Health and Safety

Health

Tap water is generally considered safe in Isfahan. It is chlorinated, and should not cause any abdominal problems for travelers who are used to water from around the Middle East and Asian countries. Or you might use bottled water for the first few days after your arrival. American/European travelers are however advised to purchase mineral water, easily available at local stores, just to be on the safe side.

Bakery products like milk and yoghurt should be bought canned or packed – not open. Pasteurized milk is readily available at bakeries and grocery stores.

Wash vegetables and fruit carefully before eating – they might not have been washed at all after coming out of the ground or falling off a tree!

Isfahan is also quite polluted compared to other Asian cities. Avoid clogged streets if you are prone to asthma attacks or have sinus problems.

In all probability, you will experience a slight stomach upset any time during the first few days. This is a common tourist’s symptom – drink plenty to bottled water and make frequent trips to the toilet until this passes.

The city contains many well-stocked pharmacists that are usually open 24 hours. You should easily be able to locate one in your area of stay. Some pharmacies that are open 24 hours are:

1.    Edalat:
Address: Chahar Bagh e Bala Avenue
Phone: 244606
2.    Emdad:
Address: Firdousi Avenue
Phone: 227713-4
3.    Esfahan:
Address: Amadegah Street
Phone: 223511
4.    Markazi:
Address: Masjid e Syed Street
Phone: 230036
5.    Ali Asghar:
Phone: 222148
6.    Sajjad:
Phone: 224197

Vaccinations are generally not required before entering Isfahan. However, rabies is prevalent in most stray dogs and rodents – use common sense and avoid getting near such creatures. In the case of an unfortunate bite, immediately consult a doctor.

Lastly, Isfahan can get quite hot during the summers. Always carry around a water flask to avoid dehydration and some sun-protection lotion when you are out during the hot dry season.

Some reliable medical service providers in the city are:

1.    Al-Zahra Hospital:
Address: Soffeh Street , Isfahan
Phone: 668 4444

Polite multilingual staff, excellent service. One of the most popular hospitals amongst tourists.

2.    Dr Hosseini Pharmacy:
Address: Shahid Medani Street, Isfahan
Phone: 222 3511

Open 24 hours, this is a large central hospital where you can also find almost all European and American patented medicinal drugs.

3.    Esfahan Hospital:
Address: Shams Abadi Street, Isfahan
Phone: 223 0015

Inexpensively priced, recommended for tourists on a budget. Well-equipped, providing attentive service.

Safety

Violent crime is not very common in Isfahan, as opposed to other developing cities. People are generally more tolerant and hospitable towards one another.

Pick pocketing, however, is not uncommon, especially with regard to tourists. It is advisable not to carry around large amounts of cash or valuables like jewelry when going sightseeing, as you might get distracted from your belongings by the intensely immersive sights, providing a perfect chance to opportunist con men lurking around such areas.

Thieves also exist as wild biker boys – they can snatch purses from passers-by and make off in the blink of an eye.

Another kind of crime is identity fraud – some locals might pretend to be high-ranking officials and demand legal documents or a “fee” from you. Demand for authentic ID before you start obeying them.

Isfahan, and in fact the whole of Iran, is not on very friendly terms with the rest of the world due to its nuclear program. This would mean that American and European tourists especially are at risk of kidnappings if a sudden political shift occurs within the country. Although this is rare and far-fetched, it has happened in the past. Still, mild heckling and harassment automatically finds its way towards American travelers, especially from authority figures like policemen.

Local gangs within the city are involved in drug dealings and smuggling electronics goods. This is generally only for the money, but sometimes a shoot-out or killing does take place. It is best to avoid remote or abandoned areas within the city, as these may be hideouts or storage sheds for some of these gangsters’ activities. Whenever you wish to travel to any such area, always seek the assistance of a local guide, who may warn you to the potential hazards of the site.