Kermanshah Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies for Kermanshah

Focus on local experiences for better value.

Cost-Effective Choices

No widely available tourist discount cards exist.
Enjoy walking through the Traditional Bazaar.
Explore city parks like Parau Park.
Respectfully visit the exteriors of some mosques.

Frugal Dining

Happy hour concepts are not common in Iran.
Sample food at local spots for the best value.
Actively seek out regional specialties.
Try various street food options.

Transit Economically

Utilize ride-sharing apps (Snapp, Tap30) for fair pricing.
Use pool taxis (savari) for economical city routes.
VIP buses for great distances are a good deal and comfort.
Consider trains for intercity transport options.

Budget Stays

Consider small lodges (Mosaferkhaneh) for lower prices.
Traditional accommodations provide an authentic experience.
Couchsurfing operates unofficially but carries risks.
Research local budget-friendly hotels.

Time-Saving Approaches for Kermanshah

Make your... more efficient sightseeing and travel time with these efficient strategies.

Efficient Sightseeing

Skip-the-line options are generally not applicable.
Queues are rarely long outside of peak holidays.
Visit Taq-e Bostan early morning.
See Bisotun in the late afternoon.

Swift Transit

Domestic flights save significant travel time.
Private taxis offer faster and direct travel.
Hired drivers for quicker excursions.
Consider local tour operators for efficient itineraries.

Smart Itinerary Design

Group nearby attractions to minimize travel time.
Combine Taq-e Bostan with nearby parks.
Plan Bisotun and Kangavar as a single day trip.
Explore walkable parts of the city.

Advance Arrangements

Book your hotels to secure preferred accommodation.
Reserve national flights in advance for selection and pricing.
Pre-arrange any specialized tours.
Confirm all transport details beforehand.

Local Cultural Insights for Travelers

Navigate Kermanshah's culture with these insider tips and cultural pointers.

Common Visitor Missteps

Without carrying enough cash (overseas cards don't work).
Misinterpreting Ta'arof (polite refusal custom).
Disregarding the mandatory dress code for women travelers.
Not using local ride-sharing apps like Snapp or Tap30.

Dining & Local Flavors

Actively seek out Kebab Koolak.
Try the traditional Ashe Abbas Ali.
Sample unique local sweets.
Enjoy freshly baked local bread.

Important Customs

Iranians are famously hospitable.
Alcohol is strictly illegal and prohibited.
Be mindful of gender etiquette and communications.
Accept offers of tea or meals with discretion.

Persian Phrases

"Salam" (Hello)
"Mamnoon" (Thank you)
"Khoda Hafez" (Goodbye)
"Khasteh Nabashid" (May you not be tired – a polite greeting).

Solo, Family, and Group-Specific Advice

Adjust your travel strategy based on your group composition for a superior experience.

Solo Traveler Insights

Kermanshah is usually safe for people traveling alone.
Iranians often initiate friendly conversations.
Guesthouses provide social opportunities.
Stay aware of surroundings, especially alone at night.

Family Travel Comforts

Children are generally adored in Iran.
Many restaurants and hotels are accommodating to families.
City parks offer good spaces enabling children to play.
Hotels welcome families.

Group Logistics

Pre-book group accommodations for smooth logistics.
Secure VIP buses or private vans for groups.
Hiring a local guide simplifies logistics.
Guides provide valuable local insights.

Accessibility Awareness

Accessibility for mobility challenges is limited.
Infrastructure often lacks ramps.
Specialized facilities are few.
Pre-planning with tour operators is suggested.

Cash is King

Bring sufficient USD or EUR cash for your entire trip. International credit/debit cards do not operate in Iran.

Resources & References

Modern the good things about travel greatly from digital tools. Utilize these apps and websites for seamless organizing and finding your way.

Essential Apps

Snapp/Tap30 for getting around locally, Google Maps for offline navigation, Using Google translate for language help support, and a VPN (NordVPN) for access.

Useful Websites

Iran.travel for tourism info, embassy websites for visa details, and UNESCO World Heritage Centre for historic places such as Bisotun.

Digital Content

Explore podcasts on Iranian history and culture, follow travel writers specializing in Iran for current insights.

Print Resources for In-Depth Information

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

Lonely Planet Iran for most travel purposes.
Bradt Travel Guide Iran for deep cultural insights.
Local maps offer geographical context.

Books on History & Culture

"A History of Iran" by Michael Axworthy.
"Persian Empire" by J.M. Cook.
"Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi for personal perspectives.

Offline Map Advisory

Download offline maps for Kermanshah and any translation apps (with Persian language packs) prior to your departure.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts & Safety Protocols

Emergency Numbers

Police: 110
Ambulance/Medical: 115
Fire Services: 125
Roadside Assistance: 141

Hospital Locations

Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah
Taleghani Hospital, Kermanshah
Hotel staff can direct you
Community clinics for minor issues

Diplomatic Aid

Reach out to your country's''s diplomatic mission in Tehran
Swiss Embassy provides consulate services for US citizens
Keep contacts stored securely
Report lost documents to local police

Connect & Learn Language

Online Communities & Forums

Engage with travel forums specific to Iran.
Ask questions and share experiences.
Gather contemporary advice from people who have also traveled.

Language Learning Resources

Utilize applications for language learning like Duolingo or Memrise.
"Colloquial Persian" textbooks offer structured learning.

Lost Document Procedures

Immediate Steps

Report loss/theft to local police (dial 110) immediately.
Obtain a formal police report.
Communicate with your country's''s diplomatic mission in Tehran.
Seek help for emergency travel documents.
Keep police report and embassy contact secure.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Kermanshah is in an active seismic zone.
During an earthquake, "Drop, Cover, and Hang On."
If outdoors, move to open areas away from buildings.
Stay clear of power lines.
Follow local emergency instructions issued via media.

Before You Go: Language Learning

Essential Phrases

Learn simple greetings and polite expressions in Persian to connect with locals.

Language Apps

Utilize apps like Duolingo or Memrise to pick up vocabulary and phrases on the go.

Stay Safe

For US citizens, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran provides embassy services. Keep these contacts stored securely.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations Before Departure

Chronological Planning Timeline

3+ Months Before:
Apply for Iran visa authorization through an authorized travel agency. Book flights from abroad to IKA.
1 Month Before:
Secure Iran visa at embassy. Book domestic flights/transport and accommodations. Arrange travel insurance (World Nomads).
1 Week Before:
Exchange USD/EUR cash. Pack, considering dress code. Download offline maps plus mobile apps. Print essential documents.

Required Advance Bookings & Research

Visa & Flights:
Your Iran visa is the most important booking. Confirm international air travel, domestic transport, and all accommodations.
Cultural Dive:
Deep dive into Iranian culture, customs (Ta'arof), and the mandatory dress code. Read about Kermanshah's history plus culinary arts.
Home Preparedness:
Secure your home, arrange for pet/plant care, and pay bills due during your absence.

Arrival Checklist for Kermanshah

First Steps at IKA Tehran

Clear immigration, exchange some initial cash, purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Irancell), and arrange transport to Mehrabad Airport or your Tehran accommodation.

Orientation in Kermanshah

Obtain a local map, familiarize yourself with Rial/Toman currency, and learn how to use ride-sharing apps like Snapp or Tap30.

Currency & Transport

Exchange the bulk of your cash at a reputable Sarrafi. Use airport taxis or Snapp from Kermanshah Shahid Ashrafi Airport (KSH) to your hotel.

Departure Preparation from Kermanshah

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase last-minute souvenirs from the bazaar.
Consider authentic local crafts like Giveh shoes or Kilim rugs.
Inquire about international shipping options well in advance.
Be aware of complexities due to sanctions.

Pre-Departure Timing & Return

Iran does not have a VAT refund system for tourists.
Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights from KSH.
Arrive THREE hours prior to international flights from IKA.
Reconfirm all your flight or bus/train details.

Final Financial & Packing Checks

Packing Strategically

Pack strategically, leaving space for souvenirs.
Distribute heavy items evenly in your luggage.
Keep essential documents readily accessible.
Make sure all electronics are charged before travel.

Final Cash Requirements

Ensure sufficient cash for any final purchases.
Cover final dishes or snacks.
Account for transportation to the airport or train station.
Have small denominations ready.

Departure Confirmation

For flights abroad from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), schedule your arrival for least 3 hours before departure.

Kermanshah Travel Hacks