Getting there
The easiest way to get to Iran is by plane. There are also some international flights to Mashad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz and Ahwaz and other major cities.
You can get there by train too. There is an express train leaving from Istanbul to Tehran.
If you want to enter the country with your own car or motorbike, you will need an international driving licence as well as a carnet de passage and a special insurance for Iran.

Getting around
For longer distances and when you are short on time, domestic flights are the best option. They are at very reasonable prices and frequent between big cities. Note however, that you will need an iranian credit card to buy your flights online. If you do not have an iranian credit card, you can go to a local travel agency or even book your flight at your hotel reception.
Between big cities there are also trains. For longer distances they are very comfortable and cheap. But they take their time.
Buses are quite popular. Opt for the VIP Buses for long distances. They are still cheap and a lot more comfortable.
Renting a car with a driver is my personal favourite. It is still quite cheap and you will get a car along with a local driver, who will be happy to show you around.
Self drive car rental is quite unusual, and I strongly recommend, not to do it, as traffic in Iran has its very own rules.

Food
The Iranian cuisine is excellent. Enjoy a variety of stews with rice, aromatic herbs, fresh bread and fruit and round them off with a hot tea at the end of your meal. In most restaurant meals are dominated by a large choice of different kebabs served together with steamed rice and a grilled tomato. Don’t miss any opportunity to be invited by locals to try the local home-made Iranian cuisine.
Remember that drinking alcohol is not allowed.

Coffee and tea
Iran is a tea-drinking country. Drinking a cup of tea is an important part of social interaction. Usually they drink black tea, but also green tea and infusions are available in certain places. Most locals drink their tea with a piece of sugar oder candy sugar.
On the other hand, Iran is not a coffee-drinking nation. The best you will get in hotels and restaurants is a packet of instant coffee. However, things are changing rapidly. Stylish coffee-shops are popping up everywhere in the big cities. There they will serve you a true Italian espresso or cappuccino, but you will also pay a good price for it.

Language
The official language in Iran is Farsi (Persian). But many people, especially the younger people in cities can speak English. Still, it is advisable to bring a translator device or a phrase book, especially when travelling on your own off the beaten tracks.

Money
Foreign credit or debit cards, as well as travellers’ cheques or ATMs cannot be used in Iran, as the sanctions also concern the banking section. Therefore, you will have to bring all the money you will need in cash with you. Bring either Euros or USD. Change only a small amount at the airport. Change the rest while travelling.

Internet
WiFi in hotels and guest houses can be slow. If you do not want to depend entirely on them, buy a local SIM Card. They are cheap and you’ll get a fast connection. You might be very happy to use it to get a Snap taxi as well. That’s the Iranian version of Uber.

Mobile Phones
As your home SIM card will not work, you will have to buy a local SIM card if you want to make frequent calls. Note that if you stay for longer than three months, you need to register your mobile phone.

What to wear
Women need to cover their heads at all time when in public. A scarf will do very well. And the top should be long enough to cover the bottom. Don’t forget to put your scarf in your hand-luggage as you will have to wear it on leaving the plane. Local women in big cities are very stylish and they wear scarves in bright colours.
In the countryside you are more likely to encounter women still wearing the long, black tchador.
Men have to wear long pants in public but are allowed short-sleeved shirts. Sleeveless tops and shorts aren’t allowed.
Sandals in summer are ok for both men and women. Do not wear flipflops as they are restricted for bathroom-use only.

Traveltime
The best time to visit Iran is in spring or autumn, however, avoid travelling during the period of Persian New Year (march 14th until April 1st) and Ashura-Time. With temperatures up to 45°C summer can be quite hot. But most cars and buses have AC as well as hotels and homes.
Here is an insider tip: travel in winter (November to February). You will find great climate conditions in most places except maybe from northern mountain regions, where it gets quite cold. During this period you will find yourself alone with all the locals and benefit of moderate prices in hotels on top of it.

Safety
Whatever we are told in the medias: Iran is a very safe country for travellers. Even women travelling on their own will feel safe at all times, provided you stick to the usual safety rules.

Taxi
Using a taxi is very cheap. You can also hire a taxi for a longer drive outside the city.
However, if you have access to the internet, use the Snap App. It works like Uber and the prices are fixed in advance.

Traffic
Experiencing Iranian traffic for the first time can be a very scary experience. This is the only real danger you will encounter while travelling Iran. There are hardly any traffic lights and no pedestrian crossings. Follow a bunch of locals when you want to cross a large road.
But after a few days you will get used to it. In fact, even when they are driving, Iranians remain very polite and though the traffic seems to be chaotic, they respect each other.

Where to stay
You will find almost every type of accommodation, starting from a single room with a family to a top range luxury hotel. Look out for the charming “sonnati hotels”. They are located in traditionall courtyard houses, that have been transformed into a hotel.

Visa
For travellers of most nationalities, visas can be got at the airport on arrival. You will be required a valid travel insurance, which you can also buy one at the airport. Furthermore, you need a confirmation and contact information of the place, where you will stay (hotel, hosts). Bring enough cash to pay for your insurance as well as for the visa.
Please contact your Iran embassy in your own country to make sure the above information apply for you.