Travel Essentials › Iran
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and F, 220 V. Emergency: Police 110, Ambulance 115, Fire 125. Tipping: Not expected; rounding up or leaving about 10% in restaurants is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C and F, 220 V
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance | 115 |
| Fire | 125 |
Not expected; rounding up or leaving about 10% in restaurants is appreciated.
Greetings. "Salaam" is the usual hello. Men shake hands and close male friends kiss on the cheek. Many women and men do not touch the opposite sex: wait for the other person to offer a hand, or place your hand on your chest with a nod.
Dress code. Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) and loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs in all public places; men should avoid shorts. Rules are enforced by law.
Taarof (politeness ritual). Iranians often initially refuse payment or offer things repeatedly out of politeness; a polite refusal and re-offer is expected before accepting.
Photography. Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites and checkpoints; ask before photographing people, especially women.
Alcohol. Alcohol is illegal and unavailable; do not bring it in or drink in public.
Right hand and gestures. Use the right hand for eating and giving/receiving items; the thumbs-up gesture is considered rude.
Iran is generally safe from street crime, and Iranians are known for hospitality, but political tensions and unpredictable detention risk for foreigners (especially dual nationals) make several governments advise caution or against travel.
Street money changers. Unofficial changers may shortchange or pass counterfeit notes; use licensed exchange offices (sarafi) instead.
Inflated taxi fares. Agree on a fare before the ride or use a metered/official taxi app, as unmetered taxis may overcharge tourists.
Women travelers. Solo women travelers often report friendly, helpful encounters, though harassment can occur, particularly at night; the hijab and modest dress are legally required for all women in public.
Death penalty
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and can carry the death penalty under Iran's Penal Code; enforcement is real and executions have been documented in recent years. LGBTQ+ travelers should be extremely discreet and avoid any public display of affection.
| Coffee (café) | approx. 150,000 Rial | approx. $1.50 |
| Local bus or metro ride | approx. 30,000 Rial | approx. $0.30 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | approx. 800,000 Rial | approx. $8 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | approx. 1,500,000 Rial | approx. $15 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | approx. 4,000,000 Rial | approx. $40 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | approx. 7,000,000 Rial | approx. $70 |
2026-09
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are best: mild temperatures for sightseeing in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Summer is very hot, especially in the south and deserts; winter brings snow to mountain roads and the northwest.
Iran visa requirements by nationality
Basic Persian (Farsi) phrases · Basic Azerbaijani phrases · Basic Kurdish (Kurmanji) phrases · Basic Balochi phrases