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Kermanshah Travel Tips

Kermanshah Travel Tips

Kermanshah Kermanshah Province, Iran Travel Guide

Local SIM Cards

Irancell, MCI (Hamrahe Avval), and Rightel are the main providers. Irancell is frequently chosen by travelers for its coverage.

Acquisition & Use

  • Acquire at IKA or official stores; passport needed for registration.
  • SIM cards and data packages present excellent value.
  • Good 3G/4G/LTE coverage in urban areas.

Look into getting an esim for international travel: Explore Airalo eSIMs

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and guesthouses. Quality and speed vary.

Online Navigation

  • Hotels and inns offer Wireless internet-Fi.
  • Many international sites are filtered; VPN access is common and advised.
  • Mobile data coverage is good in cities.

Maintain contact with a portable Wi-Fi device: Get Solis Wi-Fi

Language Barriers

Persian (Farsi) is the official language. Kurdish is widely spoken in Kermanshah province.

Communication Aids

  • English understanding is limited outside tourist-focused areas.
  • Download offline Persian language packs for translation apps.
  • Use apps for converting language like Google Translate or FarsiDict.

Learn essential phrases: Start with Rosetta Stone

Phrases Persian

A few basic phrases will greatly enrich your engagements and local experiences.

Essential Greetings

  • Hello: Salam (sah-LAAM)
  • Thank you: Merci (mehr-SEE) or Mamnoon (mam-NOON)
  • Yes: Baleh (bah-LEH) / No: Na (nah)

Useful Words

Polite Expressions

  • Excuse me/Sorry: Bebakhshid (beh-BAKH-sheed)
  • How much?: Chand ast? (chand AST?)
  • Water: Ab (aab)
  • Food: Ghazā (gah-ZAH)

Asking for Directions

  • Help!: Komak! (koh-MACK!)
  • Where is...?: ...kojast? (...koh-JAST?)
  • for daily use.
  • Always be polite.

Postal Services

Iran Post offers domestic and international mail. International shipping can be slow; sanctions may affect destinations. Check with local post offices for specifics.

Business Hours

Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours to plan your days efficiently in Kermanshah.

Government & Banks

Government offices generally operate Saturday-Wednesday, 8 AM - 4 PM. Banks typically operate Saturday-Wednesday, 8:30 AM - 3 PM.

Shops & Bazaars

Shops usually open 9-10 AM, close for a lunch break (1-4 PM), and reopen until 8-9 PM. Bazaars often remain open all day.

Restaurants

Eateries are operating for lunch (12 PM - 3 PM) and dinner (7 PM - 10 PM or later), serving local plus global dishes.

ATMs & Currency

ATMs are widespread but only accept local Iranian bank cards. Cards from other countries do not work.

Cash Essentials

  • Carry cash for all transactions.
  • Currency exchange (Sarrafi) offices offer favorable unofficial rates.
  • Sarrafis often have longer hours than banks.

Holidays

Friday is the official weekend; most businesses close or shorten hours.

Dates

  • Nowruz (Iranian New Year, late March): Peak domestic travel, many closures.
  • Other Islamic holidays (Eid-Fitr, Ashura): Dates vary, check a local calendar.
  • Secular and religious holidays take place all year round.

Planning Ahead

Before Your Trip

  • Verify opening times for specific attractions.
  • Anticipate reduced services during public holidays.
  • Consult an Iranian listings for holiday dates.

During Your Stay

  • Summer might see shorter afternoon hours for a few shops.
  • Winter mountain access may face closures owing to weather conditions.
  • Always ask locals for current schedules.

Reminder

Always confirm specific opening times for sights, especially if your visit aligns with holidays.

Etiquette & Norms

Greetings & Attire

Handshakes are customary between people of the same gender. Men generally avoid initiating contact with women.

Dress Code

  • Nod or hand over heart greeting for mixed genders.
  • Women must wear a headscarf (hijab) and loose clothing.
  • Men wear slacks. Remove shoes entering homes.

Dining & Ta'arof

Wait for the host or eldest to begin dining. Ta'arof, a polite refusal, is common when offered something.

Cultural Gestures

  • Do not put feet on tables. Abstain from pointing with feet.
  • Insist on paying for goods and services despite initial refusal (ghabeli nadareh).
  • Reciprocal politeness is highly valued.

Photography

Always request permission before photographing individuals, most notably women and children.

Respectful Shots

  • A simple gesture often conveys your request.
  • Do not photograph military or government buildings.
  • Photography is generally fine in religious sites; avoid flash during prayers.

Taboos & Topics

Avoid discussions on Iranian politics and religion.

Cultural Sensitivities

  • No consumption or possession of alcohol in public.
  • Avoid public displays of affection for mixed-gender couples.
  • Do not mention Israel or display its symbols.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Norms

  • Strict gender segregation in some public areas.
  • Public transport often has segregated sections.
  • Women frequently receive preferential treatment in queues.

LGBTQ+ Safety

  • Homosexuality is illegal and rather than openly tolerated.
  • Exercise extreme discretion.
  • Avoid public displays of affection.

General Guidance

Patience & Politeness

  • Patience leads to rewarding experiences.
  • Iranians are known for their exceptional hospitality.
  • Courteous behavior is appreciated.

Embrace Local Culture

  • Learn a few basic Farsi phrases.
  • Read up on local traditions.
  • Interact with locals in a respectful manner.

General Guidance

Patience and politeness lead to rewarding experiences. Iranians are renowned for their exceptional hospitality.

Accessibility

Kermanshah's accessibility infrastructure has difficulties for travelers with mobility issues, though actions are underway.

Infrastructure Overview

Ramps, accessible restrooms, plus purpose-built public transportation are generally limited.

Challenges

  • Limited dedicated facilities.
  • Historical sites often feature stairs and uneven terrain.
  • Narrow pathways pose accessibility is a factorsues.

Accessible Attractions

Few attractions are fully accessible. Newer hotels might provide some features, though it isn't standard.

Planning Tips

  • Newer hotels sometimes have accessible rooms.
  • Private taxis can be arranged but are generally not adapted.
  • Consider personal mobility assistance.

Special Needs

For visually or hearing-impaired travelers impairments, specific services or facilities are limited. Information signs often lack Braille or audio guides. Consulting specialized tour operators for personalized itineraries is advisable.