Accommodations

Residential Accommodations

There are a number of tax related issues pertaining to residential leases, so some consultation with a lawyer or an accountant in Iran is advisable.  In Tehran, villas, flats and serviced apartments are easily available for both short-term and long-term rentals. It must be noted that foreigners are not allowed to own flats, houses, apartments or offices; they may only lease. In order to lease at a notary public with a tenancy term, the permission of the Property Registry should be obtained. The various prices depend on the standards of accommodation and vary from US$500 per month for a small, but luxurious apartment to US$10,000 for a big villa with all the facilities.

Hotel Accommodations

International standard hotels are available in major cities of Iran. Currently, in Tehran there are four international standard hotels available: the Laleh Hotel, the Esteghlal Hotel, the Homa Hotel and the Azadi Hotel.  Rates depend on the standard of accommodation and vary from US$120 for a single room to US$250 for a double room.  However, Tehran also offers cheaper accommodation, starting from $30 per night, in hotels such as Karun and Ramtin.

Several companies offer serviced apartments with breakfast and laundry facilities, which foreign executives often prefer to the big hotels. Just to name a couple in Tehran:

Hotel Apartment Mellal

NO.68,Naseri Street, Valiasr Ave Tel:8776626

Hotel Arian

Tajrish Square, Jafarabad Street, NO. 24 Tel: 2708545

Tipping

Tipping is common in Tehran and elsewhere in Iran. Visitors should tip porters, room service, etc., small amounts (e.g. Rls. 2,000) when appropriate. In a restaurant, a small tip is sufficient as a service charge is included in the bill.

It is customary to tip hairdressers and others who provide a service.

Communications

Telecommunications

Reliable telephone services exist for domestic and international calls. In hotels long distance calls are usually made through the operator. There are also public phones that take phone cards located throughout Tehran, though public phones are not always in service. There are also telecommunication centers where a long distance call can be placed.

It is common to ask a shopkeeper to use his phone, and many shop owners in fact have a "public" phone that can be used for a small fee to make local calls. It is worth noting that there is no GSM coverage in Iran.

For those bringing their laptop and who wish to connect to the Internet please be advised that phone jacks in Iran are usually the regular two-prong type. Adaptors are available readily and cheaply if you forget. 

Local ISPs sell “pay-as-you-go” type internet use cards, which is a very efficient way to connect to the internet. A variety of brands exist and in big cities, most newspaper vendors and corner stores carry internet cards. Small Cyber cafes are available in most residential areas as well.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Airport Information: 199 or 91028 

Ambulance: 115 or 643-6622/26

Police: 110

Directory Assistance: 118

Tehran Radio Taxi:  133

Sightseeing & Recreation

Restaurants

Dining is a very popular activity in Iran, and even though the range of foreign cuisine is limited, the excellent Iranian cuisine compensates for this. Domestic food relies heavily on rice, meat (usually chicken, mutton or lamb), fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits. Our most popular dish is the chelo kabab. A few good restaurants that offer excellent Iranian cuisine, including chelo kabab are:

Nayeb Restaurant

Khaled Eslamboli Ave (Vozara), 11^th Street.

Tel: 871-3474

Visiting Hours: 9:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00 everyday, except Tuesdays
30 Tir St., Imam Khomeini Ave.
Tel: 6702061-6