PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Alcohol

Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Iran, do NOT bring any with you. Drug laws are also extremely strict.

Pornography and any magazines that could be interpreted as ‘immoral’, even fashion magazines, should not be brought into Iran, neither should any controversial literature. You may want to cover your books in a dust jacket.

Pork products are forbidden to be imported.

Communication

Postcards take a long time to arrive in Australia. Email is possible, there are internet cafes and most hotels have internet facilities. Landline telephone services exist throughout Iran. The mobile network however can be problematic with intermittent coverage.

Dress code

Thankfully the dress code for women has been simplified over the last 10 years. Women are required to wear loose-fitting clothing which covers the arms and legs,shoes or sandals. Make sure you wear this upon arrival. The headscarf is compulsory, it must be worn at all times during the day, also during meals, indoors and outside.

Men must not wear shorts or sleeveless T-shirts. They are not required to wear any head covering but a sun hat against the sun makes good sense.

In September the temperature averages between 28-30 degrees Celsius.

In the desert the temperature at night can drop considerably, so make sure to bring a warm jacket.

Electricity

The voltage used throughout Iran is 220V AC 50Hz; plugs are the round two-pin type

Health and Vaccinations

Please check with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information. It makes good sense to have your DTP vaccinations and Hepatitis A updated.

In your hand luggage you should carry your personal medications and an accompanying letter from your doctor describing medical condition and medication for each.

Insurance

We recommend a comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance.

Money

The currency is the Iranian Rial, IR. Prices are often quoted in Tomans (1 toman = 10 rial).

US dollars and Euro notes are the only hard currencies accepted by Iranian banks and money changers. Iran is very much a cash economy and credit cards are only occasionally accepted. Make sure your banknotes, Euro’s or AUD or USD are not higher than 50,- (preferably in smaller denominations of 10 or 20 ), in good condition and ( USdollars) dated after 1996. You can change your dollars at official money exchange offices (they are quite speedy) in the city or at the banks (not very speedy at all).

You will need to bring the equivalent of a minimum of  €350,-

Note: you cannot change rials into hard currency outside of Iran

Coins are hard to be found; the banknotes come in  values of  5000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000. 500.000

As per 7/3/13 the official exchange rate was AUD1 = IR12,592

Photography

Photography is allowed anywhere except near government or military buildings, of infrastructure such as airports or where indicated by signs eg in museums. When photographing persons : ask permission first!

Time

Iran is 5 ½ – 7 ½ hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time, depending on summer/winter daylight saving.