Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
Iran/Pakistan Unmarried (M/F) Couple Travel

Hello
My girlfriend and I are planning on traveling through Pakistan and Iran.
Any ideas, experience with troubles of being unable to find places to sleep/stay being an unmarried couple?
In Sumatra we encountered some places not letting us stay because we werent married. Some places demanded marriage certificates.

Will we be seen as committing adultery and unable to find suitable lodging, even worse arrested for it?

Of course we dont want to sleep in different rooms.

Any help with this?

N+A
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 48
Talking Simple solution

Marry her.

(Sorry, just couldn't resist!) ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Oct 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
No problem in Pakistan.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
We went the other with my girlfriend last winter... no real problems anywhere. Iran seemed like the most conservative country in this regard, sometimes the police, who escorted us on the way to Pakistan, seemed worried, if she as much as went to buy some water for us, while we were taking a break somewhere. I guess they expected her to stay within 2 meters from me at all times.

Women (including tourists) need to wear a scarf to cover all their hair in public in Iran, and i think would also be a good idea for Pakistan. And she also had a tunica-type dress, which gave some extra shelter for the behind, on top of her leather-suit, when we crossed the borders. That actually looked funny!

We were later in Indonesia, and I guess we were lucky then, because I cant remember having any trouble with accommodation, or asking for marriage certificate. Might depend a lot on the area, I think.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
Thats good news...
Its too early for me to commit!!!

Thats put my mind at ease.
Pecha. Aki may copy your idea of dress over riding gear. Im interested to see how it looks.
In northern Sumatra only 3 hotels we encountered would not let us sleep in the same room. Not that bad, just a shock.

Now to find out where to get a Pakistani visa. Bangladesh? New Delhi?

Thanks all
Nathan
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 116
It's also worth noting that it is not unusual for married couples in Islamic countries to have different last names. In fact it is pretty much the norm for the woman to keep her name. You will probably have no problem convincing people you are married as long as you put in some effort. Get some cheap wedding rings that kind of thing.

Good luck with your travels.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
Thanks Hornet.
We will most definately be getting matching rings. Even plan on getting wedding fotos made up just for kicks.
Aki is keen to don the Jilbab too. Ill just have dress more conservatively to walk next to her.

Just had a quick read of your blog.
Some adventures in there brother.
Ill be following your progress and hope to meet up with you somewhere along the line

Thanks
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 77
Nat, I travelled with an English couple for a week in Iran, and they had no trouble.Your girlfriend will just have to cover her head with a scarf, although i noticed in Tehran the fashion for modern girls was to wear it halfway back on their heads.I think they creep further and further back, then the religious police have a crack down.Pakistan wont be a problem either.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
Thanks Andy.
Not too worried now. This is why I love HUBB so much.
Getting clear info from people with experience is rare these days.

Thanks everyone.
PS. Just looking now at the possibility of a ferry from ran to Oman!
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Off in that direction next year, the Mrs is more than cool with the dress code but we were thinking she would be ok in her BMW clown suit whilst on her bike do you think this would be a no go, seems a bit dangerous riding a bike with all that fabric flapping around ?
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Nov 2008
bmw.bec's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Whangarei, New Zealand
Posts: 236
Hi

Whilst riding in Iran I wore a tunic top under my bike gear and just tucked it out the way - no problems. As for a head scarf, I wore a Buff that I pulled over my head when I took my helmet off, again no prolem at any time.
For pics see www.2riders-1dream.com - join us on our trip around the world and go the Iran entries/photos

We both wore wedding rings and if anyone asked if we were married then yes we were. No problem checking into hotels - the staff just found it amusing that I was sorting the room out and had the money whilst my "husband" waited outside!

You'll have no trouble. If you want anymore info then feel free to pm me and I can give you a call.

Becky
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Nov 2008
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
relatives?

We had hotelliers wondering when we were travelling with another biker - 2 men, 1 woman, all diferent surnames & booked into 1 big room.

Told them we were married & the other guy was my wifes brother.

Kept them wondering but got us a room...
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: kuala lumpur
Posts: 212
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenKeller View Post
Marry her.

(Sorry, just couldn't resist!) ;-)
haha thats a good one!

Just to inform you, muslim's dont change their family names....
__________________
Ride
Safe,
Sober,
& Save!
"man without beard is like porridge without salt": Ned Kelly
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: On the road
Posts: 121
We have been looking at (fake)wedding rings here in Trang. Aki is taking it rather seriously which is a little...

Looks like it wont be a problem at all.
I did consider getting a fake marriage certificate made up in Bangkok but wont bother now.

Yemen and Oman are in consideration now too so I guess the same stands there.
Convenient for us that Muslims dont change thier family names. Thanks Radzi.
Thanks all
__________________
Round the world on a Postie bike, 2-up
Bilingual Blog (japanese and English)
http://faster-than-walking.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Travel Insurance Iran, Pakistan....? SimonR West and South Asia 4 19 Sep 2006 16:56
Still safe to travel to Turkey-Iran-Pakistan? Lisa Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 30 9 Oct 2005 04:44
Travel through Iran and Pakistan Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 7 Oct 2004 17:19
Travel companion Iran/Pakistan to India andreasb Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 22 Aug 2002 02:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:02.