Dear travellers,
I am planning to spent my summer vacations in IRAN, in the
Lonely planet (1992) I've found two news I've found of
particular interest:
1) is it still working the law that allows only 5 films
to be brought in that country
2) is it still usual that travellers with backpack maybe
not accepted in hotels because iranian people often
associates it with the beat generation ( that is not totally
comliant with their point of view of life)
If anybody has an answer for these question I'll be very
grateful for every information; on my side if anybody has
questions about Middle East (Siria, Lebanon, Jordan ) or
Nord Africa ( Lybia and Tunisia ) I'll be delighted to try
to answer them.
Best Regards
Gabriele Pierantoni
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Dear Gabriele
Iran has loosened up a lot since LP 1992 has been
published. In fact, LP 1992 was updated in 1998. I suggest
you get a copy because it is not nearly as paranoid as the
1992 edition.
I have been to Iran twice in the last year-and-a-half and
you can bring as much film as you like. You can also buy
film at many places in the bigger cities. During August
1998 I traveled for two weeks with a backpack and had no
problems staying in good hotels. It's not your backpack
that matters, it is your general appearance.
I am planning on going again in July. Iran is a really
great country to explore.
Hallo!
I was the last two years in Iran and this year I will
probably go again. Iran is so beautiful. You have really got
the old one Lonely-Planet handbook. There is one another it
calls also IRAN, but it is from 1998.
The things, what you hear are not right. Especially the
backpackers are welcome. The first time we went across the
border we were afraid, but there was no problem. They did
not control us! For US. people it is still a problem to go
to Iran, not for Europeans and Australians.
Iran is a wonderful country and there are so many things to
see. The people are very kind. The most interesting place
and more relax place is ISFAHAN, a town from Teheran
six or seven hours by bus(Amir Kabir Hostel - only
backpackers from over the world).
I am interesting also in going to Lybia. For me interestin
is if it is possible to get a visa for Europeans and how
much does it cost and what I need for my visa application.
For your information I will be grateful. You can send me a
mail to my adress.
If you have more question for Iran, do not hesitate to
contact me.
Gabriele,
You'll enjoy Iran as it is such a beautiful country and
there is so much to see and do there.
I am an American female and studied Persian in Tehran
last summer. The LP did not paint a positive picture of
Tehran (apparently the author had some bad experiences
there) but I really enjoyed being there and found alot to
do and see. Isfahan is wonderful and I also recommend Qom.
I saw others with backpacks; I think as long as travelers
don't look grungy it is ok. Iranians like Italians alot (I
am an Italian-American) and met alot of nice people.
Just be sure to cover yourself. Dress for women has
loosened up there. For example, you'll see lots of Iranian
women showing their hair--which was unheard of before
Khatemi. However, people may be more strict with foreign
visitors regarding dress (but only Iranians get punished;
not foreigners). However, NO ONE can do anything to you
though they may try to intimidate you (usually police just
want to talk out of curiousity). Coming in at the airport,
it is better for foreign females to show up in black/dark
blue. The officials in the airports tend to be "old school."
In the country, around mosques and saints' tombs only, you
will be warned to fix your dress and definitely wear a
chador in Qom. Summer is really hot. A lightweight
raincoat is ideal plus a scarf for your hair. You may want
to invest in black clothing before you go and play it by
ear when you get there. Women have to wear stockings with
sandals. Men must not wear short sleaves especially to
government offices.
I did not mind covering myself at all; anyway, it does
affect the way people interact with you. If you see
Iranian women start to tuck their hair in it is a sign the
fashion police are on the beat.
If you are a hiker at heart, I highly recommend the
mountains surrounding Tehran and the newly-established city
parks. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of these two areas
but they are on the outskirts of Tehran and are famous for
there dining and being situated along streams. This is a
must dining experience; people sit on elevated carpet
tables and the food is great.
I thought Iranians were very friendly and it was one the
most friendliest places I've been to in the Middle East (I
studied Arabic and Persian in school). It saddens me to see
and hear the negative propaganda that my country's media
spews about Iran. Hopefully, soon that may change. I was
glad to hear Britain and Iran exchanged ambassadors so
maybe the US will too soon!
Enjoy!!
Janice