For men and women, Iranian dress code is long sleeves and long trousers, most of the time. It depends on place, there might have more freedom on beach.
For women a scarf on her hair, no need to hide the face. A long shirt or tunic on trousers are ok, better than a skirt which shows the legs.
A funny and useful paper to read about women's clothes issue :
https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2018 ... eas/essay/Considering the greeting, pious men avoid to shake women's hand. So the shakehand is not common between genders. In any case, you are the man, male will talk to you directly and might ignore her by courtesy, while she could talk freely to women.
But Iranian dress code are 'authorities'' rules. Citizens might have different attitudes. Kurdish people are less strict and Kurdish women are not segregated. Moreover, policemen or Pasdarans etc are more tolerant with tourists and visitors. They would inform you to do not this or that, no more troubles.
Last but not least, alcohol/booze stuff :
In Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan there are many shops/places where you can drink, just ask where, there is no problem with that (in Iraqi Kurdistan, you can find everything you wish in Christian districts).
In Iran, it is banned, but in private parties, some Iranians are drinking. But as tourists, be careful to never accept alcohol if someone you don't know well propose it, especially outside.
Moreover, Iranians like Kurds are warm and friendly with foreigners, so don't worry.
If you have children, Middle Eastern people adore toddlers and kids. Just be careful concerning food. In general, the best way to not catch 'turista' is to avoid red meat. Prefer chicken.
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 4:57 pm
