Managing Money in Iran: Iranian Toman vs Rial Explained for Pakistani Zaireen

# Managing Money in Iran: Iranian Toman vs Rial Explained for Pakistani Zaireen One of the most common points of confusion for Pakistani pilgrims arriving in Iran is the currency. In Iran, you will hear people quote prices in **Toman**, yet the printed paper notes read **Rials**. Here is a simple, clear guide to help you manage your funds confidently. --- ## 1. The Core Rule: 1 Toman = 10 Rials The official legal currency printed on government banknotes is the **Iranian Rial (IRR)**. However, because prices in Rials involve many zeros, everyday Iranian shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff quote all prices in **Toman**: - **1 Toman = 10 Rials** (Drop one zero). - **10,000 Tomans = 100,000 Rials**. - **100,000 Tomans = 1,000,000 Rials** (also called 100 Toman colloquially). > **Pro Tip:** Whenever a shopkeeper states a price, always confirm: *"Toman ya Rial?"* (Is this in Toman or Rial?). --- ## 2. Why Pakistani Bank Cards Do Not Work in Iran Due to international banking sanctions: - Standard Pakistani debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, PayPak, UnionPay) **cannot be used** at Iranian point-of-sale machines or ATMs. - You must carry physical cash or obtain a specialized Iranian tourist debit card upon arrival. --- ## 3. Which Currencies Should You Carry from Pakistan? 1. **Pakistani Rupee (PKR):** Accepted at money changers (*Sarafi*) in Qom and Mashhad because of the large Pakistani pilgrim presence. 2. **US Dollars (USD):** Highly liquid and universally convertible anywhere in Iran. Ensure your USD bills are crisp, clean, and printed after 2013 without tears or stamps. 3. **UAE Dirham (AED):** Readily convertible at favorable rates, especially if you transit via Dubai or Sharjah. --- ## 4. Cash Safety Guidelines for Pilgrims - Do not change large sums of money with random street touts. Always use licensed exchange bureaus (**Sarafi**) or exchange through PAK QOM authorized ground staff. - Keep the majority of your cash in your hotel room safe-deposit box, carrying only what you need for daily expenses. - Familiarize yourself with the colors and markings of major Iranian notes before shopping. PAK QOM provides daily indicative Toman/PKR exchange rates and cash guidance for our pilgrim groups. Check our dedicated Currency Exchange portal or message us on WhatsApp for assistance.