Things To Know Before Traveling To Iran
Frequently Asked Questions | Iran Travel FAQ
“Pre-trip planning is one of the factors that lead us to a good and enjoyable trip”
Whether we are traveling for the first time or traveling to a destination for the second time, it is important to know the essential points of the trip. Sometimes these travel tips, which may not seem so important, make a pleasant experience. In the following, we provide you with the necessary points for traveling to Iran.
On your trip to Iran, you will discover mystic deserts see vibrant cities, and, eat delicious food.
Iran Weather / When to travel to Iran
Is trip to Iran safe?
Money in Iran | Payment methods
Hospitality in Iran
Dressing code in Iran
Food & Drinking in Iran
Language in Iran
Internet & Sim card in Iran
Iran Emergency Phone Numbers
Weekend in Iran
Religion in Iran
What can I buy as a souvenir in Iran?
Iran Transportation
-
Best time to visit Iran | How is the climate of Iran? |
Honestly, there is no better time to travel to Iran as every season has treasures and beauty. So, the best time to visit Iran depends on your preferences and the activities you want to pursue.
March, April, and May are peak seasons. September, October, and the first week of November are high seasons in Iran.
Maybe you will have some issues in these months such as Busy Attractions, lack of flight tickets or other transportation, Expensive tickets, and most importantly, hotels get booked very fast.
If you want to travel in these seasons, we recommend you manage your time and book your hotels and transportation ticket at least two months earlier.
The First and second week of March, is a great time to travel. The weather will start warming up. Domestic trips have not started yet, and sightseeing is not crowded. So it’s the best time to travel.
In the last two weeks of March, the beginning of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), the weather around Iran is delightful and most Iranian families go on the trip.
Traveling in tourist cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and the north of Iran may cause problems for travelers in visiting sightseeing and may be frustrating for some who seek tranquility also people who travel on this time need to be more flexible about finding accommodation. At this time, we have a rate increase which could be up to 25% each year. So those tourists who would like to see Iran in Persian New Year and after should consider this issue, too
November, December, January, and February are low season
Because schools are open and the weather is cold, in these seasons the prices of hotels and domestic flights are reduced. In these months the beautiful southern beaches such as Kish and Qeshm are a great destination for traveling due to the pleasant weather.
June, July, and August are low seasons too because the weather is hot. In the north and northwest, the air temperature is better. If you plan to go to visit Tabriz, you have to choose the summer to stay away from the cold weather. Hotel prices are lower.
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in local culture and experiencing religious ceremonies, visiting Iran during Muharram and Ramezan, two of the Islamic months, can be a rewarding experience. The most important religious holidays of Muharram, are on the days of Tasua and Ashura.
However, if you prefer to avoid large crowds or are not interested in religious ceremonies, it’s advisable to plan your travel dates accordingly to avoid overlapping with these dates.
-
Is Iran safe for travel?
According to international statistics and reports, Iran is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for foreign tourists. It doesn’t matter if 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 cross 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 Iranians who travel 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.
Here are a few factors to consider when assessing the safety of travel to Iran:
- Political Situation: Iran’s political landscape can sometimes be tense, and there may be protests or demonstrations. Stay informed about the current political situation and any potential risks.
- Safety Concerns: While Iran is generally considered safe for tourists, like any destination, it’s important to be vigilant.
- Regional Considerations: Certain regions within Iran may have specific safety concerns, particularly near borders or in areas experiencing instability.
We keep you informed about all developments and also, you can seek advice from experienced travelers who have visited Iran recently for the most up-to-date information.
You can be sure about safety in Iran from:
https://www.travelriskmap.com/#/planner/locations
In a world where people pay more attention to opinions and social media than facts, you must search Iran on authentic websites about traveling!
-
Currency in Iran | Money Used in Iran | Payment Methods in Iran
Because of the sanctions, you are not able to use credit cards and international debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, so you need to bring your money in cash. There are some companies for people who don’t want to carry lots the cash, so you can Buy an Iranian debit card and top it up.
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.
In Iran, the official currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR). However, due to high inflation, it’s common to see prices quoted in Toman, which is equal to 10 Rials. For example, if something costs 50,000 Rials, it would be expressed as 5,000 Tomans.
Exchanging money in Iran: currency exchange offices (in Persian Sarafi) are available at banks, exchange offices, and hotels, and €, USD, and GBP are always accepted.
Note: Ask the seller about the price written on products or restaurant bills to make sure is it Rial or Toman.
-
Iranian Hospitality
Iranians are famous for their hospitality. Hospitality, or “Mehman-Nawazi” in Persian, holds significant cultural importance in Iranian society and is deeply ingrained in the country’s traditions and customs.
Here are some key aspects of Iranian hospitality:
Warm Welcome: Visitors to Iran are often greeted with open arms and a warm welcome.
Generosity: Hospitality in Iran often involves generous offerings of food, drinks, and other comforts. Hosts go out of their way to ensure guests are well-fed and cared for.
Tea Culture: Serving tea is a cornerstone of Iranian hospitality. It’s customary to offer guests tea as a welcome.
Invitations to Homes: you will be surprised that someone whom 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.
Respect for Guests: Guests are treated with utmost respect and are often considered a blessing.
Gift Giving: Iranians often express hospitality through gift-giving.
Overall, Iranian hospitality reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and values of kindness, generosity, and community. Visitors to Iran can expect to experience genuine warmth and hospitality wherever they go.
Iranians are nice people and if you need any kind of help just ask them. the locals are always ready to help.
-
What to wear in Iran?
In Iran, the dress code is influenced by Islamic principles and cultural norms. While it’s not legally mandated for non-Muslim tourists, it’s generally advisable to adhere to local customs out of respect for the culture. The dress code in Iran is more casual than what you might expect. Here are some general guidelines for dressing in Iran:
Hijab for Women: Women are required to wear a headscarf or hijab that covers their hair when in public, but you don’t need to worry about it because many young women just cover the top of their hair. This is usually accompanied by modest clothing that covers the arms and legs, such as long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting trousers or skirts. There’s no ban on the clothes colors. You can view photos of Iranian women on the streets to understand the dress code and ensure you bring the necessary scarves and clothing for your trip.
Men can wear short-sleeved shirts.
Remember that foreign tourists are guests of a country and it is rare that they face serious problems because of clothes.
-
Iran Food and Drink Guide
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 or alcoholic drinks are served.
In Iran, there are a variety of restaurants. Iranian traditional food, fast foods, Arabic foods, and international foods. If you are a coffee lover, many coffee places serve authentic coffee.
If you are vegetarian, Iran is a good destination, you can find restaurants offering eggplant, 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
-
Language in Iran
The official language of Iran is Persian, also known as Farsi. In addition to Persian, several other languages are spoken by minority ethnic groups within Iran. These languages include Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Arabic, Gilaki, Mazandarani, and Balochi, among others. While Persian is the dominant language, many Iranians are bilingual or multilingual, especially in areas with significant minority populations.
Many Iranians are eager to engage with foreigners, you meet a lot of people who want to hang out with you and speak English. English-speaking travelers can generally navigate their way around Iran with relative ease, especially in tourist areas.
Here are some essential Persian phrases you’ll find useful when traveling in Iran:
Salam = Hello
Khoda hafez = Goodbye.
Mamnoon = Thank you or Merci!
Khahesh mikonam= you’re welcome
Baleh / Na = Yes / No
Khosh bakhtam = Nice to meet you
Lotfan – Please
Noosh-e jan = Bon appétit in Farsi
Bebakhshid =Excuse me / I’m sorry
Nam-e shoma chist? = What is your name?
Chetorid? = How are you?
Khubam= I’m fine.
Farsi balad nistam. = I don’t speak Persian.
Be English sohbat mikoni? = Do you speak English?
Cheghadr mishe? = How much does it cost?
learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable and showing respect to the local culture and people.
-
How to get an Internet and a SIM card in Iran
Internet access and obtaining a SIM card in Iran for travelers are relatively straightforward processes. Here’s what you need to know:
Internet Access
Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in major cities. However, if you want continuous access during your travels, consider getting a local SIM card with a data plan.
Getting a SIM Card
You can purchase SIM cards from various mobile network providers in Iran, such as Hamrah-e-Aval (MCI), and Irancell. These providers have booths in airports, malls, and city centers. To buy a SIM card, you’ll need to present your passport. You may need to complete a registration form with your passport details to activate the SIM card. This is a standard procedure in Iran. Once you have the SIM card, you can top up your balance at convenience stores, kiosks, or through mobile apps provided by the network operators. You can choose a plan based on your data usage needs, which usually range from a few gigabytes to unlimited data for a certain period.
Internet Filtering
Be aware that there are restrictions on accessing certain websites and social media platforms in Iran due to government censorship. Popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are often accessible through VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). You might need to install a VPN app on your device to bypass these restrictions.
Cost
The cost of SIM cards, top-ups, and data plans in Iran is generally reasonable compared to many other countries.
If you’d like us to arrange a SIM card for you, kindly inform us, and it will be handed to you by your guide upon your arrival.
-
Emergency Numbers in Iran
The essential phone numbers for travel destinations are crucial information that every tourist needs to read and be aware of before traveling. Because Unexpected incidents may occur during the journey.
(110)
If you need police support, just call 110 to get in touch with the police directly.
(125)
If you need firefighting services to rescue, such as getting stuck in the elevator, call 125.
(115)
If you have a physical problem and need urgent medical care, call 115.
(118)
If you need the phone numbers of tourist attractions, museums, freight companies, agencies, embassies, etc., just dial 118.
(133)
If you need a taxi. You can call 133. Please notice that you must charge your SIM card to call this number.
(119)
If you are in a situation where you have lost time and date, you can find out the time and date by dialing 119.
(191)
If you have an urgent need for medicines or health services. You can call 191. Please notice that you must charge your SIM card to call this number.
-
Weekend in Iran
Thursday and Friday are weekends in Iran.
-
Religion in Iran
Iran boasts a rich cultural heritage and hosts a diverse array of religious beliefs and practices. While the majority of Iranians adhere to Shia Islam, there are also Sunni communities in the country. It’s important to note that Iranians are Persians, distinct from Arabs in terms of ethnicity.
-
What can I buy as a souvenir in Iran?
Iran offers a wide range of souvenirs that reflect its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Some popular souvenirs you can buy in Iran include Persian Carpets and Rugs, Saffron and Spices, Pistachios and Dates, carpets, Copper and Metalwork, and handmade crafts.
-
Transportation in Iran
Check the below link: https://iranjoytour.com/iran-transport-information/