Iran introduces debit card system for foreign tourists to ease payments

New banking measure aims to facilitate transactions for visitors and boost tourism amid currency concerns

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – Iran has authorized its banks to issue debit cards for foreign tourists, in a move aimed at improving payment convenience for visitors and enhancing the country’s tourism sector.

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) issued a decree on Saturday allowing public and private banks to provide debit cards to non-resident foreigners. 

These cards, issued in Iranian rials, will enable tourists to pay for goods and services without relying on large amounts of cash, according to a report by Press TV.

Under the new regulation, visitors will be able to convert their foreign currency into rials at official rates approved by the CBI’s exchange platform. 

The converted funds will be deposited into a local account linked to the debit card. 

Upon the card’s expiry, any remaining balance will be reconverted and returned to the tourist, the decree states.

The measure marks a significant shift in how foreign visitors manage their spending in Iran. 

Until now, tourists were often compelled to carry substantial amounts of cash and exchange it on the informal market, often at disadvantageous rates. 

The new system aims to reduce these risks and offer a more secure and regulated financial experience.

However, concerns remain over the attractiveness of the new service. 

Tourists will still be required to exchange currency at rates reportedly 20–30% lower than the free market, which may deter some from opting for the official debit card system.

The policy, initially approved by the CBI in November 2024, comes into effect just days after local media reported a fatal altercation at a hotel in central Tehran, where a foreign tourist allegedly killed a guide during a dispute over currency exchange.

Despite the incident, officials are hopeful that the new debit card system will offer a safer and more reliable financial option for international visitors, ultimately contributing to the growth of Iran’s tourism industry.