We have booked to go to Iran - anyone else been?

[BubblesBuddy]

We are going on an escorted trip. A holiday like this obviously has some challenges with culture and customs. Any tips and shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I gave good advice, don't illegally change money.

Thank you so much for all the advice. It’s been a great read.

We are just not sure how we will get cash. I’m not one for illeagal currency transactions. Hopefully their agents will know what to do. We tend to take $ with us everywhere but whether they will be much use in Iran after the mess with Trump is another matter. I think you do need cash for taxis and small purchases such as drinks. I also heard standard credit cards are not accepted. Hopefully Exodus will tell us. It seems it’s a fluid situation.

Exodus were cheaper for an escorted tour than other companies. We were not going to do DIY for this.

Everything I have is linen or cotton. Not sure what to do about the trench coat cover up though. Buy one there?

I just got a cheap thing off boohoo or similar, but it is fun to look once you're there. Mine was 100% polyester and black, but I was still ok.

We took USD and changed them at exchange places in the towns -- not dodgy or illegal or anything, that was fine.

The exchange bureaux have closed - so I’m lead to believe. That’s the problem. Not sure about banks though and what they will/can exchange.

I exchanged cash at official govt outlets but all the backpackers I spoke to in hostels used the unofficial ones to get a better rate. You'll be fine with either - it's not a huge difference in rate between govt and unofficial.

They shops didn't take credit cards so you have to carry cash. I wanted to buy a silk rug so ended up logging into my UK Lloyds account via the web and transferred uk cash into the shop owner's friend's UK bank account. Some of the shops accepted credit cards and did the transactions via Dubai or similar. Shop owners are resourceful in finding ways to accept your cash!

Oh sorry! I went in 2015 so of course plenty of my advice will be out of date!!

Some recent advice from Lonely Planet's thorntree:
"Hello and welcome in advance .
Since 1 week ago meli and saman banks are allowed to change dollar,euro and pound for travelers with the government rate .also you can get this rate in airport banks in arrival floor also.”

www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/middle-east/iran/changing-money-in-iran-bureau-de-change-closed

Or for 40% more change it at your hotel's reception. The choice is yours.

Following enviously.

Thanks for that Spicy. It’s a fast moving scenario! I think we will take $ and Euros. I doubt we will buy a rug!

I’m so very envious OP.

You definitely wouldn't be the first person to buy a rug having not planned to do so!

New and clean USD and EUR is a sound idea for the whole world.

Incidentally, Lonely Planet's thorntree is probably the best place to go if you ever have an obscure question about a particular country. Mumsnet is better if it involves kids though.