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Iran Travel Guide
Take a peek at our Iran Travel Guide─it’s your ticket to exploring one seriously underrated gem of a country!
Iran's got it all─ancient Persian history, stunning architecture, the driest spot on Earth, lush saffron-growing mountains.It often hits the headlines for its fundamentalist dictatorship government, but let me tell you, the Iranians themselves are beyond their government. Navigating Iran isn’t a walk in the park, but trust me, it’s not as tough as the media paints it – Even part time travellers who don’t go backpacking around the world, can and must travel in Iran.
The usual sites for booking accommodation and visas don’t work in Iran. Regular websites only show international flights, not domestic ones. When traveling to Iran, you’ll need to do a bit more research than usual. And this post clearly shows you “How to plan your trip to Iran” with every possible travel tips.
Index :
- Preparing for Your Trip – Visa, Air connectivity, Currency, Cards
- Iran Travel Cost
- Essential Information – Language, people, Culture and Safety
- Practical Travel Tips – SIM, VPN, Plug sockets and Tipping Culture
- Getting around – Public and Private Transport
- Amenities – Public Toilet, hygiene, drinking water
- Food and Alcohol etiquette
- Ideal Time and Duration of Trip
- Places to see
- Booking Tours and Activities
1. Preparing for Your Trip
Iran Tourist Visa
Bagging an Iran tourist visa isn’t a breeze like snagging one for Thailand, but it’s not a headache either. Since 2018, Iran’s been dishing out visa-on-arrival (VoA) at its airports. However, we're all about playing it safe: grab that visa in hand before you jet off─ideally, give it a month’s head start before your departure date. Keep in mind, not all countries are eligible for this perk.
Unlike the usual ease of Visa on Arrival for European and North American countries, the story flips when it comes to traveling to Iran –VoA and E-Visa is not issued to Americans, Canadians and Europeans.
Regular travel insurance that covers most parts of the world won’t cut it in Iran─it’s a must-have, and theirs is a bit particular. And people with dual citizenship need to apply for Iran Tourist Visa very carefully. Iran’s e-Visa portal is user-friendly, yet visa rejection chances are real due to their unique document demands, often fulfilled by companies like 1st Quest.
Hence read our post “How to get Iran Tourist Visa : Unlock the Persian Puzzle“- the most important part of this Iran travel guide in detail and then start applying for Visa on 1stquest.
Note : Starting December 15, 2023, Iran has waived Visa requirements for certain nationalities to boost tourism, Indians being among them. So, Indian tourists currently won’t need an Iran Visa until further notice.
Air Connectivity
Iran boasts more than 40 airports with scheduled flights. Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the largest and best connected among all the airports. Hence, very likely you will land in Tehran first.
If you spot more convenient and budget-friendly flights than heading straight to Tehran, consider landing in one end of Iran. Try Tabriz Shahid Madani Airport up North and exit from Shiraz International Airport down South.
Check Skyscanner for the best deal. Enter your city in the “from” column. That’ll give you the lowdown on all possible connections to Iranian cities, so you can pick the best fit.
Since Iran is recently encouraging tourism, the airports are still catching up in terms of facilities. Shiraz International Airport was under construction in 2020 but had recently begun operating. Don’t anticipate a comfortable layover with lots of dining or shopping options while in Iran.
Domestic flights in Iran
Iran is roughly 1.6 times larger than Egypt. When traveling from north to south, like Tabriz to Shiraz, the distance is around 1300km─you may want to opt for a domestic flight due to the vast distance. Iran Air is the main domestic carrier, while Mahan Air is popular with Iranians but not highly rated by international travelers.
Instead of flying, consider Iranian railways or overnight buses for a different experience. Tourists often break up long journeys, stopping to explore places like Isfahan and Tehran before reaching Tabriz from Shiraz by train. Breaking the route into parts lets you explore more along the way and helps cut down those long stretches of travel
Heads up: Common booking sites like MakeMyTrip and Expedia might not do the trick for Iran. You’ll need to use local Iranian websites for bookings
To book domestic flights in Iran, go for 1stQuest and pay with your credit/debit cards.
Currency
The official currency of Iran is Rial, but locals use the term “Thoman”. So, when you got 100 Rials, it’s actually 10 Tomans. This whole swapping names for the same cash makes Iran’s money the most puzzling in the world! Mind that Iran is one of the weakest currencies. So you will deal with multiple zeroes and digits while using Iranian Rials.
Euros are most preferred for money exchange, and USD is almost rejected throughout. The exchange rate you see on the internet and what works in Iran are different. Instead of exchanging currency at airports, do it in the city. Or you can open a temporary account through a Daric Pay travel card like we did.
Hence you need to read a separate post Iran Currency : “Navigating the Maze of Confusing Rials“- a vital part of our Iran Travel guide to understand and deal with it like a pro when in Iran
Card Payments
Even the smallest Lavashk seller accepts cards, but it’s not your international bank Visa, Amex, or Mastercard. None of the international cards work in Iran. You have to possess an Iranian bank’s debit card to use. We booked a debit card from Daricpay, and they personally delivered our card to the Tehran hostel
2. Iran Travel Cost
- Iran is the Cheapest place I’ve visited compared to all other countries till 2023
- Drew Binsky & Alex Reynolds rate it in top 10 cheapest for travelers
- Cafés serve apple cake under 60 INR (0.6 EURO)
- Markets super cheap; even locals shop there – Hence shopping as a tourist won’t break you.
- The luxury hotel which is an ancient historical mansion cost 11000 INR (125 EUROS)
- Mid-range budget: 40 EUROS/person/day. This includes :
- Accommodation in hostels/guesthouses
- 3 meals a day at cheap restaurants
- Some shopping
- Public transport and taxi
- Monument entrance fees
- International Flight costs not included
Where to book Accommodation in Iran?
Sites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld don’t even list Iran for accommodation booking.
Your best bet to book accomodation in Iran is online platforms like 1stQuest. We used it everywhere, and it worked like a charm!
3. Essential Information
Language Spoken in Iran
Iranians speak Persian, not Arabic. While the alphabets may look similar, they’re different languages. Signboards are both in English and Persian, but not always.
Knowing some Persian helps tons, because English isn’t common. Chatting with taxi drivers needs Google Translate . Place names can sound way different from what they say and you pronounce─we had trouble with “Golestan place” and Agha Bozorg Mosque until we showed pics online. Locals fixed our pronunciation and guided us right.
Hindi and Persian language similarity
Interestingly if you listen to local Iranians speaking and listen to Persian music, you can find many similar words between Hindi and Persian. Such as : Chai for tea, Rang -colour, Namak for salt and many more!
Iran People and their Culture
Zoroastrianism originated in Iran, but about 75% of Iranians practice Shia Islam. That’s why a lot of their laws and legal stuff are influenced by Islamic Shariah Law. That’s where their strict code of conduct comes from.
What are some typical traits of Iranians?
During our trip, we were amazed by the incredible kindness and friendliness of strangers. Hitchhiking for the first time, we found that whenever we seemed lost, someone would kindly guide us.
If my Hijab slipped, locals would gently remind me, always with a smile. In Kashan, a café owner even gave us his phone number in case we needed assistance during our trip. Arya, who worked for Daric Pay, has become a wonderful friend, and we stay in touch through WhatsApp. Despite any challenges in their economy or politics, their hospitality and warmth shine brightly.
Check out our blog post “Are Iranians as friendly as everyone says?” as an essential part of Iran travel guide to know what we think of them.
When you’re touring Iran, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t mistake Iranians for Arabs; they’re Persians.
- Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Avoid sitting beside strangers of the opposite gender during travel.
- Consider saying you’re married to your opposite-gender travel partner for safety.
- Single women, speak out against misbehavior; ask for help if needed.
- Avoid crowds during protests; refrain from taking photos of sensitive areas.
- Avoid open discussions about Iran’s politics.
- Iran’s population includes fundamentalists, religious, liberals, and atheists.
- Show or act as if you respect the Iran supreme leader despite his actions.
- Focus on enjoying Iran’s beauty and culture over political matters.
Check out our post “Complete Guide for Shopping in Iran | Persian Things on a Budget” – a fund part of our Iran travel guide to see why shopping in Iran is crazy affordable and a whole lot of fun!
A Few Things About Iran We Read Before Going That Were Different from Reality
- PDA: Couples held hands in cities; saw a couple kissing at Chaharbagh Abbasi Isfahan. But it isnHolding hands while walking was acceptable.
- Greetings: Shop owners shook hands with woman customers – which is supposedly rare. Handshakes were common among friends or familiar faces. Religious individuals avoids opposite-gender handshakes.
- Car Music: Openly playing car music is banned; using earphones is allowed. Taxi drivers often played Persian music. We could hear music occasionally in parks.
- Some hostels even organise Karaoke nights like Tehran Heritage hostel
How to dress in Iran?
In Iran, every woman, even tourists, has to wear the Hijab because it’s the rule. Doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you believe in. If you don’t play by the rules, you might catch some heat from the Moral Police. Even though Iranians fought against the religious laws and protested the Hijab in 2021, the rule still stands: Every woman must wear the Hijab.
Read our post “How do Tourists Dress in Iran?” – a super crucial part of our Iran travel guide to know how to stay safe by dressing modestly. And also to know the current situations about local Iranian women who don’t wear hijab.
Safety Concerns in Iran
Looking at what’s going on inside Iran is worrying. We made some awesome Iranian friends on our trip, and we’re still in touch. They say things aren’t great for the locals. But if tourists keep away from protesting the ruler, they can have fun as usual!
Generally, many travelers visit Iran without any issues and find the experience rewarding due to its rich history and culture. But surely, if you are not an experienced traveler and lean more towards seeking comfort rather than exploration, Iran may not be your cup of tea.
Iran’s actually super safe for tourists, as long as you follow their customs. The cops are really cool with tourists and want to lend a hand. The crime rate against tourists is low, hardly any assaults happen. If you don’t follow customs, locals will politely ask you to.
Stick away from border areas and do the usual safety stuff you’d do anywhere else, and you’ll be fine. If you’re still worried, it’s smart to register with your country’s embassy once you’re in Iran. We always do that, no matter where we are, whether it’s the Netherlands or Egypt.
Should I travel through Iran with a Guid or Organised Tours?
Going on organized tours in Iran isn’t really a must.Solo travel is safe if you respect local customs. Backpacking or flashpacking here is great─just keep aware of your surroundings, like anywhere else. Iranians’ friendliness makes traveling a breeze. While the government requires UK, USA, and Canadian citizens to have a guide, many explore solo once they sort travel permits. You can hire a guide or find audio guides at most historical sites in Iran.
Is it safe to visit Iran 2023?
With things heating up between Israel-Palestine and Iran’s support for Palestine in the news, we’d say hold off on planning a trip to Iran for now. Keep tabs on what’s going on worldwide, and maybe think about rescheduling your Iran travel plans for after March 2024.
Tourist Scams in Iran
Honestly, Iran is one nation where I can't write about any particular scam! Beware of the usual pick-pocketing, Fake Visa application sites, unofficial guides, mobile snatchers on motorbikes and fake Persian carpets.
4. Practical Travel Tips for Iran
Mobile SIM and Connectivity
“We opted for a local SIM from a service provider called Iran Cell along with our Daric Pay travel card. That provided us with coverage even in the remote village of Abyaneh. Forget about public WiFi; hotel WiFi is also very slow.”
Need of VPN in Iran
Almost everything on the internet in Iran needs a VPN. It’s not just social media that’s off-limits; lots of websites, like travel blogs such as ours, can’t be reached there. Iran’s internet rules are strict, blocking many popular sites, social media, and news platforms unless you’re using a VPN. We used Express VPN and it works super fine in Iran.
Plug Sockets and Adapters
Iran uses TYPE C & F power plug sockets. Check if your country needs a plug adapter here. I carry a universal adapter.
Tipping Culture
Tipping culture isn’t significant in Iran and isn’t mandatory and nobody asks for it. However, you might find yourself doing it because Iranians are honest and always strive to provide their best service
5. Getting Around Iran
Roads and Driving
Iran follows Right lane driving. The road conditions are pretty good. The landscape along the side makes the roads of Iran even more fascinating. There may be snowcapped mountains or rose fields at times. You may even pass by 1000 year old Caravan Serai! So, when you are on Iran’s road there is never a dull moment.
Self driving in Iran
Road conditions and infrastructure are decent, but driving in Iran can be quite daunting. Motorcyclists often skip helmets and ignore traffic signals. Cars might overtake from any direction, making it stressful behind the wheel. Even crossing a one-way street demands caution─watch out for speedy motorbikes from both directions.
That’s why relying on public transport or hiring a taxi is a smart move. It keeps you away from the stress of zooming motorbikes, letting you soak in the amazing sights along the road.Hitchhiking is surprisingly easy!
Public Transport Overview
In Iran, roads rule the transport scene. But let’s clear the air: camels aren’t part of the commuting scene! Somehow, when foreign tourists think Middle East, they picture camels in everyday life. It’s like when people ask us (Indians) if we ride elephants to work.
Here are some public transportation options in Iran
- Trains
- Buses
- Taxis
- Metro
Iran Railways
Our friend Arya from Iran swears by train trips there. Locals love hopping on Iran’s railways. Iran’s trains are usually rated as good. They’re speedy, cosy, safe, and better for the environment compared to buses.
They’re usually packed, so book your seats early. Women get their own section, but if you’re with your opposite-gender spouse, you can sit together there. For train tickets, try Alibaba Iran.
Public buses
VIP buses offer comfy AC coaches for longer trips like Isfahan to Shiraz. With super affordable taxis everywhere, tourists rarely rely on city buses. Some Iranian cities have metros, but city buses are more for locals heading to the outskirts, not popular among tourists.
For those longer journeys, book your bus tickets hassle-free on 1stQuest using your credit/debit cards.
Taxis
In Iran, most cars you see on the street are taxis. You’ll see official yellow and green ones, plus private cars that might give you a lift if they’re going your way. Just flag them down from the sidewalk─they’ll stop if they’re up for business. Most taxis don’t have meters; they’ll tell you the fare in Rials. You can opt for Snapp to book taxis, functioning just like Uber. However, don’t link your credit card─it won’t function. Stick to cash payments for a hassle-free experience.
Shared Taxis (Savari)
A popular shared transport for short trips between cities or towns in Iran. It’s the cheapest and most crowded, but also a fun way to explore cities alongside locals.
Metro
In Iran, the Metro’s the quickest way to zip around cities like Tehran, Isfahan, & Mashad. Get a Metro card for access, valid also for public buses. The Metro’s got two sections: one for all and a women-only compartment. Couples can sit together in the common section─no need to split up while riding Tehran Metro.
6. Amenities
Public Toilet Policy in Iran
Near the Bazaars and Tehran’s Metro stations, public toilets were free for all. Most public and hotel toilets have jet sprays, but the public ones are more like a pipe, making it feel like washing a car! Squat toilets are common in public restrooms, and even in the lively Bazaars of Isfahan, they’re surprisingly well-maintained.
Public Hygiene in Iran
Iran maintains its cities fairly clean. There’s a strong sense of civic duty─the streets remain litter-free. Even bustling spots like Tehran’s Grand Bazaar alleys are nearly trash-free, thanks to this collective responsibility for cleanliness.
Honestly, Iran’s modern buildings lack visual appeal. Apart from the ancient sites, modern structures in Tehran seem dull and grey from dirt and smoke. Aesthetically, Tehran doesn’t stand out. Isfahan and Yazd look better, while Shiraz is somewhat like Tehran in this aspect. Yet, the streets are great for morning jogs or evening walks, with dedicated pedestrian corbelled walkways
Street Food safety in Iran.
Iranian street food, in our experience, feels pretty safe. We sipped on around 100 cups of local tea and devoured at least 10 Bamiyeh, a deep-fried dessert made from flour and sugar syrup, without any issues. Ashrith loved those Kubideh skewers. Trust your gut─if it seems clean enough, dive in and savor the flavours!
7. Iran Food and Alcohol Etiquette
Persian Cuisine Overview
Iranians live on rice and bread, and their plain rice is bursting with aroma and flavour with ghee and roasted saffron. They also enjoy meat and veggie dishes with herbs and yogurt. Surprisingly, Persian origins tie to Indian favorites like Biryani, Jamun, Nan, and Jalebi. Plus, Gaz resembles our Soan Papdi, while Halwa’s a hit in both Iran and India.
Boasting alert: The largest portion of Iran's rice import happens from India. To be precise, Iran receives the highest quality Basmati rice grown in our home state Karnataka.
For non-vegetarians, beware: you might gain some weight─the food is simply irresistible. Baghali Polo, Koofteh, and Kubideh are my top picks. Ghee, dill leaves, and saffron often grace both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes as toppings or dressings in Iranian cuisine.
What is a typical meal in Iran?
- The typical breakfast includes flatbread, butter, thick whipped cream, bright white cheese and fruit jams.
- Snacks- Bamieh ( tastes like churros without chocolate dip), Dried fruits, fruit rolls (Lavashak), and fruits dipped in sugary fruity sauces are something you must not miss. Darband or Northern Iran is your best place to buy these.
Tips to Vegetarian Dining in Iran
Vegetarians must some packed veg food along when you travel in Iran. Or else be ready to eat rice without curry. Very few veg dishes are available in Iran, and most of them are made using Brinjal (Eggplant). Northern Iran and Tehran are filled with lots of fresh fruits like Oranges & Pomegranate. So fruits are vegetarian traveller’s saviour.
National drink of Iran
Tea holds a special place in Iranian culture─it’s brewed from dried black tea leaves without milk and served with sugar cubes. Occasionally, you might be offered an orange sugar stick called “Nabaat,” made by crystallizing sugar with herbs, especially saffron. Simply dip and stir until it sweetens to your liking.
Drinking Culture and Smoking in Iran
Iran is officially a dry country. But locals know their way out. Consuming alcohol in public is 100% banned, but locals get it for private gatherings. Arya says many of them even prepare wine at home.
Men smoke in public, and it is rare to see women smoking in public. But it is no offence if women do so unless their head is covered with a scarf. Qalyan (Shisha) is very famous; you can find it in many traditional cafes.
8. Ideal Timing and Duration for Visiting Iran
Recommended Duration: How Many Days
To truly experience Iran, plan around 15 to 20 days. Figuring out transportation might seem bothersome, but once you’re in, it’s smooth and relaxed. Plus, the incredible Iranian hospitality keeps you energized. For a deeper dive into deserts and connecting with nomadic tribes, consider dedicating a full month to your Iranian adventure.
Best time to visit Iran
The top time to explore Iran is from March to May. You cover beaches to mountains. It’s cool and roads stay clear without snow. Around Persian New Year (March 21st), about a week before and after, expect hotels and guesthouses to be packed with local travellers.
For beach vibes, deserts, and historical sites in Central Iran, November to February is prime time. But be cautious exploring Northern areas like Tabriz and Phalangan─snow might block roads, leaving you stranded. Still, it’s a perfect time to hit the slopes for skiing.
Travelling to Iran in summer (June-September) is a bad idea as temperatures reach as high as 40*C
9. Guide to crafting Iran Travel Itinerary
Beaches in southern Iran, Snow mountains & lakes in northern Iran, Cold deserts and sand deserts in Central Iran & colourful mosques + palaces all over! From ancient villages to scenic beauty, Iran has a lot!
- Most travelers include Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz on their Iran trip. If you’re hitting these spots, set aside roughly 12 days.
- To include Northern Iran to above list, visiting Tabriz for Kandovan village and Palangann, plan for around 14 days.
- For dolphin watching and strolling the red-soiled beaches of Hormuz, you’ll want to set aside a full 20 days.
We had planned for a longer stretch for the four places -Theran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz, around 16 days, to explore more with several day trips from each place.
Wondering why we’re saying “we planned”? Check out our post as part of this travel guide “Pathos of Half-Done Journey in Iran”
Places to see in Iran
10. Booking Tickets for Activities in Iran
You should check out Iran’s own websites for booking tours and tickets. You don’t really have to book tickets beforehand to skip lines at monuments in Iran. It’s not the usual thing for folks visiting there. You’ll hardly ever find “skip the line” tickets on Iran tourism sites.
What you could do instead is check out day tours, like hanging out with the nomads in Shiraz or visiting Kadnovan village.
Book unique experiences in Iran here
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