Even though Iran is having many sanctions against them. No international brands are there anymore, people would usually book a rental car with some of the big players. The big players are not in Iran anymore, but there are still alternatives.
When I was in Tehran I was doing a tour inside the city with a private driver. Visiting the city yourself is no issue doing it yourself, still I see some benefits in having a guided tour. The Tour was with Saadat Rent, they are basically the biggest car rental company in the country and they also are offering guided tours with a driver combined.
For who is this beneficial?
A guided tour is for sure for people, who don’t look at every cent they are spending and prefer to not explore the city themselves. It is nice to avoid the crowded public transportations, still you are going to be in traffic a lot.
A guided tour is also beneficial for travelers who have just a short time in the city and like to get some extra information from a local perspective, that is for sure something you can’t really get from the internet in my opinion. They will make a trip based on what you like to do.
Is a guided tour necessary in Iran?
Necessary no, when you are not from the USA you are able to walk around freely in Iran. I myself was just exploring with my local friends in the city. I personally think it is safe in Tehran, still some people might have security concerns or prefer staying in a comfortable car.
For whom is a guided tour not the best idea?
For sure for cheap backpackers, like myself, it is nothing to book. It is cheap in Iran compared to other countries, but still the travel style from us is just different.
When you don’t like having people around you and when you prefer walking around instead of driving in a car.
A guided tour might be nothing for you, when you just like to be an individual and also when you want to save money.
How did the organization go with Saadat Rent?
I was texting with an employer and sent my location to her. We decided on the time and exactly at 10 in the morning the driver was in front of my door.
I was talking to the guide and talked about what I would like to do, with still some flexibility. We went to where I wanted to go first and then they spontaneously switched the plan, based on my preferences. The communication went perfectly smoothly, the driver was speaking perfectly English and actually couldn’t find anything to complain about.
We explored a region I haven’t been to before and they also had a lot of information to tell me, also just talking about everything else was possible. At the end of the tour, they dropped me at the airport on time so that I could make it on time to my flight.
About this article
When arriving in Iran I was taking a public trip on Couchsurfing and received an offer for a free guided trip through Tehran. This article was meant to give something back, still I am writing this completely free and with my opinion! Saadat Rent was very professional and I decided for myself to do this article, before I believe it is still interesting for some travelers. I was driving with a guide/driver and a videographer and I can recommend them a lot! They are the biggest car rental company in Iran and they also operate in Oman, Turkey and the UAE.
Would I do the guided tour again?
Honestly I personally would not do it again, but this is not that I didn’t like it. I would not do it again, because I see a lot of the amount I spend on my trips and exploring the city I can do myself. I also need to be honest, probably I could see way more with a guided tour. Everything is easier and smooth and that is why you need to pay this price for it.
At the end you are booking a service and with them it is for sure some good price compared to many other countries.
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