First Time in Iran 🇮🇷

I visited this unique country with limited time, only exploring Tehran briefly. Here are my raw impressions: 🛂 Entry & Exit No headscarf required on arrival, but women must cover hair during airport security checks when departing. 🚖 Transportation Used Snapp (ride-hailing app)—cheaper than street taxis, but pinpointing locations was tricky (searching names never worked). One disaster ride: Driver went completely the wrong direction due to GPS error—had to cancel midway. No AC in most taxis—open windows brought in strong petrol fumes that left me dizzy. 💫 🍽️ Food Stuck to Chinese food (client treated us to local cuisine once—couldn’t stomach the beef). Bizarre dried apricots: Tasted like smoked wood and instantly made my throat itchy—anyone know why? 🤔 🌆 Environment Few smokers (surprisingly!). Streets reeked of petrol odor (friend confirmed: "Tehran runs on crude oil vibes"). 🗣️ Language English proficiency > Turkey’s (hotel staff spoke it well). For locals: Google Translate saved us. 👀 Cultural Encounters Two angelic drivers: One refused payment (I insisted); another gave a free detour tour. Stared at constantly in markets—one man muttered "Beautiful... sexy" (uncomfortable, but locals insist it’s safe). Headscarf reminders: 3 drivers warned, "Police fine uncovered hair." (Otherwise, I went bareheaded.) 🛍️ Shopping & Currency Chaos Grand Bazaar crowds: Packed on Monday (workday) vs. quiet Friday (weekend)—opposite logic! Saffron deals: First buy: 6.5M IRR/pack (with rials). Last day: Shops refused USD—finally found a hidden stall charging 6.7M IRR/pack ($40 + 300K IRR, at a terrible 1:850,000 rate). Exchange rates: Day 1: 200 RMB → 24M IRR Day 5: 50 RMB → 5M IRR (currency nosedived). #IranTravel #Tehran #FirstImpressions