Central Iran, Iran
Major mobile providers include Irancell, MCI (Hamrahe Avval), and RighTel. SIM cards purchasable at Esfahan Airport (IFN) upon arrival or at official stores throughout the city. Passport needed for registration.
Persian (Farsi) is the official language. English spoken by many younger people and those working in the tourism industry (hotel staff, guides, some shopkeepers).
Many Western social media sites are filtered. A VPN application for access to these services. Purchase and install before arriving in Iran.
Navigating Esfahan daily schedules and holiday closures.
Generally open from 9 AM or 10 AM to 9 PM or 10 PM. Some shops, especially in bazaars, might close for a break during the hottest part of the afternoon (siesta).
Lunch service typically runs from 1 PM to 3 PM. Dinner service starts around 7 PM and continues until 10 PM or 11 PM.
Typically open from 8 AM to 4 PM (Saturday to Wednesday), with shorter hours on Thursday. Banks are closed on Friday.
Museums and attractions generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with shorter hours in winter and during some public holidays.
ATMs widely available in Esfahan, but they Only accept local Iranian debit cards. International credit and debit cards do not work due to sanctions.
Check a calendar of Iranian holidays before your trip. Dates vary annually based on the Islamic calendar.
Cultural sensitivity a path to respectful and meaningful interactions with locals.
"Salam" (Hello) is the standard greeting. Handshakes common between people of the same gender. Men generally do not shake hands with women in public unless the woman extends her hand first.
Modesty is everywhere, specifically for women who must wear a head covering in public.
Refer to Section 7.1 and 2.3 for detailed information on dining customs and tipping.
Photography generally permitted at tourist sites. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially women, to respect their privacy.
Iranians are hospitable. Invitations for tea or meals may appear. Accept these gestures as a sign of genuine warmth. Politely decline if uncomfortable or short on time.
Travelers with mobility challenges find navigating Esfahan difficult due to varied infrastructure.
Limited infrastructure. Many historical sites have uneven surfaces, numerous stairs, and few ramps or elevators.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square itself is flat and navigable. Newer metro stations usually have elevators and escalators.
Specific services or widespread infrastructure for visually impaired travelers not common.
Specific services or widespread infrastructure for hearing-impaired travelers not common.
Direct communication with your chosen accommodation or agency works best to determine their capacity to meet your needs.
