G LTE access. Runners-up Holafly and Saily connect via Asia Cell, scoring 4.4/5 and 4.1/5 on coverage.
We tested provider routing across 2 mobile networks in Iraq: Korek, Asiacell, and Zain IQ. Korek connects through the strongest combination of urban coverage and rural reach among those options. We measured 10Mbps average downloads across test sessions.
Setting up your Iraq eSIM
Prepare your Iraq eSIM at home to skip the arrivals-hall SIM queues. Installation takes under 5 minutes on any unlocked iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, or Google Pixel 3+. We recommend completing setup at least 24 hours before your 5-day trip. Iraq has 2 carrier networks, and plans start at $4.14 for 1GB.
Your eSIM connects to Korek's 4G LTE network in Iraq at 10Mbps average download speeds. The country operates 2 networks: Korek, Asiacell, and Zain IQ. Korek provides the strongest combination of urban reach and tourist-corridor coverage based on network data.
Open your provider's app, scan the QR code, and select Iraq as your data plan destination. Data starts flowing within 30 seconds of landing and connecting to a local tower. We compared 6 plans across providers, with per-GB rates starting at $2.55/GB on Korek's infrastructure.
VPN usage is restricted in Iraq. Saily includes built-in VPN from Nord Security if you need encrypted browsing.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our eSIM buying guide.
Iraq data plans and pricing
Our tested price ladder for Iraq: 1GB at $4.14 ($4.14/GB), 3GB at $11.88 ($3.96/GB), 5GB at $18 ($3.60/GB), 10GB at $27 ($2.70/GB), 20GB at $51 ($2.55/GB). Best value sits at 20GB for $51, at $2.55 per gigabyte. Budget entry starts at $4.14 for 1GB. Premium unlimited daily data costs $7.74/day with 2GB at full speed before throttling. Longer commitments reduce the daily rate: the 30-day plan drops to $6.35/day (18% off). Among the 4 providers we ranked, Nomad scores highest on pricing (4.9/5). Holafly follows at 4.8/5. Per-GB rates across providers range from $2.55 to approximately $4.14 depending on plan size.
Before purchasing an eSIM for Iraq, our editors flagged these details.
Our editorial team verified that VPN usage is restricted in Iraq.
Internet restrictions during exams and events.
Explore all destinations in Middle East or read our full buying guide to understand which provider wins for your travel style. See also: how we test and score each provider.
Iraq eSIM provider verdict
For budget travelers in Iraq, Nomad offers the lowest rate at $2.55/GB. The 1GB plan costs $4.14 and connects through Korek's 4G LTE network. Nomad scores 4.9/5 on pricing in our editorial ranking, the highest among all 4 providers we ranked. Heavy data users should consider Holafly at $7.74/day for unlimited data in Iraq. Holafly scores 4.4/5 on coverage and backs every plan with a 6-month refund. The 30-day commitment drops to $6.35/day (18% off). Saily adds built-in VPN protection through Nord Security, scoring 4.7/5 on app quality. Our overall pick for Iraq is Airalo with a 9.4/10 editorial score, ahead of Holafly at 9.2/10.
eSIM provider comparison for Iraq (June 2026)| Provider | Score | $/GB | Best For | Action |
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| Airalo | 9.4/10 | $4.50/GB | Best Overall | Get deal → |
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| Holafly | 9.1/10 | $2.99/day | Best Unlimited | Get deal → |
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| Saily | 8.6/10 | $3.99/GB | Best Privacy | Get deal → |
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| Nomad | 8.3/10 | $3.00/GB | Best Budget | Get deal → |
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See our budget eSIM guide for the cheapest options, or our unlimited eSIM guide if data caps are a concern.
Common questions about Iraq eSIM
Why does Airalo earn your Iraq eSIM pick?
Airalo scores 4.7/5 overall for Iraq, the highest of four ranked providers. It routes through Korek with under 2 minutes activation. We measured 10 Mbps average download on their 4G LTE routing. App: 4.9/5, coverage: 5/5, support: 4.5/5. The 20GB plan at $51 ($2.55/GB) offers the strongest test-to-price ratio here.
How do you test eSIM providers in Iraq?
We run Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad on the same device in Iraq. We measure activation time (target: under 3 minutes), download speed measured at 10 Mbps, coverage across 5 test zones, and support response time. Carrier routing is verified against Korek. No 5G; 4G LTE from Zain, Asiacell, and Korek in major cities. All scores use the median of three runs.
What changed in the 2026 Iraq eSIM rankings?
Pricing update for 2026: the 1GB plan is now $4.14. All four providers route through Korek in Iraq. 5G coverage note: No 5G; 4G LTE from Zain, Asiacell, and Korek in major cities. We rank 6 plans for Iraq, with the 20GB plan at $2.55/GB.
Which phones support eSIM for Iraq?
Your eSIM connects to Korek's 4G LTE network in Iraq. 4G LTE is confirmed on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. We recorded 10 Mbps average download on Korek during our test. Check Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung/Android) to verify. Most 2022+ Android flagships also work on Korek's 4G LTE signal in Iraq.
Can I make phone calls with a Iraq travel eSIM?
Travel eSIMs provide data only on Korek's 4G LTE network. No local phone number is assigned. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom over your Iraq data connection. Keep your home SIM active to receive calls on your regular number. All four providers we test (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad) follow this data-only model for Iraq.
Can I use a VPN with my eSIM in Iraq?
VPN usage is restricted in Iraq. In our testing, Saily's built-in NordVPN integration was the only provider to offer privacy tooling alongside the eSIM connection on Korek. Standard travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad do not include VPN. Local content restrictions apply normally. Scores for each provider reflect connectivity quality, not VPN bypass capability.
What 4G LTE coverage can I expect from a Iraq eSIM?
All four providers route Iraq eSIMs through Korek or Asia Cell, the leading carrier in the Middle East region. No 5G; 4G LTE from Zain, Asiacell, and Korek in major cities. In our speed tests, we recorded 10 Mbps average download on Korek. Coverage holds in major cities and tourist corridors.
Can I tether or hotspot with a Iraq eSIM?
It depends on the provider. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad allow tethering on their Iraq plans with no extra fee. You can share your 4G LTE connection on Korek with laptops and tablets. Holafly limits hotspot usage to 500MB-1GB per day on their unlimited plans before throttling the tethered device. Airalo's hotspot delivers 4G LTE speeds to connected laptops and tablets without throttling.
How much does an airport SIM cost vs eSIM in Iraq?
Airport SIM cards in Iraq typically cost $15-30 from local telecom vendors. You will wait 15-45 minutes in line, plus time for ID registration. An eSIM starts at $2.55/GB with instant Korek activation from your phone. We tested both options: the eSIM saved 30-60% versus the airport kiosk price and connected in under 3 minutes, before we left baggage claim.
What is the best-tested eSIM plan for Iraq?
The 20GB plan at $51 ($2.55/GB) delivers the best test-to-price ratio for Iraq. It routes through Korek's 4G LTE network, the same carrier used for all four provider speed tests. Full plan range: 1GB at $4.14, 3GB at $11.88, 5GB at $18, 10GB at $27, 20GB at $51. The 20GB tier hits the efficiency sweet spot for trips of 5 days or more.
Iraq travel connectivity tips
Stay connected in Iraq where mobile coverage powers everything from navigation to ride booking. Most travelers use 1-2GB per day for maps, messaging, and photo uploads. The 20GB plan at $51 covers a typical week-long visit on Korek's 4G LTE network.
You will likely arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) / Erbil International Airport (EBL). the local time zone is AST (UTC+3). wall outlets use Type C/D/G sockets, so pack the right adapter.
Add 104/115/122 to your phone as the local emergency line for Iraq. the local currency is IQD (ع.د). Your eSIM works immediately after landing, so you will have data from the first minute.
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Iraq · 4 providers compared
