Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Toilets
Most Iranians have squat toilets at home, but the majority of better hotels have thrones or
a choice of loos. Almost all public toilets are squats and while some are regularly cleaned,
others are very definitely not. Still, there are usually enough options that you won't have
to enter anywhere too stinky. Mosques, petrol stations, bus and train stations and airport
terminals always have toilets,
sans
toilet paper.
Fortunately, most of the ubiquitous small grocery stores stock toilet paper or tissues. All
but the cheapest guesthouses now supply toilet paper too, though sometimes you'll need
to ask. That said, it's worth remembering that the wise traveller carries an emergency
stash of TP, the unwise traveller can use this page. Whatever you use, most plumbing is
not designed for paper so put your used sheets in the bin not the bowl.
Tourist information
The ominous-sounding Ministry of Culture & Islamic Guidance is responsible for 'cultur-
al affairs, propaganda, literature and arts, audiovisual production, archaeology, preserva-
tion of the cultural heritage, tourism, press and libraries'. As the list suggests, tourism is
not its top priority.
Cultural Heritage offices, universally known as
Miras Faranghi
in Farsi and often
housed in restored historic buildings in provincial capitals, dispense information. They
don't see too many walk-in tourists but will usually try to find someone who speaks Eng-
lish and search around in filing cabinet drawers until you have a showbag full of bro-
chures, maps, postcards and other promotional paraphernalia. Some cities also have more
proactive private or semi-private tourist offices, where basic information is available in
English and guides and tours can be arranged.
There are small information booths in train stations, where staff are usually good on
timetable information, and international airports, where they might speak English and
have a map, but little else. Information offices in bus terminals are generally useless.
Travellers with Disabilities
Facilities are rare, but as long as you are healthy and come with the right frame of mind
there is no reason why travellers with disabilities shouldn't enjoy Iran. Wheelchair ramps
are starting to appear, though they remain exceptional. Only the more upmarket hotels are
