[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fxd3i0z557ny5":3,"$f31rlfq7q4g53y":80,"country-posts-IR":137,"$f35uaz38pa72a3":138,"mdc--8fjlhz-key":140,"mdc--gjz3xa-key":166,"mdc-na6jpe-key":195,"mdc-eqwhh6-key":220,"mdc-fj9zuy-key":228,"mdc-fl7zjj-key":236,"mdc--9bpsb9-key":244,"mdc--5bskmk-key":252,"mdc-3sb7lu-key":266,"mdc-4uhvj6-key":290,"mdc--ifrzcv-key":298,"mdc--a6y1vm-key":306,"mdc-mjkl4c-key":320,"mdc--yv9wfo-key":419,"mdc-8n0bx4-key":503},{"code":4,"slug":5,"name":6,"continent":7,"flagUrl":8,"location":9,"zoom":12,"boundingBox":13,"borders":20,"schengen":28,"flags":29,"quickFacts":30,"sections":36,"resources":74,"counts":75,"legacyKey":6,"migratedAt":79},"IR","iran","Iran","Southern Asia","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fflags%2FFlag_of_Iran.svg.png?alt=media&token=fcfdc705-a6e9-4d7c-bd11-f89bd69a2c3c",{"lat":10,"lng":11},32.427908,53.688046,5,[14,17],[15,16],25.0782370061,44.1092252948,[18,19],39.7130026312,63.3166317076,[21,22,23,24,25,26,27],"AF","AM","AZ","IQ","PK","TR","TM",false,{"dangerous":28,"island":28,"openBorders":28,"visaFree":28},{"capital":31,"languages":32,"currency":33,"callingCode":34,"region":35,"subregion":7},"Tehran","Persian (Farsi)","Iranian rial (IRR)","+98","Asia",{"about":37,"visa":41,"sleeping":44,"safety":51,"transport":58,"foodDrink":62,"people":65,"health":68,"other":71},{"body":38,"updatedAt":39,"updatedBy":40},"Iran is unique in many ways. The bad image that most Westeners have about the country, is far from true. If you like to see an untouched culture that is carried out by so many lovely Iranians, it's a paradise. The food is great, there are quite some beautiful places to visit (Isfahan, Persepolis).\n\nOne thing to bear in mind, is that there is not a single ATM in the country, and you **can't** get money from the bank, so you have to bring a lot of cash with you. Depending on your needs, a $1000,- would be a sufficient amount to cycle through Iran in 3-4 weeks and get the visa for your next country.","2021-05-24T08:26:35.000Z","01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3",{"body":42,"updatedAt":43,"updatedBy":40},"Getting the Iranian visa can be quite complicated, but it's definetly possible. Make sure you don't have a stamp from Israel in your passport, because than you won't be able to get a visa for Iran.  \n\nSource: [Wikipedia](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FVisa_policy_of_Iran).","2021-05-24T14:11:35.000Z",{"updatedAt":45,"updatedBy":40,"parts":46},"2021-05-24T13:02:22.000Z",{"couchsurfing":47,"formalCamping":48,"hostels":49,"wildCamping":50},"Staying in people's homes is a very viable option in Iran. People are very hospitable and always willing to take in visitors. Usually a few folding mattresses are available for the guest(s). If you are invited to stay with someone, do not decline that invitation, there is nothing more behind it than for example in some other countries. Hospitality is an intrinsic quality of Iranian culture and you have not been to Iran until you have experienced it!","It seems there are not real campsites around in Iran.","Especially in the larger cities you usually have enough choice of hostels or hotels. The prices vary from a few euros for a place in a dormitory to more than 100 € in a good hotel in Tehran. If you just want a simple room with toilet and shower for yourself in a simple hotel, you pay an average of 15 € (after haggling!). Breakfast is not always included and costs about 2 € extra.","In Iran you can pitch your tent in any park. Almost every place has at least one park (you) and 9 times out of 10 there are also toilets and running water.",{"body":52,"updatedAt":53,"updatedBy":40,"parts":54},"Most of Iran is fairly safe, but like everywhere else, watch out in the major cities. It's better to avoid the East (border with Pakistan \u002F Afghanistan) as a cyclist. Go through there by bus.\n\nBernadette proves that traveling as a woman alone is possible. \"I even think that as a woman solo is the best way to experience Iran. I have also been stopped many times by the police who asked for my passport. He would then write my name and passport number on a note. I thought it was out of boredom and to have a chat with me. I have never experienced it as intimidation. Once I was even treated to a handful of rose petals.\"","2021-05-24T09:09:32.000Z",{"traffic":55,"criminality":56,"corruption":57},"The greatest danger is traffic, which is often quite busy. A helmet is advisable given the driving style of the average Iranian (= driving and not looking). Motorcyclists can also be downright dangerous, especially when two men are on it.\n\nTraffic around and in the cities is busy and people drive without observing any rules. Lanes are only for decoration, only at very important intersections red and green are respected, cyclists are quantité negligable. But it is kind of friendly chaos, they are not aggressive. The right side of the road is usually used by taxis to stop abruptly (at any time, at any place) and is therefore unpredictable. It is best to move forward and it is also safer if you take up the space of a car in the middle of the road, so that people cannot skim past you. Be very careful of cars that cut you off when turning. There is no priority! Alternatively you can drive on the footpath, but unfortunately this is very slow due to the irregularities and sewers and there are transverse gates everywhere to prevent motorcyclists from using the footpath.\n\nOutside the cities it is not too busy, people ride politely and the few cyclists are respected. The whole north is an exception! Also on many local roads it is busy and dangerous, the road is narrow in contrast to the even busier main roads, making a choice sometimes difficult. It is possible to enforce respect, but an alternative is to cycle on the roadside, which is sometimes just as good as the road itself.\n\nThe roads are usually of very good quality, smooth asphalt. Iran is an organized country in this regard and can certainly be compared to countries such as Pakistan and India. In the mountains, too, people are very active in opening up areas by building new roads. That political motives lie at the basis here.","In Kerman it can be dangerous because of bandits. Try to weigh the many stories you hear about this and estimate the real dangers.","Bas (2015): \"I haven't experienced any corruption, and would be amazed if anyone would\"",{"updatedAt":59,"updatedBy":40,"parts":60},"2021-05-24T09:05:31.000Z",{"bus":61},"Public transport is very cheap. For long distances (and therefore large buses) the bicycle can be taken on the bus. Often you have to pay extra for it, from 2 to 5 € depending on the distance. For shorter distances \u002F local buses, taking the bike with you is difficult or impossible. Then a pick-up car is a good alternative, but much more expensive (+ -18 € per 100km). You can stop them on the way or approach them at bus stops.\n\nOften taxis also offer their services. There are no large taxis, so the bicycle is placed in the back of the trunk (halfway) or on the roof (rather rare).",{"body":63,"updatedAt":64,"updatedBy":40},"**Stores**\n\nIf you cook yourself, it is usually not a problem to buy your things, but you have to go to 4 or 5 shops before you have everything together. It's insanely cheap. A good change is making your own meal, for example in the shower of a hotel.\n\nIran has very good bread, in many shapes and sizes. You can find it even in the small villages. Pastry shops are well worth a visit.\n\n**Restaurants**\n\nIf you follow the main route, eating and drinking is no problem: there are plenty of (road) restaurants. Elsewhere and where the distances between the cities are great, especially in the east, you will need to have sufficient supplies with you.\n\nVegetarians can have a hard time, as a lot of meat (kebab) is usually eaten together with rice. In cafeterias or sandwich shops you can buy all kinds of sandwiches and healthy snacks.\n\nExcept for roast meat, all food is reliable and often very tasty. In the big cities, pizzas and burgers are popular and good. Also, don't miss the breakfast of honey, whipped cream and bread. For meat lovers, 'dizi' is a tasty dish, look out for the tin cups.  \n\n**Drinkable water**\n\nBring enough water with you on the long journeys. Tap water is reliable in most places, but it is advisable to check. In the big cities it is chlorinated. Hotels and restaurants often have separate drinking water in the kitchen.\n\nTea stalls also have boiled water, it costs nothing and is safe. Pepsi is sold as a soft drink. The local soft drink is 'Zam Zam', the Iranian version of cola or Fanta.\n\nWilly (2007): \"Water can be found regularly and is pumped up 'plop-plop' with diesel pumps. It is good to drink but tastes like petrol, especially in the north.\"\n\n**Alcohol and related**\n\nNon-alcoholic beer is quite popular. E.g. the Istak brand has a whole range of fruit flavors. The taste of this beer has nothing to do with the taste of our beer.\n\nIf you want alcohol, you have to rely on someone who can buy it for you on the black market. In any case, there is plenty of it in Iran. Since alcohol is prohibited, some people make their own wine from their grapes at home. Worth a try!\n\n**Drugs**\n\nDrugs are ubiquitous in Iran, thanks to neighboring Afghanistan and other active trafficking routes such as Marivan. Quite a few people, even good family men, are addicted to opium, crack, crystal meth and other drugs. The reason is often and paradoxically a flight from a poverty-stricken existence and the lack of other entertainment. Fortunately, there are also many people who consciously try to keep away from these kinds of life-destroying drugs.","2021-05-24T13:09:15.000Z",{"body":66,"updatedAt":67,"updatedBy":40},"Nowhere in the world do you encounter as much hospitality as a cyclist as in Iran. From tea by the side of the road to staying with a complete stranger. Although it sometimes demands a bit of your stamina after a whole day of cycling (Iranians don't dine until very late at night, they often want to know everything about you, take you to friends and family), accepting an invitation is one of the nicest and most fun. most educational experiences you can have in Iran. It is appreciated if you bring a little something yourself.\n\n**Taarof** is a kind of politeness protocol that has permeated deeply into Iranian social relations. Almost everyone does it, and as a tourist you command respect if you master this game well. The bottom line is that you have to leave out directness and express your wishes or objections in an indirect way. When someone offers you something (whatever), it seems greedy to accept it right away. So always refuse first (up to several times). After all, sometimes the offer of the other party is not really meant. It's a game, you have to get a feel for this.\n\nWomen must wear a headscarf, a little bit of hair should be visible. Tight clothing is out of the question. The body must be covered, but the traditional chador is not necessary on the bike, but not bare legs. A headscarf and loose-fitting clothes are sufficient.\n\nFor men: Cycling in shorts and T-shirt is not a problem, IF you wear long pants in the big cities, small traditional villages (out of respect) or when visiting a mosque. Tight bib shorts are possible, but limit this to connecting roads or quiet roads where few people can take offense.","2021-05-24T08:11:37.000Z",{"body":69,"updatedAt":70,"updatedBy":40},"**Common Illnesses**\n\nMalaria occurs from March to November, but that cannot be compared to the scale on which it occurs in Africa. Bilharzia occurs in still to weak flowing water.\n\n**Mandatory vaccinations**\n\nVaccinations are not mandatory.\n\n**Useful vaccinations for cyclists**\n\nIt is recommended to take measures against DTP, Hepatitis A and typhoid fever.\n\n**Availability of hospitals \u002F doctors**\n\nIran has a reasonably good healthcare system. Vaccinations are not mandatory. It is recommended to take measures against DTP, Hepatitus A, typhoid fever. Malaria occurs from March to November. Bilharzia occurs in still to weak flowing water.\n\n**Hazards**\n\n-   Greater dangers may include dehydration or lack of food. Make sure you have enough of that with you. The places are far apart in certain parts of the country, count on long day trips.\n-   Motorcyclists can also be downright dangerous, especially when there are 2 men on the bike.\n-   A helmet is advisable given the driving style of the average Iranian (= driving and not looking).","2021-05-24T13:11:14.000Z",{"body":72,"updatedAt":73,"updatedBy":40},"**Best time to cycle**\n\nIran has a desert and a mountain climate. In the south there is a steppe climate. Usually it is dry and only along the Caspian Sea it is suptropic. The Iranian climate has large temperature differences in the different seasons.\n\nThe winters are cold and only at the Persian Gulf the temperature is then not too bad. In the mountainous areas, winters are harsh and in places extensive snowfall makes the roads impassable for months. For example, if you come from Turkey, make sure you are in Iran before December. When winter sets in, the northwest completely snows. Summers are very hot, temperatures above 40 degrees are no exception, actually impossible to cycle.\n\nBest time is generally spring or autumn. September and October are still a bit on the warm side, especially if you cycle to Pakistan, the desert after Bam to Quetta is also very warm. The temperature is around 20ºC at the end of autumn, lower in the mountains. At the end of winter (March) it is just doable. There is often rain where it will be chilly. At night it freezes, but in the afternoon it is usually pleasant again. Wearing long pants is therefore never a problem. A little later in the spring is more pleasant: it is slightly warmer and the nature is greener.\n\n**Spare parts**\n\nThere is hardly any cycling in Iran. Exceptions are the big cities. You can occasionally meet groups of recreational cyclists. Parts for your bike can be found there. Shimano LX \u002F XT and the like in addition to Chinese and Tawaiian stuff. Under no circumstances Rohlof. In Tabriz it is best to go to the tourist info (near the entrance of the bazaar) they know the way to good bicycle shops.\n\nTires come in 26 ”or 27” or 28 ”(?) But the latter are often of dubious Chinese quality. In Shiraz there is someone who can weld gas (including aluminum). “People” know the way. Aluminum welding is also possible in Isfahan, they do well. Inquiry at hotel Naghse Jahan (Chahar Bachstr)","2021-05-24T09:16:08.000Z",[],{"pois":76,"users":77,"hosts":78},7,3,2,"2026-11-06T11:25:25.554Z",[81,90,99,107,114,121,128],{"id":82,"type":83,"title":84,"countryCode":4,"location":85,"likes":88,"toCountryCode":27,"excerpt":89},"bbb869ce-469e-43cd-86fa-febdba8b9935","border-crossing","Bajgiran (Iran) – Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)",{"lat":86,"lng":87},37.62930367036927,58.40658335073729,1,"This border crossing might ask some patience of you, but eventually we got through it. It might be snowy up here.",{"id":91,"type":92,"title":93,"countryCode":4,"location":94,"likes":88,"visaFor":4,"city":97,"excerpt":98},"49bbc0e0-f767-455f-a8db-13add9156989","embassy","Embassy for Iran in Azerbaijan (Baku)",{"lat":95,"lng":96},40.388351,49.802851,"Baku","Easy place to obtain visa for Iran.",{"id":100,"type":101,"title":102,"countryCode":4,"location":103,"likes":88,"excerpt":106},"65756e04-f5a7-4ae2-aeb3-54ebabbe0ee9","see-and-do","Khajou bridge",{"lat":104,"lng":105},32.636528636440715,51.68335139751435,"This is an old bridge on the Zayandeh-rood river. It is one of the most beautiful bridge in Iran.",{"id":108,"type":101,"title":109,"countryCode":4,"location":110,"likes":88,"excerpt":113},"23f8c0c6-8002-4cff-988e-fd86fca08e38","Naqsh-e Jahan Square",{"lat":111,"lng":112},32.65803,51.67745,"One of the largest squares in the world.",{"id":115,"type":101,"title":116,"countryCode":4,"location":117,"likes":88,"excerpt":120},"7900ddd1-0240-49cd-8429-eddcd302a2b8","Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink mosque)",{"lat":118,"lng":119},29.6085368,52.548281,"This mosque contains one part with very colorful mosaic windows, and quite often the light shines through these windows and gives an amazing lightshow.",{"id":122,"type":101,"title":123,"countryCode":4,"location":124,"likes":88,"excerpt":127},"3a31df99-8f23-443f-8727-157fa075823d","Persepolis",{"lat":125,"lng":126},29.9355324,52.8896501,"The former capital of the Achaemenid Empire, and now left in ruins. This UNESCO World Herritage Site is definetly worth a visit. You can visit most parts for…",{"id":129,"type":130,"title":131,"countryCode":4,"location":132,"likes":135,"excerpt":136},"7657e50d-37ad-4059-b37e-a955eee584d6","bike-shop","Ramin Karimi",{"lat":133,"lng":134},35.69539301283913,51.40491586313026,0,"In Tehran, Ramin Karimi's shop is a good choice. It has all the modern parts, including Magura. We're not 100% sure about the coordinates, but you will find it…",[],{"01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3":139},"Wereldfietser.nl \u002F Vakantiefietser.be",{"data":141,"body":142},{},{"type":143,"children":144},"root",[145,153],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":148,"children":149},"element","p",{},[150],{"type":151,"value":152},"text","Iran is unique in many ways. The bad image that most Westeners have about the country, is far from true. If you like to see an untouched culture that is carried out by so many lovely Iranians, it's a paradise. The food is great, there are quite some beautiful places to visit (Isfahan, Persepolis).",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":154,"children":155},{},[156,158,164],{"type":151,"value":157},"One thing to bear in mind, is that there is not a single ATM in the country, and you ",{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":160,"children":161},"strong",{},[162],{"type":151,"value":163},"can't",{"type":151,"value":165}," get money from the bank, so you have to bring a lot of cash with you. Depending on your needs, a $1000,- would be a sufficient amount to cycle through Iran in 3-4 weeks and get the visa for your next country.",{"data":167,"body":168},{},{"type":143,"children":169},[170,175,185,190],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":171,"children":172},{},[173],{"type":151,"value":174},"Nowhere in the world do you encounter as much hospitality as a cyclist as in Iran. From tea by the side of the road to staying with a complete stranger. Although it sometimes demands a bit of your stamina after a whole day of cycling (Iranians don't dine until very late at night, they often want to know everything about you, take you to friends and family), accepting an invitation is one of the nicest and most fun. most educational experiences you can have in Iran. It is appreciated if you bring a little something yourself.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":176,"children":177},{},[178,183],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":179,"children":180},{},[181],{"type":151,"value":182},"Taarof",{"type":151,"value":184}," is a kind of politeness protocol that has permeated deeply into Iranian social relations. Almost everyone does it, and as a tourist you command respect if you master this game well. The bottom line is that you have to leave out directness and express your wishes or objections in an indirect way. When someone offers you something (whatever), it seems greedy to accept it right away. So always refuse first (up to several times). After all, sometimes the offer of the other party is not really meant. It's a game, you have to get a feel for this.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":186,"children":187},{},[188],{"type":151,"value":189},"Women must wear a headscarf, a little bit of hair should be visible. Tight clothing is out of the question. The body must be covered, but the traditional chador is not necessary on the bike, but not bare legs. A headscarf and loose-fitting clothes are sufficient.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":191,"children":192},{},[193],{"type":151,"value":194},"For men: Cycling in shorts and T-shirt is not a problem, IF you wear long pants in the big cities, small traditional villages (out of respect) or when visiting a mosque. Tight bib shorts are possible, but limit this to connecting roads or quiet roads where few people can take offense.",{"data":196,"body":197},{},{"type":143,"children":198},[199,204],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":200,"children":201},{},[202],{"type":151,"value":203},"Getting the Iranian visa can be quite complicated, but it's definetly possible. Make sure you don't have a stamp from Israel in your passport, because than you won't be able to get a visa for Iran.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":205,"children":206},{},[207,209,218],{"type":151,"value":208},"Source: ",{"type":146,"tag":210,"props":211,"children":215},"a",{"href":212,"rel":213},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FVisa_policy_of_Iran",[214],"nofollow",[216],{"type":151,"value":217},"Wikipedia",{"type":151,"value":219},".",{"data":221,"body":222},{},{"type":143,"children":223},[224],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":225,"children":226},{},[227],{"type":151,"value":47},{"data":229,"body":230},{},{"type":143,"children":231},[232],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":233,"children":234},{},[235],{"type":151,"value":48},{"data":237,"body":238},{},{"type":143,"children":239},[240],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":241,"children":242},{},[243],{"type":151,"value":49},{"data":245,"body":246},{},{"type":143,"children":247},[248],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":249,"children":250},{},[251],{"type":151,"value":50},{"data":253,"body":254},{},{"type":143,"children":255},[256,261],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":257,"children":258},{},[259],{"type":151,"value":260},"Most of Iran is fairly safe, but like everywhere else, watch out in the major cities. It's better to avoid the East (border with Pakistan \u002F Afghanistan) as a cyclist. Go through there by bus.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":262,"children":263},{},[264],{"type":151,"value":265},"Bernadette proves that traveling as a woman alone is possible. \"I even think that as a woman solo is the best way to experience Iran. I have also been stopped many times by the police who asked for my passport. He would then write my name and passport number on a note. I thought it was out of boredom and to have a chat with me. I have never experienced it as intimidation. Once I was even treated to a handful of rose petals.\"",{"data":267,"body":268},{},{"type":143,"children":269},[270,275,280,285],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":271,"children":272},{},[273],{"type":151,"value":274},"The greatest danger is traffic, which is often quite busy. A helmet is advisable given the driving style of the average Iranian (= driving and not looking). Motorcyclists can also be downright dangerous, especially when two men are on it.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":276,"children":277},{},[278],{"type":151,"value":279},"Traffic around and in the cities is busy and people drive without observing any rules. Lanes are only for decoration, only at very important intersections red and green are respected, cyclists are quantité negligable. But it is kind of friendly chaos, they are not aggressive. The right side of the road is usually used by taxis to stop abruptly (at any time, at any place) and is therefore unpredictable. It is best to move forward and it is also safer if you take up the space of a car in the middle of the road, so that people cannot skim past you. Be very careful of cars that cut you off when turning. There is no priority! Alternatively you can drive on the footpath, but unfortunately this is very slow due to the irregularities and sewers and there are transverse gates everywhere to prevent motorcyclists from using the footpath.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":281,"children":282},{},[283],{"type":151,"value":284},"Outside the cities it is not too busy, people ride politely and the few cyclists are respected. The whole north is an exception! Also on many local roads it is busy and dangerous, the road is narrow in contrast to the even busier main roads, making a choice sometimes difficult. It is possible to enforce respect, but an alternative is to cycle on the roadside, which is sometimes just as good as the road itself.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":286,"children":287},{},[288],{"type":151,"value":289},"The roads are usually of very good quality, smooth asphalt. Iran is an organized country in this regard and can certainly be compared to countries such as Pakistan and India. In the mountains, too, people are very active in opening up areas by building new roads. That political motives lie at the basis here.",{"data":291,"body":292},{},{"type":143,"children":293},[294],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":295,"children":296},{},[297],{"type":151,"value":56},{"data":299,"body":300},{},{"type":143,"children":301},[302],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":303,"children":304},{},[305],{"type":151,"value":57},{"data":307,"body":308},{},{"type":143,"children":309},[310,315],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":311,"children":312},{},[313],{"type":151,"value":314},"Public transport is very cheap. For long distances (and therefore large buses) the bicycle can be taken on the bus. Often you have to pay extra for it, from 2 to 5 € depending on the distance. For shorter distances \u002F local buses, taking the bike with you is difficult or impossible. Then a pick-up car is a good alternative, but much more expensive (+ -18 € per 100km). You can stop them on the way or approach them at bus stops.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":316,"children":317},{},[318],{"type":151,"value":319},"Often taxis also offer their services. There are no large taxis, so the bicycle is placed in the back of the trunk (halfway) or on the roof (rather rare).",{"data":321,"body":322},{},{"type":143,"children":323},[324,332,337,342,350,355,360,365,373,378,383,388,396,401,406,414],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":325,"children":326},{},[327],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":328,"children":329},{},[330],{"type":151,"value":331},"Stores",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":333,"children":334},{},[335],{"type":151,"value":336},"If you cook yourself, it is usually not a problem to buy your things, but you have to go to 4 or 5 shops before you have everything together. It's insanely cheap. A good change is making your own meal, for example in the shower of a hotel.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":338,"children":339},{},[340],{"type":151,"value":341},"Iran has very good bread, in many shapes and sizes. You can find it even in the small villages. Pastry shops are well worth a visit.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":343,"children":344},{},[345],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":346,"children":347},{},[348],{"type":151,"value":349},"Restaurants",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":351,"children":352},{},[353],{"type":151,"value":354},"If you follow the main route, eating and drinking is no problem: there are plenty of (road) restaurants. Elsewhere and where the distances between the cities are great, especially in the east, you will need to have sufficient supplies with you.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":356,"children":357},{},[358],{"type":151,"value":359},"Vegetarians can have a hard time, as a lot of meat (kebab) is usually eaten together with rice. In cafeterias or sandwich shops you can buy all kinds of sandwiches and healthy snacks.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":361,"children":362},{},[363],{"type":151,"value":364},"Except for roast meat, all food is reliable and often very tasty. In the big cities, pizzas and burgers are popular and good. Also, don't miss the breakfast of honey, whipped cream and bread. For meat lovers, 'dizi' is a tasty dish, look out for the tin cups.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":366,"children":367},{},[368],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":369,"children":370},{},[371],{"type":151,"value":372},"Drinkable water",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":374,"children":375},{},[376],{"type":151,"value":377},"Bring enough water with you on the long journeys. Tap water is reliable in most places, but it is advisable to check. In the big cities it is chlorinated. Hotels and restaurants often have separate drinking water in the kitchen.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":379,"children":380},{},[381],{"type":151,"value":382},"Tea stalls also have boiled water, it costs nothing and is safe. Pepsi is sold as a soft drink. The local soft drink is 'Zam Zam', the Iranian version of cola or Fanta.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":384,"children":385},{},[386],{"type":151,"value":387},"Willy (2007): \"Water can be found regularly and is pumped up 'plop-plop' with diesel pumps. It is good to drink but tastes like petrol, especially in the north.\"",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":389,"children":390},{},[391],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":392,"children":393},{},[394],{"type":151,"value":395},"Alcohol and related",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":397,"children":398},{},[399],{"type":151,"value":400},"Non-alcoholic beer is quite popular. E.g. the Istak brand has a whole range of fruit flavors. The taste of this beer has nothing to do with the taste of our beer.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":402,"children":403},{},[404],{"type":151,"value":405},"If you want alcohol, you have to rely on someone who can buy it for you on the black market. In any case, there is plenty of it in Iran. Since alcohol is prohibited, some people make their own wine from their grapes at home. Worth a try!",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":407,"children":408},{},[409],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":410,"children":411},{},[412],{"type":151,"value":413},"Drugs",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":415,"children":416},{},[417],{"type":151,"value":418},"Drugs are ubiquitous in Iran, thanks to neighboring Afghanistan and other active trafficking routes such as Marivan. Quite a few people, even good family men, are addicted to opium, crack, crystal meth and other drugs. The reason is often and paradoxically a flight from a poverty-stricken existence and the lack of other entertainment. Fortunately, there are also many people who consciously try to keep away from these kinds of life-destroying drugs.",{"data":420,"body":421},{},{"type":143,"children":422},[423,431,436,444,449,457,462,470,475,483],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":424,"children":425},{},[426],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":427,"children":428},{},[429],{"type":151,"value":430},"Common Illnesses",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":432,"children":433},{},[434],{"type":151,"value":435},"Malaria occurs from March to November, but that cannot be compared to the scale on which it occurs in Africa. Bilharzia occurs in still to weak flowing water.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":437,"children":438},{},[439],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":440,"children":441},{},[442],{"type":151,"value":443},"Mandatory vaccinations",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":445,"children":446},{},[447],{"type":151,"value":448},"Vaccinations are not mandatory.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":450,"children":451},{},[452],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":453,"children":454},{},[455],{"type":151,"value":456},"Useful vaccinations for cyclists",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":458,"children":459},{},[460],{"type":151,"value":461},"It is recommended to take measures against DTP, Hepatitis A and typhoid fever.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":463,"children":464},{},[465],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":466,"children":467},{},[468],{"type":151,"value":469},"Availability of hospitals \u002F doctors",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":471,"children":472},{},[473],{"type":151,"value":474},"Iran has a reasonably good healthcare system. Vaccinations are not mandatory. It is recommended to take measures against DTP, Hepatitus A, typhoid fever. Malaria occurs from March to November. Bilharzia occurs in still to weak flowing water.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":476,"children":477},{},[478],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":479,"children":480},{},[481],{"type":151,"value":482},"Hazards",{"type":146,"tag":484,"props":485,"children":486},"ul",{},[487,493,498],{"type":146,"tag":488,"props":489,"children":490},"li",{},[491],{"type":151,"value":492},"Greater dangers may include dehydration or lack of food. Make sure you have enough of that with you. The places are far apart in certain parts of the country, count on long day trips.",{"type":146,"tag":488,"props":494,"children":495},{},[496],{"type":151,"value":497},"Motorcyclists can also be downright dangerous, especially when there are 2 men on the bike.",{"type":146,"tag":488,"props":499,"children":500},{},[501],{"type":151,"value":502},"A helmet is advisable given the driving style of the average Iranian (= driving and not looking).",{"data":504,"body":505},{},{"type":143,"children":506},[507,515,520,525,530,538,543],{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":508,"children":509},{},[510],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":511,"children":512},{},[513],{"type":151,"value":514},"Best time to cycle",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":516,"children":517},{},[518],{"type":151,"value":519},"Iran has a desert and a mountain climate. In the south there is a steppe climate. Usually it is dry and only along the Caspian Sea it is suptropic. The Iranian climate has large temperature differences in the different seasons.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":521,"children":522},{},[523],{"type":151,"value":524},"The winters are cold and only at the Persian Gulf the temperature is then not too bad. In the mountainous areas, winters are harsh and in places extensive snowfall makes the roads impassable for months. For example, if you come from Turkey, make sure you are in Iran before December. When winter sets in, the northwest completely snows. Summers are very hot, temperatures above 40 degrees are no exception, actually impossible to cycle.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":526,"children":527},{},[528],{"type":151,"value":529},"Best time is generally spring or autumn. September and October are still a bit on the warm side, especially if you cycle to Pakistan, the desert after Bam to Quetta is also very warm. The temperature is around 20ºC at the end of autumn, lower in the mountains. At the end of winter (March) it is just doable. There is often rain where it will be chilly. At night it freezes, but in the afternoon it is usually pleasant again. Wearing long pants is therefore never a problem. A little later in the spring is more pleasant: it is slightly warmer and the nature is greener.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":531,"children":532},{},[533],{"type":146,"tag":159,"props":534,"children":535},{},[536],{"type":151,"value":537},"Spare parts",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":539,"children":540},{},[541],{"type":151,"value":542},"There is hardly any cycling in Iran. Exceptions are the big cities. You can occasionally meet groups of recreational cyclists. Parts for your bike can be found there. Shimano LX \u002F XT and the like in addition to Chinese and Tawaiian stuff. Under no circumstances Rohlof. In Tabriz it is best to go to the tourist info (near the entrance of the bazaar) they know the way to good bicycle shops.",{"type":146,"tag":147,"props":544,"children":545},{},[546],{"type":151,"value":547},"Tires come in 26 ”or 27” or 28 ”(?) But the latter are often of dubious Chinese quality. In Shiraz there is someone who can weld gas (including aluminum). “People” know the way. Aluminum welding is also possible in Isfahan, they do well. Inquiry at hotel Naghse Jahan (Chahar Bachstr)"]