These are some of the most critical issues helping you travel more comfortably and peacefully to Iran.
What is the tipping culture in Iran? Where and when?
Yes. It is customary to tip porters, servants and janitors in hotels, airport porters, waiters or waitresses in restaurants, drivers giving services during tours, and guides.
What are the working days and off days in Iran?
Iranian working days are from Saturday to Thursday, and Fridays are the National off days. Some companies are off Thursdays, and some work only half a day.
What are the prohibited items when leaving Iran?
Antiques and large amounts of gold, silver and jewelry. By definition, antiques are objects that are older than 100 years.
Is it safe to carry cash while traveling in Iran?
Of course, it is. Use common sense as you would at home when carrying cash.
Are major credit cards accepted in Iran?
Iranians use their electronic banking system with locally issued cash and credit cards.
What are the prohibited items when traveling to Iran?
Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, guns and ammunition; all horticultural and agricultural goods, including seeds and soil; aerial photo cameras; transmitter-receiver apparatus; pornography; most films, cassettes, CDs and videos; and any fashion magazine. Of course, hunters visiting Iran on hunting tours can get the necessary permits for carrying their guns and ammunition via their travel agents beforehand.
What is the Iranian Currency?
It is called the Iranian Rial (IR). Notes are in denominations of IR 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in IR 500, 250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 denominations. You may come across the word Toman there. 10 IR = 1 Toman. Everyone is using this word instead of Rials.
Are there any local English newspapers available in Iran?
Yes, there are several dailies in English. Most of the time, you can find one in the lobby of the major hotels.
How do we call Iran?
IDD service is available. The country code is 98. The outgoing international code is 00. If you need to make a short-distance call in the street, the telephone booths are yellow and marked in English. There are also phone cards for domestic and international calls available.
Are there fax and internet services accessible?
Yes, you can find fax facilities in most hotels and at main post offices in Iran. And there are a growing number of Internet users in Iran. So, almost all the major hotels provide their guests with Internet facilities, and the others are equipped for the same purpose. Also, many Internet cafes are already open to the public, and many others will be extended due to people’s increasing needs.
What goods are regarded as forbidden postal items?
1) Narcotics and laxatives
2) Explosives, radioactive and flammable materials or other dangerous materials
3) Items against Islamic moralities
4) Live animals except for honey bees, leeches, silkworms, parasites and bug-busting animals recognized by the institutes
5) Goods forbidden to enter the destination country
6) Items that might cause a danger to the post company’s personnel or might hurt the other postal items or equipment and
7) Private documents corresponded between parties other than the sender or the receiver or any of their family members
What is the dress code in Iran?
Women wear non-transparent, loose garments covering all their bodies except the hands and face. Color is free, but red, orange, pink or similar colors are not worn during national or private sad occasions. Black is not a must. A chador is not a must either, but when visiting a holy mausoleum, and you can experience wearing a chador for a few minutes, do not skip the opportunity to feel the atmosphere. Men put on non-transparent garments, too. They may wear short-sleeve shirts or T-shirts (unlike women), but not shorts in public. The choice of color is the same for men as well. Due to the heat of the Sun and its effect on your skin, I would not recommend wearing short-sleeved shirts. Do not forget to put Sun block cream on your skin if you do. But it is your choice!
What is Iran's time difference with GMT?
The formula to set your time is very simple: GMT + 3.5 (GMT + 4.5 from March 20 to September 21)
What is the voltage and plug type of Iran?
Two hundred twenty volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the round two-pin type. If you have a 110-volt appliance to use on your trip, like a shaving machine, dryer, etc., take a 110- to-220 plug with you while taking the course; you can find it in Iran, too, but it is recommended it can be a waste of time in some situations.
How safe is traveling overland in Iran?
The roads are asphalted, and the maintenance is regularly done. There are highways in many routes and separate lanes to and from cities to safeguard transportation. As a matter of fact, contrary to many tourists’ expectations, roads are of excellent quality. Choose to travel overland instead of taking a flight. You can see a lot of landscapes, meet the people in intact rural areas and experience real-life situations in addition to many other opportunities you will not find inside cities. For instance, Iranian guides can take the opportunity to arrange picnic meals for you.
What drinks can I purchase in Iran?
You can buy any soft, non-alcoholic drinks. There are Iranian-made drinks as well as international brands served everywhere. People drink tap water. It is filtrated and refined before being supplied to them, but bottled mineral water is also available for newcomers traveling to Iran.
Is there access to international social networks in Iran?
Some international social networks might be blocked. Using a VPN could be a solution, but using a VPN might also come with its own restrictions.
How can I communicate with taxi drivers if I don't speak Persian?
Using online taxi applications like Snapp or TAP30, which offer the ability to order online and see the price before the trip, is useful.
How can I access cultural heritage sites and museums?
Most museums and historical sites in Iran are open daily, but visiting hours may vary. It’s recommended to check their operating hours before visiting.
Can I drink tap water in Iran?
In many of the larger cities, tap water is generally safe, but as a precaution, using bottled water is recommended, especially in rural areas.
How can I find suitable accommodation in Iran?
Online booking sites like Booking.com may have some restrictions in certain cases. It’s advised to book through Iranian websites or directly with hotels.
What are some basic Farsi phrases I should know?
Hello: “Salam”, Thank You: “Merci” or “Mamnoon”, Yes: “Bale”, No: “Na”.
How do I get around in Iran?
Domestic flights, buses, and trains are common for long distances. In cities, taxis and metro systems are available.
What is the best time of year to visit Iran?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit Iran, due to the pleasant weather and mild temperatures.