Orumiyeh Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile

Irancell and MCI offer good coverage and data packages. Purchase a SIM card along with your passport.

Connectivity Providers

Main providers: Irancell, MCI (Hamrahe Avval).
Consider Airalo for eSIM options before arrival.
Inexpensive and widespread mobile data.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is present in hotels and cafes, but some platforms are filtered. A VPN is necessary.

Staying Online

Wi-Fi in the majority of hotels, guesthouses, and many cafes.
A VPN is absolutely necessary for filtered websites.
Solis Wi-Fi portable devices are another option.

Postal Services

Iran Post handles mail, but international deliveries can be slow due to sanctions.

Mail Information

Iran Post (Post-e Iran) provides domestic and foreign post.
Expect long delivery times for international postcards.
International courier services might be limited.

Language Barriers & Translation

Persian is official, but Azerbaijani Turkish is dominant. English is not widely spoken.

Bridging the Gap

Persian (Farsi) and Azerbaijani Turkish are main languages.
Google Translate (offline Farsi pack) is highly useful.
Rosetta Stone offers tools to learn basic phrases.

Important Phrases

Common Greetings

Salam (sah-LAAM): Hello
Merci (mer-SEE): Thank you
Mamnoon (mam-NOON): Thank you (Persian)
Khodahafez (kho-dah-HAA-fez): Goodbye

Useful Phrases

Baleh (bah-LEH): Yes
Na (NAH): No
Bebakhshid (beh-bakh-SHEED): Excuse me / Sorry
Cheghadr ast? (chegh-ADR ast): How much is it?

Communication Advisory

Download your VPN and offline translation tools before arriving in Iran. Internet restrictions are present.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops & Bazaar

Open generally from 9-10 AM to 8-9 PM, with some midday breaks. The Grand Bazaar is usually closed on Fridays.

Government & Banks

Government offices and banks typically operate from 8 AM to 4 PM, Saturday to Wednesday.

Restaurants

Lunch service typically 12-3 PM, dinner 7-10 PM. Cafes often maintain longer hours.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks close on Thursdays and Fridays. ATMs accept local cards only.

Financial Access

Banks are open Saturday to Wednesday.
ATMs are widespread but only local cards work.
Carry sufficient cash or obtain a local prepaid debit card.

Religious & Public Holidays

Iranian weekend is Friday. Major holidays mean closures and altered schedules.

Dates

Friday is the official Iranian weekend; many businesses close.
Nowruz (Persian New Year) involves a 13-day holiday period.
Islamic holidays vary annually; expect service changes.

Travel Considerations for Holidays

During Nowruz

Travel is specifically busy and can be expensive.
Attractions might have altered schedules.
Confirm specific operating hours in advance.

Seasonal Closures

Some smaller businesses may reduce hours in extreme seasons.
Winter may bring reduced services, especially in rural areas.
Summer midday breaks are common for many shops.

Timing Insight

Verify opening hours for specific locations during your visit, especially around holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Familiarity with local customs enriches your experience and ensures respectful interaction.

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are common between men. For mixed genders, show respect distance unless initiated.

Interacting with Locals

Handshakes are standard for men.
Women generally do not initiate physical contact with men.
A nod or hand over the heart suits mixed-gender greetings.

Appropriate Attire

Headscarves are mandatory for women in public. Modest dress shows respect.

Dress Code Details

Women: Headscarf (hijab) and loose clothing are required.
Men: Long trousers are standard; avoid shorts in public.
Religious sites: More conservative attire, chadors for women often provided.

Dining & Tipping Practices

"Taarof" (polite deference) is a common aspect of Iranian social interaction, including dining.

Food & Service

"Taarof" means politely declining offers once or twice before accepting.
Tipping is not customary in the same way as in Western countries.
Small gratuities for exceptional service are appreciated, but not expected.

Photography Restrictions

Always seek permission before photographing individuals, notably women and children.

Picture-Taking Guidelines

Be respectful and ask permission for individual photos.
Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, or police stations.
Exercise discretion in crowded public spaces.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid Discussion of:

Iranian politics with strangers or in public.
Any behavior perceived as disrespectful to Islamic customs.
Public displays of affection.

Strictly Prohibited:

Imbibing alcohol or possession is illegal.
Homosexuality is illegal with severe penalties.
LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme caution.

Gender Considerations

Public Spaces

Gender segregation on public buses is common.
Some public buildings may have separate entrances.
Public swimming pools are gender-segregated.

Women's Modesty

Women must adhere to strict hijab rules.
Loose-fitting, conservative attire is expected.
Cultural distance between genders is observed in public.

Cultural Awareness

Observe local behavior and adapt your own actions to show respect for Iranian culture.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility for people with mobility challenges is generally limited in Orumiyeh.

Infrastructure Limitations

Public spaces are not widely designed for comprehensive accessibility.

Urban Environment

Sidewalks can be uneven and crowded.
Lack of ramps and curb cuts is common.
Older historical sites typically do not have accessibility features.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Few attractions are designed for easy access. Public transport is largely inaccessible.

Mobility Options

Mass transit is largely inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Verify accessible rooms without a third party to hotels.
Private transportation with assistance is the most practical solution.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services and essential services for these needs are limited.

Support for Sensory Impairments

Public signage is mainly in Persian.
Few public announcements are made in English.
Limited international resources for accessibility.

Resources & Organizations

Detailed accessibility information for Iran is scarce online.

Finding Assistance

Contact specialized travel agencies for disabled travelers.
Direct communication with hotels is to confirm features.
Agencies can arrange suitable accommodation, transport, and guides.

Airport Services for Travelers

Lounge Access

Priority Pass provides frequent travelers with individual airport lounge access.

Learn More

Flight Compensation

Compensair helps obtain compensation in case of flight disruptions.

Claim Here

Arrival Assistance

Special assistance at airports may be arranged upon request with airlines.

Accessibility Recommendation

Thorough pre-trip research and direct communication are invaluable for travelers with specific accessibility needs.

Orumiyeh Travel Tips