Rasht Gilan Province, Iran Travel Guide
Required for ride-hailing services, similar to Uber.
Download offline maps for Rasht and Gilan for navigation.
Download the offline Farsi language pack. Invaluable for overcoming language barriers.
Required for accessing many international social media platforms and websites. Set up before arrival.
Consult for the most current visa details.
Websites like 1stQuest or Iran Doostan offer tour packages and hotel bookings.
Lp Thorn Tree forums or Tripadvisor Iran forums provide traveler reviews.
Seek out local tourism accounts (e.g., Gilan Province Tourism Organization) via VPN.
Search for podcasts or documentaries about Gilan, Iranian culture, or cuisine.
Apps like Duolingo (Farsi), Memrise, or Pimsleur can teach basic Farsi phrases.
The Lonely Planet Iran Guide offers comprehensive information. The Bradt Guide to Iran is known for in-depth cultural and historical details. City maps of Rasht are available locally.
"A History of Iran" by Michael Axworthy provides a broad overview. Books detailing Iranian customs and traditions prepare you for cultural subtleties. Novels by Iranian authors offer unique cultural insights.
Local newspapers or magazines (in Farsi) can offer insights into current events and culture. Hotel staff can help with translations of headlines.
Reconfirm all flights, hotels, and tours a week before departure.
Refer to packing guidance (Section 3). Organize passport, visa, and copies securely.
Inform contacts of your itinerary. Secure your home before leaving.
Before your trip, save all important phone numbers (hotel, embassy, emergency services) in your mobile phone and write them down on a physical card to carry with you.
Required if you need one, especially for US, UK, or Canadian citizens; the process can take time.
Secure your flights to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran.
Begin researching and booking if you plan to use a guided tour.
Secure internal transportation to Rasht, especially during peak seasons.
Reserve your hotels or guesthouses in Rasht.
Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations in Iran.
Confirm all bookings, exchange some foreign cash (U.S. dollars or EUR), notify your bank of travel dates, pack, and get offline maps and translation apps. Test your VPN setup.
Charge all electronics (phones, cameras, power banks). Reconfirm flight or bus times for any last-minute schedule changes. Organize passport, visa, and copies.
Inform family or friends of your itinerary. Suspend mail or newspaper deliveries. Secure your home (lock windows, unplug unnecessary appliances).
Double-check the time difference between Iran and your home country. This helps to avoid confusion with flight schedules and communication with family.
