{"id":1206,"date":"2023-04-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=1206"},"modified":"2026-01-19T14:01:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:01:26","slug":"travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and how to travel to Iran in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/safe-places-to-visit-in-the-middle-east.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/safe-places-to-visit-in-the-middle-east.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/safe-places-to-visit-in-the-middle-east.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-16360\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#dd3333\"><strong>Defeat censorship when traveling in Iran<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns px-5 mb-0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\">Get access to Facebook and all Google services with <strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1462856\/16063?subId1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;partnerpropertyid=1965781\" style=\"border-radius:0px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">defeat censorship here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>What used to be a country that everybody believed was filled with danger and nuclear weapon lovers is, today, becoming the destination with the most exponential tourism growth in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the most hospitable people to the oldest history, stunning architecture, the most desolate deserts, green mountains, islands, and many other things, slowly, travelers are realizing that Iran is the ultimate destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, since it has opened to tourism very recently, traveling in Iran is not that easy, as it presents several difficulties and peculiarities, ranging from strict Islamic rules to credit&nbsp;card issues and even the need to get special travel insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But don&#8217;t worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After visiting this country twice for more than 2 months, on this blog, I have compiled loads of <strong>travel tips for traveling to Iran<\/strong>&nbsp;which will help you to plan your trip easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/things-to-know-for-traveling-to-Iran-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/things-to-know-for-traveling-to-Iran-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/things-to-know-for-traveling-to-Iran-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"things to know for traveling to Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12288\" style=\"width:522px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this travel guide to Iran you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Visa<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#50\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Best time to visit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#21\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Accommodation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#22\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Access blocked site<\/span>s<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Travel Insurance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#102\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Useful books<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#30\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Getting in<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#4\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Money costs &amp; budget<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#5\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Safety<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#23\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Solo female travel<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#6\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The people and culture<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#7\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Religion and Islamic Law<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#8\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Transportation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#9\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Internet &amp; SIM Card<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#10\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Food and alcohol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#14\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Other curiosities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#13\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><strong>How to book hotels, flights and tours in Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Because of the sanctions, foreign cards or popular sites such as booking.com can&#8217;t be used in Iran, but now you can thanks to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=textbox\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1stQuest<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">1stQuest is a local company that offers services such as visa LOI, hotel booking, tours, domestic flights, and travel insurance for Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><strong>5% discount<\/strong> on ALL bookings with voucher code:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ATC-QST<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=textbox\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#e55b00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12278\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-off-the-beaten-track-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-off-the-beaten-track-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-off-the-beaten-track-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Iran off the beaten track\" class=\"wp-image-12278\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Khalid Nabi in Golestan province, my favorite off the beaten track spot in Iran &#8211; Iranian travel<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">\ud83e\udeaa Visa for traveling to Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">Visa on arrival (VOA) for Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"2\">Everybody,&nbsp;except for citizens of Canada, UK, US, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/photos-beauty-afghanistan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"28444\"><strong>Afghanistan<\/strong><\/a>, Bangladesh, Colombia, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraq-itinerary\/\">Iraq<\/a><\/strong>, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/somaliland-itinerary\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"25647\"><strong>Somalia<\/strong><\/a> and Sri Lanka, can get a visa on arrival at any of Iran&#8217;s international airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The only real requirement is to have a valid host contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the process of getting your VOA, the authorities may contact your host, whether they are a hotel or a friend. If they can&#8217;t contact them, they may make you wait at the airport for a very long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waiting time ranges from 2 to 6 hours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the very least, you will have to wait for 2 hours at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On my second visit,&nbsp;I had to wait for more than 5 hours,&nbsp;as I had a brand-new passport and didn&#8217;t have a return flight ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does the tourist visa for Iran costs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices range from 40\u20ac to 150\u20ac, depending on nationality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I hold a Spanish passport and paid 75\u20ac and I believe that that is the price for the other European nationalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You can&#8217;t get a VOA if you enter Iran overland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you travel to Iran by land, you will need to arrange your visa in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get your visa in advance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you don&#8217;t want to wait at the airport, want to secure your visa or enter overland, you should get the visa in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">For this, you need to get an authorization code from an authorized company, which you will use to easily collect your visa at the airport or embassy (if you enter by land).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I strongly recommend the guys from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/visa\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1st Quest<\/a><\/strong>, a very reliable company that offers plenty of different services for traveling in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The visa authorization code only costs 29\u20ac but remember that with my voucher code, you can get an <strong>additional 5% discount.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>My voucher code:&nbsp;ATC-QST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fdcfc74e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/visa\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=visa\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#e55b00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET YOUR VISA CODE HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typically, they give you up to 30 days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">A one-month visa is the standard number of days they give for traveling in Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">But you can easily extend your visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can extend it twice for 30 days. This means that you can&nbsp;be in Iran for up to 90 days. Extensions can be arranged in all provincial capitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iran and Israel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details regarding the Israeli stamp, read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/avoid-israeli-passport-stamp\/\">Avoid the Israeli stamp &#8211; FAQ<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>Iran doesn&#8217;t stamp passports anymore &#8211;<\/strong> An Iranian stamp on your passport can be an issue, especially if you are traveling to the USA. That&#8217;s why they are now giving your visa on a separate piece of paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12276\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-visa-extension-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-visa-extension-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-visa-extension-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Iran visa extension\" class=\"wp-image-12276\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>My Iran visa extension &#8211; I<span class=\"s1\">ran travel blog<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"50\">\u26c5 Best time to travel to Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran is a massive country with many climatic zones, which range from the dry regions of the Persian Gulf to the wetlands of the north-western provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, the northern mountains should be visited during late spring, summer and early autumn. On the other hand, the classic Persian cities of Esfahan, Yazd, Kashan, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/off-the-beaten-track-things-shiraz\/\">Shiraz<\/a><\/strong> can get utterly hot in summer, so winter, spring, and autumn are the optimum months for visiting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the southern provinces, which include <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qeshm-island-travel\/\">Qeshm Island<\/a><\/strong>, Bandar Abbas, etc. should be avoided during the summer months, as temperatures may reach up to 50\u00baC and the air is extremely humid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\">Tehran<\/a><\/strong> has extremely cold winters and overwhelmingly hot summers. Therefore, spring and autumn are the ideal months for traveling to Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also visit the Persian cities during the summer months, no problem, but just be prepared for the heavy heat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\"><strong>What to actually do in Iran<\/strong><br>From following the classic Persian historical trail to contemplating the magnificent Islamic architecture, trekking, visiting the Persian Gulf Islands, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qashqai-people-iranian-nomads\/\">meeting Iranian nomads<\/a><\/strong>, making local friends or even making a pilgrimage trip to the city of Mashhad, Iran can be a destination for all types of travelers, both history and adventure lovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-19573\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/DJI_0066.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/DJI_0066.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/DJI_0066.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-19573\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">The desert of the Kaluts is one of the hottest places on Earth.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21\">\ud83c\udfe8 Travel tips for accommodation in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Because of the sanctions, websites like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/?aid=1232728&amp;label=iran_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Booking.com<\/a><\/strong> don&#8217;t have hotels listed in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to book a hotel in Iran?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Via a phone call<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You just show up at the hotel and try your luck<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Via a travel agency (if you go on a tour)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Via <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/hotel\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1stQuest<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Yes, a good alternative would be booking your hotels via 1stQuest because, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels, they have hotels listed in all the main cities in Iran.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get a <strong>5% discount<\/strong> in ALL your hotels bookings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Use my promotional code: ATC-QST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-7e5fce0a wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/hotel\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=accommodation\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#e55b00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO ALL HOTELS IN IRAN<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, keep in mind that the Government of Iran tends to block this kind of travel sites, so 1stQuest may not work when you try to connect from Iran. If this is the case, there are 2 possible solutions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Book all your hotels in advance, before traveling to Iran.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get a VPN to access all blocked sites. For more information, read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-iran\/\">how to find the right VPN for Iran<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more options, check: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-hotels-in-tehran\/\">Best areas to stay in Tehran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Couchsurfing in Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are on a budget, you should know that Couchsurfing is very popular in Iran and a great way to get immersed in the local culture, as Iranians are particularly hospitable and you are likely to be treated like a royal guest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, bear in mind that some hosts may be extremely intense and may want to be with you at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-12296 size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travel-guide-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travel-guide-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travel-guide-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Iran travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-12296\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">The views from the hotel in Yazd at sunrise &#8211; Iran travel<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"22\"><span class=\"efont\" id=\"copy-emoji\">\ud83d\udd13<\/span> How to access blocked sites in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Fact: <\/strong>in Iran, many websites are censored, and that includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facebook<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Twitter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Netflix<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Youtube<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some Google services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tinder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pornography sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/\">Against the Compass<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;(Yes, my website)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1stQuest<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you wanna post Facebook updates or just check the international news, <strong>you must get a VPN<\/strong> and the one I recommend is <strong>ExpressVPN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1462856\/16063?subId1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;partnerpropertyid=1965781\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#dd3333\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO GET 3 MONTHS FOR FREE<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">If you have no clue about VPNs, you should read my tutorial: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-iran\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">How to find the right VPN for Iran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-12469 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/iran-landscape.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/iran-landscape.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/iran-landscape.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-12469\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">The epic landscape of Golestan region<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83d\ude91 Travel insurance for Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">Due to current sanctions, most travel insurance companies don\u2019t cover for travel in Iran, except for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iran_travelguide_en_own\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\">I recommend it because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only travel insurance company that covers Iran<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They have different plans for all budgets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covers senior citizens too<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readers of this blog can get <strong>an exclusive 5% discount<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iran_travelguide_en_own\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">For more options, read <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-insurance-iran\/\">How to find the right travel insurance for Iran<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12274\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/traveling-in-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/traveling-in-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/traveling-in-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"traveling in Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12274\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The classic picture of Esfahan &#8211; Traveling in Iran<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"102\">\ud83d\udcda Useful books to plan your trip to Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">This is just a selection of a few books but since Iran is such a complex country with so much going on, I have compiled this list containing the best <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-books-iran\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>books on Iran<\/strong><\/a>, classified into history, novels, and politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iran travel guide by Bradt <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Bradt has always the most comprehensive guides to the most off-beat countries. I love Bradt because they give plenty of tips for the independent traveler, as well as loads of cultural insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2NxHNZs\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2NxHNZs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/41ucZxbQRfL._SX309_BO1204203200_-187x300.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/41ucZxbQRfL._SX309_BO1204203200_-187x300.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/41ucZxbQRfL._SX309_BO1204203200_-187x300.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22381\"><\/picture><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iran travel guide by Lonely Planet <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I personally prefer Bradt but, if you are a Lonely Planet fan, they have just released their latest edition for Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2NAQOkn\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download-3.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download-3.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"183\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/download-3.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22383\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best political novel &#8211; The Cypress Tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The story of a writer and his family (currently a BBC journalist) who had to live in exile in the UK after the 1979 Revolution. The book is not only a critique of the dictatorial regime but also, he explains, in a very nostalgic way, all the things he misses from Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2psI87V\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/414KucoGpgL._SX322_BO1204203200_-195x300.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/414KucoGpgL._SX322_BO1204203200_-195x300.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/414KucoGpgL._SX322_BO1204203200_-195x300.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22387\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"30\">\ud83d\udeeb How to get in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-39150c26e3d292ac5f7bb4ca1559cc1f\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong><strong>It\u2019s mandatory to have a travel insurance to get your visa on arrival in Iran.<\/strong><\/strong><br>Because of the sanctions, most insurance companies don\u2019t provide coverage for Iran, but<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iran_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> does<strong><br><\/strong>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iran_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link.<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Iran by air<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you come by flight, Tehran would be the most obvious destination, as it has a large number of connections from Europe, especially Germany and Turkey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\">Things to do in Tehran in 2 days<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shiraz has also an international airport and there are daily, very cheap flights from Dubai.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/off-the-beaten-track-things-shiraz\/\">Things to do in Shiraz<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to travel to Iran by land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran shares a border with many countries but remember that, if overlanding, a visa is not available on arrival, so you will have to get it in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/expeditions.againstthecompass.com\/destinations\/federal-iraq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iraq<\/a> &#8211; <\/strong>Surprisingly easy (the one I used). <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-iraq-border\/\"><strong>See here the full report<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turkey &#8211; <\/strong>Another surprisingly easy border to cross. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Armenia &#8211; <\/strong>An easy, friendly border.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lostwithpurpose.com\/armenia-iran-border-crossing-agarak-norduz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>See here the full report<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Azerbaijan &#8211; <\/strong>Also pretty easy. Check <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/caravanistan.com\/border-crossings\/azerbaijan\/#azerbaijan-iran-border-crossings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caravanistan for more information<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pakistan &#8211; <\/strong>A real adventure. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.homeiswherethecaris.com\/crossing-the-border-from-iran-to-pakistan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See here the full report<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Afghanistan &#8211; <\/strong>Apparently, coming from Herat is relatively easy.&nbsp;Warning! In 2021, this border was taken over by the Taliban. For more information, read my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-afghanistan-safe\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27847\"><strong>Afghanistan safety guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turkmenistan &#8211; <\/strong>I am really jealous because you managed to get a Turkmen visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>United Arab Emirates &#8211; <\/strong>You can take a ferry from Sharjah to Bandar Abbas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/iran-iraq-border-crossings.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/iran-iraq-border-crossings.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/iran-iraq-border-crossings.jpg\" alt><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Iran-Iraq border crossing<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\ud83d\udcb0 Iran Travel Guide &#8211; What you need to know about money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Iran, they use the <strong>Iranian Rial (IRR)<\/strong> and approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>1 USD =&nbsp;42,350 IRR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Iranian Rial fluctuation is massive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to check the current rate just before leaving for Iran because the value is so unstable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exchanging money in Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Exchange offices are available everywhere and \u20ac, USD and GBP are always accepted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, there is also the black market, which means that, in all cities, you will always find random people willing to buy your currency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is fine to exchange with them but just make sure to count your money twice, as some of them may try to trick you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wait, Rials or Tomans?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since their currency is extremely low, in order to simplify things, most places will tell you the prices in Tomans, which is the same value divided by 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the beginning, it is a bit confusing but you will quickly get used to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Foreign credit cards don&#8217;t work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the sanctions, you can&#8217;t use your international credit card when you travel in Iran, so bring cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">However, you can buy a local credit card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For people who don&#8217;t want to be carrying lots the cash, you can buy a local credit card and top it up. There are quite a few companies, for example, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mahcard.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Mah Card Iran Travel<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Note that I have never tried it but was recommended by a friend).&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The way it works is that you sign up on their website, give your passport details and they will bring your credit card once you arrive at your hotel <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\">in Tehran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will give them your cash and pay the 20\u20ac service after receiving your card. I didn&#8217;t use it but I&#8217;ve been told it is a reliable company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And you can pay by credit card absolutely everywhere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be surprised to know that local credit cards&nbsp;are accepted all across the country, including at street food stalls and grocery shops from rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Entrance fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most touristic sites, including mosques, gardens, and archaeological sites, charge between 100,000 and 150,000IR, which is 5 to 10 more times than what the locals pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12294\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travel-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travel-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travel-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Iran travel\" class=\"wp-image-12294\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Guys like this one accept local credit cards quite often &#8211; Iran travel guide<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">\u26a0\ufe0f Is it safe to travel to Iran?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iran is it safe to visit Iran?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s it. It is a safe destination with no terrorism and a very low crime rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/iran\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK Foreign advice<\/a><\/strong> says that you should avoid traveling to Balochistan and the area bordering Iraq. However, I think that this information is totally biased. You should be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Iran there is no Islamic State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On many occasions, my friends from back home told me: <em>Be careful with ISIS in Iran!<\/em>&nbsp;I love my friends but this is a very naive comment because, first of all, Iranians are Shia, hence there are no Iranian linked to ISIS. And second of all, ISIS never made it to Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you aren&#8217;t convinced yet, I urge you to read this comprehensive analysis <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-iran-safe\/\">about safety in Iran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7;font-size:18px\"><strong>Iran travel tip &#8211; Consider getting off the beaten track<\/strong><br>I traveled to Iran in 2015 and 2018 and, in only 3 years, things had changed significantly. The classic Persian cities of Yazd, Esfahan, Shiraz, and Kashan are filled with tour groups, overpriced restaurants, and souvenir shops. Local interactions, which usually involve house invitations, are less frequent and rip-offs are common.<br>However, if you just step slightly out of your comfort zone, experiences with the locals can be totally different. Therefore, I strongly recommend visiting other places near the cities, as well as discovering other provinces, such as Golestan, Kurdistan, or the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12284\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/travel-to-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/travel-to-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/travel-to-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Travel to Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12284\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>People in Iran are too friendly &#8211;&nbsp;Ir<span class=\"s1\">an travel tips<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"23\">\ud83d\udc83 Solo female travel in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran is an Islamic dictatorship and, at the same time a day-by-day growing tourism destination, so it is not surprising at all that, every day, this <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"25233\"><strong>Middle Eastern country<\/strong><\/a> is attracting more and more travelers, including many solo females.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many women have come to me asking for my opinion towards traveling to Iran as a solo female. Well, despite the fact that I am a man and tend to get a very different experience than most women, I don&#8217;t know a single lady who hasn&#8217;t had a wonderful experience in Iran so, based on their opinions, I can certainly tell that <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-iran-safe\/\">Iran is, definitely, a safe<\/a><\/strong> destination for women.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to know more details about it, I recently interviewed Eveline from <strong>Earth Wanderess<\/strong>, who shares her travel expertise about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-solo-female-traveler\/\">solo female travel in Iran<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-13413 size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/2.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/2.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/2.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-13413\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Eveline in Esfahan<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">\ud83d\udd4c The people and culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fcc3b7\">Remember that, in Iran, the internet is censored &#8211; including Facebook or WhatsApp. If you want to access them and navigate safely, you must get a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and <strong>I strongly recommend ExpressVPN<\/strong>, the one I personally use.<br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/go.expressvpn.com\/c\/2203603\/1462856\/16063?subId1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;partnerpropertyid=1965781\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ExpressVPN<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iran is a highly educated society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran is the developing country with the largest number of highly educated people I&#8217;ve ever traveled to. Even in very rural, remote areas, such as Golestan, I met people who had Ph.D. degrees from Barcelona and Cambridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iranians are not Arabs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People in Iran are not Arabs but Persians, which is a completely different ethnicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevertheless, it is ethnically diverse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From the Kurds in Iranian Kurdistan to the Turkmens of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/golestan-province-iran\/\">Golestan<\/a><\/strong> and the Arabs from the Persian Gulf shores, in Iran, there are several ethnic minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hospitality in Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iranians are famous for their hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t be surprised if someone who you just met 5 minutes ago invites you to his house, a random dude who you never talked to pays for your meal and, basically, everybody treats you like a king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They love foreigners and are striving for the world to realize that they are a very peaceful society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do accept house invitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can&#8217;t say you have entirely traveled to Iran if you didn&#8217;t have a meal or stay at someone&#8217;s home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just say yes. If you get slightly off the beaten track&nbsp;and having a meal at a stranger&#8217;s house is 100% guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wait, what is <em>tarof<\/em>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are traveling in Iran for long enough and have experienced strong local interactions, the locals will tell you about something called <em>tarof<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basically, <em>tarof<\/em> is when a local tries to pay for your meal (or anything else) just because it is in their cultural code but they don&#8217;t really want to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Say <em>no<\/em> and, if they insist more than 3 times, it means that it was a real invitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if they back off, it means that it was a bluff, so this is called <em>tarof<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farsi is the official language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Farsi (or Persian), which has nothing to do with Arabic, is the country&#8217;s language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also use the Arab alphabet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educated people speak English<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In major cities, most educated people speak impeccable English and, in rural areas, they will speak the basic stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Officially, the weekend is on Thursday and Friday<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran follows the official Muslim calendar, so Friday is the official day off and, for most companies and the public sector, Thursday and Friday is the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-to-kyrgyzstan\/\">Things you need to know before traveling to Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12280\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-hospitality-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-hospitality-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-hospitality-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Travel blog Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12280\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Me with Vali&#8217;s family in Mashhad &#8211; H<span class=\"s1\">ow to travel to Iran<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udd4c Religion and Islamic law in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most Iranians are Shia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran is the country with the largest Shia population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">However, there are Sunni minorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Balochistan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/golestan-province-iran\/\">Golestan<\/a><\/strong> and the Persian Gulf, there are significant Sunni communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iran is an Islamic Republic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to 1979, Iran was ruled by a Shah who was a puppet of the USA and was leading the country to poverty. This led to a massive revolution, the Shah was overthrown and the clerics came to power, founding the Islamic Republic of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It&#8217;s also a religious dictatorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Iran, freedom of speech, demonstration, and protest is extremely limited and several rules based on Sharia law apply to everybody, including tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dressing code for men<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can&#8217;t dress in short pants, even when it is 40\u00baC. Other than that, you will be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dressing code for women<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Women need to wear a headscarf and can&#8217;t show either their shoulders nor their curves. This means that you must wear a long, loose dress or skirt over your pants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And of course, alcohol is illegal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Iran, alcohol is forbidden and only available on the black market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details, check the <em>Food &amp; Alcohol<\/em> section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Even in this situation, many Iranians are not religious at all<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Across your journey, you will meet many Iranians from all ages who don&#8217;t care about religion at all, more than in any other Middle Eastern country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because, before the 1979 Revolution, Iran was quite secular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-without-censorship\/\"><strong>Why you should travel the World without censorship<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12272\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/religion-in-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/religion-in-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/religion-in-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Religion in Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12272\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Iranian women trying to enter and exit from the women wagon in Tehran &#8211; C<span class=\"s1\">an i travel to Iran<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">\ud83d\udefa Travel tips for transportation in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-39150c26e3d292ac5f7bb4ca1559cc1f\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong><strong>It\u2019s mandatory to have a travel insurance to get your visa on arrival in Iran.<\/strong><\/strong><br>Because of the sanctions, most insurance companies don\u2019t provide coverage for Iran, but<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iran_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> does<strong><br><\/strong>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=iran_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link.<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling around Iran by public transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>They go absolutely everywhere and are the preferred choice for locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two kinds of buses, the budget one and the VIP, which is around 70% more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trust me, get the VIP bus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, the difference between VIP and non-VIP is so huge. VIP buses are extremely more comfortable, have AC and don&#8217;t smell. The cheap buses are horrible and, since they only cost a few USD, paying a 70% extra is not a big deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to buy your bus tickets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">It was kind of a pain in the ass to buy them, as local sites don&#8217;t accept foreign cards, so you had to ask your hotel (who charges a high commission) or go to the bus station, which is always far away from downtown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Because of the sanctions, in Iran, most booking sites don\u2019t accept international foreign cards. Before you could book them via <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=general\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1stQuest<\/a><\/strong> but they are not offering this particular service anymore. However, you may still use 1stQuest for visa services, hotels, flights, travel insurance and tours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling around Iran by domestic flight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are short on time, there are a lot of domestic flights, connecting most cities in the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can check flight schedules and book your tickets through 1stQuest, and you can get a <strong>5% discount<\/strong> on ALL flights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>With voucher code: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ATC-QST<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fdcfc74e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/flight\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=flights\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#e55b00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Train is also an option<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cities have train stations. I personally took a train from Tehran to Gorgan and a 23-hour train from Mashhad to Bandar Abbas. It was pretty cool but not all cities have train stations plus they run less frequently than buses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Snapp for taxis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Snapp is like the Iranian Uber and, as far as I know, it works in Tehran, Esfahan and, perhaps, in other big cities, as well. By default, it is cheaper than regular taxis plus you save all the negotiation hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Metro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz, and Mashhad have metro lines. They are cheap, fast and reliable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving in Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can self-drive in Iran, no problem, but just be aware that, like in all the <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/category\/middle-east\/\">Middle East<\/a><\/strong>, people drive like crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crossing the streets in Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For me, the worst thing about Iran is that nobody gives a s*** about pedestrians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should know that, when you cross the street, even if you go over a pedestrian crossing, cars will never slow down but will just dodge you. It&#8217;s crazy. You should always cross sticking close to a local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12290\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travels-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travels-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/iran-travels-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Iran travels\" class=\"wp-image-12290\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Train station somewhere in Iran &#8211; I<span class=\"s1\">ran travel experience<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">\ud83d\udcbb Internet &amp; SIM Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wi-Fi sucks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot, practically everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">But internet data is good<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wi-Fi sucked so much that, sometimes, I was using my 3G to watch movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get an IranCell SIM Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In my experience, the staff of IranCell shops speak good English. For just a couple of USD, you will get plenty of GB and calls. I suggest you <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/irancell.ir\/en\/o\/1001\/Online-Purchase-of-Internet-Packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">check their website<\/a><\/strong> for the latest plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Tehran, there is an IranCell shop inside Imam Khomeni metro station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12286\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/travel-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/travel-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/travel-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Travel Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12286\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Jameh Mosque in Yazd &#8211; I<span class=\"s1\">ran travel information<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">\ud83c\udf72 Food and alcohol in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Persian cuisine like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, I could write an entire post about food in Iran. It is quite varied and many provinces have their own local specialties. Usually, most meals will be accompanied by tonnes of rice and bread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular appetizers have an eggplant base and main courses tend to be meat with gravy. Kebab is a fancy meal they eat outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, my favorite dishes are&nbsp;<em>bademjan<\/em>, an eggplant and tomato stew;&nbsp;<em>ghormeh sabzi<\/em>, a meat stew with plenty of spices and herbs;&nbsp;<em>ash<\/em>, a breakfast consisting of a vegetable soup with chickpeas, noodles and caramelized onions; and <em>dizi<\/em>, lamb (or chicken) smashed with tomatoes, potatoes and chickpeas in a clay pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vegetarians will be OK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For breakfast, they will serve you either <em>ash<\/em> (the vegetable soup) or an omelet with tomato sauce, as well as cheese, watermelon, and nuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For lunch and dinner, there are many eggplant-based vegetarian options, lentils, and rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chai?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The tea culture is really strong and a sign of hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The coffee culture is growing!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the differences I noticed on my second trip to Iran is that there were coffee places, serving authentic coffee absolutely everywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was, of course, pricey compared to any other drink but having breakfast over a good cup of coffee is a real must for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alcohol is only available on the black market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It usually comes smuggled from Armenia or <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iraqi-kurdistan-travel-guide\/\">Iraqi Kurdistan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">But you are likely to drink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once, I was hitchhiking in Golestan when a young couple from Tehran picked me up and offered me vodka shots. Another day, the owner of a caf\u00e9 served me a real rum mojito. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also drank home-made liquor at someone&#8217;s house in Shiraz and was offered a beer in Qeshm Island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I said, many Iranians are not very religious and, if you hang out with local people, eventually, you will be able to have some drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12300\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/food-in-iran-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/food-in-iran-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/food-in-iran-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"food in Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12300\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Kashko: contains eggplants, caramelized onions, mint, walnut and yogurt, typical from Kerman province<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14\">Some&nbsp;curiosities&nbsp;you will see when traveling in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nose jobs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You will see that in most major cities, especially in Tehran and Esfahan, a lot of women wear a bandage on their nose. That is because they just came from surgery. Many Persian women have an arched nose and some of them have a bit of complex about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The clerics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Those Muslim priests that you see all over Iran are Shia clergy. Most of them wear a white hat, which means that they are normal people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, those wearing a black one are, somehow, related to the prophet Mohammed. Within a period of 2 months, I spotted two of them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Creepy mannequins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In all bazaars all across the country, clothing shops have extremely creepy mannequins. They tend to be dirty, miss one eye or they have no jaw. I don&#8217;t know if the shopkeepers realize how weird this is.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drought in Iran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Iran, lack of rain is a real problem and, across the country, many lakes and rivers, including the river that goes through Esfahan, are completely dry. This is one of the biggest concerns for most Iranians.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mytravelaffairs.com\/iran-interesting-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interesting facts about Iran<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-12334\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/mannequins-in-iran-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/mannequins-in-iran-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/mannequins-in-iran-1.jpg\" alt=\"mannequins in Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12334\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>A very strange mannequin in the bazaar of Esfahan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">\u2757 More information for your trip to Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Remember to always use my code \u2013<\/strong>&nbsp;From booking a hotel to visa services, hotels, flights, travel insurance and tours, if it is via&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=iran_travelguide_en&amp;data2=general\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1stQuest<\/a><\/strong>, remember that you can use my 5% discount code, as many as you want, whenever you want:&nbsp;<strong>ATC-QST<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>All guides and articles for traveling in Iran destination<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-itinerary\/\">Iran itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-books-iran\/\">Best Books about Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-insurance-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel insurance for Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VPN for Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-solo-female-traveler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tehran Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qeshm-island-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Qeshm Island Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/off-the-beaten-track-things-shiraz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel Guide to Shiraz<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/kaluts-desert-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A trip to the desert of the Kaluts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/zagros-mountains-iran\/\">Trekking Guide to Zagros Mountains<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qashqai-people-iranian-nomads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meeting the Qashqai People<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fars-province\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fars Province Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-visa-code\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visa Guide for Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/masouleh-village\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Masouleh Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/golestan-province-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel Guide to Golestan Province<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-iraq-border\/\">Iran-Iraq border crossing<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-iran-safe\/\">Is Iran Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/darband-escape-traffic-polluted-tehran\/\">Darband Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-hotels-in-tehran\/\">Best Hotels in Tehran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-oman\/\">Travel Guide to Oman<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-palestine-travel-west-bank\/\">Palestine Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-syria\/\">Syria Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-lebanon\/\">Travel Guide to Lebanon<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-iraq-federal\/\">Iraq Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-saudi-arabia\/\">Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/yemen-travel\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Yemen Travel Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/socotra-travel\/\">Socotra Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also like our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-know-before-trip-to-pakistan\/\"><strong>Pakistan Travel Guide<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-azerbaijan\/\"><strong>Azerbaijan Travel Guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also be interested in: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/countries-middle-east-safe-travel\/\"><strong>Where in the Middle East is safe?<\/strong><\/a> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-places-visit-middle-east\/\">The most beautiful places in the Middle East<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/traveling-to-iran-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/traveling-to-iran-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/traveling-to-iran-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"traveling to iran\" class=\"wp-image-12282\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:486px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Defeat censorship when traveling in Iran Get access to Facebook and all Google services with ExpressVPN What used to be a country that everybody believed was filled with danger and nuclear weapon lovers is, today, becoming the destination with the most exponential tourism growth in the world. From the most hospitable people to the oldest [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-iran"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1206"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56659,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1206\/revisions\/56659"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}