Are you searching for your next adventure and travel destination? If yes, check out the available Iran tour packages from Philippines. Iran may not be a popular destination among Filipinos looking to relax and see the world, but this Middle Eastern country has plenty of merits. And if you open your minds to new yet rich experiences, you’ll realize that a tour of Iran may be a great next move.

But before you pack up your travel essentials and plan your OOTDs, Instagram-worthy poses, and pictures, it’s best to take a crash course on what to expect from a tour in Iran and a few tips on making your trip truly memorable. So, whether you’re a first-timer looking to explore this Middle Eastern gem or want additional information on making your trip more enjoyable, this guide on the Top 10 must-know things about these Iran tour packages from the Philippines.

1. Iran is a safe travel destination

Let’s admit it; we have read and heard a few ‘bad press’ about Iran online, on the radio, and in the newspapers. The mainstream media traditionally paints this Middle Eastern country as unstable, subject to political and economic turmoil that may endanger guests and tourists, particularly the ones from the West. But we’ll get a different picture if we read numerous anecdotal records and experiences of many tourists and travelers visiting this country. For most, Iran is relatively safe and home to friendly people, too!

In short, Iran’s a perfect example of contradiction is waiting to be discovered. Despite the negative press it often receives from our mainstream media, it has always remained safe and a wonder to learn and explore, too!

2. Friday is the weekend

We’re used to Saturdays and Sundays as the weekend in the Philippines. But when in Iran, you’ll discover that its calendar works differently, and Fridays mean the weekend. Like many Islamic countries, Friday is Iran’s official weekend, indicating that government agencies and businesses are mostly closed on this day. So, make sure to keep this information in mind when you’re planning your itinerary and tour in Iran.

3. Bring plenty of cash

Yes, we understand it’s essential to bring one’s wallet when traveling. But getting a lot of money instead of your reliable Visa and Mastercard makes sense if you’re a traveler and tourist in Iran. The ATMs in Iran don’t accept foreign Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards due to an existing embargo by the United States. Iranian Rial (IRR) is its official currency, but many locals use the term ‘Toman,’ which is about 10 Rials.

When you explore the stores and bazaars as part of your tour in Iran, you’ll probably hear this term a lot. Since your Mastercard doesn’t work with the ATMs here, you’ll need to load up on some cash. Traditionally, euros and dollars are accepted, which you can exchange in local banks, or you can rely on exchanges.

4. Get a local SIM card

We’re sure that you’ll need to connect with your family and friends if you’re on a tour in Iran. There are plenty of natural wonders and historical landmarks to explore in Iran, many of which are Instagram-worthy, and it’s a bummer if we can’t share them with them. The best way to access the web in Iran is using the LTE or 4G of a local SIM card. Our team recommends using a SIM card from Rightel, Irancell, and Airalo since they’re the leading operators.

5. Alcohol is off-limits in Iran

If you’re a fan of alcoholic drinks, then you may want to skip it if you’re on a tour in Iran. You see, there’s a standing ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol that dates back to the 1979 revolution. It’s a traditional practice not to sell and consume these products, so it’s best to follow their customs and traditions.

Also, don’t think of carrying your favorite bottle when you fly and enter the country. The country’s airports conduct routine checks through X-ray machines to see if guests bring questionable items into the country.

6. Discover the rich Iranian cuisine

Alcohol may not be part of the plans in Iran, but there are more exciting things to discover here, including its rich cuisine. An international tour and exploration of any destination isn’t complete without checking out the local dishes and delicacies. And Iran tour packages from the Philippines offer you the perfect opportunity to experience one of the finest cuisines in the world. Integrating local food into your plans is a great way to understand its cultural identity. As they say, food offers you the best cultural immersion possible.

Don’t forget to explore the local favorites in Iran and enjoy a few of their classics. The Persian meal’s heart is rice (polo), which includes bread in many dishes. Speaking of rice, most households prepare Polo Ba Tahdig, the ‘bottom of the pot, a crisp crust often made from rice, bread, or even potatoes. Vegetables are also part of the local flavors, with Khoresh Bademjan, Eggplant Stew, and Ghormeh Sabzi, or Vegetable Stew, as examples.

Persian food is about balance in flavor and taste, temperature, and textures. So, expect Persian dishes that use a variety of spices, including saffron, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and sumac, among others.

7. Forget about malls and modern boutiques; it’s all about bazaars!

Iran Travel Tour Packages From Philippines

When it comes to colorful and truly entertaining bazaars, the ones in Iran are some of the best. Bazaars are popular in Iran and the Middle East and boast several shops and stalls. In other countries, we call these open markets or street markets where you can buy various products. But these bazaars in Iran are more colorful and rich in stories, characters, and history, too. You can find some of the world’s oldest bazaars in this country, many of which date back to the famed ancient Silk Road.

Among the dozens of bazaars in the country, the Grand Bazaar in Tehran is arguably the most important. Shopping in the city’s Grand Bazaar offers a fun and exhilarating experience thanks to the diversity of products and the people you’ll meet. The stores line up for about 10 km, with over a hundred offering different products, from rugs to spices and even antiques!

Most of our Iran tour packages from Philippines include a stop in this important bazaar. If you’re on a tour in Iran, getting lost in the long maze of stores and getting out with souvenirs that will remind you of your time here forever is okay!

8. A tour in Iran is a learning cultural experience thanks to its UNESCO Heritage Sites

There are plenty of things to do and see in Iran, and one exciting part of your potential tour in Iran is an exploration of its more than two dozen UNESCO Heritage Sites. So, what are World Heritage Sites, and how does this Middle Eastern country fit into this list? These sites are run and maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO and are deemed culturally and historically significant. If a site is included in this list, it brings value to the host country and the world that transcends time.

Iran boasts 26 sites included in the list, including the Golestan Palace, the Persepolis, the city of Yazd, and the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Your tour in Iran, which includes visiting the destinations, will offer you a learning and unforgettable experience. If you’re a student of history and culture, then we recommend spending some time here to trace the country’s rich history.

9. There’s an appropriate dress to wear

If you’re packing your bags now, bring a few appropriate dresses to wear when exploring the sights and sites of Iran. Remember, Iran is an Islamic country, so there’s a strict Islamic dress code that you should know and follow. For example females must wear clothes that cover their legs, arms, and head.

Iran is Islamic, so you must follow the Islamic dress code. Here are some things to keep in mind. Most locals and tourists wear a hijab, loose long-length pants or shorts, with long sleeves. If you want to wear pants, make sure they cover your ankles. To cover your head, use a scarf. While a black scarf may be your default option, but it’s fine to also use a scarf with bright colors which locals also wear.

For males, it’s also important to pay attention to what you wear. Our popular shorts aren’t allowed, so bring your long but lightweight pants. It’s fine to wear t-shirts and sandals when joining a tour in Iran. While the sartorial rules are starting to relax, it’s always to best to stay safe, and just follow traditional customs and traditions.

10. Yes, you still need an Iran visa for Filipino citizen

Tourists who want to consider a tour in Iran still need an Iran visa for Filipino citizens. Let’s set the record straight applying for an Iranian visa is challenging and stressful, especially for the first-time applicant. If it’s your first time to apply, you’ll need a Visa Authorization Code or the Visa Grant Notice. There are two important steps on how you can apply and get your Iran visa for Filipino citizen.

First, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs must approve and grant your authorization code.

Second, you can only get your visa for the password through the embassy. We know that the visa application process can be stressful, but there is a more convenient way to getting approved and set the tour in Iran in place. What you can do today is to work with a legit and reputable agency like Iran Travel Tours that understands the ins and outs of Iranian travel tours.

By working with a registered travel agency, you don’t just get recommendations on Ian tour packages from the Philippines; the agency can also do the paperwork like a visa so you can focus on what matters- enjoying your stay in Iran!