Is Mashhad safe for solo female travelers?

Mashhad, like any other major city, has areas that are safer than others. Generally, the city is safe, especially around the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, which is guarded and surveilled 24/7. However, as a solo female traveler, it's better to avoid less crowded and poorly lit areas at night. Police and security personnel are present, but it's still recommended that you exercise caution, particularly late at night. Moreover, cultural norms are more conservative, so it's important to dress appropriately and respect the local customs and regulations.

Public transportation in Mashhad, such as buses, taxis and the metro, are generally considered secure for solo female travelers. However, there are certain things you need to be mindful of. For instance, there are designated areas in buses for women, usually in the back, and in the metro, there are special compartments for ladies. It is important you abide by these cultural norms. Furthermore, taxi drivers might not understand English so be ready with the translated address or GPS. It is advisable to hire taxis from authorized taxi stops or use ride-hailing apps to avoid any arguments about fares or routes.

Mashhad is a religious and cultural hub in Iran and generally, respect for local customs and dress code is expected. Verbal harassment in terms of cat-calling or inappropriate comments is not common. However, some travelers have reported occasional instances of unwelcome attention or stares, especially in crowded places. It's of utmost importance to dress conservatively, following local Islamic guidelines. Travelers who respect these cultural expectations tend to receive more respect in return. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Mashhad, despite being one of the most populated cities, generally maintains a low level of petty crimes such as theft or pickpocketing. Its reputation as a holy city discourages such activities, and security is typically local preoccupations due to the religious importance of the city. However, as in any other city around the world, it is advisable not to display valuables openly and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

While in Mashhad, the tap water is usually treated and considered okay for locals, it is recommended for travelers, especially those visiting for the first time, to opt for bottled water. This precaution is due to differences in water treatment methods which might cause mild stomach upsets for visitors. Also, in some places in the city, the tap water can have a slightly salty taste. Hence, to avoid any potential health issues, it is better to stick with bottled water.

The United States Government advises against traveling to Iran due to risks associated with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. It suggests that, if travel is necessary, one should exercise increased caution due to potential wrongful detentions. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises avoiding all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, regional threat of terrorism, and the possibility of arbitrary detention. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises against traveling to Iran due to the high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Check the full travel advisory.