Iran Travel - Top Tips for Traveling to Iran
Hints for traveling in Iran
Mariam Noronha
Iran is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture that is replete with gardens, palaces, museums, mausoleums, historical sites and a breathtaking landscape. As a travel destination it offers visitors multifarious options that include driving around, exploration, historical tours, religious tours and adventure sports such as skiing.
If you are considering traveling to Iran for one or many of these purposes here are some tips to help you along the way.
When to Travel to Iran
Plan your trip to Iran sometime in the spring or in the fall; this will give you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the country and allow you to sample natural delights like delicious fruits and foods. The summer weather in Iran tends to be too hot, especially for women and the winters might prove to be too cold with the addition of heightened pollution in Tehran.
Finances in Iran
Plastic money such as credit and debit cards are not widely accepted in Iran which means that you will have to carry enough money in paper currency for the trip. Estimate your total needs before you travel to Iran so that you carry enough cash with you to cover all your travel costs and any shopping you plan to do together with some amount reserved for contingencies.
Money changers are available on the streets in shopping areas and most jewellery stores in major cities. American Dollars, British Pounds, Euros and even Indian Rupees can be exchanged freely.
Iran Visas and Documentation
You will have to procure a visa for Iran from the Iranian Embassy in your country. Be sure to contact the staff at the embassy in case you have any questions or queries with regard to traveling in Iran.
Ensure that your papers and travel tickets are in order before you go and also that your flights are properly booked. Most major European airlines like Air France, British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and KLM fly to Iran.
Always check arrival times, and transfer times with your travel agent or online travel site before you book your tickets.
Islamic Dress Code in Iran
The Islamic dress code is strictly enforced in Iran. Women usually wear trench coats with trousers and cover their heads with head scarves. A chador is a must while entering religious places. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.
Carry clothes according to the season and the areas you plan to visit. Iran offers all sorts of climates and conditions. You can go skiing in the winter in Northern Iran and go to the beach in the summer. The weather can be humid, dry, hot or cold depending on where you are.
Food in Iran
Persian food is light and non-spicy. Chello kebab (rice and fried meat balls), chello murgh (rice and chicken) are both specialties of Iranian cuisine and are served in all eating places. An assortment of freshly baked breads at any Iranian city's many bakeries is something that is peculiar to Iran where people like their bread freshly baked and straight out of the oven. Ice-cream and mash melon milkshake and black tea sweetened with sugar cubes are popular drinks.
Iranians love their greens and you can be assured of the freshest fruits, vegetables and salads everywhere in the country. The pizzas, ice-creams and sweets here are definitely worth a try.
Accommodation in Iran
Carry out some research on hotels beforehand. Five star hotels in Iran offer the best amenities but if you have relatives or friends in Iran then staying with them is the best way to get a glimpse in to Iranian culture and the way of life.
Looking Around
Try and get pre-arranged local help from a relative or a travel agent to move around and see places. In case you don't know anyone then an organized tour with a travel agency might be a good idea. If you are visiting historical sites then ensure that your guide is knowledgeable.
Farsi Language Tips
Persian (Farsi) is the only language in which people in Iran communicate. Few people communicate in English and learning some basic words and phrases might help you travel and shop with ease.
Don't forget to carry any medication that you take, a small medical kit, your camera, some batteries and gifts for family and friends!
