Iran has launched a new pilot program designed to make travel easier for foreign visitors by simplifying currency exchange and payments. The initiative, led by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CBI), allows tourists to convert their foreign currency into Iranian rials through official channels at international airports.
Under the system, an authorized commercial bank will issue prepaid “tourist cards”, enabling visitors to make secure cashless payments across the country. The program addresses long-standing challenges such as limited access to international credit cards and complicated exchange procedures, improving transparency and traveler convenience.
With 29 UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country, Iran hopes this system will boost its tourism sector by offering a reliable, user-friendly payment method. The initiative marks a major step in modernizing the nation’s tourism infrastructure and enhancing its appeal to global travelers.
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