Iran
2023
Skip to:
Summary
Iran has a reputation for being a regional destabilizing power, known to regularly detain tourists and violently cracking down on protests.
These are all valid concerns, but if you can stomach the fear and overcome these challenges, you'll get to formulate your own opinion and make up your own mind about the realities on the ground.
It's actually a fascinating land of ancient history, vibrant culture, and surprising hospitality, I experienced some incredible moments like being on German national TV, the friendliness of the soldiers and understood the hardships that come from a powerful nation ruled by an oppressive regime under debilitating sanctions.
Scores
Beauty
Affordability
Food
Hospitality
Safety
Accessibility
Video
Final Score
7 / 10
Advice
Trip Duration
1 - 1.5 months
Currencies Used
Iranian Rial & Toman (1 Tommen = 10 Rials), United States Dollar $USD & Eu Euro €EUR
Best Months
March - May & September - November
Daily Budget
$2-5USD (I'm not kidding)
Challenges
Due to Sanctions you cannot use a visa card here, bring crisp USD/EUR and ensure you're getting the black market rate
Americans and brits must have a guide and be under constant supervision while traveling. other nationalities are completely free however
Do
Bring an android phone and install the app 'ShareIt'. In Iran the VPNs are regularly blocked by the government so locals constantly build and share new clients in person to stay ahead and remain connected
Apply for a visa from SurfIran, GetIranVisa & CIBTvisas in advance. The length of stay you can be granted is generally down to your countries relationship with Iran
Don't
Even mention Israel. Many people get offended and will report you if overhearing it. Similarly, don't visit Iran if there's even a trace of you having been to Israel
Stick around if there's a crowd forming, ie protests. They quickly turn dangerous and it's largely accepted that unfortunate individuals caught in a bad situation are hurt or killed, simply to make an example
