TEHRAN – Iran’s central banking authorities have officially rolled out a comprehensive financial framework introducing dedicated, rechargeable debit cards for international visitors.
 The initiative is designed to eliminate payment hurdles for foreign nationals traveling across the country for tourism, specialized medical care, religious pilgrimages, market evaluations, or commercial ventures, giving them direct access to the nation’s cash-light economy.
Under the new policy, travelers entering Iran through major international airports or overland border checkpoints can acquire local currency (Rial) cards immediately upon arrival. Financial services are accessible through brick-and-mortar bank branches, 24-hour service kiosks, licensed currency exchange offices, and automated self-service card distribution machines.
Currency conversion rates for funding these cards are calculated based on competitive rates negotiated directly between the visitor and the issuing financial institution or exchange office. To ensure greater operational flexibility than previous iterations, the updated system allows each foreign national to hold up to two active tourist cards simultaneously.
The cards remain valid for the entire duration of the visitor’s entry visa and can be extended for up to six months from the initial date of arrival. In the event of a lost, stolen, or damaged card, travelers can request an immediate replacement by visiting any participating financial institution.
The tourist cards are integrated into the national electronic payment infrastructure, enabling visitors to pay for hotel stays, medical bills, transport, retail shopping, and online services anywhere in the country.
Cardholders can easily reload their balances throughout their stay at any authorized exchange vendor, with high concentrations of top-up facilities strategically located across major tourist centers and pilgrimage hubs.
For travelers who purchase a local Iranian SIM card registered in their name, the system offers real-time digital account management. Users receive immediate SMS alerts for all transactions, alongside access to mobile banking applications that display current Rial balances, recent transaction logs, and live foreign currency equivalents.
Upon completing their trip, visitors can convert any remaining unused Rial balance back into foreign currency at prevailing rates before departing the country. Alternatively, frequent travelers to Iran are permitted to retain their active cards, keeping unused funds stored for subsequent visits within the approved visa validity period.