Hire a car, no the driver :)

Hello all...
I read a fair amount of stuffs about Iran...going in about a week...
Is it possible to just hire a car without the driver? I had a look at a couple of websites but they all hire you the car with the driver......
Thx
Silenceit

The first time you personally try to cross a Tehran street, you will understand why few people would rent a car to an inexperienced non-Tehrani driver. IF you can find insurance, it would probably far exceed the cost of the driver.

Hiring a car with driver, is common even for Irani's returning to visit. It ensuresthat the driver is familiar with thevehicle and traffic "rules" -- and it leaves you free of liability.

thx...I'll be on the look out...
maybe its easier in other parts of Iran, where there is less traffic....
cheers
Silenceit

There are EuropCar counters at both Mehrabad and IKA airports which hire cars without drivers. The counters are usually open at the time foreign airplanes arrive.

Hi Silenceit
I totally agree with VVT and suggest you to hire a car with driver ... you need to get familiar with traffic rules in Iran! :)

Regards,
-- Ali

thx guys....
I had a look at the Europcar website but I cannot choose Iran from the drop-menu...but its good to know that there is a counter at both airports....just in case I become familiar :)
cheers

It's interesting. While "Traffic Laws" are totally ignored in the free-for-all demolition-derby of Tehran traffic; there are very strict and mandatory "Social-Conventions."

For example, on a 2-lane one-way street, there will be three lines of cars coming, and 2-guys on a motorcycle going back the "wrong" way -- that's normal, expected and okay. Red lights simply provide opportunities for more aggressive drivers to pass those that are stopped. It works.

As you start to cross a busy street, multi-lane traffic will swerve in front of you; until at some point (having served your time) you MUST commit to crossing, because oncoming traffic will speed behind you. DO NOT hesitate or ever back-up; it could be fatal. You MUST proceed ahead with absolute confidence, through the rushing turbulent river of traffic, mutually understanding that they WILL pass around where they assume you will be.

These mandatory "Social-Conventions" (enforced by the Laws of Physics) are stricter than any "Laws" (generally ignored by the Traffic Police).

I'd say "Whatever works, and that accidents are rare;" but they do occur -- I saw several. It's a challenging sport and lots of fun; but it's no place for amateurs.

Enjoy, and best wishes.

Hi; I was in Tehran IKA airport on 16 Mar. 2008 and I asked about Eurocar but it is not working any more there. I don’t know about Tehran Mehrabad Airport.