Know Before You Go IRAN
Introduction The anticipation of your holiday should give you enormous pleasure. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your next trip we have put together this document which contains essential information about the country you are soon to visit. We know that visa requirements and electrical currents are not the most scintillating of topics but we also know that being forewarned is forearmed and we would hate for you to come back from your holiday, thinking “if only Steppes had told me that!” Travelling should be inspirational but above anything else it should be fun. We hope this information takes care of the more mundane matters of planning a trip so that you can then focus on building up excitement levels pre-travel, safe in the knowledge you’ve got everything covered.
DID YOU KNOW? Map data ©2014 AutoNavi, Basarsoft, GeoBasis-DE/BKG (©2009), Google, Mapa GISrael, ORION-ME
•
Iran is considered the pistachio capital of the world.
•
Imam Square is Isfahan is the second-largest square in the world.
•
Although alcohol is now illegal in Iran, the poems of Hafez, Iran’s most revered poet, are filled with references to wine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long are the flights to Iran?
Do I need to take anti-malaria medication?
The flight time from London to the capital, Tehran, is around seven and a half hours.
Speak to a GP or nurse, and check the NHS Fit for Travel website (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk). Generally, malaria is only prevalent in south-eastern Iran.
What is the time zone in Iran?
Can I use my credit card?
Iran is three and a half hours ahead of the UK (GMT +3.5). It observes daylight saving time.
No, credit cards are not accepted. You must bring enough cash (in US dollars) for the duration of your trip.
What is the international dialling code for Iran?
How will I get around the country?
+98
Transfers over short and long distances will be done by road or air; the former being a great way to see the country.
Can I use my mobile phone in Iran? Some providers have roaming agreements in Iran, whilst others don’t. If you want to use your mobile, then pre-paid SIM cards may be available and can be topped up throughout your stay. Phones are available at most hotels and restaurants. Phoning from any hotel room can be very expensive, so we suggest you enquire at the reception beforehand.
How much luggage can I take? International airlines mostly work on an allowance of 20kg for checked bags and one piece of hand luggage.
Is Iran safe to travel around?? With a turbulent past, Iran is only now re-emerging as a tourist destination, with its fascinating history, warm people and beautiful scenery. When it comes to the safety of tourists, the Iranian people are extremely friendly and will do their best to make foreigners feel safe and welcome. However, we advise leaving valuables at home, keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas and avoiding unknown areas without your guide.
Can I drink alcohol in Iran? No. Alcohol is prohibited in Iran and anyone found in possession of it is risking criminal prosecution.
Where can I find updates on the weather before my trip? The internet is the best place to find a comprehensive weather forecast for Iran. Recommended sites include www.onlineweather.com and www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Can I access the internet during my trip? Internet is available in the main cities and tourist areas. However, off the beaten track it is harder to find. Be aware that the internet is heavily censored and many sites may be unavailable. These include Western news pages, as well as social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.
LANGUAGE
English
Persian (Farsi)
Hello How are you? I am fine, thank you Goodbye Please Thank you Yes/No What is your name? My name is... I don’t understand.
Salâm Khoda hafez Hale shoma chetor ast? Man khubam mamnun, shoma chetorid? Esm e shoma chist? Esm e man ... ast Nemifahmam Gheymatesh chande? Moteassefam Mersi
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE In association with the 'Know Before You Go’ campaign Steppes Travel are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Please visit the Foreign Office website for any updates: www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
VISA REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
UK passport holders require a visa to travel to Iran. Other nationalities should check with their nearest consulate or representative.
For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with Steppes Travel. We suggest the specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine. To arrange cover you can speak to our specialists or call Campbell Irvine on 020 7938 1734.
You should lodge your visa application well in advance of your date of travel, as the process can be long and unpredictable. A visa authorisation number is required, which we can provide. This authorisation number is reliant on information that you will need to provide, and must be obtained before the visa application process can begin. Check the expiry date of your visa before travelling. Your passport must have two blank pages and at least six months to run from the return date of travel. This is strictly enforced by the immigration department and without this you will not be allowed to enter Iran.
If you already have travel insurance then we require confirmation that your policy provides adequate cover for the duration of your trip, covers the full value of your invoice, is sufficient for the destination(s) you are visiting and includes medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Please send your travel consultant the insurers name, policy number and emergency contact number.
Please note that it remains your responsibility to organise visas when required (unless otherwise specified by your consultant). However, we are more than happy to give advice, help or provide supporting documentation, where necessary.
VACCINATIONS We suggest you check online at the Fit for Travel website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or with your local GP/ travel clinic regarding ‘boosters’ for standard immunisations such as Japanese Encephalitis and Tetanus. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an infected area. PrePre -existing conditions If you have specific medical requirements, please consult your doctor prior to departure to obtain adequate supplies of any necessary medication that may be required whilst on holiday. Please carry personal medication with you in your hand luggage (in line with current airline regulations), remembering to keep a copy of your prescription or the usage guidelines with you as well.
HEALTH & SAFETY Travelling with Steppes Travel is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the UK and may often be lower. Please refer to our full health and safety information on our website, under Travellers Code.
AIRPORT & FLIGHT INFORMATION •
While travelling, please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure for the country you are visiting.
•
Have appropriate visa for your destination and transit points.
•
Please note the date, time of your flight and also the time to arrive at the airport. Please be on time.
•
Please advise if you have special meal requests (vegetarian, medical, halal/ kosher, baby food, etc…), while booking your flight.
•
Some food items are not allowed to be carried in the cabin or inside hand baggage.
•
Please affix your name and address label on the baggage. It is also recommended to put the label in side of your checked in baggage to help us identify the bag in case the baggage tag/label attached outside is detached & lost.
•
Please do not put valuable items such as money, jewellery, cameras and other expensive electronic items in your check-in baggage.
•
If hand baggage is collected at the check-in counter or at the gate due to its size being above the allowed limit, the airline will not be liable for the damage and loss of valuable items in the baggage.
•
Do not carry liquids or gels of over 100ml, toy or replica guns, razor blades, household cutlery, knives, scissors, knitting needles etc. in your hand baggage.
•
For your own and the flight's safety and security, please do not accept any item from anyone as you will be held responsible & accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.
SHELF IMPROVEMENT
ETIQUETTE & CULTURE
We have put together a small list of books that are set around Iran. Both fiction and non-fiction, they will help you establish an understanding and feel for the country.
Once part of the mighty Persian Empire, Iran is a fascinating and unique country, steeped in history. Islam is the dominant religion, with Shia Muslims making up around 89% of the population and Sunni Muslims around 9%. Religion is a huge part of everyday life, along with family. The Iranian people are also famed for their hospitality. Remembering the customs and etiquette of this country can be a daunting task, but there are a few things visitors must remember.
Author
Title
Terence Ward Jason Elliot Shiran Ebadi Michael Axworthy Iraj Pezeshkzad Ramita Navai
Searching For Hassan Mirrors Of The Unseen Iran Awakening Revolutionary Iran My Uncle Napoleon City of Lies
ELECTRICITY Mains electricity in Iran is 220V. Most electrical outlets require European-style (two round pin) plugs.
Dress Code Due to its religious constitution, Iran has a strict Islamic dress code. This must be followed at all times, particularly by women. For men, the rules are very simple and only shorts are prohibited. Short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are fine, as are trousers that reach the ankles. However, for women it is more complicated. All women must wear a headscarf, although this does not need to cover their hairline or fringe. Furthermore, women’s clothing should cover their legs and ankles, shoulders and most of their arms. This means that female tourists can wear trousers or full-length skirts, accompanied by long-sleeved tops. Also, tops should be longer, so that they fall past the thighs. And any tight clothing is definitely prohibited.
Social Situations If you are invited to a local home, then you will be expected to remove your shoes. If offered food, you may have to sit on the floor and should only use your right hand to eat with. When meeting people, members of the same sex may kiss or shake hands. However, no physical contact is permitted between members of opposite sexes.
Photography As always, it is polite to ask permission before photographing someone. Do not take photos of airports, military buildings or government establishments. Your guide can advise you when photography is prohibited.
CLIMATE
FOOD & DRINK Iranian cuisine, also known as Persian, is a blend of exotic spices and subtle flavours prepared with traditional and unique techniques. Fresh breads, olives and exotic fruits like dates, pomegranate, apricots, are served alongside main courses of rice and meat flavoured with herbs and nuts. Locals are known for having a sweet tooth and loving their sugary treats. Look out for mountains of sugared fruits, pomegranates and melons, along with some of the best Persian pistachio nougat, known locally as ‘gaz’. It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months. Dehydration is possibly the single biggest cause of ill health. Bottled water is available from hotels, restaurants and shops. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least two to three litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea and coffee, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration.
We want your holiday to be unspoilt by food and drink related health problems, please….. Due to its vast size and geography, Iran has a diverse weather system, which sees the country experiencing climatic extremes. The north of the country sees hot summers and chilly winters, whereas the southern Persian Gulf regions experience scorching summers and warm winters. Typically the best time to travel is during the spring and autumn months, when temperatures are more bearable and make travelling far more comfortable. It is important to remember that due to the variation in Iran’s geography and climate it can be hot in one area, while freezing in others.
• • • •
Avoid buffets in warm climates, and stick to dishes that have been freshly cooked and served, and not left hanging around in the warm. Do not buy food from roadside stalls unless you have seen it cooked in front of you. Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal is unbroken. Make sure that all fruit and vegetables eaten raw, are washed in boiled or bottled water before eating.
MONEY
Local Currency Iran’s currency is the Iranian rial (IRR). Locals often count in ‘tomans’ rather than rials. This is confusing and harks back to the old currency system, with one toman being equal to 10 rials. Traveller’s cheques and credit cards are not accepted in the country. Whilst ATMs only accept local cards. We advise bringing US dollars with you. These can be changed upon arrival into the country, at either your hotel or most banks.
Credit Cards Credit cards are not accepted in Iran.
Tipping Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, below are some guidelines to assist you: • • • •
Guides: $15 per guest per day Hotel staff: $5 per guest per day Porterage: $1 per person per movement Drivers: $10 per person per day
Giving Money This is a matter of personal preference or conscience. However, Steppes Travel feels that it is best to donate to a charitable entity, rather than individuals.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Just because we believe travel should be of benefit to both traveller and the host country, that doesn’t mean having fun is frowned upon. On the contrary, it is positively encouraged and because you’ll feel like you’re giving something back to the local people, wildlife and environment, you’ll have even more to smile about.
Our policy is that we endeavour:
•
To work with privately owned companies and hotels rather than state owned or foreign companies in the countries that you visit.
•
To support a number of charities which promote a wide range of education programmes together with environmental and community projects in the countries we visit. When possible, we encourage you to visit these initiatives.
•
To encourage travellers to visit unspoilt areas of the world where low impact tourism can have a hugely beneficial effect.
•
To take you beyond the ordinary, to local markets or community craft schemes rather than large corporation tourist shops so that your money benefits those who need it most.
Our ‘responsible policy’ is not just limited to the destinations in which we operate. Responsible practice is exercised in our office with various measures put in place aimed at reducing, re-using and recycling resources where possible.
In return we ask you:
•
To be sympathetic to local customs, traditions and idiosyncrasies, which to us might seem strange.
•
To be aware of local resources, particularly water and its purity, and treat them with care.
•
To be generous in relation to local monetary values, but do not over tip
•
To give money where it is needed and not to hordes of children. Handing out gifts creates an air of expectancy and exacerbates the problem. Far better to give items such as pens to teachers.
•
To not buy goods that will have a detrimental effect on either wildlife or the environment however beautiful or plentiful they may seem. It only encourages others.
•
You are encouraged to report back on your experience and on the behaviour and awareness of our agents and local guides on your return. Only in this way can we improve and ensure our demands are being met.
We are committed to developing our Policy of Responsible Practice even further in the future. Our aim is to continually incorporate new responsible practices into our business at all levels and encourage our suppliers to do the same.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
British Embassy Embassy of Sweden 27 Boostan Ave. Tehran Iran
+44 20 7008 1500
Note: The British Embassy remains closed in Iran. If you need routine consular assistance in Iran you should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the number given. In an emergency, you should contact any EU Embassy in Tehran, including the Swedish Embassy.
Health and Vaccinations Malaria Hotspots Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice
www.malariahotspots.co.uk 0845 8502829
Fit for travel
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice www.ďŹ tfortravel.nhs.uk
Passport and Visa requirements The Visa Service
0870 8900185
www.cibtvisas.co.uk
Identity and Passport Service
0870 210410
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office
Heathrow Airport
0870 0002468
www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
0870 0002468
www.gatwickairport.com
Airports
Flights Airline information
www.airlinequality.com
Currency Currency converter
www.xe.com/ucc/
WHAT TO PACK You will undoubtedly have items you consider personal favourites and utterly indispensable. Therefore, the following items are a mixture of not-to-be-forgotten essentials and our personal recommendations. Use them to supplement your own packing list.
Important Stuff • Passport and photocopy* • Itinerary & airline reference number • Copy of insurance policy • Credit cards/cash • Emergency contact numbers • International vaccination card e.g. a yellow fever certificate (where applicable) *Please store your passport and the photocopy in different locations.
Clothing • • • • • • • • • • •
T-shirts and vests Fleece or sweatshirt Light-weight, windproof and waterproof jacket Flip-flops or sandals for casual use Comfortable walking shoes Small spare towel Long, loose trousers suitable for walking Socks and underwear Two or three long-sleeved shirts Shawl or scarf Wide-brimmed sun hat
Essentials • • • • • • • • •
Travel adaptor Torch with spare batteries (or windup torch) 20-litre daypack Travel or language guides Reading material or an e-reader (with charger) One-litre water bottle Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarised Camera with charger and bag Wash kit
Medical Equipment • • • • • • •
Personal first aid kit Personal prescription medicines Insect repellent Lip salve Spare prescription glasses Contact lenses and cleaners Sunscreen
USEFUL TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency
Evernote Food
Know how much you’re spending with live updates.
Document recipes you love as you travel.
Google Translate
Map My Walk
Translates between 64 languages, with audio too.
Calculate your duration, distance, pace and speed.
Weather Pro
Pin Drop
Weather reports for up to two million locations.
Pin on a map to record locations you’ve discovered.
Flight Track
Travel Smart
Follow detailed paths of thousands of flights.
Access to emergency services & health advice.
Prizmo
Trip Journal
A pocket scanner for all your important documents.
Virtual scrapbook, geotagging pictures & videos.
Tipulator
WhatsApp Messenger
Nifty tip calculator, also helps to split bills easily.
Free to send pictures, videos & sound clips over wifi
Flashlight
Viber
Simple gadget, always handy for travelling.
International calls and messaging for free.
Packing Pro
Triposo
Packing suggestions based on your destination.
Pocket Wikitravel, internet connection not required.
THE STEPPES TRAVEL GROUP 51 CASTLE STREET CIRENCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 1QD
T +44 (0)1285 880 980 F +44 (0)1285 885 888 ENQUIRY@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM