What are the best SIM cards to use when travelling in Iran?

Travelling to Iran, how can we stay in touch with children and how can people in Australia contact us? Can we use a VPN, is it easy to purchase a sim card and are calls to/from Australia expensive? F. Ireland, Highett VIC

Plenty of hotels and cafes throughout Iran have Wi-Fi and it's often free. You can buy SIM cards in the airport or local shops, Irancell (irancell.ir) and Hanrahe Avel (mci.ir/) are your best bets. Calls to and from Iran are pricey which is why you're better off making calls using a VOIP app. Anyone in Australia can send you a text message if the need arises, even if you keep your usual SIM card in place.
You can use a VPN to access sites that the Iranian Government blocks. According to reports, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and VyprVPN should work well.

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Coming back to Australia with more than the $900 duty-free allowance? You can claim depreciation if you've used your bargain-priced camera or laptop on your travels, but declare your purchases or a starring role on Border Security might be the least of your problems.