prices in lonely planet iran guide

Hi,

Prices have increased quite significantly since the book was published, although I travelled in Iran this year in reasonable comfort and rarely needed to spend over 15 USD per day, sometimes even less (of course it all depends on what kind of comfort you like to travel in and your own personal budget range).

A bed in a dorm should cost somewhere between 30,000R and 50,000R, an air-conditioned coach on an 8 hour journey should be 40,000R to 50,000R, meals at a simple fast food restaurant (hamburger, pizza etc...) between 8,000R and 20,000R, or at an authentic restaurant a decent Iranian meal would be from around 25,000 to 50,000. The one area where you'll find prices much cheaper are the major sights, there has been a large decrease as they no longer have the two-tier entry system, meaning you'll be unlikely to pay any more than 5,000R for most attractions. Hope this helps, enjoy Iran....

Hi Tomar,

FYI Prices here on most basic items (groceries, housing, etc.) have almost doubled since 2004. Having said that, you certainly would not have to spend $100 a day unless you plan to stay at so-called '5-star' hotels in Tehran. I think numbers quoted by Oliver ( see comments by #1) are pretty much on the 'low ends' of what you might expect to pay here. If I were you, i would set side something like $40 a day. A single room with own bath at a decent in Tehran should cost you about $20-$35 unless again you are planning to stay at dorms or downtown motels, which are quite popular with backpackers of course. Take care.bye.

Hi,

I spent 90 pounds in one week.

Have a good trip,

JOrge

hi,

i heard that prices have also got higher during the last few months, due to the UN embargo, on petrol for example. They have petrol restriction (3 liters per car and per day), and needless to say there is a black market, which also makes price going up.

Prices expressed in riyals in the LP have doubled, near enough for a first approximation (it's about an 80-110% increase). The prices expressed in US dollars in the LP have increased by about 20% on average, probably representing the dollar's own decline.

The change is uneven, though - taxis and intercity pullman buses have doubled in price but local buses and intercity minibuses have increased very little if at all. And you can still get an acceptable kebab from a street stall for 6000 riyals, representing astonishing value for money!

For overall costs I have been aiming for en suite bathrooms and one good meal per day (lunch when possible) plus a good breakfast and a snack for dinner, and just paying what comes along for transport and sights. I take overnight buses and trains when convenient, to save a hotel night. I'm currently averaging about US$25 per day - though my last couple of hotels have been relatively expensive (US$25 in Esfahan and US$22 in Tehran) and have pushed up the average. By staying in dorms or rooms with shared facilities, I could spend less, and I could easily spend more by eating at "better" restaurants (I've been going to those recommended by the locals, where the food is good and cheap but decor and atmosphere are often lacking).

#4, petrol prices have risen but I think (I could be wrong - I don't drive so I'm working on what I've seen out of the window of the minibus or savari when it fills up) they're still paying only about 1000 riyals per litre. Call it 11 US cents.

Hi there,

I visited Iran in September with my girlfriend - we spent under €700 between us in 2 weeks. That's less than €50 (about $70) a day (I'm an expert at maths). We stayed in mid-range hotels (with own toilet/shower, air-conditioning, fridge, breakfast included (important during Ramadan!)) and travelled mostly by coach. As before museum prices are cheaper (apart from the Jewels Museum in Tehran - a must see - skip the National Museum as only one floor is open during renovations - especially if you're visint Persepolis anyway). Long distance buses (i.e Esfahan-Shiraz 7 hrs.) are R50,000 to 80,000 (10,000 is about US$1). Hotels are between 30%-50% more expensive than the book. Internal flights are still good value - about €30 from Yazd to Tehran. The accomodation you choose will eat up most of your cash. A meal for two including cola cost between R50,000-80,000 for two depending if it was a fast-food (still far better quality than the Golden Arches - Imperialist Running Dogs that they are).

Cheap hotels with bathroom for two can be had for $25 in Tehran and other places but without the expense of alcohol and late night dancing (in a Nite Klub) you'll find your cash goes a bit further. People begging are happy with R2000 and delighted with R5000 or higher. Try to get change wherever possible for tips for taxis, homeless people, toliets with attendants - there are coins but you'll be lucky to see them (I got 2 in 2 weeks).

And remember prices are often quoted in Tolamns - a division of 10,000. If a taxi driver sticks up 3 fingers he means 30,000. If a waiter in a restaurant says a meal is four he means forty thoudand. If it seems very cheap try multiplying it by ten thousand! The LP book doesn't seem to highlight the importance of this - we saw various arguments over price between tourists and locals because of the tolmen issue- a taxi is never going to cost 30 cents - even in Iran - three means 30,000 - $3.

Iran is fantastic, the people wonderful, and the sites fabulous,
enjoy because I want to go back someday,
Brian.

Generally a good rule of thumb is 30% increase every year, for most things.

But not everything.