Money
Currency
Iranian Rial (IR) = 100 dinars. Notes are in denominations of IR10,000, 5000, 2000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of IR250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Currency exchange
It is advisable to bring hard currency for exchange purposes.
Credit & debit cards
MasterCard is accepted in some places, but credit cards should not be relied on as the sole means of payment. Be aware that if the card was issued in the USA, it may not be usable due to the US trade embargo.
Travellers cheques
It is not possible to change travellers cheques.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to IR500,000. Any amount larger than this requires authorisation from the Central Bank. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival (there is a special form). The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. There are no ATMs.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Iranian Rial against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | 1.00= | 15280.1 | 16062.5 | 16653.2 | 14919.1 | | $1.00= | 8555.00 | 8718.50 | 8794.00 | 7900.00 |
Banking hours
Sat-Wed 0800-1600; some branches are open 0800-2000. Most banks are closed Thurs-Fri.
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