Iran

Iran dos:

• Do shake  hands with a child to show respect to their parents.
  

• Do check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.

• Do  dress conservatively if invited to someone’s house for dinner.

• Do try to arrive at the invited time as punctuality in Iran is appreciated.

• Do check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation as it is custom for conservative Iranians to only entertain single-sex groups.

• Do  remove your shoes before going inside mosque.

• Do dress modestly visiting mosque so that your body and limbs are covered. Women must cover their hair and not expose anything above their ankles. Men should not wear shorts. In some mosques the caretaker provides visitors with a long robe when their clothes are inappropriate for the mosque.

• Do understand that women are expected to wear loose clothing covering everything but their hands, face, and feet. Female travelers in Iran are also expected to abide by this dress code. In homes, western-style clothing is acceptable.

• Do wear pants and short-sleeved shirts if you are man. However, long-sleeves may protect you from the sun better.

• Do note that in some homes meals are served on the floor without eating utensils, but in more modern homes meals will be served on a table with a spoon and fork.

• Do try a little bit of everything and expect to be offered seconds and even thirds!

• Do understand that refusals are considered polite and not taken seriously, so if you don't want more food you will likely have to insist.

• Do understand that restaurants will often have two sections: "family" and "men only." "Family" is for women and their families.

• Do leave a little bit of food on your plate to indicate that you are done eating.

• Do note that alcohol is illegal under most circumstances.

• Do understand that since conservative men and women do not socialize together, greetings are done only among members of the same sex. Because of this, wait for the member of the opposite sex to put their hand out for a handshake before shaking hands.

• Do greet by saying "salaam" which means hello.

Iran Donts:

• Do not show the thumb up. The sign is considered vulgar.

• Do not sit until told where to sit.

• Do not use your left hand while eating.

• Do not point at the sole of your shoe, which is considered offensive to anyone seeing it.

• Do not blow your nose in public.

• Do not talk loudly in a mosque as this is a place of worship

• Do not do not under any circumstances walk directly in front of someone who is praying.

• Do not open a gift immediately.

• Do not give overly lavish gifts. Pens, art, home decor, or something from your home country are generally appreciated.