A guide to safety in Iran

SafeTravel (safetravel.govt.nz) currently recommends that travellers to Iran exercise increased caution because of the potential for civil unrest and the regional threat of terrorism.

However, those who have visited generally report it to be a safe country in which to travel, especially for women. Street demonstrations and other hotspots should be avoided.

Clothing:

Women must wear a headscarf in public but the rules around clothing are more loosely applied than one would expect. You see Iranian women dressed in everything from ultra-conservative chadors to high heels, bright – and sometimes tight-fitting – clothing, lavish makeup and scarves pushed as far back on their heads as the morality police (yes, they exist) will allow. Visitors should err on the side of caution. A headscarf should be draped before getting off the plane; hair can be exposed at the forehead and ponytails can be visible from beneath the scarf on the back. Jeans are acceptable, but blouses and jumpers should be loose-fitting and wrists and ankles should be concealed. Head scarves can be removed in private homes but visitors should follow their hosts’ lead. Men must wear long pants and long sleeves. Lightweight fabrics are essential for the hot summer months.

Alcohol:

Alcohol is strictly forbidden and those found smuggling it into the country will incur severe penalties. Visitors are not likely to be searched at customs, but random bag checks can occur. That said, alcohol is sometimes served in private homes.

Money:

While the rial is Iran’s official unit of currency, prices are usually expressed in tomans; one toman is equal to 10 rials.