Kerman Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Services

Staying connected and addressing language barriers matter for travel in Iran.

Mobile & Internet

Local SIM cards: Irancell, MCI, Rightel. Purchase at airports or official stores with a passport.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi appears in most hotels. Mobile data from local SIMs has the most reliability.
Censorship: Certain platforms see filtering. VPNs see wide use by locals and travelers, circumventing these restrictions.

Language & Translation

Persian (Farsi) is the official language. English finds use in tourism-related services.

Phrases & Tools

Farsi: The official language. Kerman is a distinct dialect, but standard Farsi finds understanding.
English: Spoken by some in hotels, tour guides, and souvenir shops. Less common among the general public.
Translation: Google Translate (with offline Persian pack) and other translation apps bring great utility.

Business Operations

Daily Schedules

Shops & Bazaars: Generally 9/10 AM - 1/2 PM, then 4/5 PM - 8/9 PM.
Banks & Government: Typically 8 AM - 4 PM (Sat-Wed), shorter on Thursdays, closed Fridays.
Restaurants: Lunch 12 PM - 3 PM, Dinner 7 PM - 10 PM.

Financial & Holidays

Local currency use dominates. Be aware of banking limits and holiday closures.

Money Matters

ATMs: Only Iranian bank cards have acceptance. International cards face rejection.
Fridays: The weekend. Nearly all businesses, banks, government offices close.
Religious Holidays: Dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar. Services might see impact.

Etiquette & Local Norms

Greeting & Dress

Greetings: Handshakes appear common between same genders. Avoid physical contact between men and women unless initiated by the woman.
Attire: Modesty forms a core aspect for both genders. A headscarf makes itself mandatory for women in public.
Hospitality: When invited to an Iranian home, remove shoes. Observe "taarof" (polite refusal then acceptance).
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, specifically women and children.

Sensitive Topics & Taboos

Politics: Sidestep sensitive political discussions.
Religion: Display respect for Islamic customs and beliefs.
Public Affection: Avoid public displays of affection.
Alcohol/Pork: These items remain illegal and taboo.

Information

For smooth interactions, learn basic Farsi phrases. Remain aware of business hours, especially on Fridays and during major holidays, which can bring service changes.

Accessibility & Etiquette

Insights into Kerman's infrastructure for mobility, along with essential local customs and conduct.

Mobility Access

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges sees limitations. Historical sites present uneven surfaces and stairs.

Accessible Transport

Newer hotels might have ramps. Private taxis (Snapp) are the most adaptable transport option for door-to-door service.

Limited Resources

Specialized services for foreign travelers with visual or hearing impairments continue to be limited. Inquire with tour operators for advice.

Greeting & Social Etiquette

Customs to Observe

Handshakes appear common between people of the same gender.
Avoid physical contact between men and women in public unless the woman initiates it. A nod works.
Formal greetings include "Salam" (hello) and "Khosh Amadid" (welcome).

Attire & Dining Practices

Dress codes and dining rituals reflect deeply held cultural values.

Cultural Notes

Attire: Modesty forms a core aspect for both genders. A headscarf makes itself mandatory for women in public.
Dining: When invited to an Iranian home, remove your shoes at the entrance. Accept offers of food and drink.
Taarof: Observe this complex system of Iranian etiquette (polite refusal then acceptance).

Photography & Sensitive Topics

Photography Ethics

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, specifically women and children.
Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or sensitive religious services.
Avoid intrusive photography. Respect wishes if someone declines a photograph.

Taboos & Restrictions

Politics: Sidestep sensitive political topics.
Public Affection: Avoid public displays of affection.
Alcohol/Pork: These items remain illegal and taboo.

Travel Safely & Respectfully

An awareness of local customs and infrastructure creates a positive journey. Exercise discretion on sensitive topics and adhere to dress codes.

Gender & Religious Conduct

Insight into gender-related norms and suitable behavior at religious sites.

Gender Considerations

Gender roles appear distinct in some public spheres.

Public Behavior

Gender Segregation: Observe this in some public spaces (e.g., transport, parks, prayer areas).
Physical Contact: Avoid between men and women in public unless the woman initiates it.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local norms regarding interactions between genders.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexuality faces illegality in Iran with legal penalties.

Important Notes

Legal Status: Homosexuality remains illegal and punishable by law.
Public Displays: Public displays of affection between same-sex couples face strict prohibition and danger.
Discretion: Travelers should exercise extreme caution and discretion.

Religious Site Conduct

Visits to mosques and shrines require specific respectful behavior.

Respectful Practices

Remove your shoes before entering mosques or shrines.
Women must wear a Chador (often found at major sites) or their own headscarf and modest clothing.
Maintain silence and respect during prayer times. Avoid walking in front of people praying.

Local Dialect & Postal Services

The Kerman dialect adds local flavor, and postal services hold operational status.

Further Information

Kerman Dialect: A distinct dialect exists, but standard Farsi finds understanding by everyone.
Postal Services: Iran Post operates. International shipping can take time and pose unreliability due to sanctions.
Sending: Services appear available for postcards and parcels.

Important Travel Warning

Legal Restrictions

Homosexuality remains illegal and punishable by law in Iran.
Public displays of affection between same-sex couples face strict prohibition and danger.
Travelers should exercise extreme caution and discretion regarding personal conduct.

Safety Precautions

Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or sensitive religious ceremonies.
Set up a reliable VPN before arrival to circumvent internet restrictions.
Keep your passport accessible for SIM card registration and other official matters.

Mindful Travel Guidelines

Embrace local customs and demonstrate respect, specifically at religious sites. An awareness of cultural hints creates a more meaningful and pleasant visit.

Planning Your Visit

Practical tips for structuring your trip, from communication means to respecting local customs.

Connectivity Essentials

Communication Tools

Area SIM cards from Irancell or MCI at airports upon arrival.
Wi-Fi in most hotels; local mobile data often holds the most reliability.
VPN use appears common for reaching filtered social media and websites.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your visit by observing local etiquette and engaging with Farsi phrases.

Local Interactions

Learning basic Farsi phrases earns appreciation from locals.
Handshakes appear customary between same genders; avoid physical contact with the opposite gender unless initiated.
Adhere to modest dress codes, with a headscarf mandatory for female travelers in public.

Essential Etiquette

Respect community standards concerning photography, dining, and public conduct.

Behavioral Guides

Always get consent before taking photos of people.
Remove shoes before entering mosques or private homes.
Be discreet with affection in public and discussions on sensitive political or religious topics.

Financial & Logistics

Travel Practicalities

International credit cards have no acceptance at ATMs. Carry cash or use exchange offices.
Be aware of Friday being closed for many businesses and services.
Private taxis (Snapp) are the most flexible transport in the city.

Travel Resources

ESIMs for Travelers

Stay connected globally with digital SIM cards.

Explore Airalo

Portable Wi-Fi

Reliable internet access for your travels.

Check Solis Wi-Fi

Language Learning

Learn Farsi for a richer experience.

Start with Rosetta Stone

Final Preparations

Prioritize setting up communication tools and acquainting yourself with local customs. This approach ensures a respectful and well-connected journey in Kerman.

Kerman Travel Tips