All you need to know about money in Iran.
So, you’ve joined our Iranian tour, got your visa sorted, booked your flight, packed your bags, and you're all set for that long-awaited trip to Iran.
But wait!
Have you thought about cash?
In Iran, that’s more important than you might think!
While Iran isn’t necessarily an expensive country to visit, you do need to be prepared when it comes to handling money in Iran.
To make your trip smooth, it’s essential to bring enough money to Iran and understand how things work with currency, exchanging money, and debit cards in Iran.
Let’s break navigating money in Iran down for you.
Money in Iran Basics: What Every Tourist Needs to Know
Iranian Currency: Rials or Tomans?
Cash is King: Your Country’s Debit Cards Don’t Work Here
No Cards? No Problem—Meet the Tourist Card!
Is Iran Expensive?
Ready to Bargain? Shopping in Iran
Understanding Iran’s Cultural Etiquette Around Money
Money in Iran Basics: What Every Tourist Needs to Know
Figuring out how to manage money in Iran can seem tricky.
Things are a bit different compared to other countries, but here are the tips you’ll need.
First, there’s a bit of confusion with the currency. While the official currency is the Rial, everyday conversations almost always use Tomans.
And here’s the catch: one Toman equals 10 Rials!
This can make things tricky at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.
And unlike most places, international debit or credit cards like Visa and MasterCard don’t work in Iran due to sanctions, so you’ll need to carry cash.
Iranian Currency: Rials or Tomans?
The official currency is the Iranian Rial (IRR), but you’ll hear locals talking in Tomans.
This can be confusing!
At the time of writing (Oct 2024), the exchange rate is:
1 IRR equals 0.000024 USD
A quick tip: just drop a zero from the Rial to get the Toman amount. For example, if something costs 10,000 Tomans, that’s 100,000 Rials.
Cash is King: Your Country’s Debit Cards Don’t Work Here
Foreign debit and credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and AmEx, aren’t accepted in Iran.
You’ll need to bring money to Iran —usually US dollars or Euros. These are the easiest to exchange.
Once you arrive, you can exchange money at the airport or local exchange shops.
But don’t change everything at once!
You’ll likely get better rates in the city, so ask locals for the best places to get Iranian Rials.
No Cards? No Problem—Meet the Tourist Card!
To make things easier, Iran offers a Tourist Card.
This is a prepaid card you can load with cash once you arrive.
It works just like a debit card and can be used at ATMs, shops, and even for online purchases in Iran.
You can get one at the airport or through certain banks once you arrive.
A popular one is the MAH Card.
Is Iran Expensive?
Not really!
While accommodation can vary, food and transportation in Iran are quite affordable.
From budget backpackers to luxury travellers, Iran offers something for every pocket. For instance, a meal at a nice restaurant might cost as little as $5, while a night in a mid-range hotel could set you back $30 to $50.
Ready to Bargain? Shopping in Iran
Bargaining is part of the culture here, especially at bazaars and markets.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but remember—it’s all in good fun. Most shops and restaurants have fixed prices, so bargaining isn’t always expected, but when it is, enjoy the experience.
Understanding Iran’s Cultural Etiquette Around Money
One thing to note is Iran’s custom of ta’arof, a polite way of initially declining payment.
Don’t take it at face value!
It’s common to insist a bit before the person eventually accepts your money. It’s just part of the cultural charm.
With these tips on money in Iran in hand, you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip to Iran without any money worries!
Safe travels in Iran!
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