GENERAL TIPS
-ISLAMIC RULES
Iran is a Shiite islamic
country, hence its religious rules are very severe and, it doesn't matter if you agree or
not, you must observe them. It's also a matter of respect since you are a guest.
These rules are controlled by the Komitè (religious police) that is
everywhere throughout the country. Some important Islamic rules that you must keep in mind
are:
ü
You cannot seat near a woman in public places
(in a public bench, on a bus, train) unless she is you mother, sister, daughter or a
relative
ü
If you are a woman you must always covers
your body, aside from face and hands
ü
If you are a man you cannot take off your
shirt in public
ü
Hugging and kissing is no allowed in public
ü
A foreign man speaking with an Iranian woman
can both have problems
-LEARN TO COUNT AND SOME FARSI WORDS
Learn to count is extremely important, particularly to know the
Arabic numbers will facilitate your life, especially to bargain. The greeting are also
fundamental, since exchange the greetings is, unlike in the western world, a duty.
In every country try to learn some short sentences in the local
language (e.g. "how are you?", "how is your family?" "how much
is?") it's a sign of respect and appreciation for their culture and it influences
positively the attitude of locals towards you. Anyway it's easy and funny too, and it'll
make you feel less stranger.
You can find a short vocabulary at the end of the Lonely Planet guide.
Strive a little bit!!
-GREET AND EXCHANGE THE GREETINGS
To greet and exchange the greeting is more than appreciated;
sometimes it's almost a duty. Don't hesitate to do it, you'll see how locals will really
smile and got helpful towards you. You can find the greeting at the end of the Lonely
Planet guide
-BRING SOME SMALL GIFTS
Since it's probably to be hosted in Iranian house for free, some
small gifts (as a pen of you country) could be a good sign before leaving
-BE MODERATE TELLING ABOUT WESTERN WORLD FREEDOM
Iranian social balance is delicate. It's important you avoid telling
everybody about the freedom in your country (especially concerning the sex) without
thinking if you are saying the right thing to the right person with the right tone. You
can really create frustration and sadness uselessly. This doesn't mean you must shut up,
but it's just a matter of common sense and respect.
-TRUST PEOPLE
I know to be trustful is always a risk, but it's extremely important
if you want to relate with people. At the begging I was sceptical to accept the invitation
of just met people, but I've always trusted and it worked. Of course it could happen to
you to meet the wrong person, but anyway it'll be worth for all the other right ones (read
what happened to me)
-WATCH OUT FROM PEOPLE PRETENDING TO BE POLICEMAN
In Hamadan on a taxi I met a man who pretended to be a policeman
(showing me a badge) and wanted my passport and my money to check if they were fake.
Of course I said my passport was at the hotel and gave him the few
money I had in the pocket. He started yelling, I took them back and I replayed yelling
louder (very louder) to stop the car. The car stopped and I rushed out. |
