Frequently Asked Questions about Iran
Traveling to Iran will be an awesome experience for the guests who have an interest in Persian history, culture, Iranian architecture or archaeology or those who have already traveled to the Middle East and are looking for an in-depth experience. Iranian people are very hospitable and you are most welcome to Iran. Absolutely, you will have a lot to tell about to your family and friends after your trip to Iran.
Unlike the common conception of safety and security in Iran, although located in the heart of the Middle East with turbulent neighbors, Iran enjoys a peaceful and calm atmosphere. Iran is one of the safest countries in the region. Whether women, men, independent travelers or group tours can enjoy their trip hassle free. As Rashin Travel, safety is the top priority so if it is determined unsafe to travel to Iran, we will cancel the departure ahead of time.
According to the regulations of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a tourist visa is needed for foreign nationals who are interested in visiting Iran individually or with a group for the purpose of visiting Iran, family or relatives. traveling in Iran
Rashin Travel will provide assistance for guests travelling with us to Iran. All you need to do is to provide us with the needed documents including visa application form, passport copy and scanned photo, and we will take care of the visa process. A soon as your Iran visa or authorization code is issued you can refer to one of Iranian embassies or consulates to stamp your passport. traveling in Iran
The currency in Iran is Rial. You can exchange money at the airport bank, city banks or exchange offices in cities. Your guide will assist you with this. traveling in Iran
You should change enough money to cover expenses that are not included in the tour cost, as well as enough for personal expenses. You may use Dollars, Euros or Pounds when it comes to the purchase of handicrafts and carpets, as well as for tipping drivers and guides. traveling in Iran
The good news is that Rashin Travel is introducing more novel services by cooperating with Banks in Iran such as Pasargad and Ayande. This special service is called tourist credit card. You can ask us to provide you with such cards before your travel to Iran; so you will have an account in Iran through our company and you can deposit money for your expenses in Iran. This way you will have a credit band card and you can use it everywhere for shopping, at restaurant, etc. At the end of your trip you can collect the rest of your money in US dollar or Euros.
Due to the financial sanctions toward Iran, it is not possible to use credit cards in Iran. Some of the more prestigious carpet shops might accept Visa and Master Card for substantial purchases.
The hotels in Rashin Travel’s program have Internet access; however, it may not be reliable or up to the standards you are accustomed to at home. You will also find coffee nets everywhere in big cities. Please be aware some websites are not accessible in Iran.
There are different types of mobile SIM cards which enable you to call abroad and you can buy one in the airport or mobile shops at a reasonable price. You can also buy internet packages with your SIM card and use it everywhere.
It is considered courteous to ask for permission before taking pictures of local people, especially women and children. Please be respectful to residents who do not care to be photographed. Photography is not permitted at some locations, which may include government buildings, museums, art galleries, private houses and more. These areas are usually clearly marked. If in doubt, please ask.
Unlike the common belief about the dress code in Iran, which is somehow different from other parts of the world, observing Hijab as a part of Iranian culture can be fun. In Iran ladies wear clothes that cover their hair and these are called scarves. There is also a variety of colors and many Iranian designs are used in them which may attract your attention. Coats which are celled Manto and resemble tonic along with pants or long shirts or skirts with socks are used in public places which have no limitation in color. There is also no limitation for men and just they had better not to wear shorts in public places. Wearing T-shirt for men is absolutely ok. If you would like you can order the local clothing specific to seasonal covering of Iranians before you travel to make it ready for you. All you need is just to contact us and order your tailor-made cloths.
Persian cuisine is not hot or spicy. Traditional Iranian food is mainly rice (plain or infused with barberries, saffron, raisins or herbs) with various kinds of sauces (or khoresht), made with vegetables and greens (like eggplants, carrots, beans, lentils, onions, and tomatoes). Food diversity of each region is really interesting and sometimes it becomes the main reason for traveling to the specific region in Iran. Thanks to the variety of climates, Iran has a wide range of herbs, vegetable and fruits and there exist many different types of local dishes and specialties which you will surely enjoy eating.
Alcoholic drinks are also forbidden and illegal and they are not sold but you can find all kinds of non-alcoholic drinks in Iran. Doogh and herbal Sharbat are two kinds of local and delicious beverages which are strongly suggested to be tasted.
You may bring prescription and over-the-counter medications to Iran, but we recommend you carry these in their original bottles and/or packaging.
Iran is one of the few countries in the world which has the complete four seasons. In summer, the weather can be cool as well as warm, and in the cold winters, it can be mild. Thanks to the size of Iran and variety of altitude, Iran experiences great extremes of climate. Winters (December to February) can be unpleasantly cold in most parts of the country, while in summer (June to August) temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) are nothing out of the ordinary.
