Every country has got its own cultural and legal issues and if you’re planning to visit Iran there are some important facts about Iran which you must consider before planning your travel.

1- Iran is a four-season country, but the greatest time to visit Iran is in spring. In April and May Tabriz and Tehran are not that much cold to freeze and Shiraz, Esfahan, and Yazd are not that much hot to burn!

2-Iranian are not Arabs and the commonly spoken language is Persian.

3- Iranians don’t hate any Nation in the world. (But the leaders still may have some conflicts!)

4- Iran is not an expensive country and each single day may cost you something around 40-50$.

5- You can get the VISA at the airport. (Read more on VISA regulations here)

6- Having Hijab is obligatory: If you’re a woman you must cover your head and body from the moment you cross the border. for men, it’s a bit easier! they must avoid shorts!

Experience:
I was quite worried about having my entire scalp covered at first, but I quickly realized how ‘relaxed’ the rules are. Many young women just cover only the top of their hair.

7- Tie is not really common but there are no prohibitions using it.

8- people are not good at driving and It’s really recommended not to rent a car.

9- People may offer you something but they don’t really mean it. It is called: Taarof. For example, they may ask you to stay at their places for the night but they don’t really mean it!

10- Hotels will keep your passports until you check out: Don’t be afraid they’ll keep it safe.

11- Twitter, Facebook, Couchsurfing and some other social media are blocked in Iran.

12- Get an Iranian SIM card to use the Internet and communicate easily. There are three main SIM card providers in Iran which you can find their counters in airports and downtown.

13- Iranians would like to host you! So don’t miss the opportunity to spend some time with them.

14- If you are couples don’t kiss (or make love!) in the public places!

15- Forget about alcoholic drinks! you won’t find any place providing them legally.

16- People may pop up on you to practice their English and have some new stories to tell their friends.

17- People may like to take selfies with you!

Group of tourists at Imam-zadeh-saleh Shrine

18- There are men and women sections in metro wagons and buses.

19- Learn to drink tea all the time!

20- blowing your nose in public is rude.

21- Try Not to shake hands with opposite sexes.

22- The weekend is Friday!

23- Public transportation is almost everywhere.

24- Haggling and bargaining the prices is common: So Do it!

25- Dogs are not welcomed in public places.

26- Exchange your money with Iranian cash or Ask for a MahCard.

27- Have some soap with yourself! Some public toilets won’t have any.

28- Don’t miss Iranian Dish especially the variety of Kebabs!

Persian dishes

29- Iran’s capital and largest city, Tehran, has some of the worst air pollutions in the world.

30- Don’t just visit common Tourism destinations, also explore the mysterious places of  Iran. (Read more here)

31- You won’t find many western toilets so get ready for Iranian traditional ones!

32- The ugly fact about Iran is that people drive crazy! So be careful while passing the Streets.

33- There are many different cultures within the country.

34- Many people (Especially young generation) can speak English.

35- Supporting the former Shah of Iran is forbidden.

36- There are many political oppositions in the country.

37- People really respect the martyrs of Iranian 8 years war with Iraq.

38- Read books and watch Iranian movies before visiting Iran. (Read more here)

39- Iran is a democratic country and the president, parliament members, and many other political figures are selected by countrywide elections.

40-  Iran is a great place for hitchhiking!

41- Currency is very confusing. 1 toman equals 10 Rials. But the lowest cash money available is 1000 Rials (100 Tomans).

When someone says it costs 1 toman he means 10000 Rials (1000 Tomans!) Got it?!

42- Iran is a safe Country! But try to avoid staying out late.

43- There are not so many choices for vegetarians in traditional restaurants. Fast foods will surely provide some vegetarian meals.

44- Buy the souvenirs from the right person in each city!

45- Don’t just focus on historical places otherwise you’ll miss natural destinations!

A jungle scene in Iran