City in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran
Mashhad
Iran's holiest city, built around the Imam Reza shrine and visited by millions of pilgrims. Warm hospitality, but war conditions, blackouts and detention risk apply, and the Afghan border region is volatile.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 35°CDetails
- Air quality29 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Very pollutedDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated, but bottled water is safer given 2026 damage.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel1/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundSnappWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyForeign cards don't work anywhere.Details
Where to stay in Mashhad
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Haram area (around Imam Reza shrine) | Pilgrims: hotels and bazaars within walking distance |
| Vakilabad and Sajjad Boulevards | Modern hotels, restaurants and parks |
| Ferdowsi and Kuhsangi areas | Quieter residential area with cafés and parks |
Apps that work in Mashhad
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| SnappFood | Main delivery app; needs an Iranian number |
- Maps: Neshan or Balad; Google Maps is patchy
- Messaging: WhatsApp (often needs a VPN)
- Taxis: Foreign cards don't work; pay cash. Ask your hotel to order a Snapp or arrange a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Iran.
- Cash only Foreign cards don't work anywhere. Bring euros or dollars in cash and change at licensed exchanges.
- Currency: Rial (IRR). US$1 ≈ ﷼776,253.25 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign cards do not work at any ATM; street money changing is illegal.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; leave about 10% in nicer restaurants and tip guides and drivers. Expect polite refusals (taarof) before accepting.
- Paying by phone: Nothing works with foreign accounts; some tour agencies issue prepaid local cards loaded from your cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa required for most, arranged via an agency and the e-visa system. US, UK and Canadian citizens need a guided tour or sponsor.
- Israeli stamps or travel history can mean refusal; dual nationals are treated as Iranian.
- Airspace and land borders close at short notice during the war; plan more than one exit route.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Irancell and MCI sell tourist SIMs at Tehran Imam Khomeini airport with a passport, but international internet is filtered, throttled and sometimes cut.
More places in Iran
Going to Mashhad solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.