Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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»On city buses, use the women's entrance in the middle of the bus and sit at the back
with the other women.
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»On intercity buses you can sit in any part of the bus, but you should always try to sit
next to a woman (it's OK to sit next to a Western male you are travelling with).
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»Don't shake hands with Iranian men unless they initiate this. Instead, place your hand
over your heart as a greeting.
»
»If you are by yourself or even with another female, don't accept an invitation into a
man's house unless at least one of his female relatives will also be present.
Will I be Safe?
Violence against foreign women is almost unheard of in Iran, even if the odd grope in a
savari isn't (consider yourself warned). We rarely hear about instances of sexual assault,
although this has happened - if travelling solo you may be safer to use female guides,
steer clear of teahouses and avoid budget hotels where Iranian or migrant workers stay (eg
mosaferkhanehs
).
What Should I Bring?
If you use tampons, take enough to last your whole trip. They're expensive and very hard
to find. Sanitary pads are widely available. It's also handy to take some plastic bags for
carrying out your toilet paper, tampons and pads from toilets that don't have rubbish bins.
