Order anything by pointing in Persian
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Persian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Persian phrases in this lesson
- ... میخواستمmee-khaas-TAM
- I would like...
- این یکیin ye-KEE
- This one
- چند تومان است؟chand too-MAN ast
- How much is it?
- صورتحساب، لطفاًsoo-ra-t ha-SĀAB lot-FAN
- The bill, please
- کارتkart
- By card
- پول نقدpool NAQD
- In cash
- آبab
- Water
- قهوهGHAH-veh
- Coffee
- چایchaai
- Tea
- آبجوaab-JOW
- Beer
- بدون...be-DOO-ne
- Without...
Literally "I wanted ...", the polite past tense that Iranians use to order.
Point and say it.
Toman is the currency unit, though you may hear "rial" on prices (100 rial equals 1 toman, but people think in tomans). At modern registers prices are displayed; at traditional markets asking directly is expected and starts a conversation.
In casual tea houses and cafes you often pay immediately, no bill brought. In restaurants say this to get the bill. Service is expected to be included; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory, a small gesture of 5 to 10 percent marks good service.
Card payment is standard in modern cafes, restaurants and shops, especially in Tehran. "میتونم کارت بدم؟" (can I pay by card?) works everywhere that accepts it. Visa and Mastercard work, though some international sanctions complications exist.
Many traditional shops, outdoor markets, and taxis prefer or require cash. Carrying tomans is wise even in cities. ATMs are widely available and reliable in Iran.
Tap water in Tehran and major cities is safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and often preferred. "آب معدنی" (mineral water), "آب فشرده" (sparkling water). Iranians drink significant amounts of water and tea throughout the day.
Tea, چای (chaai), is the everyday drink, sipped through a sugar cube.
Alcohol is illegal in Iran; cafes serve non-alcoholic malt drinks instead.
"Bedun-e shekar", without sugar.