Modern Day Iran

Challenges Visiting Iran

Money

• You cannot use ATMs or withdraw cash from any banks

• You’ll need to bring a large amount of cash foreign currency (ideally USD) with you when arriving, this is certainly scary so don’t keep it all in your wallet!

• The official conversion rate is a terrible deal compared to the blackmarket rate, you can find todays rate here: https://www.bonbast.com/
• I’d recommend asking your hotel/hostel to help you find someone willing to trade for your foreign currency. It is technically a crime but FX is the most valuable possession there due to it’s resilience against inflation.

• If somehow you run out of cash, you can get a withdrawal at the Heritage Hostel in Tehran. However, they charge a minimum 10% fee on top of any conversion fees AND you’ll get the much worse official government currency rate: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2UzGuNZPqiXJ7BnU7
• This works because they use a shell company payment processor in Dubai as the middle man

• Don’t tell you’re bank you’re going to Iran and definitely don’t note that the cash you may be withdrawing for your trip is for Iran. It’s illegal for a western bank to release money to you if they know it’s going to this sanctioned country and they will shut your account down.

Internet

• There is internet but not only does the government crack down and block almost all sites but so too do foreign companies like Google and Facebook who block access if you’re detected as being in Iran.

• One VPN (Virtual Private Network) is not enough, during my 16 days I had to use 8 different ones at various times as one that works for a few days will eventually break. It’s pointless that I recommend any VPN here so I only suggest downloading the app ‘SHAREIT’ on your phone which will allow Iranian locals to share VPN .apk files with you over bluetooth so you can install whichever VPN app is working at the time. Hostels and Hotels usually offer this service for free. Note: Download SHAREIT ahead of time as the App and Play stores are blocked.

• Almost no Iranians have iPhones because iPhone sales are banned. I’d recommend buying a cheap android before your trip to Iran or even while there.

• If you can’t install SHAREIT you can share files between phones by plugging them into one another.

• Even with a VPN, the speeds are abysmal. Expect to irregularly message friends and family back home but no more. Maps works but barely and frequently drops out, download offline maps ahead of time.

• Ensure you’ve downloaded all your personal documents and backups ahead of time as well.

Embassies / Consulates

• Many countries do not have any government services, such as the USA. If something goes wrong (ie you lose your passport) it could be a huge hassle and you’d need to go to another embassy for help (Like Switzerlands or Australia’s).

Insurance

• Most insurers will not cover a trip to Iran, this includes ‘global insurance’.

• You can get decent coverage with this provider for a slight markup: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk/

People/Places

• Sadly, American, Canadian and UK citizens will need to be escorted at all times in a tour. This is likely as ‘punishment’ by the Irani government for these countries pushing for sanctions. Other nationalities however, are free to explore solo.

• Swedish citizens are warned not to visit currently as theirs ongoing tension regarding the Qu-ran burnings that happened in Stockholm (As of November 2023).

• Israeli citizens should NEVER visit Iran. You will be arrested and used for political leverage.

• Do not visit Iran if you have any sort of proof of visiting Israel (Such as a passport stamp, sticker, bag tag or even a land-border crossing stamp from Egypt or Jordan), you can find more info here: https://igoogledisrael.com/can-i-visit-arab-countries-with-an-israeli-visa-stamp-in-my-passport/
• Note: Iran doesn’t believe Israel to exist, it is recommended not to mention it at all when travelling there at all.

Cultural Rules

• You should cover your shoulders and knees at all times, not just mosques.

• It is recommended that women wear an abaya or hair covering. Theirs a growing movement to end the mandatory Hijab, but as a tourist it’s best not to draw attention to yourself. Learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_protests_against_compulsory_hijab#:~:text=On 16 September 2022%2C a,hijab protests across the country.

• Alcohol is officially illegal so you can’t buy it in stores or find it at bars, however it is plenty available at hostels, underground clubs and in peoples homes. The most common varieties are moon shine, home made wine and mead.

Protests

• Happen frequently and from all sides.

• Those against the government tend to be cracked down on harshly, avoid public gatherings of this nature and stay indoors.

Arriving

Visa

Tehran Airport

Hotels/Hostels

Commuting

Day to Day

Locals

Costs

Food

Shisha

Destinations

Tehran

• US Den of Espionage

• Qasr Garden Museum

• Tabiat Bridge

• Museum of the Holy Defense

• Azadi Tower

• Park Shahr

• Golestan Palace

• Milad Tower

• Reza Great Bazaar

• Tehran Grand Bazaar

Shiraz

• Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

• Vakil Bazaar

• Joulep Bistro

• Arg of Karim Khan

• Ali Ibn Hamza Mausoleum

• Tomb of Hafez

• Apadana Palace

• Percepolis
• Tomb of Cyrus the Great
• Pasargadae World Heritage Site

Ardabil

• Ardabil Bazaar

• Shorabil

• Sareyn

• Hot springs

Tabriz

• Jolfa

• Tabriz Bazaar

• Blue Mosque

• El-Goli Pavilion

• Azerbaijan Museum

• Kandovan Village

Esfahan

• Vank Cathedral - Armenian Apostolic Church

• Shah Mosque

• Aali Qapu Palace

• Naqsh-e Jahan Square

• Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

• Kashan

• Fin garden

• Borujerdi House

Hormuz

• Salt Caves

• Rainbow Mountains

• Valley of Statues

• Portuguese Fort

• Worlds largest soil carpet

Rasht

• Bandar Anzali

• Fuman

• Moein

• Rudkhan Castle

• Masuleh

• Khareh Boo Waterfall

Fun Facts

• 99% of tourists come from China and Russia who seek affordable trips to an enigmatic destination

• Due to significantly damaging ecological decisions over the past 5 decades, Iran has exhausted almost all natural rivers and is rapidly destroying its underground water table leading to widespread sinkholes and drought.

• Despite the government blocking almost all VPNs, the ‘presidents’ wife owns several VPN companies and is known to profit greatly by selling their services

• Fuel costs approx. $0.06usd per litre (Yes, 6 cents per litre!) meaning the cost to fill a tank is about $2usd

• When sanctions hit in the 1980’s all foreign car companies were required to pull out of Iran. The government simply took over the empty factories and have continued to produce the same vehicles from then ever since. Even though the badge is the same, these cars have nothing to do with the original companies. Brand new Peugeot 405s roll off the assembly line even today and you can see that in the manufacture years in it’s wikipedia page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_405