just randomly picking up women?

I Don't think it could be called "normal" in Iran, I've never been to Iran myself, but it seems more to me that she knows the passengers previously, except for the old woman. The broken-hearted girl seems to be a simple acquaintance that after a few conversations become a close friend. I really enjoyed this movie!

It's pretty common in the middle east for someone to offer someone a lift, courtesy is a big part of most Middle Eastern countries' culture. I suppose it also helps that most countries like Iran have a very low crime rate, so people aren't so afraid of hitchhiking or picking up hitchhikers.

My blue-eyed blond haired German backpacker friend spent months in Iran, and said it was very modern, and the 2nd most hospitable place after Afghanistan, but of course, they aren't as advanced... He couchsurfed all over Iran, hitchhiked a lot with no problem. The family would ask if he'd leave to have dinner, spend the night..