What should women wear if they are trekking or biking in Iran?
There is no control over dress in remote areas where there are no checks in force. Women should wear what they would ordinarily for trekking with the exception of shorts which are prohibited. It is recommended that women bring buffs which can be worn around the neck and then pulled up over the head to cover the hair should the need arise such as entering a village (see picture)
Are Men and Women allowed to mix in public?
Yes, men and women can mix socially within limitations. For example, there is no bar to groups or individual men and women having dinner or travelling together but social protocol should be observed (see section on Travel Advice 'Social Convention'). possible.
What vaccinations should I have before travelling?
It is advisable to be immunised against typhoid, meningitis, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A. You will need to be immunised around eight weeks before departure.
Is it permissible to drink alcohol in Iran?
According to Iran's Islamic law alcohol is prohibited for Muslims. However, contraband alcohol and illegally produced alcohol is widely available. Non Muslims such as the Christian Armenian community are permitted to produce alcohol for their own personal consumption. Western visitors are not banned from drinking alcohol but should be careful about who they are offered alcohol by and should be sensitive about where it is consumed. Alcohol is not available in shops and restaurants.
Is Iranian food hot and spicy?
No, Iranian food is delicately flavoured with herbs and mild spices such as saffron and turmeric (see section on About Iran on 'Cuisine'). LINK It is not hot and spicy in the sense that Indian food can be.
Is Iran a very religious country?
Iran is an Islamic state. However religious belief varies from individual to individual and will depend on their family background and which part of the country a person is from. Even the most conservative of Iranian Muslims are tolerant of other religions. For example Christmas Day and Easter are marked in the Iranian Calendar (see section on About Iran 'Religion').
Am I likely to encounter any hostility as a Westerner in Iran?
No, you will not encounter hostility as a Westerner as you might in other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt and Jordan. The Shi'a branch of Islam that Iranians believe in is significantly different to that of Al Qaeda which promotes attacking Westerners. As a tourist in Iran you are more likely to be welcomed as a guest into somebody's home and invited to dinner.
