Here are some things to consider before packing your bags.
The currency of Iranian
The Iranian currency is Rial, the currency code for Rial is IRR, and the symbol of it isریال.
All foreign currencies such as Euro, pound, sterling, us dollar are changeable in Iran, ATMS in Iran don’t accept international credit cards, as a result the best way is to pay by cash. (except for some shopkeepers.)
Note: Although the official currency in Iran is Rial, Iranians tend to use Toman instead, in their daily payments. So, it’s better to get familiar with them in advance in order not to be confused. For example, by eliminating one zero of 10000 Rials, it will be changed to 1000 Tomans.
Insurance
Certainly, you need to be insured before traveling to Iran. The best way is to insure yourself before departing your country.
Telecommunication in Iran
Telecommunication is not too hard in Iran because IDD service is available. There are three different operators, the suitable and well-used one in Iran is (the first operator).
“Hamrah aval”provides its services in all cities and supports over 70,000 kilometers of highways except some small villages in Iran. The next operators are MTN “Irancell”and“Rightel”that offer their own services, respectively. In addition, MTN “Irancel” and “Rightel” support *3G and 4G* internet services with high speed rate inIran.
Dress code according to Islamic Belief in Iran
According to the Islamic and social beliefs in Iran,it is necessary for women to cover their body modestly.Islamic code scan be followed by wearing a long shirt, scarf and pants.
Lavatories!
Due to some differences between Iranian (Muslims)lavatories and so-called western ones, there are suitable lavatories for tourists in all hotels, guest-houses, restaurant, etc. However, you would find Iranian ones in other parts of the country. So, it is recommended to get enough information in this regard.
Rainy season in Iran
Rainfall in Iran is highly seasonal, with a rainy season between October and March, leaving the land parched for the remainder of the year. Immense seasonal variations in flow characterize Iran’s rivers. For example, the Karun River in Khuzestan carries water during periods of maximum flow that is ten times the amount borne in dry periods. In numerous localities, there may be no precipitation until sudden storms, accompanied by heavy rains, dump almost the entire year’s rainfall in a few days. Water shortages are compounded by the unequal distribution of water. Near the Caspian Sea, rainfall averages about 1,280mm per year, but in the Central Plateau and in the lowlands to the south it seldom exceeds 100mm.
Medical Services in Iran
Accidents are one of the main reasons that people are looking for medical help to treat it. If you are unlucky enough to need a hospital, Iran is home of the best doctors in the Middle East. Many doctors have been trained in Europe or North America and especially in the larger cities. You won’t have too much trouble finding an English-speaking person. In more remote areas, medical facilities are more basic.
Is safe to drink water in Iran?
In spite of the fact that Tap water is safe to drink in most of Iran, many travelers tend to buy mineral water which is widely available. Do not use water from rivers and lakes for drinking as it may contain bacteria and cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Insect Bites
Mosquitoes may not carry malaria but can cause irritation and infected bites. Using DEET-based insect repellents will prevent bites. Mosquitoes also spread dengue fever. Bees and wasps only cause real problems to those with a severe allergy (anaphylaxis). If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, you should carry an adrenaline injection or similar.
Iran climate
Iran’s climate ranges from arid or semiarid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast and the northern forests. On the northern edge of the country (the Caspian coastal plain) temperatures rarely fall below freezing and the area remains humid for the rest of the year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 29 °C (84.2 °F). To the west, settlements in the Zagros basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with below zero average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The eastern and central basins are arid and have occasional deserts. Average summer temperatures exceed 38 °C (100.4 °F). The coastal plains of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in southern Iran have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers.
Iranian official
Iranian official calendars set according to the Solar year & Iranian months. Farvardin 1st is the first day of Iranian New Year that equals to the 21st of March. Also in Iran,Lunar calendars announced officially.Lunar year is 10 days less than Solar year. Days of performing religious rites are adjusted according to Lunar calendar.So each year is different from next & upcoming years. Therefore, it is recommended to arrange your proper traveling time with related agencies. Especially,Iranian Muslims daily activities are affected in Ramadan month because they are fasting. Some days are public holidays in these two months. Friday is considered as an official holiday.
Iranian culture
Iranian culture has long been a predominant culture of the Middle East and Central Asia, with Persian considered the language of intellectuals during much of the 2nd millennium, and the language of religion and the populace before that.The Sassanid influence carried forward to the Islamic world. Much of what later became known as Islamic learning, such as philology, literature, jurisprudence, philosophy, medicine, architecture and the sciences were based on some of the practices taken from the Sassanid Persians to the broader Muslim world.
How to get visa before my arrival in Iran?
As mentioned above, the process consists in two main steps :First, you will have to obtain a visa authorization number from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).Secondly, once you got this authorization number, you must go to the embassy/consulate previously chosen to get your visa.
How can I get this authorization number (or invitation letter)?
The only option you have to get this number is to contact an Iranian tour operator. You will have to fulfill a form about your personal details and your planned itinerary. This tour operator will contact the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on your behalf to request an authorization number. The average time for getting this number is around 10 days. Be careful, in this form you will have to specify in which embassy/consulate you would like to pick up your visa, please be informed that it will not possible to change this location after.