Iran Travel Guide

• Tehran & Alborz: Museums and palaces in Tehran, bazaar wandering, rooftop cafe dining, hiking Mount Tochal and day trips to Alborz villages.
• Isfahan & Central Plateau: Photographing Naqsh-e Jahan and bridges in Isfahan, exploring bazaars, visiting historic houses in Kashan and wandering Yazd’s old town.
• Shiraz & Fars: See Nasir al-Mulk and gardens in Shiraz, visit Persepolis and walk ancient ruins around Marvdasht, enjoy poetry and teahouses.
• Caspian Coast & Gilan: Sample regional cuisine in Rasht, boat trips from Bandar-e Anzali, hike forest trails and visit tea plantations.
• South & Persian Gulf: Explore port life in Bandar Abbas, coastal seafood, desert excursions from Kerman and ferry connections to southern islands.

Most international arrivals land at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA); Tehran also has Mehrabad (THR) for many domestic flights. Iran’s major cities (Shiraz SYZ, Isfahan IFN, Mashhad MHD) are served by direct regional routes and by the national carrier Iran Air. Overland entry is possible from neighboring countries at designated border crossings.

Typical daily spend is $30-80; Tehran and tourist hotspots are priciest while smaller towns and guesthouses are cheapest.

• Hostel dorm bed: about $8-20
• Basic guesthouse room: about $20-40
• Mid-range hotel: about $40-120
• Upscale hotel: $130+
• Market or street-stall meal: about $1-4
• Guided day tour or private-driver day: about $50-150

Prices in shops and on menus are usually quoted in toman (1 toman = 10 rials), and some places drop further zeros, so always ask which unit is meant. Inflation is very high and the rial moves fast, so the rial amount for the same item can change from month to month; change cash at licensed exchange offices, which give the open-market rate, rather than at banks.

For current prices on hundreds of everyday items, see Numbeo’s Iran cost of living, a crowd-sourced database that is updated often.

Ways to save

• **Carry enough cash**: Bring dollars or euros to exchange on arrival because international cards typically do not work.
• **Use public transport and shared taxis**: Buses and shared taxis are far cheaper than private drivers between cities.
• **Eat local and stay in guesthouses**: Street food, local restaurants and traditional guesthouses cut costs and enhance the experience.

Full trip budgets are in Iran Itineraries.

Cash is essential for most visitors - international bank cards (Visa/Mastercard/AMEX) generally do not work in Iran due to sanctions, so bring sufficient cash (EUR or USD) to exchange. ATMs will not accept most foreign cards.

• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated; small amounts or rounding up and around 5-10% in restaurants is common.
• Cards & Cash: Foreign-issued payment cards typically cannot be used; exchange euros or dollars to rials at banks or exchange bureaux for spending. Domestic debit/credit cards work for locals, but visitors should rely on cash.
• ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs generally will not accept foreign cards, so do not plan on withdrawals on arrival; local mobile payment systems exist for residents but are not accessible to most foreign cards. Be prepared with enough cash and use official exchange points where possible.

Modesty and respect for religious practice are the clearest public rules: women must cover hair and both sexes dress conservatively in public. Locals are generally hospitable and forgiving of sincere, respectful mistakes, but public displays that flout laws or religious norms can have serious consequences.

Iran has extensive mobile coverage in urban and many rural areas with widespread 4G; major operators offer competitive prepaid plans. Internet access can be affected by content filtering and intermittent throttling of specific services, affecting some remote work use cases.

• Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz; plug types C, F.

Not for everyone - political risks and strict laws are the main safety concerns; violent street crime is uncommon but arrests, protests and harassment are possible.

Staying healthy is manageable in cities with planning, but risks include limited medicine supplies, variable medical access outside major centres, and routine travel-health issues like foodborne illness and sun exposure.

Iran is defined by an ancient Persian heritage, rich literary traditions and a layered Islamic civilization visible in monuments, bazaars and public rituals. Its cultural distinctiveness combines deep historical continuity (Persian language and poetry) with strong regional customs and modern political history.

Iran’s rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes call for respect at religious and archaeological sites, support for local artisans and guides, and low‑impact behaviour in urban and protected areas.

• Respect cultural and religious etiquette: Follow Iran’s dress codes (women should wear a headscarf and modest clothing), ask before photographing people or religious sites, and be respectful at shrines such as the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
• Support local guides and craftsmen: Hire licensed local guides in cities like Isfahan and Shiraz and buy carpets, ceramics and other handicrafts directly from workshops to ensure income goes to artisans rather than intermediaries.
• Protect archaeological and natural sites: Observe rules at sites such as Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage - Persepolis), do not remove artifacts or fragments, and avoid drone use or any activity that could damage ancient masonry.
• Reduce environmental footprint: Iran’s cities and protected areas can suffer from pollution and overuse-use public transport where possible, avoid single‑use plastics, and follow local waste‑disposal practices when visiting rural areas.

Long-term living in Iran attracts academics, diplomats, journalists, and those with family ties or business interests. Life blends affordable everyday costs outside Tehran with bureaucratic hurdles, restricted internet, and tight regulatory oversight.

Long-Term Visas: Temporary residence available via work, study, family reunion, or investment; permits generally require a local sponsor.

Working There: Work permits mandatory, employer sponsorship required, some sectors closed to foreigners or tightly regulated.

Cost of Living: Lower cost of living than Western Europe; Tehran and imports raise monthly expenses significantly.

Health & Wellness: Public hospitals exist nationwide; expats and long-term residents typically use private clinics in major cities.

Banking & Finance: International banking limited by sanctions, opening accounts and cross-border transfers can be difficult for foreigners.

Taxes: Residents taxed on Iranian-source income; payroll taxes handled through employers for local hires.

Popular Places to Live in Iran

Choosing where to live comes down to whether you want Iran’s capital services, historic urban life, or quieter desert towns. For city amenities pick Tehran, for classic Persian architecture choose Isfahan or Shiraz, while smaller towns trade convenience for tranquility.

• Tehran - Largest city, business and healthcare hub, busy and industrial, best expat services
• Isfahan - Rich history and central bazaar, cultural lifestyle, less international infrastructure
• Shiraz - Gardens and poetry culture, relaxed pace, limited coworking options
• Yazd - Unique desert architecture, quiet and traditional, far from major hospitals and services
• Tabriz - Historic trade city in the northwest, strong regional commerce, colder climate

Iran is not a mainstream nomad destination due to internet filtering, sanctions affecting banking, and bureaucratic hurdles. Remote workers who come tend to be long-stay researchers, journalists with permissions, or people with family/business ties.

Nomad Visa: None - usual workaround: short-term tourist visas or formal work/student residence permits with local sponsor.

Long Term Rentals: Long-term rentals exist especially in Tehran and provincial capitals, contracts usually in Persian and require local help.

Internet: Mobile 4G and urban broadband available, but many international services blocked and speeds can vary.

Monthly Cost: Generally lower than Western countries, but imported goods and life in Tehran increase monthly costs.

Coworking: Limited formal coworking scene, most coworking spaces and cafés concentrated in Tehran.

Fitness & Wellness: Private gyms and clinics in big cities; wellness options sparse in smaller towns.

Community: Small, local expat and professional communities in major cities; little organized international nomad community.

Time Zone: UTC+03:30, half-hour offset from many neighboring time zones, can affect meeting scheduling.

Popular Nomad Hubs in Iran

Choice of base depends on whether you want the capital’s services, historical cities, or a quieter town. Big cities offer better healthcare and logistics, while smaller cities are cheaper but have fewer international amenities.

• Tehran - Political, economic hub, best healthcare and services, heavy traffic and pollution tradeoff
• Isfahan - Historic city, strong cultural life, quieter than Tehran, fewer international services
• Shiraz - Literary and garden city vibe, pleasant climate, limited coworking and international amenities
• Yazd - Desert architecture, peaceful and traditional, remote and fewer modern conveniences