Recently, you have been hearing Iran’s name on the news more often. Once again U.S. economic sanctions on Iran are imposed. For people of Iran, this means economic hardship, as the value of Rial, Iran’s currency, is declining rapidly. But what it would mean for tourists?
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What has happened?
Let’s review the situation to have a better understanding. In the past decades Iran has gone through economic sanctions several times. It means the country is banned from having financial business with other nations and multinational corporates. This event greatly affects the economy and most of all, livelihood of the people. Everytime sanctions were lifted, the country’s economy began to improve, but this time, the U.S. government backed out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (known as Iran’s nuclear deal) and instead reimposed the sanctions. This act had huge impact on the fragile economy and value of foreign currency skyrocketed. Below, we will take a look at rate of change in prices and services to see why it is time to visit Iran.
Lower prices in transportation
The cost of transfer from IKA airport to Tehran is 850000 Rial for standard size and 900000 Rial for SUV. Don’t let the number of zeros scare you. Let’s see what this price means when it is turned into Dollars at the free market rate (this is a legal section of currency exchange, along with the government rate which is always lower. You can read more about it here). Also, the price of land transportation (long-distance buses and trains) and flights are more affordable now.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$ (FREE MARKET RATE) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| Bus Tehran to Isfahan | 400000 | ~ $8.8 |
| Train Tehran to Yazd | 700000 | ~ $16 |
| Flight Tehran to Shiraz | 450000 | ~ $99.55 |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| Bus Tehran to Isfahan | 400000 | ~ $4.0 |
| Train Tehran to Yazd | 700000 | ~ $7.0 |
| Flight Tehran to Shiraz | 450000 | ~ $43 |
*The average price changes with rate of exchange and inflation
Lower prices in accommodation
Hotel rates, along with any other accommodation and food services are in Rial. This means a five star hotel with the price of a four star when it is turned into Dollars. You will have the ultimate chance of staying at famous boutique hotels, such as Saraye Ameriha or Abbasi hotel, and feel like members of an ancient royal family. Also, if you were concerned about the cost of travel in Iran, now you can reserve more economic accommodations for even cheaper price now. However, Because of the high cost, hotels are going to get their money from foreign tourists in USD and EUR.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$ (FREE MARKET) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| A Double Room in a 4 star hotel (Tehran) | 7300000 | ~ $161.5 |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| A Double Room in a 4 star hotel (Tehran) | 7300000 | ~ $70.1 |
*The average price changes with rate of exchange and inflation.
Lower prices in souvenirs!!
Were you thinking of buying an elegant Persian carpet as souvenir? You got it now. When you exchange Dollar to Rial, that Persian carpet won’t be inaccessible any more. Think of all handicrafts and sweets that you can take home to your friends and family. Just remember to reserve your flight with an airline that offers higher baggage allowance.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$ (FREE MARKET) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| 6 Square meter Persian Rug | ~ 70000000 | ~ $1600.00 |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| 6 Square meter Persian Rug | ~ 70000000 | ~ $700.00 |
*The average price changes with rate of exchange and inflation
Lower prices in tours
You are holding U.S. Dollar or European Euro, and that suddenly worths double in Iran. Now is the chance that you can experience the beauty of Iran with half price. The cost of our tours are much lower now and you are guaranteed the best service without the need to bargain.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$(FREE MARKET RATE) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| Private Tours (13 Days Tour Deep Desert & Historical Cities For 2Pax) | 123396000 (Per Person) | ~ $2730.00 (Per Person) |
| Private Tour(25 Days Historical Tour For 2 Pax ) | 215152000 (Per Person) | ~ $4760.00 (Per Person) |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| Private Tours (13 Day Tour Deep Desert & Historical Cities For 2Pax) | 123396000 (Per Person) | ~ $1186.5 (Per Person) |
| Private Tour (25 Days Historical Tour For 2 Pax ) | 215152000 (Per Person) | ~ $2068.00 (Per Person) |
*The average price changes with rate of exchange and inflation
More options for booking
Many people are affected by the media these days. Leaders of both countries are busy, throwing words at each other. Sanction doesn’t necessarily mean war, it is a mechanism to avoid conflicts. Of course in such situation some travelers put their trip plan on hold, but that means there are empty slots in booking. No more “full” signs to stop you from your dream travel to ancient Iran. Also, consider less crowded sites to visit, and more chance to interact with domestic tourists in your visit.
But really, why should you come to Iran?
Because you need to see it for yourself. Real Iran is not what you see on the media. Real Iran consists of real people, with warm heart and inviting smile. People of Iran truly believe that “guest is God’s friend”. Even if they are experiencing economic hardship, they would go above and beyond to make sure their gust is having a blast.
Political decisions behind closed doors, first and foremost affect the people. Not just economic distress, they are also facing social humiliation every time a new sanction is imposed. They are denied visas to many countries, but they try to keep up with the outside. While the foreign media ignores them, they are staying up to date with the world trends, from fashion to technology. Iranians refuse to be disconnected from the rest of the world.
Come and show them support. Come and let them know that the world has not forgotten about people of Iran. Come and experience Iran and then be the peace ambassador to tell stories of your experience to the rest of the world.
Is it safe to travel to Iran
Some areas of the country, particularly close to border areas with Afghanistan and Iraq, the Baluchistan province are seen as areas of higher risk by Western government and are generally not recommended as a travelling destination.
Those who travel to Iran tend to report that they feel most unsafe as a pedestrian, as particular norms that are followed in many western countries such as cars stopping automatically at pedestrian crossings are not generally adhered too in Iran.
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Iran Tourist visa
It is safe to visit Iran for US citizens?
Yes. US citizens can travel to Iran as a tourist with no problem. US citizens will have to have their itinerary and tour guide approved beforehand.
Sticking to the itinerary is part of the conditions of visa approval, so sticking to the itinerary and the instructions of the tour guide will ensure that there are no problems.
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