Cost of Living

No. Due to international sanctions, no Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or other international payment cards work in Iran. You must bring cash (USD or EUR) and exchange locally, or arrange a local debit card through an Iranian bank if you have a residence permit.

This is the biggest challenge. Common methods include carrying cash, using cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT), informal money transfer networks (hawala/sarafi), or having someone outside Iran manage your international accounts. SWIFT transfers to Iranian banks are blocked.

Iran has multiple exchange rates. The Central Bank rate was ~1,821,868 IRR/USD on 18 October 2026 and the open market rate was ~2,650,000 (the long-standing 42,000 subsidised rate no longer applies). The open market rate (2,600,000–2,680,000+ IRR/USD as of 19 October 2026) is what you'll get at exchange shops and is the rate that matters for daily life.

Bring enough for your entire planned stay plus a buffer. For a month in Tehran, $1,500–$2,000 in USD cash is a safe amount. Exchange in small amounts as needed - rates fluctuate daily. Keep cash secure and distributed across multiple locations.

Iran is generally safe regarding petty theft. However, carrying large amounts of cash always carries risk. Use hotel safes, distribute cash across luggage and on your person, and exchange only what you need for a week at a time.