Bring cash

Because credit cards are not accepted, you must carry lots of cash. Carrying wads of banknotes may seem unusual, thus Melli Bank at Imam Khomeini Airport offers the opportunity to convert money and obtain Iranian rials in the form of a debit card. Otherwise, you may quickly convert money as needed in cities.

Although you must bring cash with you to Iran, you may change your cash into a debit card once you are there. Some Iranian banks provide travelers with an Iran Tourist Card, which may be filled with Iranian money or common international currencies such as USD and Euros.

Iran Tourist Card works exactly like any other debit card in Iran and is accepted everywhere, including POS terminals, ATMs, and internet purchasing. You can apply for an Iran Tourist Card in advance through your travel agent or upon arrival at the airport. Bank Melli Iran, Bank Pasargad, and Saman Bank are the Iranian banks that now provide Iran Tourist Cards. There is a Bank Melli branch at Imam Khomeini International Airport that offers Tourist Cards quickly. Your passport and visa are needed papers.