1
Do Women have clothing limitations?
Women have to cover their body and their hair in public (restaurants and hotel lobbies are public). According to the law, only the face and the hands of women may be visible, therefore it is best to wear a headscarf to cover the hair and a coat to cover the body. The body has to be covered in such a way that the skin of the woman is not visible. The hips, the legs and the feet should not be visible. It is best to wear wide clothing, so that the lines of the body are not recognizable. The headscarf should cover the hair fully. The color of the scarf and the clothing does not matter, and one is free to wear any color.
2
Do men also have clothing limitations?
Everybody has to obey the Islamic clothing rules in Iran. Not only women have to stick to the rules, also men have certain rules to stick to: the body of the men should be fully covered. Only hands, the neck, and the head may be visible. Short trousers are strictly prohibited. It is recommended to wear shirts with short sleeves rather than T-shirts. It is very important that the buttons of the shirt are not open. It is not forbidden to wear a tie or a bowtie
3
Are men and women allowed to shake hands?
Shaking hands for men and women are not allowed in the public.
4
Do women have to dress in Chador?
It is not necessary to wear a chador unless one wants to visit a holy mosque or shrine. Wherever the chador is a must, one will be given a chador.
5
Is it allowed to make up or wear sunglasses?
The women should not make themselves up too much, but making up is not forbidden. It is allowed to wear sunglasses.
6
Is it possible to enjoy alcoholic beverage?
According to Islam, it is forbidden to enjoy alcohol at all, no matter in what form. It is forbidden to have alcoholic food or beverage, to trade with alcohol, and to serve alcohol.
7
Is it possible to bring alcoholic beverage to Iran?
Entering Iran; bringing alcohol is forbidden. It is possible to get non-alcoholic beverages almost all over the country.
8
Is it safe to drink the water from the tap?
The water is drinkable, but it may contain too many minerals. It is recommended to have mineral water.
9
What is the Iranian currency?
The Iranian official currency is Rial. Rial are available in coins (100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and Rls.) and notes (500, 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000 Rls.). Coins are only marked in Persian script and numerals, but one side of the notes is printed in English.
10
Where can I exchange money?
It is possible to exchange money already at the airport, no matter at what time; but only special banks do exchange money. Lately, the exchange of foreign currencies has been allowed, and there are exchange shops available in most big cities. The exchange rates of these shops are usually higher than the official rate. The following currencies can be easily exchanged at any Exchange Shop: US Dollars, German Marks, British Pounds, French Franken, and Japanese Jen.
11
How to find out about the exchange rates?
The exchange rates may change quite often, but it is possible to find out the exchange rates at any bank.
12
Are credit cards accepted in Iran?
Not exactly. Due to sanction limitations, there are not any official services for the internationally known credit cards in Iran. Some Iranian private banks are trying to arrange services for the international credit cards these days. Also, some smart businessmen can accept credit cards. In some particular shops you can purchase some items like carpets, handicrafts, jewels, etc. by credit cards like in some major hotels or some other shops outside hotels. Generally, it is recommended to take some cash with you while traveling in Iran.