IR
Iran
Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and historically known as Persia, is a country in West Asia. It borders Iraq to the west; Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northwest; the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkmenistan to the northeast; Afghanistan to the east; Pakistan to the southeast; and the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. With a population of over 92 million, Iran ranks 17th globally in both geographic size and population. It is divided into five regions with 31 provinces. Tehran is the nation's capital and largest city and serves as its primary economic center.
Photo: Mahdi Kalhor · CC BY 3.0
- Capital
- Tehran
- Currency
- IRR
- Population
- 92,417,700
- Coordinates
- 32.0000, 53.0000
Traveler Guide
Travel & Tourism Guide for Iran
Iran (IR) is a distinctive destination home to approximately 92,417,700 residents, with its capital city of Tehran serving as the principal gateway for international arrivals, cultural institutions, and commerce at coordinates (32.00°, 53.00°), operating with IRR as the national currency.
Best Time to Visit & Climate
October to April (Warm Winter & Spring Window)
Positioned in the subtropical latitude band (32.00°), Iran offers crisp evenings and warm, sunny days from autumn through spring, avoiding intense midsummer heat.
Key Traveler Essentials
- Currency: IRR
- Language: Official national language of Iran; English spoken in major hotels and airports
- Emergency: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire)
- Power Plugs: Standard national power sockets (typically 220–240V; universal adapter recommended)
Top Attractions & Highlights
Historic Core & National Museums of Tehran
Tehran anchors Iran's cultural landscape with national museums, civic monuments, and historic quarters.
Natural Reserves & Scenic Landscapes of Iran
Beyond Tehran, regional parks and natural corridors showcase Iran's topography, biodiversity, and outdoor trails.
Traditional Markets & Cultural Districts in Tehran
Experience everyday culinary traditions, regional produce, and local craftsmanship across Tehran's bustling markets.
Getting Around & Transport
International access to Iran centers on gateway terminals serving Tehran, supported by intercity highway coaches, municipal public transport, metered taxis, and private car hire for regional travel.
- Tehran serves as the primary multimodal hub linking international flights with overland routes across Iran.
- Licensed municipal taxis and regional ride-hailing services provide reliable door-to-door urban transit in Tehran.
- Renting a car or booking a private transfer offers the best flexibility for exploring countryside sights outside Tehran.
Essential Tips & Local Etiquette
Managing Expenses in IRR
The national currency is IRR. Carry sufficient local cash for markets and short transit rides alongside credit cards accepted at major hotels in Tehran.
Emergency Contacts & Safety
The official emergency dispatch in Iran is 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire). Save these numbers before arrival and keep identification accessible.
Local Etiquette & Time Zone
Observe respectful dress and photography etiquette at heritage sites, and align transit schedules with the local time zone (UTC).
Budget, Logistics & Entry Planning for Iran
Daily Budget & IRR Currency Strategy
Official transactions across Iran are conducted in IRR. Balance your travel budget between international bank cards for hotels and intercity transport and local IRR cash for municipal transit, markets, and daily dining in Tehran.
Gateway Arrival & Urban Infrastructure
Iran has a population of approximately 92,417,700, with Tehran serving as the primary administrative and international aviation hub operating on the UTC time zone.
Safety Preparedness & Official Emergency Contacts
Store Iran's verified emergency dispatch numbers (110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire)) in your phone prior to departure, and keep digital copies of your passport, entry documentation, and accommodation address in Tehran.
Seasonal Scheduling & Peak Booking Windows
Optimal weather conditions align with October to April (Warm Winter & Spring Window). When visiting Iran during national holidays or peak seasonal windows, confirm accommodation and intercity transit reservations several weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Iran
What is the official currency in Iran and how should I plan payments?
The official currency of Iran is IRR. Use the interactive currency converter on this page to benchmark daily costs against USD, EUR, GBP, and regional currencies, and carry local cash alongside bank cards.
What are the official emergency numbers in Iran?
Verified emergency dispatch numbers in Iran are: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire). These lines connect travelers to local police, medical ambulance, and fire rescue services.
When is the best time of year to visit Iran and Tehran?
The most favorable travel window for Iran is October to April (Warm Winter & Spring Window), when ambient temperatures and daylight hours best support sightseeing in Tehran and regional nature reserves.
How do travelers get between Tehran and regional cities in Iran?
Tehran functions as the primary transport hub connecting regional cities via intercity highway coaches, rail corridors where available, private transfers, or domestic flights. Select any city guide below for specific airport and ground transit details.
Travel Essentials & Currency
Currency & Travel Essentials for Iran
Quick currency calculator and emergency hotline guide for a hassle-free trip to Iran.
Quick Currency Calculator
Official national currency is IRR. Calculate exchange conversions below:
* Exchange rates are indicative and subject to market rates and banking fees.
Emergency & Payment Tips
110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire)
(Police, Ambulance & Fire Rescue — toll-free 24/7 service)Payment & Banking Guidelines:
- 💳 Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and digital wallets (Apple Pay) are widely accepted across hotels and retailers.
- 💵 Cash: Keep small cash bills handy for local souqs, small taxis, and casual tipping.
- 🏧 ATMs: ATMs are readily available throughout international airports, metro stations, and shopping malls.
