Cash, scarves, adapters and the little things people forget — pack these and Iran becomes one of the easiest countries you'll ever travel.
Packing for Iran is easier than most travellers expect — but it is different, and a few smart choices at home save real inconvenience on the road. International bank cards don't work, the dress code shapes part of your wardrobe, and distances between the desert and the mountains mean the weather can swing widely within a single trip. Here is the practical, tried-and-tested list our guides share with every guest before they fly.
Iran's dress code sounds daunting and turns out to be simple. Women need a headscarf in public — pack one light cotton or viscose scarf in your hand luggage and put it on before leaving the plane — plus loose tops or a thigh-length tunic known as a manteau that covers the hips, and trousers or a long skirt reaching the ankle. Colours are entirely up to you, and bright is welcome. Men simply avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts in public; short sleeves are fine everywhere. The happy secret is that Iran itself is a wonderful place to top up your wardrobe: the bazaars are full of beautiful scarves and fabrics that make better souvenirs than anything you could bring.
Because of banking restrictions, foreign credit and debit cards do not work in Iran, so you'll need to carry your budget in cash — euros or US dollars in good-condition notes are the most widely exchanged. Change money only at official exchange offices, a little at a time, and keep the bulk stored safely. A slim money belt or hidden pouch earns its place here. Tourist debit cards, loaded with your own cash on arrival, are also available and increasingly popular; we arrange them routinely for guests on our guided tours, and our travel FAQ covers the details.
Iran runs on 230 volts at 50 hertz with the round two-pin type C and F sockets used across continental Europe. Travellers from the UK, the Gulf, North America or East Asia should pack an adapter, and anyone with North American appliances should check they are dual-voltage. Add a power bank for long sightseeing days, a spare charging cable, and download offline maps and a translation app before you fly — connectivity works differently in Iran, and having the essentials stored on your phone makes every day smoother.
Bring all prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription, plus a compact kit of the everyday things: painkillers, plasters, antiseptic wipes, rehydration salts and any stomach remedy you trust. Iranian pharmacies are well stocked and inexpensive, but exact brands vary and some items — tampons in particular — are hard to find. High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm and a sun hat are essential most of the year, especially around Shiraz, Yazd and the desert routes, and insect repellent is useful by the Caspian in summer.
One scarf in your hand luggage, cash in your money belt, one adapter in your day pack — three small things that make arrival effortless.
A refillable water bottle, broken-in walking shoes and a pair of slip-on sandals — you'll be removing footwear at mosques, shrines and homes more often than you think, so shoes that come off easily are a quiet luxury. Pack a warm layer whatever the season: desert nights and mountain evenings turn genuinely cold even when the days are hot, and our Deserts & Oases guests are always glad of a fleece by the campfire. A small day pack, a universal sink plug and a few small gifts from home for the hospitality you will inevitably receive round out the kit.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited and must not be packed, and drones require official permission that most travellers won't have — leave yours behind. Revealing clothing will simply never leave the suitcase, and playing cards, while not illegal to own, are best not brought. When in doubt about a specific item, ask us before you fly; there is very little a well-prepared traveller can't manage, and our team briefs every guest personally before departure.
Pack light, pack modest, pack cash — and leave room in the suitcase, because between the saffron, the sweets and the handwoven treasures of the bazaar, no one comes home from Persia with an empty bag. Tell us your travel dates and we'll send you a personalised packing brief with your itinerary: plan my trip.
Women are expected to cover their hair in public, so keep a light scarf in your hand luggage and put it on before you leave the plane. Any soft cotton or viscose scarf works, and you can buy beautiful Persian scarves in the bazaars once you arrive.
No. International bank cards do not work in Iran, so bring enough cash in euros or US dollars for your whole trip and exchange it at official exchange offices. Alternatively, tourist debit cards loaded with your cash are available in Iran; ask your tour operator to arrange one.
Iran uses the round two-pin plug types C and F, the same as most of continental Europe, at 230 volts and 50 hertz. Travellers from the UK, the Gulf states, North America and East Asia should pack a suitable adapter, and North American devices should be dual-voltage.
Yes. Pack all prescription medication in its original packaging, ideally with a doctor's note, plus a small kit of everyday remedies. Iranian pharmacies are good and inexpensive, but your exact brand may not be available, and some personal items such as tampons can be hard to find.
Leave alcohol at home, as it is strictly prohibited, and do not pack a drone without prior official permission. Very revealing clothing has no use there, and it is wise to avoid carrying items that could be mistaken for professional broadcasting or surveying equipment.
Published by Arian Tour — Iran travel specialists. Regulations and availability can change; we confirm current guidance with every guest before departure.
Plan Your Visit
We'll send a personalised packing brief with your tailor-made itinerary — season, route and activities included.