Top 5 Tips for Travelling to Iran
 Iran is a beautiful and exciting place
to visit. It is a country filled with Persian gardens,
palaces, historical sites, museums, and natural beauty.
Given the current restrictions, your travel will be most
enjoyed
with some careful planning and preparation. Because Iran
has not supported a large tourist industry in recent years,
some aspects of travel may be a little different or outdated.
A good time of year to travel is in the spring or in the
fall. The summer tends to be too hot, especially for women.
Winters may also be too cold with the addition of heightened
pollution in Tehran.
To best prepare you for your trip, here
are top 5 tips for travel
to Iran
to
get
the
most out
of
your
time
there.
1. Finances: Getting enough
money and currency for the trip. Most places in Iran
will not readily accept credit cards or ATM cards as
in the West. It is important that you bring enough cash
with you to sustain your travel and any shopping you
plan to do. Major hotels, some shops and restaurant may
accept plastic but it is always good to go with about
double what you think you will spend. Although the currency
rate is low and things are relatively cheap, you never
know when you will get the urge to buy that beautiful
carpet or painting.
2. Documents and Visas: Making sure
your papers and travel tickets are in order before you
go. For visas, the Iranian Embassy in the US has the
best website.
Here you can download forms and information about getting
a tourist visa. The staff at this and most
other embassies are very nice and helpful if you have
questions. In addition,
make sure your flights are booked properly. Most major
European airlines fly to Iran including BA, SAS, Air
France, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and KLM.
Flights tend to get in very early in the morning and
stopovers may not always be ideal. Be sure to check arrival
times, and transfer times with your travel agent or online
travel site before you purchase. For a list of local
travel agents or embassies, visit the PersianMirror
Business Directory.
 3. Accomodations: Researching
hotels and staying at the right places. Before you go,
do as
much research as you can on hotels. Generally you want
to stay in five star hotels to get the best ammenities.
If you have relatives or friends in Iran, we also recommend
staying with them. Most stays with family will reveal
much more about the culture and the way of life than
a stay at a hotel.
4. Dress: Packing the right
clothes for journey. Depending on the season and the
areas you
plan to visit, you need to pack accordingly. Iran offers
all sorts of climates and conditions. You can go skiing
in the winter in the north and go to the beach in the
summer. Weather can be humid, dry, hot or cold depending
on where you are. For women, other than layering for
temperature, the dress code outside if fairly simple.
Be sure to bring a head scarf and a coat or raincoat
to wear outside. For more on the outdoor Islamic
dress code, visit the fashion
section. If you are visiting
relatives at their homes, be sure to bring clothes
for those occasions. Iranians will dress up for house
parties
and you do not want to arrive underdressed.
5. Guidance: Getting pre-arranged local
help - whether from a relative or a travel agent. As
Iran is not the most tourist-friendly of places, we advise
going there with someone who knows the areas or visiting
someone who lives there. This will give you the best
chance to experience the real Iranian culture, as most
celebrations take place at home. If you do not know anyone,
an organized tour with a travel agency may be the best
bet. Be sure the person travelling with you to the various
historic sites is knowledgeable.
Make yourself familiar with local holidays
and customs. Remember to bring your camera, batteries and
lots of Soghati (gifts) for friends
and
family.
back to the
top
Tehran Hotels
1. Homa Hotel
No. 51, Shahid Khodami Street
Vali-e-Asr Avenue
Tel: +98 21 8773021 - 39
Fax: +98 21 8797259
2. Enghelab Hotel
Taleghani Ave.
Tel: +98 21 646 72 51 - 5
Fax: +98 21 646 62 85
3. Azadi Grand Hotel
Shahid Chamran Expressway
Tel: +98 21 207 30 21 - 9
Fax: +98 21 207 30 38
4. Evin Hotel
Chamran Expressway, Evin Crossing
Tel : +98 21 207 8606
Fax : +98 21 209 0425
5. Laleh International Hotel
3 restaurants, souvenir shops
Dr. Fathemi Avenue
Tel : +98 21 655021 to 9, 656021 to 9
Fax : +98 21 655517, 655588
6. Shohreh Hotel-Apartment
apartment-style accommodations with a restaurant, and sports
center
Blvd. Adjudaniyeh (Shahid Sabbari)
Blvd. Mohammaddi No.9
Tel : +98 21 2284068-2280008
Fax : +98 21 2298311-2298896
7. Arian Apartment
Hotel
2 bedroom apartment-style rooms
No. 24 Jafar Abad Ave.
Tajrish Square
Tel: +98 21 270-8545
Fax: +98 21 270-8547
8. Esteghlal Grand Hotel
Shahid Chamran Expressway
Tel : + 98 21 204 00 11 - 19
Fax : 204 70 41
9. Shara Hotel
Tehranpars Junction-Damavand Highway
Tel : +98 21 7860366
10. Kowsar Hotel
Khavar Alley, Vali-e Asr Sq
Tel: +98 21 898 371
Fax: + 98 21 889 1615
back to the top
|
