I had asked if you have any questions about traveling to Iran as I recently returned from a trip there. So, here are all of my answers along with some pictures. I hope you enjoy!
TBB Blog Mission: To Entertain. Educate. Inspire. In That Order!
You can support TBB by applying for CREDIT CARDS, shopping with our AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK and clicking our REFERRAL LINKS. Thank you!
Q. What’s the biggest misconception that westerners have about Iranians?
I can’t speak for every westerner of course. But it is funny how so many people when I told them I am going to Iran…they responded with “be safe”. As in… be really careful they don’t arrest you for whatever we find harmless in the West. Or don’t follow the rules of Islam. Or whatever. Women must cover their hair. You don’t see anyone wearing shorts. You get used to seeing Khomeini’s image. Other than that, I must admit, it is very normal. I NEVER felt not safe. Actually, Iran was the safest country I have visited! Even in seedy alleys (don’t ask) I felt super safe. The big cities could be almost anywhere. But a few things from the past are still visible 🙂
What was clearing immigration like (both coming and going)? I know that a large number of your potential group were denied visas. Any insights as to why? Suggestions to secure a visa (other than becoming Greek!)?
If you are a US, UK or Canadian citizen, you need to get your visa first and must be arranged via a tour agency and you need to have a guide while in Iran. You actually get a code from the Iranian Foreign Ministry and then you need to get your passport to the nearest consulate. Then you present your passport to the visa section dudes at the airport. It is a slow bureaucratic process as there are others (like everyone else) who get their visas on arrival. You add a couple of simple forms to fill out, different lines for buying health insurance and paying the fees (have crisp USD or Euros bills!) and you are looking at an hour or so for a couple of dozen foreign tourists after you land. Bunch of dudes stamping away justifying their paychecks. Again, not a big deal at all. You quickly learn that Iran is not that efficient in running things…
Clearing immigration both ways was a breeze. No issues. Smiles and “welcome to Iran” genuine wishes!
The visa problem with the Americans in my group was a one-time fluke. Not sure of the reason, something about a US politician not following the rules…or something. So unfortunate as we were supposed to be twelve but ended up with just four in our group. And I knew three of the missing eight. I am still super bummed about that. I wish I had used my US passport…so I can go with them next year.
Q. What was the security presence on the street? Militarized with lots of troops or just police presence or a mixture?
Very light! Perhaps another common Western misconception! You saw more police but they were primarily involved in traffic matters. Also, trucks and buses must stop at designated spots in main highways and the driver must park and go present some papers and sometimes give a usb stick that records speed to ensure there was no speeding involved. Those were annoying; I think we had to “report” about ten times or so during my trip. When we stopped at these, if there were policemen checking things, we would be fastening our seat belts. They never came into our bus to check us out. Instead, smiles and goodbye hand gestures.
There are guys with “Tourist Police” insignia but they are not true police, they are there to assist the tourists and they are always very pleasant to talk to.
Q. What was the mixture of terrorists — er, tourists — you encountered? Lots of Ruskies? Mainly Middle East?
Mostly from Europe. The most common terrorists tourists we came across were French and Germans. Then it was a whole bunch of many nationalities: Finland, Italy, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain, Netherlands. I don’t think I saw any Russians, which is surprising too!
Q. Do you want to go back?
No. But don’t take this the wrong way. I don’t like to go back to the same place as there are so many more places to see in the world! The only places I go back to are Greece and Malaysia because of family. And the only other place I made a promise to myself to return is Lake Louise in the Banff National Park, one day with my grandkids, God willing.
Q. Did you ever let anyone know you live in the U.S.? How do they feel about Americans? US Politicians?
In the first day or two, I answered “Greece” to the question “Where are you from?”. But after the initial reaction I got when I said I am an American…it was all USA from that point on! Iranians love Americans! Yeah, some would make the distinction “American government bad, American people good”. They are very nice and take hospitality very seriously and with lots of pride. And they really make it their point to show you are very welcome and they are really glad you are visiting their country. You know, deep down, we are all the same…
Here is the video in Youtube!
Q. Can you drink the water?
I drank the water in Tehran and Shiraz. It tasted fine. I prefer bottled water when I travel.
Q. Are the people happy, did you see people smile and laughing and enjoying life or were they miserable like Parisians?
Yes, happy and smiling and enjoying life. Again, very friendly folks all around. I walk around Athens and you feel depressed sometimes. Not here. In Tehran, you felt a little the pressures of a big city like massive traffic jams but it was all laid back and pleasant all around after you left Tehran. They like to just stop, pull out a carpet (of course) or sheets and have a picnic. One time a young family with a baby gave us their fruits as we were also having a picnic (long driving day).
Q. How was the food – any particular standouts and/or dishes you didn’t care for? Can you get it in A2?
The food was good in general. But not spectacular. Again, maybe it was because I had higher expectations. I love how they boil the lamb. And there was an amazing egg plant based dish that I must have again. I am a fan of cheap street food and I must say I really enjoyed the few falafel sandwiches I had, both under a dollar, one in a seedy alley lol! I don’t really care about the way they do the rice in Iran. I guess I am spoiled by the way my wife cooks rice hehe. The kebabs were good. But I had better. And not sure why they like fried chicken so much!
If anyone knows of any excellent Persian restaurants in South East Michigan or elsewhere in the US please let me know.
Q. Did you use public transit/taxi/car?
No, we had a small bus with us. And a driver. I took a taxi from the airport to the hotel in Tehran and feared for my life, crazy driver! We took taxis a few times. You negotiate the price up front, no meters. I also took a taxi from my hotel to Shiraz airport. Some taxis are unmarked and they are very common. Did not take public transit…I wanted to ride the subway in Tehran but ran out of time.
Q. What would you see and do if you were to go back again?
Iran is huge, so much more to see. We just explored a small part of the country. They are now starting to get some tourists and they are gearing up for more. Like I said, I do not like to return to the same places. If I return, it would be to see places I did not get to see this time.
Q. What surprised you the most once you were there?
Iranian women don’t hold back on makeup, wow! Again, how safe it was and how friendly they are, especially towards Americans. And cost of living is still cheap. The other noticeable thing about their Islamic society is…you do not find bars and night clubs. Weird to go out late at night and not order a beer, some fine red wine or another drink. But many people drink….quietly at home. And smoke weed too, thank Afghanistan! No, you don’t find deranged Islamic morale police making snap judgments on the street if you are a good Muslim and whipping you if you are not. Never saw anything like that! Oh, local currency is about 35,000 equivalent to $1 USD. Pretty cool to walk around with a couple of million in your pocket. It felt…bigly lol.
Q. I do not have the exact question because I can not find it! It was asked by Deal Mommy and it was about how I see the political environment and whether there will be true change ahead.
Iran is so predominantly young. I think I heard a figure of 60% under the age of 24 or something like that. I could FEEL the yearning of the young wanting to get closer to the West and become part of it again. They also realize that change will not happen tomorrow. But they like the current government, they appear to be a lot more pragmatic than that &^%*$# Ahmadinejad who set them back many years with his antics and totally ineffective handling of the economy. There has been a lot of progress in the past four years. People are optimistic about the future. The country is opening up again. Very slowly but you are starting to sense it is about to bust open.
The most religious hardcore elements in the Iranian government are old. And they will die off as each year goes by. Not sure we are going to see a dramatic revolution again like in 1979 reversing everything. My bet is that progress will continue each year and with a bit more cooperation between the West and Iran we could win this country back again that we so unfortunately lost in 1979. I’ll take Iran before Saudi Arabia…any day!
Maybe I am too optimistic. The Iranian people love Americans. If the Americans ever visited they will realize how different things are on the ground here and how ridiculously wrong US media is about the place!
Suggestions to Iran: If you can erase the anti USA graffiti and stop chanting Marg bar Âmrikâ “Death To America” that would be great. I spoke to many so friendly and I wonder how many of them were chanting that Fridays at the mosque 🙂 One explained to me….We may say it but don’t really believe it. It’s an expression here, like “Happy 4th of July”. Funny dude!
I have lots of pictures, maybe one day I can do the trip report.
Check out my updated blog lists: Blogs I Love, Blogs I Like, Blogs To Ignore
TBB
travelbloggerbuzz@gmail.com
Follow TBB on Twitter @FlyerTalkerinA2
You can subscribe to TBB below, winners only!
Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
You’ve answered the big important questions, and thanks! But did you drink any Shiraz while you were there, and how was it?
Shiraz wine? I did not drink it while there but I tried it at the Qatar Airways amazing lounge in DOHa. Way too sweet for me, I did not care for it.
How do you get some tail?
How did you get permission to travel solo?
Tinder?
I was with a group. I used my Greek passport, I did not need a group/guide.
Ramsey ?
Waiting on my own number, hopefully to get it this week. In terms of the wine, alcohol is outlawed while in country, isn’t it?
Correct on the alcohol.
But many have it at home.
Excellent work, Buzz! Due to previous affiliations, I won’t be able to visit until there is regime change but look forward to visiting before I am old and infirm. Hurry!
“If anyone knows of any excellent Persian restaurants in South East Michigan or elsewhere in the US please let me know.”
Cannot help there but have forwarded a link of this to my friend Mike in MGA. He owns a Persian restaurant there and if you ever get that way, I will make sure you get the off-menu delicacies he reserves for friends. Just don’t tell his wife you know me — looooooong story!
Happy Sunday and #TBBon
Not banking on a radical regime change over there any time soon 😉
I bet money that Ortega will win 🙂
So . . . Does MGA mean Managua then ?
Yes
Just wanted to add that riding a metro in Tehran was super simple. And super cheap – about 25 cents US one way. The trains are longer than most other subways I’ve ridden and most were air conditioned. Otherwise, signs and maps are in Farsi and in English. Stops announcements were not very clear (and I didn’t see them displayed anywhere even though there were monitors). It gets super busy at rush hour.
Agree on food points. I will probably come back, both, to see other parts as well as spend more time and explore Isfahan and other big cities a bit more,
In Yazd right now. Did not get room 117, thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the comments!
In Yazd already, wow!
What happened to the people who didn’t get visas? Did they just go back home?
They did not get their code so then they can get their visas. They were informed in advance. I believe 6 of the 8 are going to a tour in 2017. The other two got some of their tour fees refunded. It is NOT like they showed up in the airport and turned away…that would have been too awful!
That’s a shame you only ended up with 4 in your group, half the fun when I went with Nate/Phillipa last year was our group of 12, people from all over, we really had a great time. I see you were able to go up in the minaret and get some photos, that was a highlight for me. What did you think of Nate in-person? When he asked me on the trip last year where I heard about him and I mentioned your blog, I told him it sounded like you two might have some similar views and get along pretty well…
Yes, it was a shame.
Not me up in the minaret, used group member’s awesome photo.
Cool people, they love what they do, very genuine. I could not do what they do, I like my home and my lawn 🙂 And there is no way I can keep up the drinking, no way!
Buzz Bigly — Happy 4th of July !
What a great report this was. Please don’t stop blogging!
Why didn’t those people get their numbers, or passports, or visas or whatever ? Did they not apply properly or early enough?
Wow, google tindr and Iran, very interesting. Quote from one a blog post:
“One was. Her name was Emse. I messaged her with the best chat up line I could think of.
“You don’t look very Arabic”
She responded almost instantly with a tirade of abuse about how Iranians are not Arabic, they are Persian and that referring to an Iranian as an Arab was the same as mixing up England with Croatia.
Somehow, I recovered.”
http://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/tinder-in-iran/
Be careful of what you wish for !
😀
For some unknown reason, they did not get their code. Which prevents them from getting visas. Not an official denial. Just a fluke thing that occurred because…something happened around the same time and decided the next batch of applicants will not get their codes….Major bummer for them…and meeeee!
I have never used Tinder. And never crossed my mind to use it in Iran lol.
Yeah really, sounds like a recipe for an amputation.
But seriously that chick reminds me of that Iranian chick in England, blew up regularly over some perceived slight, like the one in the blog.
I’m too old to put up with that. 🙁
Dear All I’m already happy to know people are coming to visit my beautiful country I’m a freelance tour guide and I enjoy answering your questions , and I work in a an office called Pintapin , we offer all the hotels and accomodation with a good discount rate and you can also use your credit cards to book, (visa and master) .I’d be glad to help u out . en.pintapin.com
and if you wanna plan a trip you can use the data in our blog : https://en.pintapin.com/blog