There are more than 20 banks in Iran providing financial services to the country’s 80 million population. Nearly ten years ago, you had to carry cash everywhere. Today, thanks to high demand from the young generation and strong competition among banks, most payments are done online. Many payment methods are now available in Iran.

In the last four years, over 20 million tourists visited Iran. If you’re planning a visit, you might wonder: how should you handle your payments? Is carrying cash the best solution, or are there better options?

If you are still abroad, it’s wise to prepare ahead. Learn how to send money to Iran before you arrive.

Debit Cards: The Most Popular Payment Method in Iran

Look inside an Iranian wallet, and you’ll find many plastic debit cards issued by different banks. Statistics show 92% of Iranians have access to debit cards. The country has over 15,000 online portals and 4 million POS terminals, handling 97% of transactions through the Shetab Network.

If you want to manage payments easily, having a debit card is highly recommended. But how can you get one?

Getting a Gift Card from Banks

You can visit a foreign exchange branch (called “Arzi” in Persian) and request a gift card. After showing your passport, the bank will issue a plastic gift card with a maximum balance of 5,000,000 Rials (about 125 USD or 105 Euros). This card works at grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, museums, and more.

You can also set a second password at the bank’s ATM to start using online payment services.

Note: Not all banks issue gift cards to foreigners. So check with the bank first. Many travelers prefer to transfer money to Iran securely in advance to avoid bank visits.

Mah Card: A Convenient Alternative

Mah Card is a startup in Tehran offering prepaid Iranian debit cards for international travelers. You don’t need to visit a bank; the card can be delivered to your hotel or any other location. Mah Card also supports online payments.

When you register for Mah Card, you get insurance against unauthorized purchases and can receive a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. This adds security that cash cannot provide.

Online Services and Payments Are Everywhere Now

The number of startups in Iran has grown rapidly, especially in cities like Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan. You can easily book online taxis, which tend to be safer and cheaper than traditional taxis.

Ordering meals online from traditional and modern restaurants is common, with delivery available almost anywhere. You can pay online for taxis, internet, food, hotels, transportation, art events, and more.

Don’t Forget to Carry Some Cash

While we recommend using debit cards or prepaid cards to stay safe, don’t empty your pockets of cash. Public transportation usually only accepts cash or local electronic cards.

In smaller cities or on highways, internet access may be limited, so cash is still necessary for many transactions.

Growing Fintech Alternatives

Major international payment networks like VISA, Mastercard, and Paypal are not available in Iran. However, local fintech startups are growing quickly.

For example, if you stay longer in Tehran, Phone Pay lets you pay taxi fares via QR code. You top up your mobile wallet once, then just scan the taxi’s QR code to pay instantly.

Want to avoid cash and bank visits? Send money to Iran online with Mah Card, and funds will be delivered in Rials within 24–48 hours.

Final Thoughts

When visiting Iran, payment challenges are minimal. Carry some cash for small expenses, and use debit cards or prepaid cards like Mah Card for secure, easy transactions. Pack your cards and start your adventure in the land of history and art.