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Money & duty free for Iran

Currency information: 

Iranian Rial (IRR; symbol Rs) = 100 dinars. Notes are in denominations of Rs50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Rs500, 250, 100 and 50.

Credit cards: 

MasterCard is accepted in some places, but credit cards should emphatically not be relied on as the sole means of payment. Be aware too that if the card was issued in the USA, it may not be usable due to the US trade embargo.

ATM: 

ATMs can be used only by holders of local bank accounts.

Travellers cheques: 

It is not possible to exchange travellers' cheques.

Banking hours: 

Sat-Wed 0730-1330, Thurs 0730-1230.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is limited to Rs500,000. Any amount larger requires authorisation from the Central Bank. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.

Currency exchange: 

It is advisable to bring hard currency for exchange purposes.

Iran duty free

The following goods may be imported into Iran without incurring customs duty:

• A reasonable quantity of cigarettes.
• Reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
• Gifts on which the import duty/tax does not exceed US$80.

Banned imports: 

Arms and ammunitions; CDs and DVDs; any written, printed or recorded materials against the Islamic and national beliefs of the country; satellite telephones; all horticultural and agricultural goods including seeds and soil; gambling tools; alcoholic drinks; narcotics. Penalties for being in possession of narcotics are very severe.

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