7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf
November 08 to November 14, 2015
1. First and foremost, IRAN IS EXTREMELY SAFE TO TRAVEL. Even though its normal to see camouflaged-wearing citizen anywhere, they don't care about you. The ambiance is like in Israel and Palestine; once you're inside, you can do the normal/usual things as a tourist. Iran is even safer than Philippines, my homeland.
2. Major reason why Iran has negative mainstream media impression is because Iran hates USA. US Embassy in Iran has been pulled-out since 1981. On my observation, I did not see any US-made products even US-owned stores such as McDo, KFC and 7-11. Despite of that, Iran fully accepts US Dollar in any money exchanger. As of November 2015, 1 USD = 35,000 IRR.
3. Iran and Iranian people are tourist friendly. Even though its hard to find English-speaking Iranians especially in public places, they are willing to help, language barrier is not much of a problem.
4. Iran is a conservative Islamic country. Proper attire in public places must be observed at all times such as mandatory veil for ladies and not wearing of shorts and sleeveless shirt.
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (dizi, local Iranian food in Seray-e Mehr Resto, Shiraz) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Saray-e Mehr, Iranian themed-resto in Shiraz) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Saray-e Mehr, Iranian themed-resto in Shiraz) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Saray-e Mehr, Iranian themed-resto in Shiraz) |
5. Among the 55 countries I visited since 2010, I think Iran is one of the countries with cheapest cost of tourist living, comparable to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Some surprising expenses I made are as follows;
* Huge part of chicken + well-cooked rice + 500ml water on a plate served in an Iranian-themed resto for only 150,000 Rials ($4.28=PhP201). The resto is not expecting you to give a tip.
* Tehran metro has 1-way fare of 6,000 Rial ($0.17=PhP8). Two-trip single ticket costs 10,000 Rial ($0.29=PhP13). Tehran metro has 5 lines with more than 20 stations per line. Take note, 1-way means exactly to your destination, all transfers are included in the fare. Iran metro/subway is efficient, reliable and clean, comparable to London Underground. Iran is also on under construction of additional 4 lines in Tehran, new line in Isfahan and Shiraz.
* VIP bus fare for overnight 6hr trip costs 275,000 Rial ($7.86=PhP369) and for afternoon costs 300,000 Rial ($8.57=PhP403).
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (chicken meal in Isfahan resto infront of Amir Kabir Hostel) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Iranian temed-resto infront of National Museum of Iran) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Iranian temed-resto infront of National Museum of Iran) |
6. Iranians tell the amount by less zero in last digit. Example, if the price posted is 1500, it means 15,000 Rial.
7. All tourist landmarks have similar issued ticket, differ only by amount. Maximum entrance fee costs only 150,000 Rial ($4.28=PhP201). The total expense I made from visa application ($86), roundtrip Persian Gulf ferry ride ($142) and winter 7 days self-guided solo trip ($186) is $416.
8. Facebook and other websites like pinoyexchange.com are blocked inside Iran but instagram, tweeter and google maps are allowed.
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (tourist landmark tickets) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Tehran Metro/subway) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Tehran Metro/subway) |
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| Budget and Safety Tips in Solo Travelling Iran (Tehran Metro/subway) |
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