City in Yazd Province, Iran
Yazd
A mud-brick desert city of windcatchers, qanats and Zoroastrian heritage, slow and walkable. In 2026 it shares Iran's war risks, blackouts and cash-only money; summer heat is extreme.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 40°CDetails
- Air quality29 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Very pollutedDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated, but bottled water is safer given damaged systems.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 Yazd
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Fahadan (Old City) | Mud-brick alleys, courtyard guesthouses and rooftops |
| Amir Chakhmaq Square area | Central, near bazaars, Jameh Mosque and cafés |
| Qeyam and Beheshti areas | Newer districts with hotels and malls |
Apps that work in Yazd
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 guesthouse to call a taxi or arrange a driver for desert day trips.
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 Yazd 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.