Business Information

In a Business Setting

• Iranian business culture is very conservative
• Although there are many women in Iranian business, it is not acceptable for members of the opposite sex to shake hands or kiss.
• The best approach is to wait to see if your Iranian counterpart offers their hand, and if they do not, you should abstain and merely give a small head bow of acknowledgement
• For members of the same sex, a quick handshake is acceptable Inappropriate Gestures
• A thumbs up is considered rude
• Pointing at people is considered very rude
• You should avoid turning your back to people or sitting with your back to others, and should apologies if you need to Tarof
• Literally meaning ‹offer›, ‹tarof› is a cultural ritual whereby Iranians are overpolite, but they do not necessarily mean what they are saying
• Tarof indicates humility and respect but can often be confusing to a foreigner:

1. Shopkeepers and taxi drivers will often refuse several times before accepting payment
2. People will generously offer their personal effects, such as an item of clothing, if you show interest in them, even though they do not want to give them to you
3. In restaurants, buses, or trains, Iranians will offer to share the food that they are eating

• It is important to bear this in mind in a business setting, where your hosts may make grand promises, but not necessarily mean what they say Approach to Business
• Prepare for meeting times to be changed at the last minute, or to run over. Time schedules are less rigid in Tehran than in The West
• It is important in a business meeting to address your counterpart by their title and surname. The use of first names is normally reserved for private meetings after a personal relationship has been established
• Although a good first meeting may bode well, it does not guarantee success. You must follow the process of negotiating carefully and be constantly diligent.
• Until things happen, they are not finalized
• It is important to exchange goods at the same time as payment
• Avoid engaging in political conversations
• Try to avoid arranging business meetings between the 20th March and the 8th April, as this is Iranian New year and a national holiday
• During the month of Ramadan, it is important to be aware that it is prohibited to eat or drink in public during daylight hours. Although business continues, it is unusually at a slower pace, so it is best to avoid big business trips outside of the month of Ramadan

Technology

• You can buy Iranian Sim cards easily in Iran; you can ask your hotel or host to purchase a ‹pay as you go› card or purchase one at the airport of a shop.
• Facebook, Twitter and many news sites including the BBC, The Daily Telegraph, and The Times are blocked in Iran. You can, however, access the Guardian and Aljazeera
• Social media such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram and Facebook are blocked in Iran. WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram is the most popular form of social media in Iran and can be used on both computers and smartphones as an App. It is recommended that you download Telegram
• If you are concerned about documents on your laptop or phone, you may want to consider encrypting or not bringing them Health
• Tap water is drinkable in Iran.
• Make sure your health insurance is up-to-date, as hospitals do not give free health care
• Apart from being up-to-date with usual travel vaccinations, no special preparation is needed for a trip to Iran.
• Recommended hospitals in the North of Tehran with English speakers include Iran Mehr, Milad Hospital, Atiyeh Hospital, Mehrad Hospital, Dey Hospital and Jam Hospital.

Money

• The currency of Iran is the Rial, although it is more common in Iran to speak in Tomans – this can cause some confusion!
• 10 Rials= 1 Toman
• Your credit and bank cards will not work in Iran; therefore, you need to bring enough hard cash with you to cover you for the duration of the trip
• It is recommended to bring the equivalent of 100£ a day
• You can bring cash in pounds, dollars or euros, and change them at a currency exchange (called a serafi) when needed
• You will need a passport or a photocopy of it to exchange cash
• Currency exchanges are located in hotels and throughout Tehran
• Tipping is welcomed, but not expected.

Food and Drink

• Alcohol and pork are forbidden in Iran, and will not be served
• Lunch is typically eaten at around 15:00-12:00 and dinner is often eaten after 20:00
• If invited for a meal, it is typical to bring a small gift of flowers or pastries (small gifts from England will be gratefully received, shortbread, sugared almonds, tea.)
• There are several high-end restaurants in Tehran which can be used for meetings
• The best restaurants in Tehran, all located in the North are:

1. Divan, serving Persian/Western fusion food (good for business meetings)
2. Monsoon, a Persian twist on Asian cuisine
3. Shandiz Garden Restaurant, traditional Persian food

• It is common to tip in high-end restaurants
• Traditional dishes you should try:

1. Shashlik Kebab (lamb chops)
2. Ghormeh Sabzi (An Iranian herb stew, the Iranian national dish)
3. Fesenjoon (a pomegranate and walnut stew)
4. Dizi (lamb stew)
5. Traditional ice cream (flavored with saffron and rose water)