Iran is a cultural minefield. Here are some tips:
Shaking hands with the opposite sex is not common. If you are a man you may shake a woman's hand only if she offers it to you.
Men embrace men and women embrace women for greeting. Opposite sexes do not embrace each other in public.
Iranians are extremely hospitable and they will be offering you all sort of things, it is often difficult to know whether people’s offering is a genuine one or is it part of the elaborate social face saving Taarof. So when you are offered something you should refuse at first or maybe even the second time, this shows your etiquette and politeness!!! If the person insists then you may accept. Never accept a free ride by a taxi driver they make a living out of it and a simple Taarof does not mean he or she does not want you to pay.
Never blow your nose loudly in public, it is extremely impolite. Do not fart, it is extremely unwelcome!
Never stretch your legs sitting on the floor in someone’s home unless you are very close to them
Men cannot wear shorts but can wear T shirts. They can swim in the sea with a swimming trunk.
Women must cover their hair with a scarf, and wear an over coat that covers their bodily curves although once within Iran you will realize how rebellious some Iranian women have become and always try and push the limits. Generally the dress code is easier for tourists than for the locals.
Whilst trekking in remote country side or mountainous areas this restriction does not apply, women may indeed wear lighter clothes but should cover their hair in sign of respect for local customs when they come across a shepherd or pass through a village.
Remember that although many Iranians are proud of their history they are nevertheless extremely eager to become modern so perhaps what you have come to see is not always what they want to show you! And this is where I come in. I can show you Persia because to a large degree I am like you the potential European traveller, with the difference that I now live largely in Iran.
