Travel to Iran - Any advice?
Discussion
I have been invited to travel to Iran for business reasons and would like to know if anyone here has been there lately?
My wife is not keen on me going and I have checked the advice on the Gov website etc but would like to know peoples experiences if they have been.
It could be of great benefit for me if I do go.
My wife is not keen on me going and I have checked the advice on the Gov website etc but would like to know peoples experiences if they have been.
It could be of great benefit for me if I do go.
I drove through Iran 18 months ago, and at the time was very apprehensive about going there - mostly because of the impression you get of the country from the news. Nothing could be further from the truth - the people there are all absolutely lovely. In most places when a stranger approaches you on the street you are thinking "what's the scam here", but Iran the people are genuinely just interested in chatting to you, since foreigners are still such a novelty. I was also blown away by the big cities - Esfahan in particular was fantastic - big, wide green tree lined streets and amazing markets and bazaars. A long way from the 'mud huts' images I had in my head! 
During the trip we went through 23 countries, and I would say Iran was actually once of the safest. Even late at night there are people walking around with young children and I only ever had good feelings about the place. Hard to describe - perhaps a good feeling of 'community'.
I couldn't recommend it enough to be honest. Visa's are a problem, but I imagine if you are going through work then they will arrange all the 'invitations' and so on that you need.
We did also go through Zahedan (way down in the south east, near the Pakistan border). None of the above applies to there!
During the trip we went through 23 countries, and I would say Iran was actually once of the safest. Even late at night there are people walking around with young children and I only ever had good feelings about the place. Hard to describe - perhaps a good feeling of 'community'.
I couldn't recommend it enough to be honest. Visa's are a problem, but I imagine if you are going through work then they will arrange all the 'invitations' and so on that you need.
We did also go through Zahedan (way down in the south east, near the Pakistan border). None of the above applies to there!
Go, you'll have a great time. Iranian hospitality is quite something to be experienced. Iranians are open and curious about 'strangers'. Don't be surprised if you get invites to eat in people's homes - it's all part of being a good host. One thing that you might find a bit strange is this idea of 'torof' - it's a form of extreme politeness that you have to be very firm with e.g. if you do eat with a family they'll offer you food until you are stuffed beyond all reason and then they'll offer you more. Always be polite and show good maners. If you do go to someones house, you will be expected to take your shoes off and possible eat at a sofreh (large tablecloth). Oh .. enjoy the food which can vary depending upon where you are to be fragrant and light to being very hot. Iranians are also quite nocturnal and social things take place either in restaurants or in peoples' houses. Don't expect to sleep much and the day starts early and ends late.
The one think you might struggle with at the moment is depending on where you go, it will be very hot. If you are in the south it will approaching low 40's to high 40's in a few weeks and Tehran has appalling air polution.
Iranians talk openly about many things including world affairs. Do not voice any criticism of the government in public or to people you don't know. You can end up in a great deal of very serious trouble very quickly. But saying that, all you have to be is respectful and polite and make sure your arms are covered and that you dress appropriately.... and just enjoy.
Oh and if you are in business making deals... be warned, no one on earth negotiates the way Iranians negotiate. They are born with the skill of haggling that westerners struggle to counter!
Iran is beautiful, in fact some of the cities are breathtaking; Esfahan and Shiraz as well as the ruins at Perspolis.
The one think you might struggle with at the moment is depending on where you go, it will be very hot. If you are in the south it will approaching low 40's to high 40's in a few weeks and Tehran has appalling air polution.
Iranians talk openly about many things including world affairs. Do not voice any criticism of the government in public or to people you don't know. You can end up in a great deal of very serious trouble very quickly. But saying that, all you have to be is respectful and polite and make sure your arms are covered and that you dress appropriately.... and just enjoy.
Oh and if you are in business making deals... be warned, no one on earth negotiates the way Iranians negotiate. They are born with the skill of haggling that westerners struggle to counter!
Iran is beautiful, in fact some of the cities are breathtaking; Esfahan and Shiraz as well as the ruins at Perspolis.
Working in the Oil and gas Industry I go to some volatile places, my advice would be stay vigilant be aware of your surroundings and accept a guide if provided also if they must stamp your passport ask them to do it on some paper and staple it in.As some country's are warey of middle east stamps now.
you could apply for a second passport like myself,Also good if you need to do one in case of emergency
you could apply for a second passport like myself,Also good if you need to do one in case of emergency
) where the food is vastly better than restaurants.I've traveled across Northern Iran, and like everyone else, found the people very friendly. It is far safer than any of the surrounding countries and in many ways is quite western.
I think you have to sort out your visa personally as they take fingerprints. The embassy is fairly chaotic so you have to keep your wits about you, but they had no issue handing over a visa once I'd got to the right place.
I always wore trousers and long sleeves although there are many people in t-shirts. Many of the young women were wearing the bare minimum to be in keeping with Islam, so sleeves rolled up and a headscarf barely covering their heads. Alcohol and western music are banned, but it is always around, just not openly.
We had some real issues with crowds forming around us, particularly as we were in a very distinctive convoy. The crowds would be generally friendly at first, but occasionally it turned a but nasty and would have to head off.
The Iranians are the worst drivers on the planet, so be very careful of the traffic and if you are driving.
I've only been to Northern Iran and I understand that Southern Iran is much more conservative, but most people don't go down that way.
I think you have to sort out your visa personally as they take fingerprints. The embassy is fairly chaotic so you have to keep your wits about you, but they had no issue handing over a visa once I'd got to the right place.
I always wore trousers and long sleeves although there are many people in t-shirts. Many of the young women were wearing the bare minimum to be in keeping with Islam, so sleeves rolled up and a headscarf barely covering their heads. Alcohol and western music are banned, but it is always around, just not openly.
We had some real issues with crowds forming around us, particularly as we were in a very distinctive convoy. The crowds would be generally friendly at first, but occasionally it turned a but nasty and would have to head off.
The Iranians are the worst drivers on the planet, so be very careful of the traffic and if you are driving.
I've only been to Northern Iran and I understand that Southern Iran is much more conservative, but most people don't go down that way.
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