Iranian Rial (IRR) Survival Guide

1️⃣ Understand "Toman" vs "Rial"

• 1 Toman = 10 Rials (locals quote prices in Toman)
• When someone says "50,000" they mean 50,000 Tomans (500,000 Rials)
• Always confirm: "Is this in Toman or Rial?"
• New banknotes show both values (e.g., "500,000 Rials / 50,000 Tomans")

2️⃣ Where to Exchange Money

• Best rates: Exchange shops (Sarrafi) in major cities - NOT airports
• Trusted spots:
  • Ferdowsi Square (Tehran)
  • Vakil Bazaar (Shiraz)
  • Ferdosi Street (Mashhad)
• Always: Count money before leaving and compare rates at 2-3 shops

3️⃣ Cash is King

• International cards don't work in Iran (due to sanctions)
• Bring enough USD/EUR in blue, crisp, unmarked bills (2013+ series preferred)
• $100s bills get better rates than ($1, $5, $10)
• Keep emergency cash in multiple places

4️⃣ Avoiding Scams

• Fake bills: Check for raised print and watermarks
• Short-changing: Count carefully, especially with 500,000 IRR notes
• Bad rates: Check Bonbast.com for live rates
• Taxi tricks: Agree on price before entering (in Tomans!)

💱 Today's Approximate Rate

1 USD ≈ 850,000 IRR (check Bonbast.com for live rates)

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