iran

el_gaucho

hi,
im planning a holiday in iran in a couple of months. as its obviously not the most popular travel destination, its a bit hard to get advice on certain things. credit cards are not widely accepted and my atm cards are unlikely to work. what i havent been able to establish is how easy or difficult it is to go into a bank and withdraw money. bring cash is what the web sites say, but bring 3 weeks worth of cash without any access to replacement if i get robbed is a bit a concern! any advice on this or anyother general tips would be appreciated. also, does anyone know if you allowed to go in the mosques if you're not muslim?
thanks

Dellas

Hi well I was in Tehran and Shiraz a few years ago but I was visiting an Iranian friend who took me everywhere. It is an amazing country and the people are so nice. Just dont talk about politics!!! Stay off things like USA unless you are saying that the USA is bad in which case you are fine:)

The nuclear issue is also best avoided at present. Most Iranians are quite liberal but they have stricht rules and lines that must not be crossed. Never shake a womans hand. If you are somewhere and there is a spare seat but a woman is sitting in the next seat do not attempt to sit there !!!! Never cross your legs and show the sole of your foot to anyone. Conversations about your family and sport etc... are all good subjects. The Iranians use the word ''inshallah '' (god willing) alot. Also learn a few words and use them and they will accept you straight away. Merzi = thank you Hoordafezz = goodbye just two there for you

I took all cash when I was there but as I said I was with a family. Avoid being out at night unless you are with a local. Avoid any contact with the Comite (religious police) they can jail you for smiling at them!!

I advise against T shirts,shorts,3 qtr lengths etc.... long sleve shirts (not rolled up) and trousers or jeans are best.

Try to get onto a tour even if its just a day tour of Tehran or whatever town or city your in. Crime is not major but exists. Be careful of pickpockets and hustlers!! There are lots of genuine Iranians but like here some baddies too. Being Irish will make it slightly easier for you . Register with the Irish embassy on arrival.

The Lonely Planet guide to Iran was amazing and I read it when I was there also , it was so exact and helpful. Buy it !!!

Any more info you want just ask. Its a wonderful place if you respect their rules. Id love to go back one day.

el_gaucho

thanks dellas,
a few things there i didnt know. the lonely planet says leave you credit and atm cards at home. apparently they dont work because of US sanctions. although some web sites say that it is possible in some banks in the big cities. have to say its a bit of a worry, im use to travelling with a few cards, in case i get robbed, so i'll have at least one left to have access to replacement cash. i'll just have to hope nothing goes wrong, and work out how much i'll need for 3 weeks! this is definitly going to be adventurous :cool:

Dellas

Hi I think as long as the credit cards are not US banks then you may be able to draw on them in Tehran in major banks. You can take them anyway just as a back up . Im sure airlines would take them if you needed to get out in an emergency.

Look at www.fco.gov.uk its a travel advice website for the UK but has some good info on it about current security issues for all countries.

Go onto Iranair.com they have some info on IranAirtours and Homa hotels.

www.itto.org also has tourist info.