Iran

Travel tips for Iran: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. International cards (Visa/Mastercard) are completely blocked by sanctions. You must bring your entire trip budget in hard cash (USD/EUR). You can spend this cash directly or use it to buy a local prepaid tourist debit card (like Mahcard) upon arrival to pay electronically.

Try the food

Ghormeh Sabzi (قورمه سبزی): A savory, slow-cooked stew made with tender lamb, kidney beans, and a fragrant blend of sautéed herbs and dried limes.
Fesenjan (فسنجان): A rich, sweet and tart stew featuring poultry cooked in a thick sauce of ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
Chelo Kebab (چلو کباب): Succulent skewers of grilled minced or chunked meat served over a mound of saffron-infused basmati rice with grilled tomatoes.

Say it in Persian

Hello: سلام (Salaam)
Thank you: ممنون (Mamnoon)
Please: لطفاً (Lotfan)
Excuse me: ببخشید (Bebakhshid)
How much is this?: این چنده؟ (In chande?)
The bill please: صورتحساب لطفاً (Soorathesab lotfan)
Yes / No: بله / خیر (Baleh / Kheyr)
Goodbye: خداحافظ (Khodahafez)

Essentials

Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Right side
SIM tip: Purchase an Irancell or MCI tourist SIM card at the airport upon arrival, as international roaming and foreign eSIMs are highly unreliable due to sanctions.

Etiquette

Be aware of 'Ta'arof', a cultural system of politeness where you are expected to politely decline offers of food, drink, or even gifts two or three times before finally accepting.