I recently wrote another article about working remotely in Iran. Entitled: Calling all Digital Nomads – This is Why Iran is the Best Place to Work Remotely, I posted it on a Facebook group for Digital Nomads. I asked the group members whether they would consider working remotely in Iran. The responses I received were wide and varied. Let’s just say it was quite a controversial post that kept my phone buzzing with notifications for more than a week.

In this latest post, I have tried to shed light on some of the issues my Facebook peers considered barriers to working and living in Iran. I understand these common misconceptions do not get created out of thin air — Iran does have its fair share of problems.

But I would urge digital nomads to look beyond the common rhetoric. Take the opportunity to experience the best working holiday of your life filled with fun, adventure, beauty, sorrow, and wonder. Where? In Iran.

Is Iran safe?

Iran is a safe place to live, and Tehran is especially safe. There is virtually no gun violence and very little violent crime. For example, the US has 12 times more gun violence than Iran.

Iranians absolutely love foreigners, so tourists are very unlikely to be victims of crime. The graph below from Numbeo backs up these statements.

Special Tourist Police Force

The Iranian government has introduced a special dedicated police force to assist tourists. Officers are present at major tourist spots and can help if you feel lost or unsafe. Most speak Farsi, English, and often other languages like French or Arabic.

Geopolitical Concerns

If you’re worried about larger conflicts, like US-Iran tensions or potential global conflicts, remember the US-Iran conflict has been ongoing for more than 40 years without a major war occurring on Iranian soil.

Does Iran lack technology?

WiFi and mobile internet speeds in Iran are continuously improving. Recently, at the MahCard Tehran office, we tested speeds reaching 35 Mbps. Although rural areas have slower speeds, national averages increased by 36% in 2017 to 16.74 Mbps.

Public WiFi is limited but not a concern. For just 15 EUR per week, you can rent unlimited 4G mobile internet from MahCell. Learn more here: Rent a Pocket WiFi for Iran | Unlimited Data.

Internet Restrictions and VPNs

Restricted web browsing is a valid concern. However, using a reliable VPN service allows you to bypass these restrictions securely and access necessary services.

Banking and Payments

Due to international sanctions, MasterCard and Visa are rarely accepted in Iran. Travelers typically carry cash or obtain an Iranian travel debit card. You can apply for a tourist debit card with MahCard, featuring low fees and online recharge options. Read more here.

What is Iranian food like?

Iranian cuisine offers a delightful blend of Middle Eastern and Western Asian flavors. The food is balanced — not too spicy nor bland — and varies regionally.

Typical dishes include rice with stew or BBQ meat (kabab). Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant year-round. For a deeper dive, read Best Iranian food: an introduction for fans of food tourism.

Can you have fun in Iran?

Absolutely! Despite misconceptions, Iran offers vibrant social and cultural experiences. There are no bars or clubs, but young Iranians enjoy theater, live music, cafes, and night markets.

Outdoor activities abound, including rollerblading, skiing, bungee jumping, zip lining, and rock climbing around Tehran.

If invited to a party, expect a lively atmosphere where guests might drink alcohol, dance, and socialize freely — a normal experience for many Iranians.

For nightlife tips, see How to have fun at nights in the crowded capital city of Iran.

Does Iran = ISIS?

Many people mistakenly believe Iran is connected to ISIS. In reality, the Iranian regime is a separate branch of Islam and has actively fought against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. For more, see the Wikipedia page on Iran and ISIL.

Does the Iranian government like tourists?

In recent years, the Iranian government has worked hard to increase tourism. Almost 8 million tourists visited Iran in 2018 — a 52% increase from the previous year.

As sanctions impact the economy, tourism has become a vital, “unsanctionable” source of income. Iran no longer stamps passports, easing travel for many.

Police and border officials are generally friendly and helpful, minimizing government contact for tourists.

Is it difficult to get a visa for Iran?

British, Canadian, and US citizens must apply for a visa in advance and be accompanied by a tour guide. Learn more here.

Most Europeans, Australians, New Zealanders, and many others can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Citizens of Armenia, Bolivia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Egypt, China, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Syria, Turkey, and Venezuela do not need a visa.

For more info on visas, see here.

Does anyone speak English in Iran?

Iran ranks 66th out of 88 countries in English proficiency but is the second highest in the Middle East. In major cities, many people speak at least basic English.

Taxi drivers, hotel staff, shopkeepers, and flight attendants usually have some English skills. Menus often come in English, and street signs are bilingual.

English language schools are common in cities like Tehran and Esfahan, and locals often enjoy practicing English with tourists.

Do women have any rights in Iran?

While Iranian women do not have equal rights to men under Islamic law, their situation is better than most countries in the Middle East.

Women can drive, vote, work alongside men, own property, control finances, choose their spouse, and live independently. More women attend university than men, and divorce is increasingly common.

The biggest restriction is the mandatory hijab, requiring modest dress and headscarves. Many women push boundaries, which you can see on social media hashtags like #tehran or #iraniangirl.

More information for Digital Nomads

For details on cost of living, renting apartments, and co-working spaces, see this post.