Social Conventions Feelings about certain countries (such as the USA and the UK) run high, so the visitor should avoid contentious subjects. The Westernization of the Iranian way of life has been arrested since the fall of the Shah, and Koranic law exercises a much more traditional influence over much of the populace. In general, Western influences are now discouraged. Handshaking is customary, but not with members of the opposite sex. It must be remembered that intimate relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women is illegal, and may incur imprisonment. Visitors should address hosts
by their surname or title. Iranians are very hospitable and like to entertain. It is also customary to be offered tea, and guests are expected to accept such offers of hospitality. Because of Islamic customs, dress should be conservative and discreet, especially women’s. This has been especially enforced of late; women should cover their heads when in the public sphere, wear loose-fitted clothing, and ensure that their arms and legs are also concealed. Businesspeople are expected to wear a suit and more formal attire is also needed in smart dining rooms and for important social functions. During Ramadan, smoking, eating and drinking in public are prohibited between sunrise and sunset; however, facilities are always available in major hotels.
International Travel:
Getting There by Air The national airline is Iran Air (IR) (website: www.iranair.com).
Departure Tax Rs300,000 for passengers departing for UAE, Turkey, China, France, UK, USA and Bulgaria. Rs150,000 to all other countries. Departure tax for second visits is Rs400,000 for all destinations.
Main Airports Tehran (THR) (Mehrabad) (website: http://mehrabad.ir) is 5km (3 miles) west of the city. To/from the airport: Airline buses are available to the city (journey time – 45 minutes). Taxis are also available to the city center (journey time – 30 minutes). Facilities: Bank, post office, restaurants and snack bar, duty-free shop, gift shops, tourist information and first aid/vaccination facilities.
Getting There by Water Main ports: The main port was Khorramshahr until its destruction during the war with Iraq. Following reconstruction, the port was reopened to ship traffic in 1992. Imam Khomeini (website: www.khomeiniport.com) is located in the northwestern edge of the Persian Gulf and near Iraq. The ports of Abbas and Bushehr are to be found in the Persian Gulf and Nowshahr and Anzelli on the Caspian Sea.
Getting There by Rail RAJA Trains (part of Iranian Islamic Republic Railways) (tel: (21) 883 5159; website: www.rajatrains.com) operates passenger services from Tehran to Istanbul (Turkey) and Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic); from Tabiz to Djolfa (for the CIS) and Van (Turkey); and from Zahedan to Quetta (Pakistan).
Getting There by Road No reliable international through-road links. There are various routes possible from Turkey and Pakistan, but these are not recommended. Cars can also be put on boats at Venice or Brindisi and picked up at Ezmir. For details of political conditions governing access, contact the embassy.
Overview The following goods may be imported into Iran without incurring customs duty:
• A reasonable quantity of cigarettes. • Reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use. • Gifts on which the import duty/tax does not exceed US$80.
Prohibited Imports Arms and ammunitions; CDs and DVDs; any written, printed or recorded materials against the Islamic and national beliefs of the country; satellite telephones; all horticultural and agricultural goods including seeds and soil; gambling tools; alcoholic drinks; narcotics. Penalties for being in possession of narcotics are very severe.
Internal Travel:
Getting Around By Air Iran Air (IR) (website: www.iranair.com) runs services to Ahwaz, Esfahan, Kish, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Tehran and Zahedan and other major cities. Aseman Air (website: www.iaa.ir) also runs services to the major cities. The vast size of Iran makes internal flights the most practical method of transport.
Getting Around by Rail RAJA Trains (tel: (21) 883 5159; website: www.rajatrains.com) run a comprehensive internal rail network. Major intercity trains operate on five main regional routes: Azarbaijan route (Tehran – Jolfa); Golestan route (Tehran – Gorgan); Hormozgan route (Tehran – Bandar-e-Abbas); Khorasan route (Tehran – Mashhad); and Khozetan route (Tehran – Khorramshahr). There are many areas in the mountains and the desert which can only be reached by rail. There are some air-conditioned trains, and sleeping and dining cars on many trains.
Getting Around by Road The road network is extensive, but the quality is unreliable. The two main roads, the A1 and A2, link the Iraqi and Pakistani borders and the Afghan and Turkish borders. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: Widespread, cheap and comfortable, although services tend to be erratic.
Taxi: Available in all cities. The urban taxis (orange or blue) carry several passengers at a time and are much cheaper than the private taxis which only carry one person. Unofficial taxis should be avoided; use only legitimate taxis or those ordered through legitimate agencies. Group taxis for up to 10 people are available for intercity travel. Prices are negotiated beforehand and tipping is not necessary.
Car hire: Available in most cities and from airports.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended but it is not a legal requirement. Personal insurance is required. All motorists entering Iran must possess a Carnet de Passage en Douane and an International Certificate of Vehicle ownership.
Getting Around Towns and Cities Tehran has an extensive bus system, including double-deckers. Tickets are bought in advance at kiosks.
Journey Times The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Tehran to other major cities/towns in Iran.
