Traveling to Iran is now made easier with the help of a range of useful travel apps. Iran’s startup ecosystem has recently launched several mobile applications that are tremendously helpful for tourists exploring the cities. This post features a list of the most helpful local and international travel apps in Iran that cater to the needs of visitors interested in experiencing the country’s rich history and culture. These travel apps are compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. As Iran is expected to host a multitude of tourists in the coming years, these apps will undoubtedly be indispensable for a smoother travel experience.
When traveling, one of the top concerns for most people is accessing the internet. In Iran, even locals have reported issues with weak internet services. However, accessing high-speed internet connections has become easier in recent years, although it is still not perfect. Most hotels offer internet connections in their rooms, and major mobile operators such as IranCell and Hamrah-e Avval provide 3G and 4G mobile internet services. Upon arrival at IKIA Airport, you can obtain a SIM Card and sufficient credit from private service providers throughout the cities. It is recommended to request assistance from these providers regarding USSD codes and other necessary information.
WhatsApp is a widely-used messenger app in Iran, offering instant messaging and photo-sharing capabilities to connect with friends and family. Whether you're coordinating with your tour guide or staying in touch with loved ones, WhatsApp is an ideal way to stay connected while traveling in Iran. With the app's ability to utilize internet connectivity, it's easy to communicate with others at any moment during your trip.
Telegram, known for its useful group chat features, is the most popular messaging app in Iran. It's often used to create groups with a large number of members, and businesses utilize its channel feature to provide daily useful information for their users. Many small and large online stores even sell their products on Telegram. While it's currently blocked in Iran since April 2018, it still remains the number one messaging app with around 40 million users who use VPN to stay connected. Despite this setback, Telegram can still be a useful app to communicate with locals, as well as friends and family during your visit, provided you have an internet connection on your phone.
For those who use Skype, it is possible to make international calls and enjoy free online video and voice calls in Iran. This is a convenient way to keep in touch with your friends and family and share your amazing experiences during your trip in Iran.
Google Translate comes highly recommended for its voice translation feature, which is particularly useful for Iranians who speak Farsi (select Persian on Google Translate). Simply open the app, choose the voice translation option (represented by a microphone icon), and either ask the person to speak into the microphone or speak your intention into the microphone and show the translation to the person. Regrettably, the photo translation feature is not yet accessible for the Persian language. This app is accessible for both Android and iOS users.
Knowing a few Farsi sentences for essential situations, such as asking for directions, finding the nearest restaurant to enjoy Kebob or Dizi, or help with numbers, can be extremely helpful. Fortunately, there are two apps with similar names that can assist users in finding the appropriate Persian sentences for real-world situations. iOS users can utilize the Learn Farsi app, while Android users can choose between the Learn Persian (Farsi) or Learn Persian (Farsi) apps.
Android users are well aware of the exceptional capabilities of this application in navigating the cities, while iOS users may have heard about it or possibly substituted it for their built-in iPhone app. The good news is that Google Maps functions perfectly in Iran, as it does in any other part of the world. This outstanding app can help you locate your destination, whether it be a small hotel situated at the end of a cul-de-sac in Isfahan or a stunning historic garden in Shiraz.
Foursquare is a convenient app for discovering new and interesting locations, such as restaurants, cafes, galleries, and more, based on user suggestions in your vicinity. Iranian users are among the most engaged users of this app. By utilizing this app, you can easily find the top-rated spots to savor delectable Iranian cuisine or enjoy a cup of coffee while socializing with the amiable locals. Additionally, you can use Swarm, a complementary app to Foursquare, to meet up with new local friends who may be hanging out nearby.
Due to the notorious traffic on the streets of Tehran, the capital of Iran, the subway system is a lifesaver for traveling around the city swiftly and efficiently. Tehran's subway system comprises four lines and over 70 stations. Although it's not as intricate as other major capitals worldwide, it would be advantageous for travelers to access a practical guide to easily navigate underground. The Tehran Metro app is a bilingual application that offers such guidance. According to the app's description on Google Play, it aids users in identifying each station's characteristics and amenities, recognizing adjacent centers, and finding taxi and bus routes to each station, all while offline and user-friendly. The app is also accessible for iOS users.
Among the numerous travel apps available in Iran, few are as beneficial as Snapp. This ride-sharing app, an Uber clone, functions in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, as well as in most of the cities throughout the country. You can register on the app by using your Google account. Once you've completed a straightforward verification process, you can begin utilizing the app by selecting your current location and destination. The most recent version of Snapp also features interfaces in English and French. The app is accessible for both Android and iOS users.
Iran boasts a multitude of stunning landscapes and historical sites, and you're undoubtedly eager to share your captivating photos and videos with your loved ones. The good news is that Instagram, the world's most popular photo-sharing app, has not yet been filtered by Iranian authorities and remains accessible. This means you can effortlessly connect with your Instagram community and share your thrilling adventures with them. Additionally, you can use Instagram to discover must-see destinations in Iran prior to your trip by following relevant hashtags related to traveling in Iran. Countless travelers share their travel experiences on Instagram, so there's an abundance of helpful information available.
I'm willing to wager that within the initial days of your stay in Iran, you'll run out of storage space on all of your electronic devices, particularly if you're a backpacker and rely solely on your phone. Iran is a vast and magnificent country with numerous breathtaking vistas, making it easy to see why this occurs. Fortunately, you can always rely on the free 15-gigabyte storage space provided by Google Drive. All you require is a Google account. Simply log in to your drive, upload your photos and videos, and create sufficient space for future adventures. The Google Drive app is accessible for both Android and iOS users.
If you're traveling to Iran during the winter season, which runs from late-March to late-October, there's always a slight possibility of rainfall or a significant drop in temperature. To stay informed about the most up-to-date weather forecasts and prepare for any possible changes in weather conditions, you may utilize the AccuWeather app. The app is functional throughout Iran and is accessible to both Android and iOS users.