Qom, Iran-travel-tips

Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Qom, Iran

Dress Code

  • Women:
    • Wear a headscarf (hijab) to cover your hair
    • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and chest
  • Men: Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the body

Respect Local Customs

  • Remove your shoes when entering mosques or private homes
  • Avoid public displays of affection (e.g., holding hands, kissing)
  • Refrain from pointing with your feet; use your right hand instead

Interacting with Locals

  • Greet people with a handshake or a nod of the head
  • Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items
  • Respect elderly individuals and those in positions of authority

Food and Drink

  • Eat at local restaurants (teahouses) to experience authentic cuisine
  • Try traditional Iranian sweets, such as baklava and sholeh zard
  • Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water

Mosque Etiquette

  • Be respectful when visiting mosques, especially the Jame’ Mosque of Qom
  • Remove your shoes before entering the mosque
  • Do not touch or point at sacred objects or people

General Tips

  • Learn a few basic Farsi phrases (hello: “salam”, thank you: “ta shak”)
  • Carry small change for tea houses and street vendors
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages and internet connectivity issues