ImmersiveIran > Travel Guide > Iran Currency Guide for Tourists
Understanding how to manage your money is critical as a traveler, wherever you go. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about managing money during your trip to Iran, from understanding the dual currency system and cash import/export limits to using Iranian tourist bank cards.
International credit cards don’t work in Iran.
For visiting Iran, bring cash; euros or US dollars are the best options.
You can exchange some of your currency upon arrival, and exchange some more at exchange offices in main cities if you need more Iranian cash later on your trip.
For exchanges, use Sarrafi (exchange) offices in tourist hubs, where prices are competitive.
Fluctuations have a significant impact on the Rial's value.
You can check the rate on TGJU, Bonbast, or the Chand app with little effort.
Instead of carrying around cash, you can get yourself a tourist bank card.
You will use banknotes as the main currency. Coins have almost disappeared because of inflation.
The trick about Iranian currency is that the official currency used in paper and products is the Rial, but you’ll also hear of another unit known as "toman”.
The Iranian Rial has gone through significant devaluation.
Exchange rates can change rapidly.
Rial is the official currency, but locals use Tomans for daily transactions. To convert Rials to Tomans, remove one zero from the end of the amount; for example, 10,000 Rials equals 1,000 Tomans.
When pricing goods or services, it’s vital to clarify if a quoted figure is in Tomans or Rials. This avoids confusion. People might display or discuss prices using either term. Always ask sellers for clarity on the currency type before finalizing any purchase.
Iranian banknotes come in a range of denominations, and some can appear visually similar. Here’s a quick list of the most commonly used notes to help you navigate everyday purchases:
500 Toman
(equal to 5,000 Rials)
1,000 Toman
(10,000 Rials)
2,000 Toman
(20,000 Rials)
5,000 Toman
(50,000 Rials)
10,000 Toman
(100,000 Rials)
50,000 Toman Iran Cheque
(500,000 Rials)
100,000 Toman Iran Cheque
(1,000,000 Rials)
You can bring in any amount of foreign currency to Iran. However, you must declare amounts over 10,000 Euros at customs. This rule also applies to traveling families.
Declaring larger sums helps ensure a smooth entry. When leaving Iran, travelers can only take 5,000 Euros in cash per person. Travelers should prepare in advance to stay within these limits and avoid complications at the border.
Don’t like to carry cash around? You can obtain pre-paid Iranian bank cards. These cards, loadable via PayPal before departure, with cash in Tehran, or through us, work in shops and some ATMs around Iran. While fees apply, the convenience and smoothness they offer outweigh the insignificant costs.
Sarrafis (licensed currency exchanges) offer quick and efficient currency exchange.
For on-the-go updates regarding exchange values between your home currency and Iranian money, options like Bonbast provide invaluable service with real-time information.
Tehran:
the bustling Ferdowsi Square.
Shiraz:
Shohada Square or Karim Khan Boulevard.
Isfahan:
Hakim Nezami and Sepah streets.
Yazd:
Imam Khomeini Street. A few are near the Dad Hotel and the famous Zoroastrian fire temple.
Kerman:
near Ganjali Khan Complex and Kerman’s Grand Bazaar.
