Tehran Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tehran.
Healthcare System
Tehran has a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals and private clinics. Private facilities generally offer better quality care and more English-speaking staff. The city has well-trained doctors, many educated internationally, and modern medical facilities in private hospitals.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals for tourists include Mehr Hospital, Erfan Hospital, and Atieh Hospital, which have English-speaking staff and international departments. These facilities are accustomed to treating foreign patients and can coordinate with international insurance companies.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (daroukhaneh) are widespread throughout Tehran and well-stocked. Many medications available by prescription only in Western countries can be purchased over the counter. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and some speak English. Most international brand medications are available, though sometimes under different names.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers Iran specifically, as some policies exclude it. US credit cards and insurance policies typically do not work in Iran due to sanctions, so travelers should arrange alternative coverage and carry sufficient cash.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications with you, along with prescriptions in generic drug names
- Private hospitals require upfront payment or deposit; keep receipts for insurance reimbursement
- Air quality can exacerbate respiratory conditions; bring appropriate medications
- Water is generally safe to drink in Tehran, but bottled water is widely available
- Altitude sickness is rare but possible as Tehran sits at about 1,200 meters elevation
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur but are less common than in many major cities. Most incidents occur in crowded areas.
Tehran has chaotic traffic with aggressive driving, poor lane discipline, and frequent disregard for traffic rules. Pedestrian crossings are often ignored by drivers. Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury to visitors.
Tehran experiences severe air pollution, especially in winter months. Pollution levels can reach hazardous levels, causing respiratory issues, eye irritation, and headaches.
Unintentional violations of Iranian law can lead to detention, fines, or deportation. Laws regarding photography, alcohol, dress code, and social interactions are strictly enforced.
Protests and demonstrations can occur, sometimes with little warning. These can turn confrontational and result in road closures, internet disruptions, and increased security presence.
Tehran is in a seismically active zone with risk of earthquakes. While major earthquakes are infrequent, minor tremors occur regularly.
Foreign nationals, particularly dual citizens and those from certain countries, face risk of detention on security-related charges. This risk is higher for journalists, activists, and those with government connections.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Tourists are befriended by locals who offer to show them around, then pressure them to visit carpet shops or souvenir stores where they receive commission. Items are often overpriced and quality misrepresented. Some shops may offer to ship items that never arrive.
Unofficial money changers may use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, swap bills, or provide counterfeit notes. The complex Iranian currency system (rial vs toman) can also be used to confuse tourists.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated prices to tourists who are unfamiliar with standard fares, refuse to use meters, or take unnecessarily long routes.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists at major sites offering guide services, then provide poor information and demand high fees, sometimes becoming aggressive if payment disputes arise.
Some restaurants catering to tourists add extra items to bills, charge for items not consumed, or bring unrequested appetizers then charge for them.
Vendors may sell SIM cards at inflated prices or provide cards that don't work properly, knowing tourists have limited recourse.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information readily available
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separate from originals
- Learn basic Farsi phrases for emergencies
- Keep your accommodation address written in Farsi for taxi drivers
- Carry business cards from your hotel for easy navigation back
- Have emergency cash in small denominations as credit cards don't work due to sanctions
- Maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to yourself
- Be aware that internet access is restricted; VPNs may be necessary but their use can be legally ambiguous
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly at all times; women must wear hijab in public, men should wear long pants
- Avoid public displays of affection, even between married couples
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Never photograph government buildings, military installations, or infrastructure
- Respect prayer times and religious observances
- Use right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
- Avoid political discussions and criticism of the government
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable ride-sharing apps (Snapp, Tap30) instead of street taxis when possible
- Avoid driving yourself unless absolutely necessary; traffic is chaotic and rules differ
- Metro is generally safe, clean, and efficient; women have separate cars during rush hours
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; drivers rarely yield to pedestrians
- Avoid traveling between cities at night due to poor road conditions and visibility
- If using taxis, photograph the license plate and share with someone
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when in traffic
Money and Valuables
- Carry sufficient cash as international credit cards don't work
- Use hotel safes for valuables and excess cash
- Divide money into multiple locations on your person
- Exchange money at official locations or reputable hotels
- Understand the rial vs toman confusion (1 toman = 10 rials)
- Keep small bills for daily transactions
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Photograph valuable items and keep receipts for customs
Health Precautions
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications with documentation
- Stay hydrated, especially during summer and at Tehran's elevation
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach
- Bring medications for common ailments as specific brands may not be available
- Monitor air quality daily and adjust activities accordingly
- Consider bringing N95 masks for pollution
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card from official operators at the airport
- Download offline maps before arrival (Google Maps works but may be slow)
- Many websites and apps are blocked; research VPN options before arrival
- Keep your embassy's contact information saved offline
- WhatsApp and Telegram work but may be periodically disrupted
- Learn to recognize Farsi script for important words (exit, toilet, danger)
- Have important addresses written in Farsi
- Consider downloading translation apps that work offline
Accommodation Safety
- Stay in reputable hotels or established guesthouses
- Verify accommodation has proper licensing
- Keep your room locked and use available safes
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep emergency supplies (water, snacks, flashlight) in your room
- Inform hotel staff of your daily plans
- Check reviews from recent travelers regarding safety and location
- Northern Tehran generally has better air quality and is considered safer
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women can travel safely to Tehran, but must strictly adhere to Islamic dress codes and cultural norms. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, and Iranian hospitality extends warmly to women visitors. However, understanding and respecting local customs is essential. Women may experience unwanted attention but violent incidents are rare.
- Wear hijab (headscarf) at all times in public; hair must be covered though some hair showing at front is acceptable
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms to wrists and legs to ankles; a manteau (long coat) over pants is standard
- Dark colors attract less attention than bright colors
- Carry a large scarf or shawl to adjust coverage as needed in different settings
- Use women-only metro cars during rush hours (marked with pink signs)
- Sit in the back seat of taxis; front seat can be seen as inappropriate
- Be prepared for curious questions about marital status and family; polite deflection is acceptable
- Wedding rings (real or fake) may reduce unwanted attention
- Women traveling with men may be asked to prove marriage; carry documentation if traveling as a couple
- Some restaurants have family sections separate from men's sections
- Iranian women are often helpful and protective toward foreign women; don't hesitate to seek their assistance
- Avoid direct eye contact with men as it can be misinterpreted
- Firmly but politely decline unwanted attention; say 'na' (no) clearly
- Consider joining women's tours or activities to connect with local women
- Public restrooms for women are widely available in malls and tourist sites
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and can carry severe penalties including imprisonment and, in extreme cases, capital punishment. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Gender reassignment is legal and recognized, making Iran unique in the region in this aspect.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics or activism
- Be extremely cautious with dating apps; some are blocked and use can be dangerous
- Do not bring LGBTQ+ related materials, books, or symbols
- Avoid LGBTQ+ related social media posts while in Iran
- Book separate rooms if traveling with same-sex partner
- Be aware that hotel staff may question unmarried couples of opposite sex sharing rooms
- Understand that being 'out' poses serious legal and physical risks
- Consider whether travel to Iran is advisable given the serious legal and safety risks
- Register with your embassy and ensure they have your emergency contact information
- Have exit plans and maintain low profile throughout visit
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is critical for visiting Tehran due to the inability to use international credit cards (due to sanctions), potential political instability, health risks from air pollution, and limited embassy assistance in emergencies. Medical evacuation can be extremely expensive, and you'll need to pay cash upfront for medical care. Many standard policies exclude Iran, so specific coverage must be arranged.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Tehran Safety Guide before you go.