Do I need a visa to visit Iran?

Most nationalities require a visa; e-visa is available for many countries. Check with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Is it safe to visit Mashhad for non-Muslims?

Yes, non-Muslims are welcome in most shrine courtyards but some inner sanctums are restricted. Respectful dress and behavior are essential.

Can I drink alcohol in Razavi Khorasan?

Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Iran.

What is the local currency?

Iranian Rial (IRR). Due to sanctions, bring cash (euros/dollars) and exchange at official offices. International cards rarely work.

Is internet available and fast?

Mobile data and WiFi are widely available in cities but many international sites are blocked. Use a VPN before arrival for Instagram/WhatsApp etc.

What should women wear in the shrine?

Tight, free chadors are usually provided at women's entrances. Otherwise, a long loose manteau and headscarf (hijab) is mandatory.

Can I take photos inside the Imam Reza Shrine?

Photography is allowed in courtyards but forbidden in many indoor prayer halls and museums. Look for signs or ask.

How do I get from Mashhad Airport to the city?

Metro line 1 connects the airport to the shrine and downtown; taxis are about $3-5.

Are credit cards accepted?

No, international credit/debit cards are not functional. Carry cash (dollars/euros) and exchange locally.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited English outside hotels and tourist spots. Learning basic Persian phrases helps greatly.

What is typical meal cost?

A local meal like kebab with rice costs around $2-4; upscale restaurants $10-15 per person.

Any specific health precautions?

Bottled water advised; avoid street ice. Air pollution may aggravate respiratory issues.

Most nationalities require a visa; some can get a visa on arrival at Mashhad Airport. Check with the Iranian embassy.

Is Mashhad safe for tourists?

Yes, it's very safe, especially around the shrine. Petty crime is rare but be cautious in crowds.

What is the best way to get to Mashhad?

Mashhad International Airport has flights from major cities. Train and bus from Tehran are also options.

Can I visit the Imam Reza Shrine as a non-Muslim?

Yes, non-Muslims are allowed in most areas, but some sections are restricted. Dress modestly and follow rules.

What currency is used?

Iranian Rial (IRR). Credit cards are not accepted; bring cash (euros or dollars) and exchange locally.

What should I buy as souvenirs?

Saffron, barberries, turquoise jewelry, handwoven carpets, and pistachios.

Are there any health risks?

Tap water is unsafe. Air pollution in winter can be an issue. No major disease outbreaks.

No, alcohol is illegal in Iran. Avoid any attempt to bring or consume it.

What is the tipping culture?

Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service (10% in restaurants).

Is photography allowed everywhere?

No, avoid photographing military or government buildings. Inside the shrine, photography is restricted.

What is the internet like?

Mobile data is good in cities. Many websites are blocked; use a VPN.

Razavi Khorasan

Iran, Asia

Razavi Khorasan is a STATE in Iran, Asia.

Razavi Khorasan, anchored by the holy city of Mashhad, is Iran’s spiritual heartland, drawing millions of pilgrims to the magnificent Imam Reza Shrine complex. Beyond the gilded domes and blue-tiled minarets, the province unfolds with rugged mountains, saffron fields, and ancient Silk Road legacies. In Mashhad, explore the 15th-century Goharshad Mosque, the fascinating Astan Quds Razavi museums, and bustling bazaars scented with rosewater and spices. The cool highlands of Torghabeh and Shandiz offer serene escapes with riverside teahouses and lush orchards, while the historic city of Nishapur houses the tombs of Omar Khayyam, Attar, and Kamal-ol-Molk. For nature lovers, the Binalud peaks provide excellent trekking. The local cuisine is a highlight—taste rich sholeh mashhadi stew, grilled lamb shandiz, and delicate saffron ice cream. Whether you’re a pilgrim, history enthusiast, or foodie, Razavi Khorasan offers a deeply immersive experience of Persian culture and warm hospitality.

Best time to visit Razavi Khorasan

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal, with pleasant temperatures (15–28°C) and clear skies. Summers are hot and dry (35–40°C), though shrine visits continue. Winter brings cold (down to -5°C) and occasional snow, perfect for snowy landscapes but less comfortable. Peak pilgrimage seasons are Nowruz (late March) and religious holidays like Ashura, when hotels book out and crowds intensify. To avoid crowds, visit in mid-spring or autumn. The saffron harvest in October–November adds a special charm.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 14-26°C

Travel notes

Crowds: High
Prices: Mid-range

Saffron harvest; perfect climate

Know before you go

Getting there

MHD

Mashhad International Airport

International

8 km away

BND

Bandar Abbas Airport

Domestic

1200 km away

THR

Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport

International

900 km away

Getting around

"Mashhad has a modern two-line metro connecting key areas including the shrine and airport. Taxis are abundant; use shared (savaris) or private rides—agree on fare beforehand, or use Snapp (Iranian Uber). Buses serve the city and intercity routes. To reach outlying attractions like Nishapur (1.5h) or Torghabeh, taxis or tour drivers are practical. Trains link Mashhad to Tehran and Isfahan. Rental cars are possible but driving in Iran is chaotic; hiring a driver is recommended. Walking is pleasant around the shrine area, which is largely pedestrianized."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes, but limited in rural areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $3; need phone IMEI unlocked and passport

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty theft in crowded shrines; driving hazards higher. Women should avoid isolated areas after dark.

Night safety

6/10

Petty theft in crowded shrines; driving hazards higher. Women should avoid isolated areas after dark.

Transport

7/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Mashhad is generally safe, especially within the shrine complex where security is high. Petty theft, like pickpocketing in crowded areas and bazaars, can occur; keep valuables hidden. Travel outside urban centers is safe but avoid remote border areas near Afghanistan. Women should observe hijab strictly; men should avoid shorts. Solo female travelers may attract attention but rarely face aggression. Road travel is riskier due to erratic driving; use seatbelts and avoid night intercity buses. Protests are rare. Always carry identification. Scams are uncommon, but unofficial money changers may offer poor rates; use official exchange offices."

Police

110

Ambulance

115

Fire

125

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Mashhad are adequate, with private hospitals offering higher standards. Pharmacies (daru-khaneh) are widely available. Travelers should drink bottled or boiled water; tap water is not reliably safe. Air pollution in Mashhad can spike, so those with respiratory conditions should carry inhalers and monitor AQI. No mandatory vaccines, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Altitude sickness is negligible in the city but be aware if trekking in Binalud. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. In emergencies, dial 115 for ambulances."

Culture

Local customs

"As a deeply religious region, strict Islamic dress code applies: women must wear headscarves and loose, ankle-length manteaux; men avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. In the Imam Reza Shrine, women may be provided chadors at entrances. Remove shoes before entering mosque carpets. Photography of military sites and some shrine interiors is prohibited. Public displays of affection are taboo. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public are forbidden during daylight hours. Greet with 'Salam.' Tipping (10%) is appreciated in restaurants. Bargaining is expected in bazaars. Alcohol and pork are illegal. Respectful demeanor is valued; never point the soles of feet toward people or the shrine."

Persian (official)AzerbaijaniKurdishGilakiMazanderaniLuriBalochiArabicTurkmenPersian (Farsi)

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$2-4 | a cheap local meal costs around $2-4

Hotels

$20-50 | budget hotels range $20-50/night

Local transport

$0.2 | metro ride ~$0.2

Cost notes

Extremely affordable by Western standards. Shrine-area accommodations can spike during holidays.

Timezone

Asia/Tehran
Local time 19:07

More facts

Population

6,600,000

ISO code

IR-42

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Barghan, Barghān, Bozghan, Bozghān, Firuzeh, Fīrūzeh, bzghan, fyrwzh, بزغان, فيروزه, استان خراسان رضوی, محافظة خراسان رضوي, Rəzəvi Xorasan ostanı, Разави Хорасан, রাজাভি খোরসন প্রদেশ, Хорасан-Резави, Chorásán Razaví, Razavi Khorasan (provins), Razavi-Chorasan, Provinco Rezaa Ĥorasano, Jorasán Razaví, Khorāsān-e Razavī provints, Khorāsān-e Razavi, Khorassan Ravazi, ח'וראסאן רזאווי, रज़वी ख़ोरासान, Razavi Horasan, Razavi Horászán tartomány, Provinsi Razavi Khorasan, ラザヴィー・ホラーサーン, ხორასან-რეზავის ოსტანი, 호라산에라자비주, Xorasana Rezewî, Rezavio Chorasanas, Rezāvi Horasāna, रज़वी खुरासान प्रांत, Razavi-Khorasan, Chorasan-e Rezawi, د رضوي خراسان ولايت, Coração Razavi, Provincia Razavi Khorasan, Покрајина Разави Хорасан, Razavikhorasan, இரசாவி கொராசான் மாகாணம், Устони Хуросони Разавӣ, จังหวัดโฆรอซอเนแรแซวี, Razavi Horasan Eyaleti, Рәзави-Хөрәсән, Хорасан-Резаві, صوبہ خراسان رضوی, Xurosoni Rizoviy ustoni, 礼萨呼罗珊省, خراسان رضوى, رضوی خوراسان اوستانی, Xorāsān-e Razavi, پارێزگای خۆراسانی ڕەزەوی, Xorasanê Rezewi (eyalet), رضوي خۊراسان ٚ اۊستان, رضوی خـِراسون اوستان, Razavi Khorasan Séng, राजाभि खोरासान प्रान्त, Razavi Khorasan Province, Razavi Khorasan (lalawigan), 禮薩呼羅珊省, IR-09, خراسان الرضوية (محافظة), Provincia de Jorasán Razaví, Khorassan-e Razavi, ラザヴィー・ホラーサーン州, Xorasana Rezewî (parêzgeh), Rezavio Chorasano provincija, خراسان رضوي, Khorasan-e-Razavi, रज़वी खुरासान, Razavi Horászán, Ռազավի Խորասան, റസവി ഖൊറാസാൻ, Харасан Рэзаві

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