Iran Travel Information

Iran, also known as Persia, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the stunning architecture of ancient ruins and mosques to the bustling streets of Tehran, there's something for everyone in this fascinating country. Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Iran.

1. Visit the Historic City of Isfahan

Isfahan is known as the "Half of the World" due to its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens. Don't miss the iconic Naghsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest city squares in the world.

2. Explore the Marvelous Persepolis

Persepolis was once the capital of the Achaemenid Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the ancient city offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Persian Empire.

3. Visit the Beautiful Holy City of Mashhad

Mashhad is home to the holiest shrine in Iran, the Shrine of Imam Reza, which attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The city is also known for its stunning architecture, including the intricate mosaics of the Goharshad Mosque.

4. Take a Stroll Through Tehran's Grand Bazaar

Tehran's Grand Bazaar is a bustling hub of commerce and culture, with narrow alleyways lined with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to gold and electronics.

5. Marvel at the Blue Mosques of Tabriz

Tabriz is home to several beautiful blue-tiled mosques, including the Jameh Mosque of Tabriz and the Kaboud Mosque. These stunning structures are a testament to the rich architectural heritage of Iran.

6. Visit the Historic City of Shiraz

Shiraz is known as the city of poets and gardens, with a rich cultural heritage and stunning gardens such as the Eram Garden. Don't miss the iconic Pink Mosque, with its stunning stained glass and intricate tile work.

7. Hike in the Alborz Mountains

The Alborz Mountains offer breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

8. Explore the Rich Culture of Kashan

Kasan is a city rich in culture, history, and architecture. Don't miss the stunning Agha Bozorg Mosque and the historic Bazaar of Kasan.

9. Visit the Stunning Chehel Sotoun Palace

The Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan is a stunning example of Persian architecture, with its intricate tile work, lush gardens, and expansive halls.

10. Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lake Urmia

Lake Urmia is a stunning natural landmark, with its deep blue waters surrounded by mountains and rolling hills. The lake is a popular destination for birdwatching, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Iran has something for everyone. So come and discover the rich heritage and fascinating stories of this captivating country.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Iran has a diverse climate, ranging from subtropical in the south to cold and semi-arid in the north. The best time to visit depends on what you'd like to see and do, but here's a general guide:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a great time to visit Iran, with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and the start of the hiking season in the mountains.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is hot and humid in most of Iran, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. This is a great time to visit the north, with its cooler temperatures and scenic lakes.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is a great time to visit Iran, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful fall colors in the north. This is also a good time for hiking and outdoor activities.

Winter (December to February)

Winter can be cold in much of Iran, with snow in the mountains and chilly temperatures in the cities. This is a good time to visit the south, where temperatures are milder and there's a chance to see some rain.

No matter what time of year you visit, Iran offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions to explore.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Iran offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and styles, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and traditional accommodations like historic houses. Here are the main types of accommodation in Iran:

Budget Accommodation

Budget accommodation options in Iran include hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels, offering basic amenities at an affordable price.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Mid-range accommodations in Iran include mid-priced hotels, traditional guesthouses, and boutique hotels, offering a comfortable stay with more amenities and services.

Luxury Accommodation

Luxury accommodation options in Iran include 5-star hotels, traditional mansions, and historical houses, offering the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and cultural experiences.

Traditional Accommodation

Traditional accommodation options in Iran include traditional houses and guesthouses, offering a unique cultural experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Whether you're on a budget or looking for luxury, Iran offers a range of accommodation options to suit your needs and make your visit comfortable and memorable.

Iran offers a range of transportation options to suit different budgets and travel styles, from public buses and trains to taxis and private vehicles. Here are the main transportation options in Iran:

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Iran includes buses, trains, and metro systems, providing an affordable and convenient way to get around the cities and towns.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Iran, offering a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around the cities and towns.

Private Vehicles

Private vehicles, such as rental cars and private taxis, offer more flexibility and independence when traveling in Iran, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are available between major cities in Iran, providing a convenient and fast way to travel across the country.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.