Iran

Iran is very safe and people will be prepared to help you in any difficulty – it would be a matter of national pride.

Theft is rare and even the secret police leave tourists alone. Still, it’s best for guys not to try and talk to women in the street.

The water is clean and the food is safe.
If you meet someone who gets fundamental on you or tries to argue about politics don’t waste your breath. As in any Muslim country you can silence any nuisance by asking:
‘Why are you talking to me like this? Am I not a guest in your country?”
He will then be too ashamed to continue.

The traffic is outrageous in some places. I actually had to have someone play boy scout and help me cross the road.

Your main danger is indigestion if you’re invited to stay with a family. Food never stops coming from the kitchen all day and it’s a point of honor to eat. Iranian mothers sometimes break down crying if their guests don’t eat enough.

For more on staying safe check out the Travel Health Guide

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