Capital city in Tehran Province, Iran
Tehran
A sprawling capital of museums, bazaars, mountain views and hospitable people, normally Iran's easiest base. In 2026 it is a war zone: strikes, blackouts, unusable foreign cards and detention risk. Don't travel now.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, OctWarmest: Jul, 38°CDetails
- Air quality31 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Very pollutedDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTehran's tap water is treated, but war damage and old pipes make bottled water the safer choice.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel1/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Getting aroundSnappYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlySanctions block foreign cards.Details
Where to stay in Tehran
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tajrish and Shemiran | Northern hills: bazaar, Darband trails, cooler air |
| Valiasr Street and Vanak | Central hotels, cafés and shops along a tree-lined boulevard |
| Naser Khosrow and Grand Bazaar | Old Tehran: Golestan Palace, museums, cheap guesthouses |
Apps that work in Tehran
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| SnappFood | Widest choice; needs an Iranian number |
- Maps: Neshan or Balad; Google Maps is patchy
- Messaging: WhatsApp (often needs a VPN)
- Taxis: Foreign cards don't work, so pay cash. Ask your hotel to order a Snapp or hire a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Iran.
- Cash only Sanctions block foreign cards. Bring euros or dollars in cash and change at licensed exchanges; prices are often quoted in toman.
- 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 Tehran solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tehran meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.