Iran (Islamic Republic Of) Travel Guide - Communications

Country code: 98. Telephone booths are yellow.

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone operators but visitors are advised to check with their service provider before travelling. Coverage is limited to urban areas.

There are Internet cafes in Tehran and other cities.

Airmail to Western Europe can take at least two weeks. There are 10 main post offices in Tehran. Post boxes are yellow. Stamps can be bought at some cigarette kiosks.

Post office hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0730-1500, but some main post offices stay open until 2100.

The struggle for influence and power in Iran is played out in the media. The relatively free press, a tangible achievement of former President Khatami's government, has been targeted by conservatives. Many pro-reform publications have been closed and reformist writers and editors jailed. The conservative judiciary has also campaigned against the liberal media. Broadcasters are more restricted than the press.

• Conservative dailies include Kayhan and Resalat. Etemaad is a reformist daily.
• The main English-language papers are Iran News, Iran Daily and Tehran Times.

• State-run IRIB operates four national networks, as well as international and provincial services.
• Press TV is IRIB's English-language satellite channel.

• IRIB operates eight national networks, provinical services and an external service.