Iran is a wonderful and –
contrary to what commonly believed – safe country to explore.
Nevertheless, given the
particular political situation some things should be born in mind
when planning to go there.
One basic thing has to be
reminded: Iran is formally isolated from the rest of the world.
However, this is only on paper because in reality most of Iranians I came across are extremely enthusiastic about foreigners and try to get all the possibilities to go oversea.
The following are the
main practical aspects to be kept in mind before going to Iran:
- Iran follows the astral
calendar and – contrary to other countries - the Christian
calendar is not considered at all. Hence, standard New Year's Eve is
not celebrated and the Iran is currently in year 1391. On 21 March
2013 commences year 1392.
- Likewise other Muslim countries the week's holiday is Friday - instead of Sunday - and so the weekend is composed of Thursday and Friday. Sunday is a very normal working day.
- Iran is closed off the international banking system. This means that none of credit and bank cards work in Iran. However, a well functioning system of ATM only for Iranian banks' users is in place. Hence, as foreigner you will need to bring your cash in euros or dollars and change it once inside the country.
- Two different exchange
rates are in place: the official and the market one. The official
one is set by the government and is rather high. However, currency exchange
offices are allowed to buy and sell at market price – which is
about three times higher than the official one and hence extremely advantageous for holders of foreign currencies.
- For this reason, going to Iran is extremely affordable for Europeans. Basically you will find cost of living of a third world country coupled with a quality of services of a (almost) developed one. For example I could get a ticket for a VIP bus - with meal and comfortable seats - travelling for 600 kilometres for about 5 euro.
- Iran currency is very confusing. The official currency is Rial but everybody talks about Tomans which is basically the same currency just without a zero at the end.
- Alcohol is illegal but rather easy to find on the black market.
- All women – even foreign - need to wear a scarf covering at least half of their head. Most of Iranian women especially in cities wear this type of scarf that partially show their hair and that is characteristic and actually beautiful.
- Internet has strong limitations. Facebook, blogger, international news websites, websites referring to sex or other religions are blocked. However, most of Iranians know how to bypass the control through a VPN or a proxy connection.
Finally, Iran is a country extremely friendly towards foreigners. During my stay I never experienced any trouble and even police officers treated me particularly well
- Likewise other Muslim countries the week's holiday is Friday - instead of Sunday - and so the weekend is composed of Thursday and Friday. Sunday is a very normal working day.
- Iran is closed off the international banking system. This means that none of credit and bank cards work in Iran. However, a well functioning system of ATM only for Iranian banks' users is in place. Hence, as foreigner you will need to bring your cash in euros or dollars and change it once inside the country.
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| Travelling through Iran (here the desert) |
- For this reason, going to Iran is extremely affordable for Europeans. Basically you will find cost of living of a third world country coupled with a quality of services of a (almost) developed one. For example I could get a ticket for a VIP bus - with meal and comfortable seats - travelling for 600 kilometres for about 5 euro.
- Iran currency is very confusing. The official currency is Rial but everybody talks about Tomans which is basically the same currency just without a zero at the end.
- Alcohol is illegal but rather easy to find on the black market.
- All women – even foreign - need to wear a scarf covering at least half of their head. Most of Iranian women especially in cities wear this type of scarf that partially show their hair and that is characteristic and actually beautiful.
- Internet has strong limitations. Facebook, blogger, international news websites, websites referring to sex or other religions are blocked. However, most of Iranians know how to bypass the control through a VPN or a proxy connection.
Finally, Iran is a country extremely friendly towards foreigners. During my stay I never experienced any trouble and even police officers treated me particularly well
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