City in Fars Province, Iran
Shiraz
Iran's city of poets, gardens and wine legends, gateway to Persepolis. Normally relaxed and easy; in 2026 it is under war conditions with blackouts, unusable foreign cards and detention risk for foreigners.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, OctWarmest: Jul, 39°CDetails
- Air quality25 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · PollutedDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated, but bottled water is safer given 2026 damage and old pipes.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel1/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Getting aroundSnappWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyForeign cards don't work anywhere.Details
Where to stay in Shiraz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zand Boulevard and Vakil Bazaar area | Historic sights, bazaar and guesthouses on foot |
| Eram and Qasrodasht | Gardens, cafés and upscale restaurants |
| Mola Sadra and Sadi areas | Quieter residential streets near Sadi's tomb |
Apps that work in Shiraz
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 arrange taxis and day drivers.
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 Shiraz 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.