Arriving

The dapper older gentleman next to me on the midnight plane from Istanbul played Candy Crush all the way only interrupted by our 2am hot pasta in a very well lit cabin.

Sleep deprived and anxious about getting in I landed around 3am. Obtaining the visa at the airport is a slightly confusing 5-step process with some waiting involved but it was done in just 2 hours.

That was faster than anticipated and with no one awake at the hostel (and no number to call) I got to walk around and experience the city waking up before finally getting some breakfast and a quick nap.

Exchanging money is easy but you have to bring enough $ or € for your entire trip (sanctions). Currency in Iran is slightly confusing as prices are quoted in either Tomans or Rials and you have e.g. 10000, 100000 and 1000000 notes.