The official languages are Persian and Persian dialects (Farsi). Arabic is spoken in southwestern Khuzistan and Turkish in the northwest. Many civil servants and business people understand English, French and sometimes German.
Public Holidays
02/11/2022 Victory of the Islamic Revolution
02/15/2022 Birthday of Imam Ali
03/01/2022 Ascension of Mohammed
03/18/2022 Birthday of Imam Madhi
03/20/2022 Oil Industry Nationalization Day
03/21/2022 Nowruz (Persian New Year)
04/23/2022 Martyrdom of Imam Ali
05/01/2022 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
05/27/2022 Martyrdom of Imam Sadegh
07/30/2022 islamic new year festival
08/08/2022 Ashura
09/16/2022 Arbaeen
09/24/2022 Martyrdom of Imam Reza
10/09/2022 Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)
The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be brought into Iran duty-free: A reasonable amount of tobacco products for personal use: a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; perfume for personal use; High-value items are noted in the passport by customs upon entry and may not be sold in Iran (customs control upon departure). Anyone who intends to enter Iran again at a later date with the same passport should ensure that the customs stamp for these items in the passport is deleted. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Export Restrictions
The export of antiques (items older than 30 years) is only permitted with a permit from the Cultural Heritage Organization. The export of original handicrafts, gold and gold coins, silver and jewelry is prohibited if they are antiques or objects of cultural heritage. The export of hand-woven carpets up to 20 square meters is permitted. Caviar (up to 125g) must be proven to have been purchased with foreign exchange (receipt). Certain books may only be exported with a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
Prohibited Imports
Alcohol (including alcohol-filled chocolates and chocolate), drugs and narcotics (the death penalty may be imposed for drug use and possession), pork, firearms and ammunition, fruits, vegetables, plants (including seeds, bulbs, roots or soil), gambling, old books, magazines, pornography and all publications that violate Iranian morals and values or are directed against the Islamic religion, bacterial colonies, mold, insects and viruses. Travelers are advised that possession of video or audio cassettes, CDs and magazines is strictly controlled.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Thunstrasse 68, PO Box 227
Bern
Switzerland
+41 (0)31 351 08 01. Consular Section: +41 (0)31 350 10 79.
http://switzerland.mfa.gov.ir/en
http:/ /switzerland.mfa.gov.ir/en
Business people usually speak English. If the business traveler is a woman, this should be made clear in previous correspondence. Business cards are only exchanged between managers. Prior appointment scheduling and punctuality are expected.
Opening hours
Business hours: Sat-Wed 08.00-16.00, some offices also Thurs 09.00-12.00.
Business contacts
Commercial Department of the Iranian Embassy Podbielskiallee 67, 14195 Berlin, Germany Tel. +49 (0)30 84 35 30. Website: germany.mfa.ir/de German-Iranian Chamber of Commerce e. V. Große Reichenstraße 14, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Tel. +49 (0)40 44 08 47. Website: www.dihkev.de Commercial Department of the Iranian Embassy Jaurèsgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria Tel. +43 (0)1 712 26 57/58/59. Website: austria.mfa.gov.ir/de Commercial Department of the Iranian Embassy Thunstrasse 68, 3006 Bern, Switzerland Tel. +41 (0)31 351 08 01. Website: switzerland.mfa.gov.ir/en German-Iranian Industrial and Chamber of Commerce (AHK) Bucharest, 8th Street, No. 7 (Arian Building), 1514737119 Tehran, Iran Tel. +98 (0)21 81 33 10 00. Website: iran.ahk.
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code is 0098 and the area code for Tehran is 21. Telephone booths are yellow. Mobile telephony has long overtaken landline telephones in Iran.
Mobile phone
GSM 900/1800, 3G (2100) and 4G (LTE). Network operators include TKC (Internet: www.tkckish.com) and Mobile Cell Iran (Internet: www.mci.ir). International roaming contracts exist. Prepaid cards are available at kiosks or in small shops and making phone calls is very cheap.
Internet
There are internet cafes in Tehran and other cities and in some villages. Note: The Internet is under government control in Iran. Only official VPNs are allowed. Some websites are blocked or censored. Also, the transmission speed is arbitrarily controlled by the state to slow down the flow of data as needed.
Post office
Mail to Europe takes at least two weeks. There are 10 main post offices in Tehran. Mailboxes are yellow. Stamps can also be purchased at some kiosks. Post office opening hours: daily 08.00-19.00, post offices in smaller towns close earlier.
