Are you planning a trip to Iran, wondering about the cost of travelling to Iran? Having a trip to Iran can be an exciting adventure. However, a successful trip requires careful planning and budgeting for expenses, ensuring you make the most of your journey. In this article, we will break down the essential Iran travel costs, to help you plan your trip to Iran without any financial surprises. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking a more luxurious experience, we’ve got you covered with all the details you need to know.
Iran Travel Cost
The cost of travelling to Iran varies depending on so many factors such as your financial and economic situation, your lifestyle, and the nature of your journey while visiting Iran. Type of hotel, transportation, restaurants, and other things in your plan play a significant role in the cost of travelling to Iran.
for example, you may choose to go to a hostel or make a reservation at the most luxurious and the greatest hotel. You may want to have a relaxing vacation with no particular formalities or prefer to visit booking sites before packing. You could decide to visit Iran on your own or join a tour.
However, Iran travel costs for general and essential items are as the following:
• The cost of getting an Iran visa
• Costs of insurance
• Food expenses
• Fees for accommodation
• The cost of transportation (by taxi, metro, car rental, and public vehicles)
• Costs of sightseeing
• Costs of buying souvenirs
• Costs of Wi-Fi and communication
Before boarding a flight from or to Iran, it is important to understand that due to factors such as the presence of rials and tomans and limited acceptance of foreign cards, money in Iran can be a bit confusing. Here are some key points to consider when budgeting for your Iran travel costs and understanding the financial situation:
Exchange Rate in Iran
You may find that the exchange rates in Iran differ from what you’ve seen online. In fact, Dollars or Euros could be worth more or less when exchanged within the country. For example, the online rate might be 60,000 Tomans for $1, but the actual rate in Iran could be 62,000 Tomans.
Iranian currency
Rial is Iran’s official currency. However, the Toman is used as a common pricing unit due to the Iranian’s preference. One Toman is equal to ten Rials. For example, 800,000 Rials would be 80,000 Tomans. Prices in Iran are often quoted in Tomans, with written prices in Rials and spoken prices in Tomans. So, to avoid confusion, always put your thumb on one zero to see the note in Tomans. Also, you can ask your guides or Iranian friends to be ensured of the Tomans or Rials.
Interestingly, shopkeepers often omit the zeros when quoting high prices. For instance, you might be told a loaf of bread costs 6 Toman (meaning 6,000 Tomans or IR 60,000) and a high-end smartphone costs 6 Tomans (meaning 6,000,000 Tomans or IR 60,000,000). This will confuse you even more, but I assure you that eventually, you will become accustomed to the pricing system.
ATMs in Iran
(The ATMs can only be used to withdraw money with the domestic cards since the banking system in Iran is not connected internationally) so you’ll need to bring a sufficient amount of Euros or Dollars in cash. To avoid problems while paying for forthcoming obligations, you can overestimate your spending and keep some extra cash on hand. Bringing around $1000-2000 in cash can provide a safety net for a two-week trip.
If you have cash, you can easily convert your local currency into rials for use in Iran. If you prefer not to carry large amounts of cash, consider obtaining a debit card for tourists and temporary visitors, such as a Daric Card or Mah Card. These cards can be loaded with cash upon arrival at your hotel or online.
How much does it cost for a visa when travelling to Iran?
Another aspect of Iran travel cost is the expense of obtaining your visa. The cost of a visa for travelling to Iran can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. If you are a citizen of these nine countries, you do not need a visa. In this case, you can enter Iran for free and stay for a specified time. These countries are:
- Armenia: 90 days within 180 days
• Azerbaijan: 14 days
• Egypt: 20 days
• Georgia: 45 days
• Lebanon: 30 days
• Malaysia: 15 days
• Oman: 29 days
• Syria: 90 days
• Turkey: 90 days
From 2024, Iran visa is waived for passport holders of the below 28 countries who follow tourism purposes and carry ordinary passport. As the result of this program, they can stay in Iran for a non-extendable period of 15 days once every six months. The countries are:
United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Qatar, State of Kuwait, Republic of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tunisia, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Zimbabwe, Republic of Mauritius, Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Cambodia, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Federative Republic of Brazil, Republic of Peru, Republic of Cuba, United Mexican States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Serbia, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Belarus, Republic of India (Only by Air)
Note: it is recommended to apply for an Iran visa if you are traveling by land.
Note: Checking current regulations before your travel is essential.
Other countries have to apply for Iran visa before arrival. After visa approval, there is a visa stamp fee that should be paid when collecting the visa. The amount is around €50-100 that may vary by your country of origin.
Algeria: €30
Angola: €85
Argentina: €70
Armenia: FREE
Australia: €145
Austria: €75
Azerbaijan: FREE
Bahrain: €20
Bangladesh: €40
Belgium: €75
Brazil: €80
Bulgaria: €75
Cameron: €60
Chile: €120
China: €100
Croatia: €50
Cyprus: €75
Czech Republic: €75
Denmark: €75
Dominican: €70
Egypt: Free
Eritrea: €40
Estonia: €75
Ethiopia: €25
Finland: €75
France: €75
Gabon: €75
Georgia: FREE
Germany: €75
Ghana: €75
Greece: €75
Hong Kong: €80
Hungary: €75
India: €90
Indonesia: €45
Iraq: €50
Ireland: €75
Island: €75
Italy: €75
Ivory Coast: €60
Japan: €60
Kenya: €60
Kuwait: €60
Lebanon: FREE
Lithuania: €75
Magnolia: €70
Malaysia: FREE
Mexico: €45
Morocco: €30
Morris: €60
Mozambique: €40
Netherlands: €75
New Zealand: €150
Nigeria: €55
Norway: €75
Oman: €75
Palestine: €45
Philippines: €55
Poland: €75
Portugal: €75
Qatar: €75
Romania: €75
Russia: €70
Saudi Arabia: €30
Senegal: €50
Serbia: €85
Sri Lanka: €40
Singapore: €75
Slovenia: €75
Slovakia: €75
South Africa: €80
South Korea: €50
Spain: €75
Sudan: €60
Sweden: €75
Switzerland: €75
Syria: Free
Tanzania: €60
Thailand: €75
Tunisia: €45
Turkey: Free
Uganda: €100
Ukraine: €80
United Arab Emirates: €100
Uzbekistan: €70
Venezuela: €45
Yemen: €40
How much does it cost for insurance when travelling to Iran?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all visa applicants. Due to the American sanctions, international companies may not include Iran in their insurance coverage. For this reason, mandatory travel insurance from an Iranian company will be issued for you when you are authorized for Iran visa. The policy will be emailed to you within a few hours after the visa issuance. It costs about €10 which will be added to the visa collection fee.
Average Prices For Food in Iran
While budgeting for the cost of travelling to Iran, each traveller must consider the cost of food and dining. Fortunately, the cost of food and drinks in Iran is generally affordable, although The prices can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of food you choose to eat, the restaurant’s location, and the level of luxury or formality. Here, we will explore more about the details.
Iran offers a vast variety of delicious food in a wide range of styles and flavours, with options to suit every budget. There’s something for everyone, regardless of your preference for a sit-down meal in a local restaurant or street food.
The average price ranges per meal are as the following:
Traditional dishes in local restaurants and street food vendors: At around $2 to $5
Fast food chains and modern restaurants: ranging from $5 to $10.
Higher-end or luxury restaurants: starting from $15 to $20 or more for a meal.
So, on average, you will spend between $5 and $20.
If you are looking for more affordable options, there are various budget-friendly food options, such as supermarkets and convenience stores, offering snacks and ready-to-eat meals at competitive prices.
When it comes to tipping, remember that it is not customary in Iran, but a small tip for exceptional service would be appreciated.
The cost of accommodation in Iran
Accommodation costs in Iran vary depending on its type and location. Let’s deep down in the details:
Budget accommodation:
One of the great options to reduce the cost of travelling to Iran is to stay in budget accommodations. Budget options include hostels and budget hotels with dormitory beds starting at $10 to $20 per night and private rooms starting from $20 to $30. These budget options provide basic yet clean and comfortable lodgings for budget travellers.
Mid-range accommodation:
Mid-range hotels and guesthouses which can be found in most cities and towns, provide more services, such as private bathrooms and air conditioning. The prices of these accommodations start at around $30 to $50 per night for a double room.
Luxury accommodation:
For luxury stays, luxurious hotels and resorts are the options. These accommodations provide the highest level of amenities and services such as spas, swimming pools. Their prices start from $100 to $200 per night.
Traditional accommodation:
These accommodations are a great option for immersing yourself in the local culture, offering a unique experience of staying in a traditional Iranian house known as a ‘Caravanserai. Their prices start at around $30 to $50 per night for a private room.
The cost of transportation in Iran
When planning a trip to Iran, consider two transportation options: public transit and private transportation. Iran transportation is essential for exploring cities, and by using them wisely, you can reduce your Iran travel costs. Note that the cost of using any of these transportation in Iran varies according to the distance travelled. In short, we’ll briefly explain the costs below.
Train: Train travel in Iran ranges from $5 to $30, while subway rides cost between $0.20 to $0.50 in major cities.
Bus: Bus tickets can range from $5 to $20 depending on distance and bus type.
Taxi: Taxis starts at $1 with additional charges based on distance.
Car rental: Renting a standard car costs between $30 to $60 per day.
Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are available for longer distances, However, some cities in Iran don’t have airports. One-way tickets typically start around $30 to $50.
The cost to travel to Iran: Sightseeing in this country
Fortunately, Iran offers many attractions with various rages of cost that will suit every budget. The cost can vary widely depending on the location and the activity you choose. However, many of Iran’s attractions are free to explore and by knowing them you can make significant savings on your Iran travel costs. Now, we will dive into the popular tourist attractions and their cost ranges:
Persepolis: At around $5 to $10
Nasir al-Mulk: At around $2
Golestan Palace: $5
Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square: At around $3 to $5
Yazd Old Town: At around $1 to $2
Shiraz’s Eram Garden
Tabriz Bazaar: Free
Masuleh Village: Free
Tavakoli house of Mashhad: Free
The shrine of Imam Reza: Free
The cost to travel to Iran: Souvenir buying
Souvenirs buying is a delightful way to keep memories of your trip and share a piece of the country’s rich culture with family and friends. Iran offers a wide range of unique and beautiful souvenirs that vary in cost depending on quality and type.
Popular souvenirs include:
• Persian carpets, At around $100 to $10,000
• Intricate miniature paintings, ranging from $50
• Traditional tea sets, priced from $20
• Saffron, starting at $5 to $30 per gram
• Handcrafted jewelry, starting at $10.
How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when travelling to Iran?
The cost of communication, like other Iran travel costs, depends on various factors such as your needs and the services you use.
The public Wi-Fi, which is available in many cafes, hotels, and restaurants, is usually free of charge. Besides the public Wi-Fi, using SIM cards and data plans and roaming are the available options.
Travellers can purchase local SIM cards from leading telecom providers in Iran, including Irancell, MCI (Hamrah-e-Aval), and Rightel. SIM cards cost around $0.5 to $1 while data packages range from $0.2 (1 GB) to $1.5 (10 GB).
To cut down on the cost of travelling to Iran, it is advised not to use roaming, which can be quite expensive in Iran.
Methods to Save Money When Travelling to Iran
While travelling to any country, it is important to keep an eye on your budget. By following a few simple methods, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. Here are some tips:
- Consider staying in local guesthouses or budget-friendly hostels for cultural immersion and affordable rates.
• It is better to visit during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds, better deals, and reducing Iran travel costs.
• As mentioned, using public transportation, such as shared taxis or buses can save money and provide opportunities to interact with locals.
• Venture away from touristy areas to explore local eateries and try street food for authentic cuisine at a lower cost.
• Don not forget to haggle when shopping at local markets or bazaars for better deals.
Traveling to Iran offers a rich and unique experience without breaking the bank. While the overall cost of your trip will depend on your travel style and preferences, Iran remains an affordable destination for most travelers.
By following the tips mentioned in this article and carefully planning and budgeting your expenses, you can enjoy everything this fascinating country has to offer—from its vibrant cities and historical sites to its stunning natural landscapes. With the right preparation, your journey to Iran can be both memorable and cost-effective. Happy travels!
frequently asked questions about Iran Travel Cost
How much money do I need to visit Iran?
It depends on your travel style, but budget travelers can expect to spend around $500 to $800 for a week-long trip, while more comfortable or luxury travel may cost upwards of $1,000.
How much does Iran cost per day?
On average, a budget traveler can spend around $25 to $50 per day in Iran, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing. Mid-range travelers might spend around $60 to $100 per day.
Is Iran expensive to travel?
No, compared to many other countries, Iran offers a wide range of options that suit both budget travellers and those seeking a more luxurious experience.
How to travel cheaply in Iran?
Consider using public transportation, staying in budget accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and visiting free or low-cost attractions.
What is the average travel cost to Iran?
The average cost of a trip to Iran depends on your travel style and preferences. However, spending between $500 and $1,500 for a one to two-week trip is typical.
