Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
be invited into Iranian homes and if you say 'yes', you'll find the vast majority of Iranians
are motivated by the same things as people everywhere - security, employment, adequate
health and education for their families.
Will You Have to Wear a Sheet?
You mean a ' chador '? No. A lot of Iranian women do wear the chador (which means
tent in Farsi) but it's not mandatory. Like all females aged nine and older, women travel-
lers will need to wear hejab while in Iran. That means covering hair, arms and legs and
wearing clothes that disguise your body shape when in public.
This may be uncomfortable, especially during warmer months. Bring something long
and loose from home and if you want to look less like a tourist, shop for a manteau (an
overcoat that covers your bottom, at least) once you arrive. Ditto for scarves, which will
require constant attention lest you expose too much hair. Fortunately, while hejab will cer-
tainly keep you occupied most Iranians couldn't care less if you have a bit of neck or hair
showing, and as a foreigner you will be allowed more licence than a local. If this still
seems daunting, take comfort in the fact that thousands of women travellers come to Iran
every year and, unlike local women, we've yet to hear of any being hauled off the streets
for bad hejab.
WHAT INFLATION MEANS FOR YOU
The combination of foreign-imposed sanctions, government mismanagement and the dismantling of a 30-year-old
system of fuel subsidies means inflation is running at dangerous levels in Iran. The reality for Iranians - and for
travellers - is that prices are rising steadily. Expect transport, hotel and food prices to cost more before this topic has
been published - treat prices as a guide, not gospel.
The good news is that costs in Iran are very reasonable by Western standards, so rises shouldn't break the bank.
And with the Iranian rial having lost more than half its value (on the black market) against most other currencies in
early 2012, 25% inflation shouldn't mean a full 25% rise in dollar/euro/pound costs.
Prices will rise. Accepting and expecting it will make your journey more enjoyable.
For a full rundown on dealing with the practical challenges facing women travellers
(silk scarf or cotton?), Click here .
As for men, the main dress restrictions are that you shouldn't wear shorts, or singlets
showing your shoulders.
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