DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Iran duty-free:
An adequate amount of tobacco products for personal use: a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco;
Perfume for personal use;
According to aristmarketing, high-quality items are noted in the passport by customs on entry and may not be sold in Iran (customs control on departure). If you intend to re-enter Iran with the same passport at a later date, you should ensure that the customs notice for these items in the passport is deleted.
Export restrictions
The export of antiques (objects that are more than 30 years old) is only permitted with a permit from the Organization for Cultural Heritage. The export of original handicrafts, gold and gold coins, silver and jewelry is prohibited if it is antiques or objects belonging to cultural heritage. The export of a carpet of up to 6 square meters and a maximum of 30 years old is permitted per person. Caviar (up to 3 kg) must be proven to have been purchased in foreign currency (receipt). Certain books may only be exported with a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
Prohibited imports
Alcohol (including chocolates and chocolate filled with alcohol), narcotics (the death penalty can be imposed for drug use and possession), pork, firearms and ammunition, fruits, vegetables, plants (including seeds, tubers, roots or soil), old books, magazines, Pornography and all publications that violate the Iranian understanding of morality, bacterial colonies, mold, insects and viruses. Travelers are cautioned that the possession of video or audio cassettes, CDs and magazines is strictly controlled.
MONEY
Currency
1 Iranian rial = 100 dinars. Currency abbreviation: Rl, IRR (ISO code). There are banknotes with a value of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100 Rl; Coins in denominations of 1000, 500, 250, 100 and 50 Rl.
Due to the high loss of value of the rial, so-called Iran checks are in circulation instead of banknotes and are used as a common means of payment. They are issued exclusively by the Central Bank of Iran.
Credit cards
Most credit cards are not accepted. Under certain circumstances, payment by credit card is possible with airlines and in large hotels, but this should be requested before booking. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
In general, there are no ways in Iran to withdraw money or obtain it in any other way. There are also no official transfer channels that foreign tourists could use at short notice. Travelers should therefore definitely bring enough cash with them.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out from their bank about the options for using their card before starting their journey.
There are no machines that accept foreign cards of any kind.
Bank opening times
Sa-Wed 7.30 a.m.-4.00 p.m. (with lunch break), Thu 7.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of the national currency is limited to an amount of 500,000 Rl. Unrestricted import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare from an equivalent value of over US $ 5,000. The export of the national currency is possible up to 500,000 Rl, for higher amounts a permit from the Iranian central bank is required. The export of foreign currencies with an equivalent value of US $ 5,000 or more is only permitted up to the declared amount imported.
Obligation to declare all gold and silver objects carried on entry. When leaving the country, all gold and silver objects that have not been declared will be confiscated.
Currency Exchange
Since cash payments are common, you should bring enough cash in hard currencies (US dollars, euros) with you. Foreign currencies can be exchanged for rials upon arrival at the airport or at various banks at the daily rate. A refund of unneeded rial amounts is usually not possible. The confirmation of bills of exchange should be kept. At Melli Bank Hamburg you can have money transferred to Iran and get paid out at the branches there.
