Essential services

Transportation

Taxis & Buses

Telephone taxis are available through local agencies in Tehran and most hotels in provincial centers can arrange taxis for hire although it should be noted that there are no meters. Cheap bus transport is available but is not often used by foreigners in Tehran. Local orange taxis (or private vehicles operating as "taxis") are numerous and efficient for Iranians as they provide an interlocking network of north-south and east-west transportation on an ad-hoc shared basis. There are road, rail and air services to most key centers. The bus network is reliable and efficient. Information on services can be obtained from:

Bayhaghi Parking and Bus Terminal Argentine Square Tel: 874-3762 (Information) / 874-3416-9 (Ticket Reservation)

Metro (underground)

Tehran Underground Metro started its official operation in 1999. Currently two of the metro lines (one North-South and the other East-West) are operational in addition to the line connecting West Tehran to Karaj. With its cheap ticket rate (650 Rials), using metro for transportation is becoming more and more popular amongst Iranians and one of the most convenient ways to reach down-town Tehran. For more information regarding Tehran Metro and its routes map visit: http://www.tehranmetro.com

Airport

Mehrabad International Airport serving Tehran is about 10 kilometers from the city center. Access is by road. There are separate international and domestic terminals that are approximately five minutes apart by motor vehicle. To travel between terminals by public transport, visitors can use taxis that are available readily. There are now official taxi stands from which all the official airport taxis are dispatched and will charge a fixed rate. Individual cabs may also try to hawk a passenger. It is advisable to avoid such cars, even if they offer lower fares.

By mid-2004, all international flights are scheduled to move to the newly-built Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) located 35 km South-West of Tehran. Access roads to this airport are via Tehran-Qom highway, Tehran-Saveh road and Tehran-Saveh highway. One special railroad linked to the metro network is also predicted to provide fast access to the airport. There is a 20 km long access highway to the passenger terminal between Tehran-Qom and Tehran-Saveh highways.

Airport facilities are now relatively streamlined although delays can arise over minor bureaucratic issues. For international departures, visitors are advised to be at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, travelers should check in one hour before their flight. Customs checks and inspections, even for domestic flights, are rigorous.

Media

In addition to a large variety of Persian language newspapers, four daily English language newspapers are available in Tehran and other major cities.

There is also a daily English language television service (Channel 4 at 11:00 p.m.) with limited coverage. It must be noted that satellite TV is prohibited in the Islamic Republic, even though many households possess one.

Churches

As already mentioned, Islam - specifically Shi'a Islam - is the official religion of Iran. However, there are numerous religious minorities in the country, including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. A number of Christian denominations are represented in Iran including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox. Major Christian churches in Tehran that welcome visitors include:

Protestant: Armenian Evangelical Church 3 Mirzay-e Shirazi Ave Tel: 890-3458

Roman Catholic: Saint Joseph's Church Shariati Ave, No. 1639 Tel: 880-3549 Saint Abraham's Church 100 North Jamalzadeh St Tel: 692-9203

Orthodox: Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Corner of Taleghani and Mofateh Ave Tel: 884-4288

Banking & Currency

The currency is the Iranian Rial (Rls). The "Toman" (10 Rls) is a non-official monetary unit commonly used by the Iranian people. Prices are usually quoted in Tomans. 

Credit cards are not widely accepted and therefore are difficult to use. Their only use is for room payments at major hotels although some Iranian businesses (e.g., carpet shops) will sometimes accept credit cards on a private basis. Visitors should note that currently MasterCard is the only credit card being accepted by major hotels.

Given the fact that credit cards are rarely accepted in Iran, visitors are advised to bring US dollars in cash form with them. Traveler’s checks are also very hard to convert. Newer notes and larger bills in good condition are easier to exchange and get a better rate than old notes and small bills on the black market. Notes pre-1990 can prove difficult to exchange.

Tourists should avoid currency exchange touts offering to change hard currency at black market rates. These are illegal. Currency should only be changed at authorized offices and banks. All the same, many Iranians themselves use the black market.

Health / Medical Care

Tehran is a relatively healthy city although air pollution and altitude can cause difficulties for individuals with chest or lung complaints.

Tap water is potable and in fact, Tehranis claim to have the best water in the world. However, some foreigners prefer to use bottled water, which is available. In rural areas this is advisable.

Hospitals

Public hospitals do not provide the same standards of service as in the U.K., but may be used in an emergency and are generally good. It is highly recommended to refer to private hospitals in such a case. In Tehran these include:

Day hospital

Valiasr Ave, Corner of Tavanir Street   Tel: 801-7111, 879-71111, 878-5820

Iran Mehr Hospital

Shariati Ave and Gholhak   Tel: 200-9071, 200-9072

Tehran Clinic

   Motahari Ave, corner of Ghaem Magham   Tel: 871-2931/4

Education

The government has established separate English-speaking international schools for the English-speaking children of returning Iranians. These international schools follow the American curriculum. In addition, there are French, German, Italian and Japanese schools available to foreign children. These foreign schools operate in their respective languages and follow their own national curricula. Here is some further information on foreign schools: