Destination: Iran
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Getting Started
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DON`T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
There is not much you can’t buy in Tehran or the big cities, though the selection is often limited. Things you should consider bringing include sunscreen and a hat; a teaspoon; a short-wave radio; a universal plug; and pictures of your family, which are a great way to break the language barrier with your new Iranian friends. A couple of decent books should soak up your free hours at night and on transport (but make sure they don’t have pictures of scantily clad women on the cover). Earplugs are useful for when you’ve finished reading and want to sleep. Women should bring tampons since these are almost impossible to find; and if you can’t do without a specific brand of shampoo or cosmetic, stock up.
The question of clothing vexes many a visitor, but the rules are simple enough and you don’t need to start scouring the Muslim neighbourhoods of your home town looking for chadors – unless you really want to. Just pack (in your hand luggage) a scarf and a loose-fitting jacket that reaches at least to mid thigh.
Remember that US-passport holders almost always need to be booked on some form of guided tour before they will be issued a visa; and Israelis and anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport will be denied entry.
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