1- What should we do about the internet connection?
It’s true. Iran has one of the worst connections in the world; the statistics are very clear in this one. According to the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), a project dedicated to monitoring internet interference and censorship worldwide, Iran ranks second in the world for the most interfered internet connections, trailing behind only Myanmar. But does that mean Iranians are not connected?
Other than interference, Iran’s internet won’t allow you to access certain websites. For example, 33 out of 100 most popular websites in the world are filtered in Iran. Alongside China and Turkeminstan, Iran is among the three countries that has cencored the top six social media platforms: Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, Whatsapp, Snappchat are all limited in Iran. This censorship primarily targets websites deemed incompatible with the government’s policies or those that are perceived as a threat to national security or cultural values. The limitations go the other way around too. Due to international sanctions and restrictions, many popular websites and services won’t allow you to access them with an IP coming from Iran (e.g. Play Store, ChatGPT etc.)
Despite all these obstacles, it’s important to note that the majority of people in Iran are connected to the free world, and have access to high-speed internet. Many Iranians rely on the internet for most aspects of their day to day lives, from their professional work-related needs, car rides, communicating with friends and family, to information access and entertainment. So how do they do it? Iranians presence on social media platforms is huge.
The average Iranian internet user has gathered a vast knowledge on how to bypass censorship through various means such as proxy servers, VPNs, DNS settings etc. During your Iran travels VPNs will be your best friends. Your tour guide will help you get a VPN as fast as they can. VPNs are essential for accessing social media platforms, news sites, and other restricted websites. Make sure to ask your tour guide to help you set up a VPN before leaving for Iran. Once you have it, you can enjoy all the sites and services you want.
2- Will my credit card work in Iran?
This one is another annoying issue that can leave you scratching your head: debit and credit cards. They won’t cut it in Iran due to international banking restricitons. It’s a bit of a curveball, we know.
Imagine this scenario: you’re strolling through a vibrant Iranian bazaar, and a magical item catches your eye – the famous Persian carpet. You’ve been searching for it, and the artistry in this one just steals your heart. You’re determined to make it yours. Do you reach for your card? Well, not so fast; that won’t work here. In Iran, there are two ways to pay for your beloved carpet or any other item of choice: cash and local banking cards.
While cash is commonly used for everyday transactions, Iranians also rely on local credit cards issued by Iranian banks. These local cards are accepted for various purchases, both in-store and online. If you have a trusted travel agency to contact, they can assist you in obtaining a local debit card during your stay.
Now, here’s a financial tip for your peace of mind: for a worry-free experience in Iran, consider booking an all-inclusive tour package. The experts not only provide cultural insights and language assistance but can also navigate the financial landscape for you. A reputable Iranian tour agency will provide you with secure local bank cards, ensure you have enough Iranian Rials on hand, and, in general, offer a seamless travel experience. They take care of the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on relishing Iran’s beauty, history, and culture. After all, what truly matters is that you savor your time in Iran without any financial hassles.
3- International SIM cards; do they work in Iran?
In Iran, international SIM cards meet a dead end. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, you need to purchase an Iranian SIM card, and have an Iranian number to stay conncected while traveling in the country. There are many companies that offer SIM Card services, but what if we tell you there’s another more efficient way?
If you want to simply have a more care-free experience regarding both financial aspects of your Iran trip, and staying online and connected with friends is to contant a travel agency in Iran that offers all of these services. Having a tour package in your Iran trip will help you overcome small but importan issues such as usable debit cards and SIM cards in a matter of seconds. With this approach, you’re not just traveling; you’re embarking on an adventure that’s worry-free and filled with cultural insights, ensuring you experience Iran to the fullest.
4- Public transportation without Google Maps in Iran; how difficult is it exactly?
Now, here’s another challenge that many travelers – especially European travelers – encounter in Iran, and it’s a bit unexpected: you cannot rely on Google Maps for public transport routes. It simply doesn’t work. Figuring out directions from public signs can be tricky. It’s like trying to find your way in a labyrinth without knowing the language, and you don’t have a map.
Iran’s major cities, like Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, etc., enjoy vast and complex public transportation systems that include the metro, BRT, local bus routes, taxi stands, etc. All of this is nice and fair, making moving around these gigantic cities way easier and cheaper than it should be. However, here’s the catch: none of these routes are registered on Google Maps. There’s no way you can learn about the times or routes of these stations on this popular app. You can find them on the map or learn about their timing schedule at their stations, but there’s no information registered on google maps. Yeah, we know, this is annoying. So what should we do? Unless you know Farsi and can read these stations’ websites, you’re limited in finding about these routes online. At the end of the day, you need to learn about the routes and the timing schedules of buses, trains, and BRTs either from their websites or asking from a local. However, having a local guide by your side who knows the routes and their timeing will help you navigate through the city like a local, enjoy, and experience the real life of Iranian people.