What to use instead of credit cards in Iran?

What to use instead of credit cards in Iran? - Happy young couple doing purchase on Internet together at home

I've read that it's not possible to pay for stuff by international credit card like debit cards. What do you recommend to do in such a situation? As far as carrying a lot of money is not safe at all.



Best Answer

No Visa, MasterCard, etc do not work in Iran. There is a national debit card system called Shetab. And all the Iranian banks and many credit unions are members of Shetab. So basically if you buy a Shetab card from any bank, you will be good. Bank Pasargad is one of them. And here is a page that shows a bank Pasargad gift card.

However, You cannot buy it online. Once you land in Iran, you may exchange your foreign currency to IRR (Iranian Rial) and buy a gift card either at the airport or ask your hotel reception to help you get one.




Pictures about "What to use instead of credit cards in Iran?"

What to use instead of credit cards in Iran? - Person Paying Using Her Smartwatch
What to use instead of credit cards in Iran? - Man browsing smartphone and holding credit card on street
What to use instead of credit cards in Iran? - Focused young male in warm outerwear and hat standing near modern building with takeaway coffee and using smartphone while making online shopping with credit card



Do people in Iran have credit cards?

Does Iran have credit cards? Yes, there are a number of providers who arrange short term travel debit cards (like Mah card and Daricpay) for international tourists in Iran.

Which card is available in Iran?

Mah Card is accepted everywhere in Iran. Use your MahCard at hotels, hostels, restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment venues, ATMs and more.

What can I use instead of a credit card?

8 Alternatives to a Credit Card Advance
  • Loan From Friends or Family. Consider asking folks close to you for a free or low-interest short-term loan. ...
  • 401(k) Loan. ...
  • Roth IRA. ...
  • Bank Personal Loan. ...
  • Collateral Loan. ...
  • Salary Advance. ...
  • Peer-to-Peer Loan. ...
  • Payday or Title Loan.


What payment methods are available in Iran?

Debit Cards: The most popular payment method in Iran! The statics reveal 92% debit card access among Iranians and there are more than 15 thousand online portals and 4 million POS terminals which takes 97% of all total transactions within the country.



Currency Solutions | Debit Credit and ATM Cards in Iran for Travelers | How to apply




More answers regarding what to use instead of credit cards in Iran?

Answer 2

With the latest sanctions against Iran (i.e.: SWIFT disconnecting them), cash would be your safest bet.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Ivan Samkov, Anete Lusina, Anete Lusina