General Information

Weather

November in Tehran is cool, with average temperatures ranging between 3°C and 15°C during the last week of the month. Rain is uncommon at this time of year. You are advised to bring warm clothing.

Power Plugs

Electric current is 220V AC, 50Hz.Wall sockets primarily use the European Type C power plug. You may wish to bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type.

Currency

The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR) (Persian: ریال). However, prices are commonly quoted in Toman (تومان), where 1 Toman equals 10 Rials. As of recent exchange rates, one US Dollar is approximately equal to 1,000,000 Rials or 100,000 Tomans.

Money Exchange

Euros, US Dollars, and UK Pounds can be easily exchanged for Iranian Rials at authorized currency exchange offices. There is an exchange office located very close to your hotel.

Please note that major international credit cards (such as VISA and Mastercard) are not accepted in Iran.

SIM Card

Each participant will receive a prepaid SIM card upon arrival. This card allows for local calls, SMS messaging, and mobile Internet access during the contest period.

Drink

Tap water in Tehran is safe to drink.However, visitors who are not accustomed to it are advised to drink bottled mineral water. Please note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Iran.

Cuisine

Iranian cuisine is diverse and highly regarded. Fragrant rice (berenj) is the staple, often steamed with saffron or spices and served as chelo. Popular dishes include chelo kabāb (rice with grilled meat) and chelo morgh (rice with chicken).

Vegetarian options are more limited but available—such as falafel, ash (hearty soups), kookoo (Persian-style frittata), and sālād-e-fasl (seasonal garden salad).