GENERAL TRAVELLER INFORMATION OF IRAN

DRESS CODE/ CLOTHING:

The Islamic Republic of Iran observes the hijab or dress code for women.
Although the Islamic dress Code for women might have, somewhat, relaxed, but
it is still compulsory. Women are required to wear a headscarf (of any colour or
pattern but cool cotton is recommended) and clothes that cover their body at all
times outside hotel rooms. They can wear the regular ‘Islamic Manteau’, easily
purchased here at the cost f around US$ 35-40, or wear long sleeved knee-
length tunic/dress over long loose pants or skirt. An Indian-style
‘shalwar/kameez’ would be a perfect substitute. Please note that women
should wear a headscarf as soon as they leave aircraft on arrival.

Men can wear T-shirts/full sleeves, but they should refrain from wearing shorts.
Dress for comfort and the weather conditions. Mornings and evenings tend to be
cooler that the daytime highs so it is best to dress layers.

Required clothing:

Lightweight Cotton clothes are advised in the summer, with a sweater for cooler
evenings, especially in the inland areas. Waterproof medium-wear is
recommended for the winter, and warmer clothing for the mountainous areas of
northern Iran.

MONEY/BANKING

ALWAYS BRING CASH US DOLLARS/EUROS AS Tcs/CREDIT / DEBIT

CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN IRAN

Currency

The currency in Iran is the Rial but most prices in shops, and quoted by
shopkeepers, will be in Tomans. One Toman equals 10 rials. Notes are in
denominations of 10,000, 20,000, 100,000 and bank travelers’ cheques of Rials
500,000/-.

Currency Exchange:

US Dollars and Euros are the most widely acceptable form. All bills are normally
settled in cash. Old US Dollar bills (prior of 2000) and those in poor conditions
(with writing or stamps), may not be accepted.

Banks and the currency exchange bureau at IKA airport and in major hotels will
exchange at the official rate.
Exchange rate as on AUGUST 2017

Current Official Bank Exchange Rate: US$ 1 = Rials 24500/-Open Market

Exchange Rate: US$ 1 = Rials 38000 – 39000/- fixed on daily basis.

In case of any change in the travel programe, kindly inform the hotel
directly under intimation to this Mission, in case the booking has been
made by this Embassy.

Currency Restriction:

The import of foreign currency is unlimited. But in case you wish to take it back,
then one must declare at the Bank before Migration desk. The export of foreign
currency is permitted up to the amount of US$ 5,000/-.

Photography and Video

People should refrain from photographing government offices, airports, military

depots, police stations and any place that is deemed off limits. They should
always check with their guide to make sure of what is allowed and what is not to
avoid any problem for all concerned. When photographing people, especially
women, it is customary to first ask for their permission, but most Iranians are
happy to have their pictures taken.

Medicine

Though different medicine brands are available, all the medicine literature
supplied is either under their generic or Persian commercial names. It is better
that for personal medicinal needs you carry your necessary supply.

Climate

Iran has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short,
cool winters. The climate is influenced by Iran's location between the subtropical
aridity of the Arabian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the eastern
Mediterranean area. January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 5°C to
10°C, and August is the hottest month at 20°C to 30°C or more. In most of the
areas, summers are warm to hot with virtually continuous sunshine, but high
humidity on the southern coastal areas of the Persian Gulf. Daily Temperatures
can be very hot; on some days temperatures can reach easily 40°C or more,
especially along the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea which causes a danger of heat
exhaustion. About 70 percent of the average rainfall in the country falls between
November and March; June through August are often rainless. Rainfall varies
from season to season and from year to year. Precipitation is sometimes
concentrated in local, but violent storms, causing erosion and local flooding,
especially in the winter months. A small area along the Caspian coast has a very
different climate, here rainfall is heaviest from late summer to mid winter but falls
in general throughout the year.
Communication:

Mobile phone services are available all over Iran. All hotels have local internet
connections that can be used. SIM-cards can also be purchase for local
telephone use. These SIMs can be purchased at the Airport or the Hotel of Stay.
Most of the Indian mobiles also work in Iran.

Electricity:

The voltage in hotels and everywhere in Iran is 220V, but is best to have a
universal adapter. European-style sockets and plugs with two round pins are
used in Iran.

Time:

Iran time is GMT + 3.5 or two hours behind Indian time in Winter and one hour
behind in Summer.

Shopping:

The main high value goods on sale in Iran, and for which the country is so
famous for are carpets (in both silk and wool), and also a wide variety of nomadic
carpets from various regions of Iran. Throughout your stay, you will also have
the opportunity to purchase some of the numerous items of handicrafts and other
locally made trinkets which are unique in Iran. Shops offer a wide choice of
articles made of semi-precious stones; carved and painted wood, camel bone
artifacts, tiles, enameled plates and vases, block printing, inlayed wood works
known as “Khatam”, ceramic, miniatures, silver-ware etc. The bazaars offer
goods ranging from saffron, herbs, spices, dry fruits etc.

Purchase of carpet

Please make sure when you purchase a carpet or any other valuable handicraft
item, you have to insist on getting a receipt and for carpets a certificate of origin.
Each passenger is allowed to take up to 20 square meter of carpet back home
and there are no limitation on how many carpets it will be.

Tips & Advice For Safe Stay In Iran

To ensure a secure and pleasant stay in Tehran we would like to draw your
kind attention to the following points:

1. Only stay in authorized hotels or apartment hotels with valid license and
sign.
2. Nobody is allowed to search you and inspect your private things. Only the
Police (with the uniform and the police car) presenting the valid ID can
check your ID or ask for it.
 3. Leave your Passport and valuables in the hotel safe. Do not leave
valuables in the room. Do not carry large sums of money; carry only what
you need. Check your belongings regularly.
4. For travelling in the city a copy of passport and a hotel card would be
enough for presentation to the police or when necessary.
5. Always carry with you card and information of your staying hotel. In case
of any problems the police can help you to your hotel.
6. Avoid connecting strangers. For visiting places or strolling in the town,
ask your hotel desk for help or guidance.
7. Both for inner city and country roads, use authorized transportation.
When possible let the hotel desk clerks make these arrangements for
you.
8. For exchange go to the banks or ask your hotel desk for help
9. In the event of an emergency please call 110

Customs Rules And Regulations

General prohibition of import and export of goods.

On the basis of rules and regulation of I.R.Iran, entrance of some goods and or
its export is totally prohibited. Some of those goods are as follows:
1. Alcoholic drinks
2. Gambling tools
3. Weapons, ammunition and explosive goods
4. Narcotic drugs
5. Magazines, photos, film and snaps and those goods which is against
religious and national dignity of the country.
6. Any type of writings against the official region of the country and or
discipline disturbance and public purity and national dignity.
7. Various type of goods which has legitimate and legal prohibitance and
or this import and export has not been prohibited according to the
customs tariff table or special rules.

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