Because of sanctions Iran does not have access to Western banking systems.  This means I could not use any Western debit or credit cards.  I needed to bring in all the money I would need in cash.  At the time I went to Iran I was not fully aware of how volatile the rial was and how much the exchange rate had risen so I arrived with far more euros than I needed.  At first I was anxious about having that much cash but very quickly I felt completely safe, and, except when travelling between cities, I left my money belt locked in my suitcase at the hotel.

I am not good with money that has lots of 0000s so I found the currency difficult at first.  The bank notes are in rial but most Iranians operate using toman which is effectively chopping off one 0.  It is said that tourists operate with rial and Iranians with toman.  Once I had been in Iran for a few days it got easier because I got an idea of what things were likely to cost.  Also, my guide was always willing to help.

I was told that for major purchases like art, jewellery or carpet it may be possible to use $ or euros or even a credit card but to make sure I knew what the commission charge would be.  I found most people in bazaars and shops selling expensive handicrafts were good at converting prices into $US and euros.  However, for me, I did not find that useful as I had got the hang of converting to AUD and didn’t want to do another conversion.