London to/around India - Horizons Unlimited

**pinkolive** · #1 27 Oct 2003

hi
im in the early stages of planning a trip from London to and around India with my wife on bmw 1150 gs.

my intended route is through Iran and Pakistan.
how safe are these two countries at the moment?

thanks

how easy is it to get fuel and how frequently is it available?

is there a dress code in Iran for women?

should we be thinking about camping or are "hotels" widely available?

i am British and my wife is Turkish - are we likely to have any problems with visas for Iran Pakistan or India?

**usl** · #2 28 Oct 2003

Hi;

Iran: Very safe. Yes, there is a dress code. It consists of a scarf around your wifes head. She should be putting it on in the first 30 sec. after removing her helmet, not to cause any problem.Fuel is quite frequent except between Bam and Pakistan border-500 km. Think of hotels only, camping is not advised. There shouldnt be any problem about the visas. No credit card or travelers check. Dont take bills smaller bills then 50$. They shouldnt be older then '96.

Pakistan: No fuel from pumps, between Taftan to Quetta-600km. Only from drumbells. Be carefull to speed bumbs before and after every RR crossing. Use filter of somesort for dirt problem. Dress code is very strict. She should wear scarf at all times and dont think it is as slack as Iran. Only hotels-camping not advised.

Have a nice trip.

**simmo** · #3 29 Oct 2003

Irainian BANK MELLI .yazd.will not change USD notes less than 20. So take larger denominations than this. They prefer 100\S

Also you CANNOT use a credit card in any bank or shop within Iran. So what money you bring in is all you have. The Lonely Planet guide is WRONG. surprise surprise.

Many countries will not allow you to transfer money into the country either due to US sanctions. I understand why Americans dont get visas now!