Dear Jedi,
My name is ###### and I'm from the Philippines.
I came across your blog and I thought it was really interesting. I'll be traveling on my own, arriving in Tehran on June 3. I plan to go to Shiraz, Persepolis, Esfahan, (maybe Yazd) and Tabriz before making my way overland to Van in Turkey. Now, I don't want to get in trouble while in Iran but at the same time I don't want to restrict myself too much if it's unnecessary. I get conflicting information about what women are allowed to wear in Iran, the customs there etc. I guess shaking hands is out of the question. In any case, if you have time, can you tell give ma some tips what I should remember while in Iran? I guess I have to bring a headscarf from abroad instead of buying it there in the airport! I also read that people invite tourists to their house but I'm not sure if it's safe for a single 25 year old girl to accept that!
I'll really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Hi there ####,
In Iran you have to cover your head / hair with a scarf and wear a semi long shirt which may not be too tight. It is better to buy a scarf outside of Iran and have it when you are entering Iran.
Shaking hands is OK. Although it is illegal in Islam but the police wont arrest you because of that :) It is normal. Ah, Let me attach a photo of a normal Iranian girl in the street. This is not VERY different country. Just enter and see yourself :) The only strict limitations are:
- No Alcohol. You can find it at the cities but do not try to import it with you
- Wear a scarf and non-revealing cloths outside the houses. There is no need to cover all of your hairs, just a loose scarf.
The other tips are same as any other country. Do not carry a lot of money with you. Do not enter strangers houses unless you know what are you doing. Oh! The most important thing:
- You can not spend Visa card, master card or any other international credit card easily. Bring CASH!
Attached is a photo of 3 "just on the border" girls. I mean this is the most stylish girl you might see on a street. Go one step furture and you will have problem with the Moral Police and go two steps backward and you will be "safe" :)
Jadi
Attached:
