Dress Code

The Islamic Republic of Iran has its own dress code, respecting the laws and customs of Islam. It is applicable to both men and women.

 

• Women in Iran are expected to be modestly dressed. The local custom is for women to wear a long coat/jacket or loose tunic, known locally as a manteau. The coat should be at knee length or longer. It is recommended that women wear long pants (trousers) with a long shirt and a long jacket. Wearing a headscarf is mandatory in all public places. Make sure you are dressed appropriately as you arrive at Imam Khomeini Airport. Bring along a headscarf with you.

 

• Men are required to wear long pants (trousers) at all times. Shorts are not acceptable. Normal business suit attire is acceptable for government and official meetings. Local dress customs for men do not include wearing ties; however it is perfectly acceptable for international visitors and diplomats to do so. Sandals are acceptable footwear for men, but not for official meetings.

 

For more information on the Iranian dress code please see this link: http://www.iranianvisa.com/dress.htm 

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Handshaking

In Iran, handshaking between men and women is not practiced.  Foreigner males may shake the hand of a foreign female, but not an Iranian female.

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Money

The Iranian official currency is Iranian Rials (IRR).

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All transactions have to be made in cash. Kindly note that international credit cards are not accepted in Iran and ATM withdrawals will not be possible. It is highly recommended that you travel with enough cash for the duration of your stay.

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The foreign currencies (USD, Euro and Pound, etc.) can be exchanged to Iranian Rials at official exchange bureaus as well as the foreign currecny branch of official Iranian Bank. Money exchange bureau (Sarafis) is available at Tehran IKA Airport. 

 

The current rate, as of 1 October 2018, is approximately 1 USD = 130,000 IRR.

 

Due to the fluctuation of the currency, the precise USD cost is difficult to predict. It is advised that you check the rate closer to your travel dates.

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Electronic Banking

Due to the multi-lateral and bi-lateral sanctions imposed on Iran, there is a strict screening put in place by international banks. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that travelers do not undertake any electronic banking activity while in country. Such activities may result in foreign banks blocking the individual’s account as a result of activities traced to Iranian IP addresses.  

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Internet

Internet speed is relatively slow and some sites are filtered (i.e. Facebook, Telegram, Twitter, BBC news, LinkedIn). It is advisable to install a VPN before travelling to Iran, for example HotspotVPN.  However, it should be noted that slow internet connection speed might mean that the VPN does not work.

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Water

It is perfectly safe to drink water from the tap in Tehran.  Most other cities also have potable drinking water, but there are exceptions so please check before you travel.  Bottled water is widely available.

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Traffic

Tehran is a highly populated city which results in heavy traffic congestion. Public transport is limited to a few Metro lines and bus routes. As a consequence, the roads are heavily populated with cars, taxis and motorbikes. The result is slow moving traffic causing delays, and visitors should plan their journeys accordingly. Pedestrians are advised to proceed with caution.

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Driving is on the left-hand side.

 

Weekend

The weekend in Iran is Thursday and Friday, however most international companies and embassies take Friday and Saturday as their weekend. 

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Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol is officially prohibited in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Shops and restaurants do not carry or offer alcohol and the import of alcohol is strictly forbidden.

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Vaccination

No vaccination is required to enter Iran, from any country.

 

Safety and security matters

In general, Tehran is a very safe city and petty crime is minimal. It is advisable to carry ID with you at all times. Iran is a conservative society and it is advisable not to show affection in public.

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Overall, the security situation in Tehran is normal.

It is not recommended to talk about or criticise the Iranian politics or political figures particularly in public.

 

Telephone Codes

Iran: 0098

Tehran (0)21

 

Emergency Contact Details

Police: 110        

Ambulance: 115 

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