Iran

General Information

Location: Middle East
Local Time: From 22 Sep 11 to 20 Mar 12 GMT +3�
From 21 Mar 12 to 20 Sep 12 GMT +4�
From 21 Sep 12 to 21 Mar 13 GMT +3�
From 22 Mar 13 to 21 Sep 13 GMT +4�
Capital City: Tehran
Population: 75.3 million
Area: 1,648,195357,021 square km, 636,372 square miles.

Language(s): Persian (Farsi), Arabic, Azari, Kurdish, some English
Dialling Code: 98
Emergency: Police: 110. Fire: 125. Ambulance: 115

TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR 1 = 100 Dinars)
Notes: IRR: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000
Coins: IRR: 50, 100, 250

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques:
Opening Hours

Bank: 0830-1600 Sat-Wed, 0830-1130 Thur
Office: 0800-1600 Sat-Wed
Shops: 0900-1300 & 1500-2000

Public Holidays

2012

23 Jan : Martyrdom of Imam Reza
27 Jan :  Arbaeen
01 Feb : Demise of Prophet Mohammad
04 Feb : Birthday of the Prophet Mohammad
11 Feb : Victory of Islamic Revolution
20 Mar : Nationalization of Oil Industry Day
21 Mar : Navruz
15 Jun : Birthday Imam Ali
19 Jun : Prophet Mohammad receives his calling
16 Jul : Birthday Imam Mahdi
11 Aug : Martyrdom Imam Ali
19 Aug : Eid-e Fitr (Ramadan Ends)
16 Oct : Martyrdom Imam Jafar Sadegh
30 Oct: Eid-e Ghorban
14 Nov : Eid-e Ghadir Khom
15 Nov : Islamic New Year
24 Nov : Tassoua

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon (Lunar calendar) and dates listed are approximate. These may start or end a day after the dates listed. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region. Some holidays may start at sunset the day before.
Business/Social Hints: If the visiting executive is a woman this must be clearly stated in initial correspondence. Women should dress conventionally, revealing clothes should not be worn. A headscarf is essential. Many executives speak a second language eg English, French or German. Islamic conventions apply. People do not shake hands with those of the opposite sex. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands. Consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden. There are many restrictions on photography. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: Around 12%, however if a service change has been added to the bill, tips are not necessary