Iran Travel Guide
Some Important Tips About Travel To Iran:
Iran Travel Guide
Iran is a vast country with a rich culture and ancient history, throughout which you can see many historical attractions. The history of this country is not full of murder, looting, and decolonization, but more than anything else, it has been based on justice and freedom. Iran has a written history of more than 2500 years. Iranians have many customs and traditions, if you want to know about them you can check this link:
https://iranjoytour.com/iran-festivals
Iran is located in southwest Asia and the Middle East. Iran is bounded on the north by the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea, on the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, on the west by Turkey and Iraq, and the south by the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
Cities of Iran
Tehran
Tehran is the metropolis and capital of Iran and the twenty-fifth most populous city in the world. The city leads to mountainous areas from the north and desert areas from the south, and as a result, it has a different climate to the north and south. The city is a wonderful combination of modernity and traditional structure.
Mashhad
Mashhad is the second-largest city in Iran and one of the most important cities in this country
Every year, many tourists travel to this city to visit the shrine of the eighth Shiite Imam. Today, this city is known as one of the busiest cities in Iran and the Middle East in terms of tourism. Perhaps the main purpose of traveling to Mashhad is a pilgrimage, but the existence of recreational and tourist attractions next to cafes and restaurants as well as colorful markets has increased the attractiveness of traveling to this city and has made Mashhad one of the most spectacular and historical centers of Iran
Isfahan
The turquoise jewel of the world means the beautiful city of Isfahan, which is an ancient city in the center of Iran and is the third most populous city in the country after Tehran and Mashhad. Also, Isfahan is the second most visited city after Mashhad and attracts many tourists every year. With its beautiful Islamic architecture, palaces, bridges, mosques and unique minarets, this city has been named Nesfe Jahan(means half of the world).
Whether you are interested in buying traditional accessories and clothes, or you are wandering in ancient and historical monuments, as well as cafes, this city has special programs for you.
Shiraz
Shiraz is one of the most important and spectacular cities in Iran. The city is known as the city of lovers and is the tourist jewel of Iranian cities. It is safe to say that Shiraz is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran and the birthplace of great poets such as Saadi and Hafez.
Yazd
Yazd, the first brick city in the world. This city attracts many travelers with countless historical monuments. If you are looking for a historical and quiet city and most importantly for adventure, Yazd is one of the most important cities.
Yazd City Tour: https://iranjoytour.com/yazd-city-tour-2/#tab-1-2
Kish
Kish, the pearl of the Persian Gulf and the beautiful Iranian island located in the south of the country. It has a beautiful and unique nature and calm beaches that are covered with coral sands and clear seawater that makes it possible to see all kinds of fish in the depths. Many travelers travel to this island every year to enjoy its nature and tranquil atmosphere along with its recreational and tourist attractions.
Safety in Iran
According to international statistics and reports, Iran is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for foreign tourists. It doesn’t matter you travel to Tehran or Tabriz, the southern or western parts of the country.
Wherever you travel, security is the first principle of travel. Iran’s sky is one of the safest in the Middle East. Thousands of international flights crossing the Iranian sky daily.
Iran is a developing country with the largest number of highly educated people. Unlike what you can see in the media, Iran is one of the friendliest countries, you can ask about the incredible hospitality of Iranian who travels to Iran. Iran is a safe destination with no terrorism and a very low crime rate. Iran is, definitely, a safe destination for women. The belief that as a foreigner, you won’t be welcomed is wrong. Of course, crime does still occur, so it needs to take the usual precautions.
You can be sure about safety in Iran from:
https://www.travelriskmap.com/#/planner/locations
Iranians are not Arabs; they are Persians, which is a completely different ethnicity.
On your trip to Iran, you will discover mystic deserts and see vibrant cities and, eat delicious food.
Money
Because of the sanctions, you are not able to use a credit card, so you need to bring your money in cash. Exchanging money in Iran: Exchange offices (in Persian Sarafi) are available everywhere and €, USD, and GBP are always accepted.
For people who don’t want to be carrying lots the cash, you can buy a local credit card and top it up. There are quite a few companies.
We (or yourself) sign up on their website and give your passport details and when you arrive at your hotel in Tehran, they will bring your credit card and you will give them your cash. So you can easily pay by credit card everywhere. If you want to sign up yourself, make sure you choose a reputable and reliable company.
The official currency of Iran is Rial. But prices are given in Toman. 1 Toman= 10 Rials
Hospitality in Iran
Iranians are famous for their hospitality. you will be surprised that someone who you just met some minutes ago invites you to his house, or they pay for your meal and everybody treats you like a king. They love foreigners and are striving for the world to realize that they are a very peaceful society.
Language in Iran
Farsi (or Persian), is the official language. In the main cities, most people can speak English.
Essential Persian phrases you’ll need in Iran:
Noosh-e jan = Bon appétit in Farsi
Mamnoon = Thank you or Merci!
Salam= Hello
Khoda hafez = Goodbye.
Khahesh mikonam= you’re welcome
Baleh / Na = Yes / No
Bebakhshid (be-bakh-sheed) = Excuse Me
Khosh bakhtam — Nice to meet you
Food and drinking in Iran
Iran is a Halal destination. Halal is referring to food and activities that are allowed by Islam. Halal food must have halal meat. Hotels and restaurants are only allowed to serve halal food, and the use of pork and any alcoholic beverages is forbidden. Even on Iranian airlines, no pork products and alcoholic drinks are served. if you are a coffee lover, many coffee places serving authentic coffee.
If you are Vegetarians, Iran is a good destination, you can find restaurants offering eggplant ragout, or eggplant mousse, lentils, and any kind of soup on the menu, so do not worry about your food.
For more information check the below link: https://iranjoytour.com/iran-food-guide-things-to-do-in-iran-for-food-lovers
Internet & SIM Card
Most of the hotels provide Wi-Fi internet access.
Hamrahe Aval and Irancell are well-known operators in Iran. You can purchase a sim card while arriving in Tehran at Imam Khomeini airport (IKA). You need to submit your passport and information on it to buy and register it.
Weekend in Iran
Thursday and Friday are weekends in Iran.
Religion in Iran
Most Iranians are Shia, however, there are Sunni communities.
Dressing code
The dress code in Iran is more casual that what you might expect.
Women and Men have to follow a certain dress code in public areas in Iran.
For men
Men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts. Wearing t-shirts are common and normal.
For women
Women have to cover their hair with a headscarf, but you don’t need to worry about it because many young women just cover only the top of their hair.
Also need to wear clothing that conceals their body parts (long-sleeved coats or tunics that cover their lower waste and pants, skirts, or dresses that are long enough to cover the leg).
Despite the common misunderstanding, “chador” is not compulsory except when visiting some holy shrines, where you can buy a ready-made one from a nearby bazaar.