FASTFAX IRAN
Iranian Bread Salesman,
Tehran
courtesy http://www.bigfoto.com/
Weather & Climate:
Fairly hot, though dry
during the summer months, cold in winter. Tehran is in the mountains
so it's not as hot as most of the Gulf coast, or Southern region.
Religion:
Religion is a big part of Iranian everyday life, especially since the
revolution of the 1970's, but in no way does it manifest itself like
most television and movie portrayals. The most obvious signs will be
the call to prayers broadcast on the mosque, fasting during Ramadan,
and conservative dress (see below) when outdoors. You will find Iranians
to be both warmly welcoming and respectful of you as a visitor in their
country.
Most Iranians are Shi'ia Muslims, though
the country also has a rich Jewish and Zoroastrian tradition as well.
Language:
Farsi/Persian. There is a good amount of English and German spoken,
though only at tourist and white collar business related places. Most
Iranians only speak Farsi.
Clothing:
All women in the country, including visitors, must abide by Iran's custom
of dress. This means that women should wear a veil covering their hair
at the least. Loose fitting clothing covering everything but the hands
is the norm. It seems stringent, though most Iranians will not be offended if you forget,
but will ask you politely to cover up.
Men should maintain some conservatism
as well, though young men seem to be ok in T-shirts. Absolutely no shorts
though, for men or women.
That said, some 60% of Iran is under
the age of 35 (as of 2005), and youth culture is very evident in the
major cities, and generally more "liberal" in the European/USA
sense than the generation before them.
Ramadan:
Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting where believers do not eat,
drink, smoke, curse, or lie during daylight hours. In Iran you can't
do these things outside during the day, even if you aren't Muslim, and
the dress is generally more conservative as well. Ask the Iranian embassy
issuing your visa when Ramadan is if you are concerned about travel
during this period, as the holiday changes each year (based on lunar
cycles).
Visa:
Allow plenty of time before your trip to plan on getting your visa to
visit Iran (months usually). Check with your country's Iranian consulate
or embassy on how to get one. More info can be had on the Iranian embassy
in the USA's website: www.daftar.org.
If you have an Israeli stamp in your
passport or admit to travelling to Israel you will be denied admission
to the country.
Driving:
International Driving Permit required. Application and info for US drivers
on AAA's website here: http://www.csaa.com/.
Drugs and Alcohol:
Alcohol is not allowed in Iran and will be confiscated on arrival. It
is also illegal to drink alcohol within Iran. Drugs and alcohol have
stiff punishment in Iran, though there is quite a bit of both of them
in the country, particularly homemade brews. Be careful if you do partake,
because it is illegal, and you may be made an example of.
Bringing magazines with scantily clad
female pictures or pornographic images of any kind is also not taken
lightly. Best to leave any potentially problematic materials on the plane, in case of confiscation
or unwanted attention from the customs guards.
Money:
US Dollars accepted as cash most places in the country. Otherwise exchange
your country's currency (into Iranian Rials) in the airport or major
hotels in cities and carry cash, as most places don't accept cards or
traveler's checks.
Vaccinations Needed:
None.
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