Iranian young generations are substantially different from their parents; one example is the emerging concept of hitchhiking in Iran. The notion of hitchhiking is new in Iran, thanks to the youthful explorers. It may be unexpected to you, but many young people in Iran detached themselves from their parents’ wishes and pursued their aspirations. In Iran, hitchhikers may expect to be welcomed with open arms since Iranians are exceedingly kind and welcoming to foreigners of all nationalities. Read this article to the end if you want to know more about hitchhiking in Iran.
How Is Hitchhiking in Iran Done?
If you want to hitchhike in Iran, you should wave your arm at an approaching automobile or put one of one’s hands in front of it. Remember not to use your thumb to gesture, as you would in the West, since Persian culture considers it an immoral gesture. Waiting for a ride might be a challenging experience at times, but hitchhiking in Iran is usually reasonably simple. When a driver stops for you every few minutes and suggests that you take you to a bus terminal, you may become frustrated. It may also be challenging to explain that you are traveling on a tight budget and that you want to hitchhike; don’t be surprised because the concept of hitchhiking is new in Iran. As a matter of fact, it won’t take more than 10 minutes for a vehicle to come to pick you up. In other cases, it may even be police or army vehicle (they are everywhere in Iran): they will pick you up and may even stop a car for you, persuading the driver to take you farther. It’s common in Iran for people to “hitchhike” in return for money, so make it clear that you will not be paying for a trip at all. There are certain exceptions, such as trucks, which are unlikely to demand payment in most cases.
Hitchhiking Translation in Farsi
There is no such term as “hitchhiking” in the Farsi language (the official language of Iran, which most people use as a first or second language). The translation of this term found in English-Farsi dictionaries tends to have a confusing impact on residents of Iran when they hear it for the first time in their life. A very simple technique to hitch a ride is to make it clear from the start that you are not going to pay anything, so pose the question before getting into the car: Be Doone Pool? (Translation: without money?) Asking for confirmation several times if the driver doesn’t appear friendly is another option; alternatively, you may utilize the magic phrase Salavaati, which is highly effective. This term has a religious connotation; it was widespread during the conflict between Iran and Iraq among soldiers. Some civilians would perform favors for troops in exchange for Salavaat, which is a kind of good prayer.) As soon as you speak this term, everyone understands precisely what you are trying to convey.
Inside Iran: Hitchhiking
You might be curious about what spot is the best for hitchhiking inside Iran. The finest places to hitchhike are around police checkpoints when it comes to Iran. Even though it may come as a surprise to some, tourists will find the police really helpful. Every decent-sized city has a police checkpoint (known as a “police rah” in Farsi), where all cars are required to slow down and examine their license plates. It’s an excellent spot to hitchhike since it’s safe owing to the presence of the police and because all automobiles must pass through while traveling at a low speed. Another good spot for hitchhiking in Iran is just after you pass through a toll booth. Don’t accept a ride too quickly; many people travel long distances, and as a foreigner, you don’t need to stand for a long time because Iranians love foreign guests.
Is Hitchhiking Safe in Iran?
Before traveling to Iran, you may have concerns regarding the safety of the country. Iran is a safe place for anybody, so don’t be concerned. On the other hand, driving in Iran is quite different from driving in Western Europe, and accidents are commonplace. Although it’s exceedingly improbable that your driver would be drunk, be on the lookout for truck drivers smoking opium. It aids in their ability to remain alert and drive longer distances. A lot of truck drivers use opium while driving! Opium is widespread in Iran because of Afghanistan, its neighbor country.
Americans in Iran: Hitchhiking
Although the governments of Iran and the USA are not friends, Iranians get excited to meet Americans in Iran. So, if you’re an American traveler, be ready to feel the warm welcome of Iranians, and hitchhiking in Iran can be heaven for foreigners. As an American or a foreign visitor, you can be confident that your trip will be pleasant and rank among the best hitchhiking destinations in the world. You won’t believe how often you’ll be asked to their houses for lunch or spend the night. Most likely, you will not even stay in a hotel for a night. Although you are a hitchhiker, many Iranians would provide you with their phone number on a piece of paper simply in case you get into problems.
Hitchhiking in Iran for Girls
If you’re a girl planning to hitchhike in Iran, things are going to be more challenging. Hitchhiking is not widespread, and most people are unfamiliar with it. When someone stops for you and recognizes that you are hitchhiking, you automatically become their host as soon as you’re in their car. This issue often indicates that they are concerned about your well-being as a female. Responsibly implies that they will not allow you to enter a situation that they deem harmful. People are reluctant to abandon you on the side of the road, and they will drive you to cities, bus terminals, hotels, and private residences as the destination. Another problem for a girl hitchhiking in Iran is physical harassment. Some men will use the situation that you’re a foreigner who isn’t as religious as Iranians. Some of them try to touch your hands; you should determine whether it’s just because of making you feel better, or they’re using you. Most men try to be friendly with you since they want to show you that they’re harmless.
Conclusion
Although hitchhiking in Iran is a new concept, youth adventurers are acquainting people with this notion. Iran is one of those hitchhiking destinations where you won’t get disappointed because people are friendly and would love to help guests. In this article, we explained hitchhiking in Iran, especially for girls.