IRAN
What you should know before travel to Iran
Why you should read it?
Iran is a very unconventional country with many unique challenges and restrictions for travelers. That’s why it’s better to travel with a group or a local guide for your first visit. Here’s an example of a typical problem a European traveler might face:
- At the airport, you’ll find a currency exchange, but it won’t have local cash…
- The exchange will offer to transfer money to your card, but you don’t have a local bank card.
- You won’t be able to pay with your bank card in Iran.
- The exchange will offer you a much worse rate because the official exchange rate is different from the real one…
Iran Dress Code
Failure to comply with dress code regulations is punishable by law!
FOR MEN, there are few requirements. It is important to wear long pants, and T-shirts with straps are not acceptable. Shorts are allowed in nature, for example, when hiking or climbing mountains. In our Iran trip, shorts can be worn in the Lut Desert, while trekking in the mountains of the Meimand cave village, or when traveling through the Persian Gulf islands, where the temperature is much higher. Shorts should cover the knees.
Swimming in the sea or pool is allowed with swimming trunks.
FOR WOMEN, the requirements are stricter: A hijab, scarf, or shawl is required to cover the hair. In theory, all hair should be covered, but practically only part of it is. Long sleeves are required, and 3/4-length sleeves are acceptable. Long skirts, dresses, coats, or overcoats are required. Long shirts that cover the hips are also acceptable. If the skirt or dress does not reach the floor and the calves are visible, long socks must cover the calves. A long overcoat or jacket can be unbuttoned at the front. It is important that the hips are covered. Shoes, sneakers, and sandals are allowed. Feet in sandals can be bare. It is always a good idea to have socks with you, as you may not be allowed into sacred Muslim sites without them. A chador may be required when visiting certain mosques. You can borrow a chador at the entrance. Almost all young women in cities wear jeans. Here are a few examples of appropriate outfits.
You can swim in the sea with all your clothes on or with a special "burkini" swimsuit. In a pool where only women swim, only a one-piece swimsuit is allowed.
The police are more lenient with foreigners' violations. If you break the rules, you will first be warned and allowed to correct your behavior.
Treat these rules not as an infringement of your "natural freedoms," but as respect for the local culture you are there to explore. After all, Africans do not walk around naked when they visit your country…
According to these rules, you should be dressed properly before stepping off the plane.
Swimming in the sea or pool is allowed with swimming trunks.
FOR WOMEN, the requirements are stricter: A hijab, scarf, or shawl is required to cover the hair. In theory, all hair should be covered, but practically only part of it is. Long sleeves are required, and 3/4-length sleeves are acceptable. Long skirts, dresses, coats, or overcoats are required. Long shirts that cover the hips are also acceptable. If the skirt or dress does not reach the floor and the calves are visible, long socks must cover the calves. A long overcoat or jacket can be unbuttoned at the front. It is important that the hips are covered. Shoes, sneakers, and sandals are allowed. Feet in sandals can be bare. It is always a good idea to have socks with you, as you may not be allowed into sacred Muslim sites without them. A chador may be required when visiting certain mosques. You can borrow a chador at the entrance. Almost all young women in cities wear jeans. Here are a few examples of appropriate outfits.
You can swim in the sea with all your clothes on or with a special "burkini" swimsuit. In a pool where only women swim, only a one-piece swimsuit is allowed.
The police are more lenient with foreigners' violations. If you break the rules, you will first be warned and allowed to correct your behavior.
Treat these rules not as an infringement of your "natural freedoms," but as respect for the local culture you are there to explore. After all, Africans do not walk around naked when they visit your country…
According to these rules, you should be dressed properly before stepping off the plane.
Security Situation in Iran
Traveling in Iran is as safe as it is in most European countries. Iran is safer than Turkey, where Europeans like to vacation.
Although Iran is very safe, it’s important to remember and follow key safety rules while traveling:
Although Iran is very safe, it’s important to remember and follow key safety rules while traveling:
- Do not display money publicly.
- Keep money and passport close to your body or within your sight (wallet on your stomach or chest).
- Do not keep your wallet in your back pants pocket.
- Do not hang your bag or purse on the back of a chair or bench—keep it on your lap.
- Do not keep all your money in one wallet—store some in a hidden pocket on your belt, pants, or bra, etc.
- When traveling by car with the window open, do not hold your phone near your ear near the open window.
- Women should travel in the women-only compartments of the metro.
- Have electronic copies of your documents online.
- Always carry your travel plan and accommodation addresses with you, in case you get separated from the group.
- Avoid protests and similar gatherings.
- If you end up in a protest or similar gathering, do not take photos or videos.
- Do not encourage strangers to take any actions against the law and/or authorities.
- Do not take photos of government and military sites.
- Do not provoke the police by wearing inappropriate clothing.
- Do not bring drones.
Iran Visas on Arrivals
Iran Visa on Arrival (VOA) Overview
Iran offers a 30-day electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) to most nationalities, with exceptions for citizens of the US, UK, and Canada. This visa can be applied for online and collected at major international airports in Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and others. The visa is available for tourism, pilgrimage, or similar purposes, and applicants must present a valid passport, travel insurance, and cash in Euros to pay the visa fee.
There are a few exceptions: citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the UK, the US, and Canada must apply for a visa before arrival. For travelers from other countries, Iran provides facilities to apply online and receive the visa at the airport, though some land borders are also trialing e-VOA facilities.
Visa fees vary by nationality, typically ranging from €20 to €150, with the visa duration limited to 30 days. The visa is valid for single-entry only. Importantly, international debit or credit cards cannot be used in Iran, so payments must be made in cash, usually in Euros.
For travelers from certain countries, like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Turkey, no visa is required for short stays. However, travelers intending to enter Iran for purposes other than tourism, such as work or journalism, must apply for the appropriate visa before arrival.
Key Requirements for Iran VOA:
Read more details about VoA here.
Iran offers a 30-day electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) to most nationalities, with exceptions for citizens of the US, UK, and Canada. This visa can be applied for online and collected at major international airports in Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, and others. The visa is available for tourism, pilgrimage, or similar purposes, and applicants must present a valid passport, travel insurance, and cash in Euros to pay the visa fee.
There are a few exceptions: citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the UK, the US, and Canada must apply for a visa before arrival. For travelers from other countries, Iran provides facilities to apply online and receive the visa at the airport, though some land borders are also trialing e-VOA facilities.
Visa fees vary by nationality, typically ranging from €20 to €150, with the visa duration limited to 30 days. The visa is valid for single-entry only. Importantly, international debit or credit cards cannot be used in Iran, so payments must be made in cash, usually in Euros.
For travelers from certain countries, like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Turkey, no visa is required for short stays. However, travelers intending to enter Iran for purposes other than tourism, such as work or journalism, must apply for the appropriate visa before arrival.
Key Requirements for Iran VOA:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- A travel insurance policy valid in Iran.
- Proof of the visa authorization (Visa Grant Notice) before departure.
- Sufficient cash (in Euros) to cover visa fees.
Read more details about VoA here.
Money in Iran
The official currency of Iran is the rial. You can find its exchange rate here.
The official rate differs significantly from the real exchange rate. Don’t rely on the official rate. The website provided shows the real, unofficial exchange rate.
This is the rate used by street exchangers. Exchange offices and hotels offer a worse rate, and banks give an even worse one. Even if you decide to exchange money at a worse rate in an exchange office, it might not be possible because often they do not have cash available. You’ll give them euros, and they’ll offer to transfer it to your card. However, your card won’t work for them; you need a local card. In short, the best option is to find illegal exchangers. You’ll recognize them by the stacks of banknotes they hold in their hands.
Hotel reception, taxi drivers, and market vendors can guide you to where to find them. By the way, in the market, they’ll also accept euros for your purchases.
A few places for currency exchange in major cities:
Tehran
On Sepah Street, between Shah Square and the Natural History Museum with dinosaurs, at the intersection of Sepah, Ostandari, and Hakim Streets.
Shiraz
At the intersection of Saadi Street and Karim Khan Zand Boulevard.
Exchangers can sometimes be dishonestly primitive, trying to give you slightly less money than you should get. For example, by keeping one or a few bills for themselves. When you count the money and notice the shortage, they’ll explain that it’s a commission for the exchange. Show with gestures that you’re not interested in their excuses and that you expect the money you’re owed. It’s better for women to bring a man along when going to exchangers.
Western cards will only work in very expensive hotels and carpet shops. These establishments have accounts in foreign banks, like the UAE, and use POS machines from those countries to process your card payments.
Prices
Lunch in a restaurant costs 5-15€, and a night with breakfast costs 20€ (poor hotel for locals or a hostel), 50€ (clean, inexpensive 2-3 star hotel), 80€ (better 3-4 star hotels). Breakfast in a café costs 2€.
Tumans
It’s very important to know that although the official currency is the rial, prices will always be quoted (and written) in tumans. One toman is equal to 10 or often even 10,000 rials. You need to figure this out for yourself. It’s not a different currency. In Lithuanian, we would simply call this a decimal. Instead of saying 10€, we would say "one tenth". Over the years, due to inflation, "tuman" has come to refer to ten thousand rials.
In the image below, you can see prices listed as 12,000, 13,000, 15,000, etc. These prices are almost always in tumans. So, if the tuman exchange rate is 5 tumans per euro, the prices will be 2.4€, 2.6€, 3€, etc.
If you ask how much something costs, they’ll say "12", "13", or "15". If they see that you don’t understand, they’ll clarify: "12 thousand tumans" (i.e., 120,000 rials).
So, when traveling to Iran, you’ll need to quickly convert not just rials but also tumans and thousands of tumans.
As you can see, you’ll also need to learn Arabic numerals. You can read more about them in the language section.
Prices written in rials are only found in government locations—museums, ferries, trains, etc.
The official rate differs significantly from the real exchange rate. Don’t rely on the official rate. The website provided shows the real, unofficial exchange rate.
This is the rate used by street exchangers. Exchange offices and hotels offer a worse rate, and banks give an even worse one. Even if you decide to exchange money at a worse rate in an exchange office, it might not be possible because often they do not have cash available. You’ll give them euros, and they’ll offer to transfer it to your card. However, your card won’t work for them; you need a local card. In short, the best option is to find illegal exchangers. You’ll recognize them by the stacks of banknotes they hold in their hands.
Hotel reception, taxi drivers, and market vendors can guide you to where to find them. By the way, in the market, they’ll also accept euros for your purchases.
A few places for currency exchange in major cities:
Tehran
- One or two exchangers may approach you when you leave Imam Khomeini Airport, where you’re likely to arrive. Their rate might be worse than in the city, but at least you’ll have enough money for a taxi and breakfast. Later, you can exchange more.
- On Ferdosi Street, near the Treasury (Central Bank), at the intersection with Jomhouri Avenue. Many banks, exchange offices, and embassies are nearby.
- At the central entrance of the Grand Bazaar. About 50 exchangers gather there.
On Sepah Street, between Shah Square and the Natural History Museum with dinosaurs, at the intersection of Sepah, Ostandari, and Hakim Streets.
Shiraz
At the intersection of Saadi Street and Karim Khan Zand Boulevard.
Exchangers can sometimes be dishonestly primitive, trying to give you slightly less money than you should get. For example, by keeping one or a few bills for themselves. When you count the money and notice the shortage, they’ll explain that it’s a commission for the exchange. Show with gestures that you’re not interested in their excuses and that you expect the money you’re owed. It’s better for women to bring a man along when going to exchangers.
Western cards will only work in very expensive hotels and carpet shops. These establishments have accounts in foreign banks, like the UAE, and use POS machines from those countries to process your card payments.
Prices
Lunch in a restaurant costs 5-15€, and a night with breakfast costs 20€ (poor hotel for locals or a hostel), 50€ (clean, inexpensive 2-3 star hotel), 80€ (better 3-4 star hotels). Breakfast in a café costs 2€.
Tumans
It’s very important to know that although the official currency is the rial, prices will always be quoted (and written) in tumans. One toman is equal to 10 or often even 10,000 rials. You need to figure this out for yourself. It’s not a different currency. In Lithuanian, we would simply call this a decimal. Instead of saying 10€, we would say "one tenth". Over the years, due to inflation, "tuman" has come to refer to ten thousand rials.
In the image below, you can see prices listed as 12,000, 13,000, 15,000, etc. These prices are almost always in tumans. So, if the tuman exchange rate is 5 tumans per euro, the prices will be 2.4€, 2.6€, 3€, etc.
If you ask how much something costs, they’ll say "12", "13", or "15". If they see that you don’t understand, they’ll clarify: "12 thousand tumans" (i.e., 120,000 rials).
So, when traveling to Iran, you’ll need to quickly convert not just rials but also tumans and thousands of tumans.
As you can see, you’ll also need to learn Arabic numerals. You can read more about them in the language section.
Prices written in rials are only found in government locations—museums, ferries, trains, etc.
SIM card in Iran
Mobile connection in Iran is very cheap. But don't use roaming – it's especially expensive.
The best option is to buy a local SIM card as soon as you arrive. Locals will always be able to contact you by phone, and you'll be able to make calls cheaply anywhere.
You can buy a SIM card at the Irancell kiosk at the airport. Additionally, purchase a package for calls, SMS, and data.
You can also download the MyIrancell app from Google Play, where you'll be able to see your card balance and data usage.
If you're bringing your own mobile phone to Iran and plan to stay longer than a month, go to the customs officers at the airport when you pick up your luggage and pay the customs duty. This can also be done with the help of the hotel, but it might take longer. Otherwise, your phone will stop working after a month.
With a local SIM card, you'll be able to use the most useful app in Iran – Snapp. It's like Uber, but the Iranian version. Once you're at the airport, you can call a "Snap" and get to the city center for half the price of a regular taxi waiting at the entrance. A "Snap" will charge about 3€, while a regular taxi will cost about 8€.
Snapp is also convenient because it calculates the fare when you call the ride, so you won’t have to worry about it later. You'll pay cash at the end of the ride.
Snapp isn’t available in all cities, but at least in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Yazd, it works.
The best option is to buy a local SIM card as soon as you arrive. Locals will always be able to contact you by phone, and you'll be able to make calls cheaply anywhere.
You can buy a SIM card at the Irancell kiosk at the airport. Additionally, purchase a package for calls, SMS, and data.
You can also download the MyIrancell app from Google Play, where you'll be able to see your card balance and data usage.
If you're bringing your own mobile phone to Iran and plan to stay longer than a month, go to the customs officers at the airport when you pick up your luggage and pay the customs duty. This can also be done with the help of the hotel, but it might take longer. Otherwise, your phone will stop working after a month.
With a local SIM card, you'll be able to use the most useful app in Iran – Snapp. It's like Uber, but the Iranian version. Once you're at the airport, you can call a "Snap" and get to the city center for half the price of a regular taxi waiting at the entrance. A "Snap" will charge about 3€, while a regular taxi will cost about 8€.
Snapp is also convenient because it calculates the fare when you call the ride, so you won’t have to worry about it later. You'll pay cash at the end of the ride.
Snapp isn’t available in all cities, but at least in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Yazd, it works.
Farsi (Persian) language
In Iran, the official language is Farsi, also known as Persian.
English is spoken by young people and workers in the tourism industry. However, most people, especially in rural areas, do not speak English. There is little prospect for the popularity of the English language, as inbound tourism in Iran is developing slowly, and English language teaching has been discontinued in primary schools.
Therefore, it is useful to learn some basic phrases in Farsi before your trip.
A lot of information about the language and a travel dictionary is available.
It is recommended to learn the numbers: how they are written (you’ll need them for understanding prices and money) and how they are pronounced in Farsi (for price negotiations).
English is spoken by young people and workers in the tourism industry. However, most people, especially in rural areas, do not speak English. There is little prospect for the popularity of the English language, as inbound tourism in Iran is developing slowly, and English language teaching has been discontinued in primary schools.
Therefore, it is useful to learn some basic phrases in Farsi before your trip.
A lot of information about the language and a travel dictionary is available.
It is recommended to learn the numbers: how they are written (you’ll need them for understanding prices and money) and how they are pronounced in Farsi (for price negotiations).
Every time I go to Iran, I review basic phrases using mobile apps.
I use this app for reviewing phrases. You will find more options depending on your needs and device.
Learning to read and write in Farsi is not easy, as you have to learn different letters and read (write) from right to left. Books and magazines are also printed in the opposite direction than we are used to.
I use this app for reviewing phrases. You will find more options depending on your needs and device.
Learning to read and write in Farsi is not easy, as you have to learn different letters and read (write) from right to left. Books and magazines are also printed in the opposite direction than we are used to.
Travel to Iran with me
A 16-day exploratory, experiential, and adventure-filled journey featuring an overnight stay in the Lut Desert and three days on the most beautiful islands of the Persian Gulf.
Write to me: vladas@spacetravel.lt