Different from what you see in the media, Iran is one of the friendliest countries I have visited. From friendly people, incredible buildings, charming beaches, vibrant cities and mysterious deserts.
Do you know that Iran has 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
There are many things worth seeing. Even if you spend a month traveling around the country, you can't see everything this country provides. Because Iran has everything. If you plan to go to Iran, this is my best suggestion.
In 2017, I went to Iran alone. This is a fascinating country, quite different from the way the media portray it. Because of my EU passport, I can travel all over the country alone. Even if you are from the United Kingdom or the United States and need organized travel, you can also hire a tour guide and create your own itinerary. So not everything is lost!
Many blogs are blocked in Iran, so if your VPN does not work properly for some reason, you will not be able to access this article again. Fortunately, my website is not blocked, so when you are already in Iran, you can also visit my article.
Tips for traveling to Iran and things before departure
(Updated in 2019)
Isfahan
1. Iranians are not Arabs
One of the most important things to remember is that Iranians are not Arabs, they are Persians. They speak Persian (and other dialects), not Arabic, and some people may feel offended if you express them in Arabic words.
Since the Arabs invaded Iran, Persian has been written in Arabic letters, slightly different. Although many Arabic words appear in Persian dictionaries, this does not mean that Arabs can understand Persian or other ways.
2. When is the best time to go to Iran?
Iran is a big country, so the temperature is different. For example, when I visited Iran in late March, the weather in Tabriz and Tehran was very cold, but it was very warm in Isfahan.
In summer, the temperature often exceeds 40 (C), so it may not be the best time to visit. Especially because you need to cover from head to toe.
I would like to say that the best time to visit Iran is in spring (from the end of February to the end of May).
The worst travel time is a two-week Iranian New Year holiday called Navroz (2018: March 21 - April 4). During these holidays, I was actually in Iran. In fact, this was the worst time to visit. Since everyone is visiting their families and many places are closed, you will not be able to live with many local people.
Iranians don't hate Americans
One of the biggest myths of western media is that Iranians hate Americans. I only met one in a mosque in Tehran. But after several conversations with the people around the mosque, I soon realized that they all agreed with some strange people to put it there and no one really thought of this.
I had endless conversations with many local people, and no one ever expressed any hatred towards Americans. In fact, American movies are played on local buses, and people like drinking Coca Cola.
Iran is a good place for backpacking
Many people think that countries like Iran are not suitable for backpacking. But they were wrong. Iran is the ultimate backpack destination. Iran is very cheap. There are hotels in the main tourist attractions, cheap hotels and guesthouses in other places, comfortable buses and friendly locals. What else do you want when you pack?
I usually don't like backpacking hotels and hotels. But backpacking in Iran is different from some other popular places. Travelers are more mature and interested in different cultures, rather than just attending parties and taking self portraits in the morning. I may be biased, but when I backpack around other places, I seldom find people who want to travel to museums with me. Not in Iran.
5. How much does Iran need?
Iran is a value for money country, especially now. However, if you want to go to Iran, money is one thing you really need to plan, because foreign cards can't work on any ATMs, and you can't use cards to pay. Similar to Cuba, Iran is a cash country.
Bring euros, not dollars. Many websites and travel blogs will tell you to bring only dollars. Thankfully, I also have euros. The dollar is very unpopular (I imagine after Trump's travel ban). Although some people still accept them, it is not easy.
I spent about $20 to $40 a day traveling alone with friends, which I met on the first day. This is not an extreme budget trip, and we have no restrictions on ourselves. I suggest that the plan bring more, just for safety. This will allow you to book double rooms in budget hotels, local meals, taxis and buses everywhere.
Please remember, Iran has beautiful Persian carpets, you may want to buy one. My friends and I bought carpets, so I'm glad I have some spare money. Carpets cost between $100 and $800, depending on size.
Click here to view the official/street exchange rate history.
Note: Iran recently launched a special prepaid debit card called Mah Card for foreign tourists. For those who do not want to carry too much cash, this is a good solution. You can register online, and they will meet you at your hotel when you arrive, issue your card and deposit your foreign currency into your Mah card.
6. Iran's currency is very chaotic
The real is the official currency, but all prices are in Toman. This is a bit confusing. You may get a real suspense before you leave.
1 toman=10 rials
But it's not just that simple. If someone asks you 20, it means you need to pay 200 rials, but I also met that 20 means 20000, because they just don't want to deal with zero.
You can get an Iranian visa at the airport
If you are worried about the trouble of obtaining an Iranian visa, don't be afraid! Citizens of many countries are eligible for visas for up to 30 days upon arrival. Please refer to the rules and documentation required in my other posts.
If you are difficult to travel alone in Iran, you can consider taking part in the 14 day G Adventures tour to explore Persia, which I have heard of. Travel will not accompany you around the clock. You will have some free time, so even if you are not a group traveler, you will be fine. Click here to view the latest price and itinerary for exploring Persia.
Another option is a trip to Iran from Intrepid. They have some choices, so check here for the latest dates and prices.
Without effective travel insurance, you will not be able to obtain a visa. If you want to know that the EU insurance card does not work, they will check whether your policy is really valid for Iran. Although you can buy insurance at the airport, you must stand on another line to do so. This is why I recommend World Nomads Insurance. It is effective and reliable for Iran.
8. Iran is secure
Apart from the media portrayal that Iran is safe. I feel safer in Iran than during my last visit to New York. In addition, once you meet some friendly Iranians (read: walk outside the hotel for 10 minutes), they will ensure that you have everything you need as a foreigner.
I have never met people so helpful anywhere else in the world.
Random strangers will get off at the wrong station and let them show you in the right way. They will escort you to the bus seat to make sure you find everything right and don't miss it. They will also protect your things.
I only felt unsafe once. I was in Isfahan at night, but nothing happened.
9. Crossing the road may be the most dangerous road in Iran
Crossing the road in Iran is terrible. To be honest, I don't want to drive in Iran because traffic rules seem to be some general guideline. If you want to cross the street, whether it is a crosswalk or anywhere else, you need to start walking and pray for the car to stop.
If you have to wait until the car stops, you may have to wait until next year, because they will never stop until you are halfway. Your best choice is to keep eye contact, as if you know what you are doing.
10. Prepare for some crazy drivers
You may have a heart attack in a taxi because Iranian drivers are crazy. So don't try to drive your own car even if your new friend offers it. I mean, just look at the picture below to prove that it's perfectly OK to stop and chat in the middle of a circle
Two white cars parked in the middle of the roundabout
11. The hotel will keep your passport until you check out
The hotel reception will keep your passport and return it to you when you check out. Some people may be afraid of this, but they do ensure its safety. Make sure you always have a copy of your passport!
12. Iran has no good guidelines
I don't usually like guidebooks. I worked with Rick Steves' guide to Slovenia and Croatia once, and every place mentioned was overcrowded or overspent by tourists. But as far as I know, some people prefer to have guidelines, which may be useful for countries like Iran.
Although Lonely Planet's Iran Guide is still a best seller, it is also very outdated. The latest version came out in September 2017. Many of the restaurants and hotels mentioned there have closed down, and I found that the frequent travel time and bus schedule are wrong. But I thicken and emphasize "but" deliberately, and the guide can still help when going to Iran.
I still recommend getting a copy, but consider that some things may not be up to date and check carefully.
13. Women must wear headscarves
Iran is an official Islamic Republic, and both women and men must comply with the dress code (yes, this does not apply only to women). Men should not wear shorts. Women need to cover their hair with their front and body.
At first, I was worried that the whole scalp was covered, but I soon realized the degree of "relaxation" of the rules. Many young women cover only the top of their hair.
Iranian women are very fashionable, so if you wear baggy elephant pants, you will feel inappropriate - believe me! In addition, short skirts or dresses should be worn, because in private houses, women will soon become tight shirts and skirts. You look ridiculous in conservative clothes. Everyone will ask why you don't change.
Read more: What to wear in Iran
Head Iran
14. You need VPN to browse the Internet freely
Although Iran has the Internet, similar to China, you need a VPN to see some websites. You need to install VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access a website. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are blocked in Iran. Writing travel blogs about Israel has also been blocked in Iran.
What didn't stop it? You will be able to access your Gmail account without problems. The most popular social network in Iran is Instagram, which is not blocked. I think it's ironic to know that Instagram is owned by Facebook, which is blocked in Iran.
Please be sure to research and check my other posts, because not all VPNs can be used in Iran.
Learn more about which VPN is most suitable for Iran
When you visit a forbidden website without VPN, you will see all the content
15. Obtain Iran SIM card
Iran SIM card is very cheap. You may find that you suddenly need Google Maps, so I strongly recommend it. You can inquire about the nearest Iranian Tel at your hotel/hotel. The basic SIM card costs 10 euros, including 2 GB of Internet.
If you want to keep in touch with new Iranian friends as smoothly as possible, you can also download the Telegram application. Iranians use this application to communicate, rather than send text messages, because it is encrypted.
16. Toilets are everywhere, but
First, no toilets are required. Ask for a WC, because it is a word used by Iranians.
Prepare your own squatting toilet. Even many hotels don't have western toilets, and you can forget them even in high-end restaurants. Don't forget to bring a roll of toilet paper. It is rarely provided outside private residences, even in cheaper hotels, and I often lack scrolls in the bathroom.
Learn more: what to pack for Iran?
17. If possible, stay in Iran
Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable part of backpacking Iran is the opportunity to stay with local people. Although Couchsurfing is technically illegal and widely used, you can try it even if you are not a couch surfer. Yes - it is safe to interact and stay with local people in Iran. Everyone is very hospitable. They will invite you to stay for many nights.
My friends and I were stopped many times by local people on the street. They asked us to live with them, wanted to buy us lunch, and invited us to birthday parties and weddings. Although it obviously does not happen in the western world, which may seem strange at first, it is Iranian culture. Promise me. You will see a totally different Iran - believe me.
Please note that Americans, Britons and Canadians are prohibited from entering local families and staying alone with them.
18. Don't be afraid to ask some personal questions to Iranians
If you are curious about something, don't be afraid to ask the Iranians. My friends and I met a group of girls in Kurdistan, and we had an in-depth conversation with them on cultural differences, life and life. This is really eye opening. I learned a lot.
19. If you are a vegetarian, I hope you like eggplant and lentils
Although my opinion may be totally biased towards the fact that I visited Iran during the national holiday, I had problems finding some vegetarian dishes in Iran. If you are a vegetarian, please leave it alone. In addition to popular tourist routes, there is no problem to choose vegetarian food. Even milk cinnamon soup contains meat.
But if you stick to the tourist route (Tehran - Kashan - Isfahan - Yazid - Shiraz), you will be able to find restaurants that offer eggplant stew or eggplant mousse. I often see lentils on the menu, but if they contain meat, I may check them carefully with the waiter.
In general, except for some dishes, I have no deep impression on Iranian food. I blame it on the bad time of Navroz's holiday and the fact that I'm not a meat eater. All salads and yogurt are equipped with my allergic cucumbers, so I can't eat them.
But if you take part in some home-made meals or food tours, you may change your strength. I found the Persian food tour of the local people, but unfortunately, when I did this, I had already left Tehran. Let me know if you decide to do so!
20. Forget about Iranian alcohol
If you travel on the way and get drunk, Iran may not be suitable for you. Unless you really know how to find it (not recommended), you can't usually find bars and alcohol. If you are drunk, you may see some prison time or fines. But don't worry - the water bottle looks like a flask of vodka.
Just because you don't have alcohol doesn't mean you won't be able to partake and have fun. I attended a birthday party and was glad to see how Iranians can entertain themselves without alcohol. We danced, we talked. - It was fun!
You will often see beer on the menu, but this means non-alcoholic. It also has different flavors, so you might as well try it.
This is water!
21. As a husband and wife, don't extricate yourself from the public feelings
Like any other conservative country, PDAs are not common. Although technically it is not illegal, you should not hold hands with your relatives or kiss in public places.
22. Everyone will approach you and talk with you
Although random strangers approaching you is not a common practice in other countries, it is in Iran. People often have random conversations with foreigners to practice English.
23. Take off shoes everywhere in Iran
Whether you live in a luxury hotel, hotel, hotel or someone's home, you should take off your shoes. Nobody wears shoes inside. In restaurants with traditional seats, you need to take off your shoes before jumping onto the seat.
24. Shopping in the Iranian market
Fairs play an important role in Iran's daily life. You can find them in every city and small town. The world's largest market (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is located in Tabriz, where I bought my carpet.
If you don't want to shop, don't skip the market, because they are usually very beautiful, even wandering around. With high ceilings and mosaics, you can walk for a while to enjoy the building.
Tabriz Bazaar
25. There are men and women on subways and buses
I often compare the situation in Iran with that in Mexico, which also has hybrid cars and women's cars. It has a special effect on the platform and a yellow line on the floor.
But this is only in theory, because during the peak hours in Tehran, I saw many men and their wives enter the women's compartment together, and people told us that our male friends could come with us. Why? I'm not sure.
26. Prepare for selfie and celebrity therapy
Iranians like taking selfies. They often ask you to bring one. I may have finished more than 500 selfies in two weeks, so even if you hate them, be ready. Iran may be the only country that sells selfie shots best.
As a foreigner, you will also become the focus of everyone's attention. I met a woman in a place that I seldom or hardly visited, such as Sanandaj, who screamed excitedly, "OMG tourists are here!" When she saw me and my friends in the street.
27. Don't blow your nose in public
Fortunately, this is the rule I read before, because I have completely humiliated myself. Don't blow your nose in public. This is considered serious. If necessary, please do it in the bathroom.
28. Don't believe the bus won't stop. Toilets and food
Before I went to Iran, I read many articles and told me that the long-distance bus would not stop unless specifically requested. As a person with small bladder, I am very afraid.
It turns out that this is not the case. Every bus I take (I really take a lot of buses) stops many times, sometimes even for an hour's dinner. Don't worry, but remember, there is no toilet on the bus!
29. Learn to drink tea in the Iranian way
Forget the way you drink tea at home. In Iran, you need to try drinking with local people, which means you will drink some sweet tea. Well, I'm not saying you put a candy bar in your cup. You need to put a sugar cube in your mouth, take it out, and then take it in.
30. Iran has the world's most cunning mannequins
Chuck Doll is an angel compared to an Iranian mannequin. I can seriously create a whole set of corn children's programs in Iran. If you pass some clothing stalls to children in the dark, you may have some nightmares! Shops in Iran
Movies about Iran:
separate
Under the shadow - slightly different, because of the terrorist incident in Tehran during the Iraq War.
Books on Iran:
Prisoner of Tehran - The story of a woman who survived in an Iranian prison during the Iranian revolution.
The child of the jacaranda tree - about a shop of political prisoners, which gave birth in Evin prison in Tehran in 1983. This book traces the characters of today and teaches you a lot about the Iranian revolution. |
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