When planning a trip to a foreign country, researching the rules and customs is essential. Iran is no exception, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts before starting your journey. Doing so will ensure you have a smoother and more enjoyable experience. While Iran’s travel regulations are not overly complicated, some preparation and awareness will help you navigate them easily. This guide provides useful insights to help foreign tourists better understand Iran’s customs, culture, and laws.

Getting to Know Iran and Its Warm-Hearted People

Before diving into the specific dos and don’ts of traveling to Iran, it’s worth taking a moment to introduce you to the country and its welcoming people. Iran is a land of diverse climates and seasons. If you have enough time, you can experience different weather patterns by visiting various cities. Iran has a rich and complex history, boasting thousands of years of heritage, ancient towns, and a unique culture. As the 17th largest country in the world and 18th in population, Iran is home to a young and dynamic population. Tehran, the capital city with over 10 million inhabitants, is one of the world’s largest metropolises.

Iran shares borders with many countries, making it easily accessible. The neighboring countries include Russia and the Caspian Sea to the north, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey to the northwest, Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, Iraq to the west, and the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea to the south, along with nearby Gulf countries like the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. One of Iran’s most fascinating aspects is its ethnic diversity. In different cities, you will encounter Persians, Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Baluchis, Turkmen, Talysh, Assyrians, Georgians, and others. While the majority of the population follows Islam (predominantly Shia), there are also communities of Christians, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Baháʼís. This diversity makes Iran a unique and intriguing travel destination.

Dos and Don’ts of Traveling to Iran

Creating a list of dos and don’ts before traveling to Iran will help you manage your expectations and prepare for the experience. Different travelers come to Iran with varying perspectives, and their experiences often differ. A well-prepared list will help you develop a more realistic understanding of what to expect.

Dress Code:

Iran enforces an Islamic dress code. In public, women must wear a headscarf and a long coat (usually a “mantoo”). Men are not allowed to wear shorts in public spaces.

Alcohol:

The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Iran, and it is not available for sale anywhere in the country.

Photography:

It is forbidden to take photos of military and government facilities, and you may need permission before taking pictures in some places.

Visa:

You will need a tourist visa to travel to Iran, just as you would when visiting many other countries.

Cash and Banking:

Due to international sanctions, foreign tourists cannot use their credit cards in Iran. Therefore, it is important to carry enough cash with you. However, getting a prepaid card (sometimes known as a “gift card”) is also a good idea for added convenience since card payments are common in Iran. Don’t convert all your foreign currency into Iranian rials—exchange only what you need, as carrying large amounts of cash is risky, and exchange rates can fluctuate. Iran uses two currency units: the rial and the toman. A Toman is equivalent to 10 rials, so it’s useful to understand this system to avoid confusion during purchases.

Safety:

As in many countries, tourists should avoid walking alone at night in areas that may be unsafe.

Internet and Communication

For a more comfortable stay in Iran, it’s recommended to install ride-hailing apps, as they make city transport much easier and prevent dealing with inconsistent taxi rates. Public transportation, including buses and the metro, is also widely available and affordable. However, remember that certain apps and websites, such as Telegram and YouTube, are blocked in Iran, so you might want to use a VPN to access them. Most hotels, hostels, and accommodations provide Wi-Fi. You can also buy a local SIM card to enjoy 4G and 5G internet services for faster connectivity.

See more : How To active Iranian Sim Card for tourists?

Understanding Iranian Culture

Learning about the culture of “ta’arof” (politeness and hospitality) and interacting with Iranian women is important. Ta’arof is integral to Iranian culture, especially in interactions with foreign tourists. It’s customary to refuse an invitation or offer a few times before accepting. For instance, if you are invited somewhere, you should decline twice, and only on the third offer should you take. The younger generation strictly follows this rule, but it is still prevalent.

When interacting with Iranian women, keep in mind the Islamic customs, as physical contact between unrelated men and women is generally considered impolite.

Additionally, some cultural events and observances significantly affect daily life. It’s recommended to avoid visiting Iran during Nowruz (the Iranian New Year), Ramadan, or Muharram, as many public places and restaurants may be closed during these periods.

Tips from Other Travelers

Many foreign tourists visit Iran every year, each with unique experiences depending on their budget and accommodations. Learning from their experiences can help enhance your trip. Here are some key takeaways from previous travelers:

• Learn basic phrases and numbers: Knowing words like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you,” “Help,” and “How much is this?” can help with basic interactions. Familiarizing yourself with numbers is also useful for daily purchases and phone calls.
• Iranian hospitality: Iranians are incredibly hospitable and warm-hearted. If you make friends with locals, don’t be surprised if they invite you to their homes or show you around town. They are usually very welcoming toward foreigners.

By preparing this list of dos and don’ts, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Iran with fewer surprises!

The editorial department of Kental Travel prepared this article, and its non-commercial use is unchecked by the mention of the source. To check out more articles related to traveling to Iran, you can visit the Kental Travel blog.