How to call Iran | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Iran from the United States is essential for numerous reasons, ranging from business to personal.

Iran boasts diverse key industries, including technology, agriculture, and finance, making it an attractive hub for international business. Additionally, Iran's rich cultural tapestry—featuring unique traditions, festivals, and cuisine—adds significant value to personal and social connections.

Understanding the nuances of interacting with Iran is key when fostering both relationships in this vibrant and dynamic country.

Guide to calling Iran

Before placing a call to Iran, verify the rates charged by your service provider for international calls. Ensuring a reliable connection will avoid issues like latency or poor voice quality.

1. Check the time in Iran

Understanding the time difference between your location and Iran is important. Iran operates on Iran Standard Time (IRST), which is UTC+3:30. When daylight saving is in effect, Iran observes Iran Daylight Time (IRDT), which is UTC+4:30.

Depending on your U.S. time zone and whether daylight saving time is being observed, Iran can be 7.5 to 11.5 hours ahead.

2. Dial the exit code

To initiate an international call from the U.S., start by dialing the exit code 011.

3. Enter Iran's country code

Next, dial Iran's country code, which is +98, to route your call to Iran.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Input the area code specific to the region in Iran, followed by the local number.

For a landline

When calling a landline in Iran, the format is 011-98--. Area codes in Iran are typically two or three digits. For instance, to call a landline in Tehran with the area code 21 and the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-98-21-1234567.

For a mobile phone

To call a mobile number in Iran, use the format 011-98-. Mobile numbers in Iran start with a three-digit prefix, typically 91x or 93x, followed by a seven-digit sequence. For example, to call a mobile number like 09121234567, you would dial 011-98-912-1234567.

Tips for a successful call

Before placing a call to Iran, check that you have a strong internet or phone connection to prevent dropped calls. Have a backup plan ready, such as knowing whether to redial or wait for the other party to reconnect in case of technical issues.

Understanding and respecting Iranian business culture and etiquette is essential.

Consider the following points:

• Be aware of local holidays such as Nowruz (Persian New Year) and religious observances like Ramadan, which can affect business operations and availability.
• In Iranian business culture, formalities are important. Start your conversation with polite greetings like "Salam" (hello) and use respectful titles such as "Doctor" or "Engineer" followed by the person’s last name.
• While many Iranian business professionals speak English, using simple Farsi phrases can help build rapport. A friendly “Khodahafez” (goodbye) at the end of the call can leave a positive impression.
• Punctuality is valued, but flexibility is also necessary as the pace of decision-making might differ from U.S. practices.

Finally, be patient and adaptable during your calls. Showing respect for cultural practices and being prepared for potential delays will enhance your communication and build stronger business relationships with your Iranian counterparts.

Considerations for calling Iran

Calling Iran, like any international destination, requires careful consideration of several factors. This includes navigating language and cultural nuances, understanding time zone differences, and being aware of potential call costs.

Language and culture

The official language of Iran is Persian (Farsi). While English is taught in schools, it is not widely spoken, especially outside major cities. If you don't speak Farsi, consider using a translation service or asking someone who is fluent to assist you.

Understanding cultural norms is crucial for respectful communication. Here are some common Farsi greetings:

• Salam – This is a universal greeting, similar to "Hello" in English.
• Dorood – A more formal greeting, often used in professional settings.
• Sobh bekheir – Good morning.
• Asr bekheir – Good afternoon/good evening.

It is also customary to inquire about the well-being of the person you are calling. For example, you might say, "Hale shoma chetore?" which means "How are you?"

Time zones

Iran observes Iran Standard Time (IRST), which is UTC+3:30. This means Iran is significantly ahead of U.S. time zones. To avoid calling during inconvenient hours, refer to the table below:

For example, if it's 10:00 AM ET in New York, it's 6:30 PM IRST in Tehran.

How much does it cost to call Iran?

Calling Iran can be expensive, with costs varying based on your service provider, call duration, and time of day. Before placing a call, check with your carrier for detailed rates

Carrier rates are particularly significant, as different service providers offer varying tariffs for international calls. These rates can fluctuate based on the type of plan you have, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go rate or a specialized international calling plan. Some carriers might offer discounted rates for calls to Iran during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes a set number of international minutes. It's advisable to thoroughly review your carrier's pricing structure and any available international calling packages to ensure cost-effective communication.

Additionally, the duration of your call plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost. Longer calls will incur higher charges, making it important to manage the length of your conversations, especially if you're on a pay-per-minute plan.

The time of day when you place the call can also impact the cost due to varying peak and off-peak rates. Calls made during peak hours are often more expensive compared to those made during off-peak times, such as late evenings or weekends, depending on your carrier's specific rate schedule.

Being mindful of these factors and planning your calls accordingly can help in managing communication expenses effectively while staying connected with contacts in Iran.

Make affordable calls to Iran with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Iran with confidence.

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