Iran Currency Guide | How to Change Money, Use Rials & Plan Your Budget

Fast facts: Rial, Toman & the 2026 redenomination

• Currency name: Iranian rial (IRR). Locally people commonly use toman (1 toman = 10 rials).
• Redenomination (2026): A phased plan to remove zeros is in progress expect dual pricing and transitional confusion. Confirm the unit (rial vs toman) before paying.
• Volatile exchange rates: Rates can move quickly; check live rates on travel day and compare licensed bureaux.

Cash vs Card, what actually works

Cash is king. Bring USD or EUR (newer-series banknotes in good condition). Many vendors, clinics and hotels prefer hard currency or local-currency cash.

International cards: Most foreign Visa/Mastercard do not work inside Iran due to banking isolation. Tourist-specific local debit cards exist via some travel services set these up before travel if you want card access.

ATMs: ATMs generally require local bank cards. Do not rely on foreign cards for cash withdrawal.

Where to exchange money (safe & practical)

Airport

Exchange a small emergency amount at arrival (e.g., the equivalent of 30–100 USD). Airport rates are usually worse use only for immediate needs like taxis.

Licensed exchange offices (Sarrafi)

City sarrafis (licensed bureaux) offer the best balance of safety and competitive rates. Compare 2–3 bureaux before exchanging large sums larger cities (Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad) have many options.

Avoid unofficial dealers for big amounts

Street exchangers may offer attractive rates but carry counterfeit and legal risks. For substantial exchanges, use a licensed sarrafi, a bank branch, or a managed exchange service through a travel operator.

Black-market vs official rates, what travelers need to know

Multiple rates may exist simultaneously: the official bank rate, licensed bureau (sarrafi) rates, and informal open-market rates. Informal rates can be more favorable but carry safety and legal trade-offs. For sums over a few thousand USD/EUR, use trusted legal channels.

How much cash to bring & budgeting tips

Estimate your costs in USD/EUR and convert on arrival to avoid overpaying at poor rates. As a rule:

• Bring enough cash to cover 7–10 days plus a buffer if you can’t access a local debit card.
• Prefer mixed denominations (smaller notes like $20s and $50s are easiest to exchange).
• Avoid old/torn notes bureaux may refuse them.

Safety & practical tips when exchanging

• Count and check notes in front of the teller.
• Ask for and keep exchange receipts useful if you reconvert leftover rials before departure.
• Avoid exchanging large amounts publicly; use a bank branch or licensed sarrafi.
• If you use a travel operator, ask whether they offer secure exchange or managed local-currency solutions.

Redenomination, what it means for travelers

If redenomination advances, you may see dual pricing (old rials and new units/tomans) during the transition. Ask whether listed prices are in rial or toman and keep a simple conversion note on your phone (e.g., during transition: 10,000 old rials = 1 new unit confirm the official naming before travel).

Emergency alternatives & hedges

For most tourists, carrying insured valuables is unnecessary. Some locals use gold or foreign currency as a hedge in unstable periods this context explains local behavior but is not a travel recommendation. Consider travel insurance that covers lost cash and valuables.

Investigate tourist debit cards or managed exchange services before departure if you prefer not to carry large cash amounts.

Quick checklist before you fly

1. Bring clean, recent USD or EUR notes (no tears, no heavy markings).
2. Exchange a small amount at the airport for transport; exchange larger amounts in city sarrafis.
3. Do not rely on international credit/debit cards arrange alternates.
4. Save exchange receipts and double-check currency units (rial vs toman) when paying.
5. Monitor news for sudden currency moves or redenomination updates before departure.