Money Matters

When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping, and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also, make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier.

Rial is the Iranian official currency, but you will hear Toman a lot more commonly in Iran. one Toman is 10 Rials. So when buying, if the seller says 10000 Toman (or 10 Toman) it means to be 100,000Rial). But it is interesting to know that the word Toman has been recorded and used since the Mongol invasion of Iran and their dominance in Iran. Since that time, the word Toman has become much more common than the word Rial.

Most prices in markets, stores, or restaurants are in Toman but before paying if you are not sure ask the shopkeeper whether it is in Rials or Toman.

Tourists who travel to Iran, unable to use their Visa or Master Card or withdraw any cash from ATMs in Iranian banks because of sanctions still.

So the traveler only has to pay cash only for their entire stay. US dollars, Euros, and UK pounds are the highest value in Iran’s banks or private exchange offices called Sarafi. Other currencies can be exchanged as well but the named three are more common and have a better rate.

The Sarafi offices offer you a better exchange rate compare to the banks and you can find Sarafis at the airports, major cities, and tourist centers.

Credit Card and ATM and Exchange

You will not be able to use ATMs as the banks are state-run and do not accept foreign cards. Please bring cash only, in US dollars or euros.

You can exchange money at the airport on arrival and then your leader will assist you to find currency exchange centers along the way. We recommend exchanging some money at the airport if you arrive on a weekend (Thursday & Friday) or a public holiday as the currency exchange centers will be closed.