Hitchhiking in Iran
Iran is surely one of the easiest countries to hitchhike in the world. I even did it with dog company and we practically did not have to wait during the two months that we traveled through its beautiful lands. Hitchhiking is generally more difficult in cities, but in Iran it will be (almost) as easy as in towns and rural areas. Iranians are pure hearted and will not hesitate to open their car doors for you in any corner you pass by.
Here I share some facts and tips for hitchhiking in Iran based on my experience. You can also read these posts:
HITCHHIKING IN IRAN (WITH DOG)
Road conditions
There are certain obstacles, but Iranian roads are good
The highway and road network is generally good. The roads in the worst condition are in the provinces where Kurds and Baluch people live. Not much time is wasted traveling from one destination to another, as may happen in other countries.
Strategy
We didn't want to be caught at night here, Golestan National Park
It is always better to wait at strategic points such as highway entrances or road stretches where vehicles travel slowly (for example, after a traffic light). However, Iranian drivers and families on board are so nice that they will turn around if necessary to come in search of you. A smile and positive attitude always helps.
Be ready to talk
With Yusof, one of our favorite truckers :)
Be prepared to talk or try to (if either party doesn't speak English). Iranians are generally very nice and curious, and they will want to know everything about you.
Be careful not to lift your thumb
Watch and learn: this is how cars are stopped in Iran
Sticking out our thumb in Iran is the equivalent of putting up our middle finger in the West (i.e., screw you). To hitchhike they extend their hand and shake it gently up and down. I illustrate this with a photo of a man in Yazd province.
Shared cars
Crossing Fars Province
It is common in different areas of the country for people to stop other people's cars to travel... but sharing gasoline costs. You can choose to collaborate or if you are doing a “pure” hitchhiking trip, tell them about it. Unfortunately, many people do not speak English. You can use the words “Pul nadaram”, which means “No money”. Almost everyone will then understand your purpose.
Cultural respect
Cocaí respects other cultures
If you travel with a dog, bring a blanket or towel on hand and explain that you are going to put it on the seat. Many Iranians will appreciate the gesture. Also tell them “Sage khoob”. Good dog ;)
Persa hospitality (including Kurds, Turks, Baloch, Turkmens...)
Iranian hospitality is unbeatable
Iranians are the kings of hospitality and they are proud of it. They have a special weakness for foreigners. Walking down the street it is common to receive invitations to teas and houses, which applies to the entire territory and all its ethnic groups. If they are generous by nature, I believe, according to my experience, that they are even more so with travelers. And if they see someone in need, such as a backpacker looking for a ride, they go all out. We entered DOZENS of houses, on some occasions having to reject others because several neighbors were fighting to be our hosts. Of course, many of the people who gave us a ride ended up inviting us to their homes.
Schedule according to the weather
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Iran
Iran is an extremely hot country in summer. Try to come in spring, autumn or winter, especially if you plan to hitchhike... and/or with a dog. We were there both times in autumn, and when the sun was at its highest it was tremendously hot. Especially in the desert interior and in the southern strip (Hormozgan and Balochistan provinces).
Put a tent in your backpack
Camping in Darak
A tent is surely the hitchhiker's most precious gadget: if night comes and you haven't managed to get a ride, you can always camp in a meadow or a beach next to the road. In Iran this will be difficult, though: anyone who sees you will want to take you home :)
Very cheap taxis and "MAXIS": Iranian black gold
Cocaí and Chai traveling by MAXI
Iran is one of the countries with the lowest gasoline prices, due to the amount of oil it has. In 2019, a liter was 10 euro cents. Then there was a price increase (with its consequent revolution) and currently (2023) it is about 25 cents per liter. Therefore, public transport and even taxis are very cheap. There are shared taxis and there is also an UBER-type application called MAXI, in which you can see the price and make sure that you are not going to pay more. It is in Persian, but anyone will help you in this wonderful country. We used this application on several occasions on the second visit to the country, since Cocaí was sick. I think it's a good alternative to hitchhiking.
CONCLUSION
In short, I recommend the hitchhiking experience in Iran 100x100! Adventure is guaranteed, riding in cars, vans and trucks that will take you through the varied landscapes that the country treasures. Given the Persian hospitality (and the rest of the ethnic groups in Iran) it is more than possible that they will want to show you some secret corners of their lands and even invite you to eat and sleep in their homes.
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