Iran is a country located in Middle East with name that begins with letter I. With a land area of 1.6 million km 2, Iran is about five times the size of Germany, but has slightly fewer residents, namely 75.6 million. Around 12 million people live in the region of the capital Tehran.
Iran is a mountainous country, which is divided by several mountain ranges facing southeast, through which fertile valleys and plateaus run. There are large desert areas in the center and east of the country: the Lut Desert alone, at 166,000 km 2, is twice as large as Austria.
The highest mountain in Iran is the 5,671 m high Damavand, an extinct volcano in the Elburs Mountains, which separates the region around Tehran from the Caspian Sea. In the south, Iran borders the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Entry
Travelers need a visa, which must be applied for independently at the relevant Iranian diplomatic mission abroad. The passport must be valid for at least six months after departure. You will receive further details about the visa from us when you book a trip to Iran.
Climate
Iran extends over several climate zones. Most parts of the country have a pronounced continental climate: it is very warm during the day, but it can cool down considerably at night. In the high mountains, cold winters and hot, dry summers predominate. It is hot and humid in the Persian Gulf; The monsoons come in from July to October, and winter is mild. Likewise on the Caspian Sea: mild and rich in precipitation in winter, hot and humid in summer. In the central desert area there is a pronounced continental desert climate with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Food and drink
Kebabs, pizza and Iranian stew Chorescht (meat, some vegetables and a lot of sauce) are widespread. In the tea houses you can indulge in tea and water pipes.
Cultural characteristics
The clothing and behavior requirements in Iran are restrictive. Women must wear headgear in public, their clothes should cover the body shape. The feet must also be covered. Short pants for men are frowned upon.
Medical advice
Outside of the big cities, medical care usually does not meet European standards. A personal pharmacy with your own medicines is strongly recommended; it makes it easier to act in the event of illness. The heat and altitude should not be underestimated either. Depending on the region you are visiting, it is advisable to consult a tropical medicine doctor well in advance of your vacation. Tap water should not be drunk in Iran. Frequent hand washing and the avoidance of unpeeled, raw fruits and vegetables – also in salads – can prevent diarrhea.
Security
Iran is a relatively safe country in terms of theft and crime. However, caution should be exercised, especially in large cities. For further detailed safety information, please refer to the homepages of the German Foreign Office or the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
Special provisions / information
- The import and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in Iran.
- Homosexual acts, but also extramarital heterosexual relationships, are punishable by law.
- European credit or debit cards do not work in Iran. The best way to change cash you bring with you is to go to the official, private exchange offices that offer a much better exchange rate than the banks.
Climate and travel time
Iran lies on a high plateau. In the Iranian highlands, ie in most parts of the country, there is a pronounced continental climate. In spring and autumn you can expect daytime temperatures between 25 and 30 °C. At night, on the other hand, it cools down relatively strongly, so that jackets and / or coats are advisable.
Thanks to its size (around 20 times the size of Austria), Iran extends over several climate zones. In the high mountains: cold winters and hot, dry summers. On the Persian Gulf: hot and humid climate in summer with monsoons from July to October, mild in winter. On the Caspian Sea: mild and rainy in winter, hot and humid in summer. In the central desert area: extremely continental desert climate.
All about money
Currency
Iranian Rial (IRR)
Your credit cards and debit cards do NOT work in Iran. (Due to the trade embargo, Iran’s banks are not networked with the rest of the world.) Please be sure to bring enough cash with you for any planned purchases in EUR or USD. In an emergency, cash can be borrowed from the tour guide for purchases.
It is NOT recommended to change money in banks, not even after arriving at the airport. The official banking rate is usually very bad. (Up to 50% below the market rate!) There are many official, private exchange offices in Tehran and other large cities, which usually pay a much better “market rate”. However, please do not exchange money with illegal street vendors, this can be dangerous. If you need any help, please contact your guide.
Please also note the services not included in the tour price:
* Not included lunch or dinner (picnic or restaurant) and drinks. We recommend that you calculate around EUR 200 per person for this.
* Our tip recommendation is around EUR 20-30 per person for the driver and around EUR 30-50 per person for the tour guide.
Other essential information
Time difference:
CET + 2 ½ h (summer and winter time)
Electricity:
As in Europe, the voltage is 220 volts / 50 Hertz alternating current. The sockets in some hotels have three holes so adapters are required. These can also be bought in Iran.
Phone:
Area code from Austria to Iran: 0098… / Area code from Iran to Austria: 0043…
