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Hamadan Travel Resources

Hamadan Travel Resources

Hamadan Hamadan Province, Iran Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Required Apps for the Destination

  • Snapp! / Tap30:

    Ride-sharing apps for convenient and transparent transportation in Hamadan. Download & register with a local SIM card.

  • Google Translate:

    Download the Persian (Farsi) offline language pack. This app is invaluable for language barriers.

  • Google Maps:

    Useful for general navigation, but verify local accuracy for specific routes. Consider an offline map app as a backup.

  • Weather Forecast apps:

    Local applications for weather forecasts provide accurate forecasts for Hamadan’s varied climate.

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network):

    Download and set up a VPN before arriving in Iran. This allows access to blocked international social media and apps.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Official Iranian Tourism Websites:

    Offer general information about attractions and culture, though direct booking is limited due to sanctions.

  • Reputable Travel Blogs:

    Search for blogs by recent travelers to Iran for practical tips, personal experiences, and up-to-date information.

  • MFA Website:

    The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides official visa information and requirements.

  • Airline Websites:

    Check the websites of Iranian domestic airlines (e.g., Iran Air, Mahan Air, Aseman Airlines) for flight schedules to Hamadan.

  • Eagle Creek:

    Has a selection of travel organization products for efficient packing.

Social Media & Podcasts

Iranian Tourism Accounts

Follow official or reputable Iranian tourism social media accounts for beautiful imagery and updates.

Travel Photographers

Many travel photographers share stunning images and insights from their trips to Iran.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for travel podcasts on Iran, documentaries about Persian history and culture.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Bradt Guide to Iran: Known for its detailed and practical information.
  • Lp Iran: Another comprehensive guide for the country.
  • Always check for the latest editions of guidebooks.
  • Detailed City Maps of Hamadan: Look for these upon arrival at hotels or tourist information centers.

Books About the Destination

  • History and Culture: Read historical accounts of ancient Persia and Ecbatana.
  • "Persian Pilgrimages" by Afshin Molavi: Offers cultural insights.
  • Fiction: Explore Persian literature or historical fiction set in Iran.
  • Local Publications: Hamadan newspapers or cultural magazines (if in English) provide current listings.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 115
  • Fire Department: 125
  • Save these numbers in your phone before your trip.

Hospital Locations

  • Fatemieh Hospital: A major hospital in Hamadan.
  • Beheshti Hospital: Another significant medical facility.
  • Verify exact addresses and contact numbers in the local area or with your hotel.
  • For serious emergencies, head directly to these facilities.

Embassy & Lost Documents

  • Keep contact information for your country's embassy or consulate.
  • Most foreign embassies can be found in Tehran.
  • If you lose documents, contact your embassy immediately.
  • File a police report locally.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquake Preparedness

Iran is in an earthquake-prone zone.

  • Familiarize yourself with basic earthquake safety procedures.
  • "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" under sturdy furniture.
  • Stay away from windows and heavy objects.
  • If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.

During an Earthquake

  • If you are indoors, stay there and take cover.
  • If you are in a vehicle, stop in a clear area and stay inside.
  • Refrain from using elevators during or after an earthquake.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks.

After an Earthquake

  • Follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Listen to your accommodation staff for advice.
  • Check for injuries and administer first aid if needed.
  • Be cautious of damaged structures and potential hazards.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Search for historical documentaries on Ecbatana, Avicenna, or broader Iranian history.
  • Films about Iran offer visual context and cultural insight.
  • These resources increase your appreciation of the region.

Music and Art to Experience

  • Listen to traditional Persian music before or during your trip.
  • Seek out local Hamadani folk music for a regional flavor.
  • Explore forms of art like miniature painting, calligraphy, and traditional crafts.

Online Communities & Language Learning

Online Communities and Forums

  • Reddit r/iran: A useful forum for asking questions and getting advice.
  • Specific Iran Travel Forums: Many online forums cater to travelers to Iran.
  • These provide a wealth of advice from recent visitors.

Language Learning Resources

  • Babbel: Language learning app for Farsi.
  • Duolingo (Persian): A popular app for learning basic Farsi phrases.
  • Pimsleur: Offers audio-based language lessons for Farsi, useful for pronunciation.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. Historical documentaries on Ecbatana.
  2. Films about Avicenna or broader Iranian history.
  3. Documentaries offer visual context.
  4. Cultural insight from Persian cinema.
  5. Enhances pre-trip knowledge.

Music and Art

  1. Traditional Persian music.
  2. Local Hamadani folk music.
  3. Miniature painting techniques.
  4. Calligraphy as an art form.
  5. Traditional crafts and artisan works.

Online Communities & Language Learning

Reddit r/iran

A useful forum for questions and advice from people familiar with travel in Iran.

Iran Travel Forums

Online forums cater to travelers planning trips to Iran, with advice from recent visitors.

Language Learning

Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Pimsleur offer Farsi courses for learning basic phrases.

Medical Tip

Verify hospital addresses and contact numbers locally upon arrival or with your hotel. For any medical emergency, seek assistance promptly.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

Historical Documentaries

  • Ecbatana History:

    Search for documentaries detailing the ancient Median and Achaemenid capitals.

  • Avicenna's Legacy:

    Watch films about the life and contributions of the renowned Persian polymath.

  • Broader Iranian History:

    Documentaries on general Iranian history provide a comprehensive context for your visit.

Cultural Films

  • Persian Cinema:

    Films about Iran offer valuable visual context and cultural insight into contemporary life and historical narratives.

  • Literary Adaptations:

    Some films bring classic Persian literature to life, deepening cultural immersion.

  • Visual Insights:

    These visual resources create a richer understanding before or after your journey.

Music & Art to Experience

Traditional Persian Music

Listen to classical Persian music, with its intricate melodies and traditional instruments.

Local Hamadani Folk Music

Seek out local folk music for an unique regional flavor and cultural connection.

Art Forms

Explore forms of art like miniature painting, calligraphy, and traditional crafts unique to Iran.

Online Communities & Forums

General Travel Forums

  • Reddit r/iran is an useful forum for asking questions.
  • Get advice from people familiar with travel in Iran.
  • Online communities offer varied perspectives.
  • Pose your specific questions before your trip.

Specific Iran Travel Forums

  • Many online forums cater to travelers planning trips to Iran.
  • These present a wealth of advice from recent visitors.
  • Find recommendations and avoid common pitfalls.
  • Connect with experienced travelers.

Language Learning Resources

App-Based Learning

  • Duolingo (Persian): A popular app for learning basic Farsi phrases.
  • Memrise: Another language learning app offering Farsi courses.
  • Pimsleur: Offers audio-based language lessons for Farsi, useful for pronunciation.
  • Practice speaking with interactive exercises.

Structured Learning

  • Online Farsi courses: Many platforms provide structured lessons.
  • Private tutors: Consider a Farsi tutor for personalized instruction.
  • Phrasebooks: Carry a small Farsi phrasebook for quick reference.
  • Learn common greetings and polite phrases.

Helpful Tip

Learning even a few basic Persian phrases shows respect and often results in a warm response from locals.

Hamadan Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts