Ziyarat travel guide
Iraq eSIM for Ziyarat: Karbala, Najaf & Baghdad Guide for Pakistani Zaireen
On Ziyarat your phone keeps you with your group, connects you to family in Pakistan and guides you between the shrines. This guide explains how zaireen from Pakistan can have mobile data in Iraq from the moment they land.
See Iraq eSIM plansWhy use an eSIM for Ziyarat?
- No SIM hunting in Iraq: no queues or paperwork after a long journey. You land already connected.
- Local Iraqi networks: our plans run on Korek and Zain.
- Keep your Pakistani number: your SIM stays in the phone and WhatsApp keeps working.
- Fixed price, no roaming bill: prepaid plans from 1 GB (7 days) to 20 GB (30 days).
Where it works
The Iraq eSIM works across the country's main cities, including Karbala, Najaf, Kufa, Baghdad (Kazmain) and Samarra, wherever Korek or Zain has signal.
How much data do I need?
| Trip | Typical use | Suggested data |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days, light use | WhatsApp messages, maps, a few photos | 1–2 GB |
| 10–15 days, normal use | Plus WhatsApp calls home and sharing photos | 3–5 GB |
| Arbaeen walk or 2+ weeks | Daily video calls, live location with your group | 10 GB or more |
These are rough guides. Video calls use the most data, so choose a bigger plan if you call home every day.
Ziyarat seasons
- Arbaeen: the busiest time of the year. Expect slower networks in Karbala and on the walk from Najaf, so plan ahead.
- Fatimiyya and Rajab: busy but calmer than Arbaeen. A 3–5 GB plan suits most two-week groups.
- Year-round Ziyarat: any plan size works. Choose by trip length and how often you call home.
How to set up your eSIM
Before you fly (in Pakistan)
- Choose an Iraq plan and pay in PKR. Your QR code arrives by email and in your MusafirSIM account.
- On Wi-Fi, scan the QR code. iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
- Name the line "Iraq" and leave it switched off for now.
When you land in Iraq
- Switch on the Iraq eSIM line.
- Set it as your mobile data line and turn on Data Roaming for it.
- Turn off mobile data on your Pakistani line so it does not use roaming data.
Tips for zaireen
- Download offline maps of Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad in Google Maps before you travel.
- Share your live location on WhatsApp with your group leader and family.
- Save your hotel name and group leader's number in your phone, in case you get separated in the crowds.
- Carry a power bank, especially on the Arbaeen walk.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Iraq eSIM work in Karbala and Najaf?
Yes. Our Iraq plans use the local Korek and Zain networks, which cover Karbala, Najaf, Baghdad (including Kazmain), Kufa and other cities on the Ziyarat route.
Do I need to buy an Iraqi SIM card?
No. With an eSIM you skip buying a local SIM in Iraq. Install it in Pakistan and switch it on when you land in Najaf or Baghdad.
Can I call my family in Pakistan?
Yes, using WhatsApp or other calling apps. The Iraq eSIM is data only, and WhatsApp keeps working on your same Pakistani number.
Will the internet work during Arbaeen?
Yes, but with millions of zaireen in Karbala at the same time, all mobile networks can slow down at peak hours. Send messages early, download maps offline, and keep video calls for quieter times.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install it in Pakistan, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before your flight. Then turn it on when you arrive in Iraq.
Iraq ziyarat ke liye kaun si SIM behtar hai?
Iraq ziyarat ke liye eSIM sab se aasaan hai: Pakistan mein hi khareedein, QR code scan karein, aur Iraq pohanch kar Korek ya Zain network par internet chalayen. Wahan SIM card ki line mein lagne ki zaroorat nahi.