Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fuel & Spare Parts
While fuel in Iran is not as dirt cheap as it once was, it will still be a bargain compared
with what you pay at home. Except in the desert, you'll find large towns with
benzin
(pet-
rol) stations at least every 100km. Not all stations sell diesel and there is usually nothing
written on the pump to differentiate it from
benzin
- be sure to ask. Fuel quality is poor -
drivers told us most
benzin
was just 71 octane - so don't expect the same mileage as at
home. More problematic, though, are the long queues in towns within 100km or so of a
border, where well-organised smuggling operations leave little for locals. Iranian motor
oil can also be of dubious quality. International brands are safer. See also the boxed text
above.
Even the tiniest settlements have repair shops. The price for repair work is open to ne-
gotiation but you won't have much choice when it comes to spare parts. In the height of
summer, scalding heat makes tyre blowouts fairly common.
Hire
It's possible to rent a car but unusual. Instead, 'car rental' usually means chartering a taxi
or private driver, either privately or through a travel agency. Local drivers-cum-guides are
mentioned throughout the destination chapters of this guide.
Insurance
Your vehicle will need a
carnet de passage
and a green card, both of which you should or-
ganise before you arrive.
Road Conditions
Road surfaces are generally excellent. On the other hand, driving at night is more danger-
ous because of occasional unmarked potholes and the risk of running into tractors and oth-
er vehicles crawling along the road with no lights. On intercity roads most signs are in
English and Farsi. All cities have street signs, many in English and Farsi.
Road Hazards
Iranian drivers in the cities. Camels in the deserts. Unmarked speed bumps everywhere.
The last, often at the edges of towns, are both highly annoying and dangerous, and you'll
often be completely unaware they exist until your car suddenly gets airborne as you
launch over the bump.
If you're in an accident the Iranian involved will probably call the local traffic police. If
you're alone, call the emergency number -
110 for police,
115 for ambulance. You
