Iran Travel Guide

Brimming with ancient cities, ruins, and magnificent mosques and museums to explore, Iran may not appeal to the typical traveller. But for culture seekers it has over 5,000 years of history and offers some of the world's ancient wonders, as a former part of the Persian Empire. Originally called Persia, Iran was one of the first countries to be occupied by the early Islamic armies that emerged from Arabia in the seventh century.Although tourism is on the rise, some people still believe it is not easy to travel to Iran, but this is far from the truth. Iran and the West have had a rocky relationship for many years and most people's perception of the country and its people is based on what they see in the media. Iran's negative image is largely due to its governmental policies, but what people tend to overlook is the beguiling country and a sympathetic people that lies behind this stern façade. Iran was the only country in the Middle East whose citizens held a spontaneous vigil for the 9/11 victims.This culturally rich country has something to offer everyone with plenty of sightseeing choices, wonderful shopping and exciting cuisine. With some of the most repressive laws for women, Iran is not the ideal honeymoon destination. However, for the more adventurous, Iran offers trekking, rock climbing and a few ski resorts all at affordable prices. The mountains bordering the Caspian Sea are covered in deciduous forest, and the brown forest soils found along the coasts of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf are used extensively for farming. Iran has extremely rich mineral resources, especially petroleum and natural gas.

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Iran Climate and Weather

Spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Iran as the weather is not as hot as in June and July when the country scorches with occasional heavy rains. July is the hottest month with temperatures soaring to between 95ºF - 133ºF (35ºC - 45ºC). Autumn starts in September and is usually sunny, turning cold and damp by November. Winter lasts from December through March and can include substantial snowfall depending on the region. January and February can be bitterly cold with temperatures plummeting to 5ºF to -4ºF (-5ºC to -20ºC) though days can be mild in the southern parts of the country.

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Iran Currency

Money: The unit of currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR) which is divided into 100 dinar but the toman is used by Iranians today as an amount of ten Rial. Most Iranians state the value of things in toman instead of Rial. Prices are most often marked in toman, sometimes meaning 1,000 or 1,000,000 toman (10,000 or 10,000,000 Rial). It is best to travel with US Dollars which can be exchanged upon arrival in the airport or bank in big cities or street rate at the streets. Travellers are not advised to take travellers cheques unless it is a necessity as they can only be exchanged at the Bank Melli branches at the international airport in Tehran and in central Tehran. An increasing number of mid-range hotels and all top-end establishments accept Visa and MasterCard. Some of the more expensive Iranian hotel will charge in US Dollars.

Currency Exchange Rates
IRR 1 =	US$ 0.01	£ 0.01	C$ 0.01	A$ 0.01	R 0.07	EUR 0.01	NZ$ 0.01

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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Iran Health Overview

Travellers should be vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis A and B and typhoid. A one-time booster vaccine is against polio is recommended for adult travellers who have not had one as an adult. Health care in the cities in Iran is good, but is generally insufficient in rural areas. Travellers are advised to have full medical insurance and to consult with their medical practitioner prior to travel.

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Iran Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: United States nationals require a passport and visa to enter Iran.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:British nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Iran.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Iran.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australian nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Iran.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South African nationals require a passport and visa to enter Iran.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Iran.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Iran.
Passport/Visa Note:Visitors require a passport (must be valid at least 6 months after period of intended stay). Visitors must hold return or onward ticket and all documents required for next destination and sufficient funds. A visa is required however it can be issued on arrival provided the visit is for tourist purposes for a maximum of 7 days and holing a photo and US$50 for the holder of the passport and U$10 for each of the companions (if any) to cover visa fees. A 72-hour visa can be issued on arrival, if passenger has been introduced by means of a letter from valid organization or government at least two days prior to arrival. The fee is US$30. The passenger must report to police within 8 days after arrival.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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Iran Basics

Time: GMT + 3.5
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European and British style plugs are standard.
Language: The official language of Iran is Persian, also known as Farsi. English is mostly spoken and understood by businessmen.
Health: Travellers should be vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis A and B and typhoid. A one-time booster vaccine is against polio is recommended for adult travellers who have not had one as an adult. Health care in the cities in Iran is good, but is generally insufficient in rural areas. Travellers are advised to have full medical insurance and to consult with their medical practitioner prior to travel.
Tipping: Although there are many circumstances where a small tip is expected, it is unlikely that a waiter will be hovering around expectantly after delivering the bill. It's worth remembering that helpful Iranians probably deserve some extra appreciation to supplement their meagre wages. In most cases, tipping is an optional reward for good service. Fares in private taxis are always negotiable.
Safety: Travellers should exercise caution throughout the country, especially in the southeastern region where Westerners have been victims of criminal gangs often involved in the smuggling of drugs and other contraband. Anti-Western sentiment among certain elements of the population has resulted in violent demonstrations outside foreign representations based in the country. Travellers are advised to avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. Increased tension between Iran and the West over the past several years is a cause of concern for American travellers. Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Travellers may be detained and face serious criminal charges, including espionage, which carries the death penalty.
Customs: Because Iran is predominantly Islamic, dress is generally conservative and travellers should take care not to offend codes of dress, behaviour, drugs and alcohol. It is always best to err on the side of caution. Behaviour that would be regarded as innocuous elsewhere can lead to serious trouble in Iran. In recent times a Western businessman was detained on charges of 'being a non-Muslim and having knowledge of a Muslim woman.' Female visitors from the age of nine years old and up should wear headscarves in public, cover arms and legs and wear loose fitting clothing. They should also avoid looking into men's eyes too much, as this could easily be interpreted as an attempt to seduce. The Revolutionary Guard (Pasdaran) continues to enforce Islamic law and has the power to stop pedestrians, check clothing, make sure couples walking together are married and enter peoples homes to ensure Islamic standards are being upheld. Travellers should be aware that homosexuality and adultery are crimes in Islam and are punishable by flogging and even death in Iran.
Business: Most Iranian businessmen speak English and are polite and conservative in their manner. The same respect is expected in return. Exchanging business cards is normally restricted to senior business figures and it is advisable to have, in Farsi, a translation of details on the alternate side. Appointments should be made and punctuality is expected for business meetings. Dress is formal and conservative and though Iranians do not wear ties, it is not negative for foreigners to do so. Women should dress modestly and cover their hair. Business gifts are quite acceptable.
Communications: The international dialling code for Iran is +98. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. +44 for the United Kingdom). Internet cafes are found in major cities and public telephones accept 5-10 and 50 Rial coins and/or telephone cards. Iranian mobile telephone systems are not compatible with those of other countries except for satellite phones.
Duty Free: Travellers do not have to pay duty on a reasonable quantity of cigarettes; reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; gifts on which the import duty/tax does not exceed US$80. Prohibited items include Alcoholic beverages; all horticultural and agricultural goods including seeds and soil; living (or collection); bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes or viruses; old books or magazines; live birds, animals and their products. Penalties for being in possession of narcotics are very severe. It is prohibited to import pork or alcohol products and women's magazines and DVDs or videos depicting sexual relations are forbidden.

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Iran Airports

Tehran/ Mehrabad International Airport

Location: The airport is located 8km west of Tehran, approximately 30 minutes by car.
Time: GMT + 3.5
Contacts: Tel: +98 21 91021.
Transfer to the city: Buses and taxis run regularly from the airport into Tehran about 30 minutes away. Fares are upwards of IRR 30,000.
Car rental: Rental car facilities are available.
Facilities: Lost luggage facilities are available as well as shos and a restaurant.
Parking: Long and short-term parking is available.
Departure tax: IRR 1,000 but usually included in foreigners ticket prices.

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