**Q: What is the best time of year to visit Tehran?** **A:** Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the smoggy cold of winter.
**Q: What currency is used?** **A:** The official currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR), but locals universally use the "Toman" (1 Toman = 10 Rials) in daily conversation.
**Q: Can I use my foreign credit cards in Tehran?** **A:** No. Due to international sanctions, Visa and Mastercard do not work. Visitors must bring cash (Euros or USD) and exchange it, or use a local prepaid tourist debit card (like MahCard).
**Q: Is the tap water safe to drink?** **A:** Yes, Tehran's tap water is heavily purified and generally safe to drink, though some visitors prefer bottled water for taste.
**Q: What is the dress code for women?** **A:** By law, women must wear a hijab (headscarf) covering their hair, and loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and extends to the mid-thigh (like a manteau or tunic).
**Q: What is the dress code for men?** **A:** Men should wear long trousers. T-shirts are perfectly fine, but shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted in public.
**Q: Are there ride-hailing apps in Tehran?** **A:** Yes. Snapp! and Tapsi are the local equivalents of Uber, and they are incredibly cheap, reliable, and available in English.
**Q: Is alcohol legal?** **A:** No. The consumption, sale, and importation of alcohol are strictly illegal in Iran.
**Q: Which days form the weekend?** **A:** The Iranian weekend is Thursday and Friday. Friday is the main day of rest, and many shops and bazaars will be closed.
**Q: Do people speak English?** **A:** While Persian (Farsi) is the official language, many young people, students, and professionals in Tehran speak conversational English.
**Q: How do I get from the airport to the city?** **A:** Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is about 45km south of the city. You can take an airport taxi, book a Snapp, or use the Metro (Line 8) which connects to the city grid.
**Q: Is the Metro easy to use?** **A:** Yes, it is highly efficient, cheap, and all signage and announcements are in both Persian and English. The first and last carriages are usually women-only.
**Q: What is the internet situation?** **A:** Internet is widely available via Wi-Fi and 4G, but many global sites and apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) are blocked. Visitors usually install VPNs before arriving.
**Q: Can I take photographs everywhere?** **A:** Most tourist sites are fine, but strictly avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, embassies, or protests.
**Q: Is Tehran safe for solo female travelers?** **A:** Yes, Tehran is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Harassment is rare, and locals are typically incredibly hospitable and protective of tourists.
**Q: What should I buy at the Grand Bazaar?** **A:** Spices (especially saffron), pistachios, traditional Persian carpets, copperware, and turquoise jewelry.
**Q: How much should I tip?** **A:** Tipping is not as standardized as in the West. In nicer restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated. It is common to round up taxi fares or leave small change for hotel staff.
**Q: What is "Ta'arof"?** **A:** Ta'arof is a complex Iranian system of politeness. For example, a shopkeeper might initially refuse payment. You should insist on paying; they will accept after one or two refusals.
**Q: Are there vegetarian food options?** **A:** Traditional Persian cuisine is meat-heavy, but vegetarians can find options like Kashk-e Bademjan (eggplant dip), Mirza Ghasemi, Falafel, and various salads.
**Q: What kind of electrical plugs are used?** **A:** Tehran uses standard European two-pin plugs (Type C and F) operating on a 220V supply.