Iranian Rial (IRR) = 100 dinars. Notes are in denominations of IRR10,000, 5000, 2000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of IRR250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

It is advisable to bring hard currency for exchange purposes.

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. There are no ATMs.

It is not possible to exchange traveller's cheques.

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.

Date	Jul 06
£1.00=	IRR16,829.44
$1.00=	IRR9,245.65

Sat-Wed 0800-1600; some branches are open 0800-2000. Most banks are closed Thurs-Fri.

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.

Alcoholic beverages; all horticultural and agricultural goods including seeds and soil; living (or collection); bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes or viruses; old books or magazines; live birds, animals and their products.
Penalties for being in possession of narcotics are very severe.