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Few scams

Southern Asia

Tourist scams in Iran

Iran is described as a relatively low-crime country, but taxi overcharging, counterfeit money, fake police and theft can affect visitors. Take extra care when arranging fares, exchanging cash or moving through crowded bazaars, buses and places of worship. The frequency of most scams is not clear.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonInflated taxi faresDrivers in Isfahan may start by asking for at least twice the usual fare. In Mashhad, taxis inside the bus terminal cost more than those outside. A high opening price can catch visitors who do not know the usual fare.Isfahan, Mashhad 3Read
  2. 2 Buses and trainsCommonAirport shuttle overcharging and luggage extrasShuttle drivers may inflate the fare or demand extra money for luggage even when there is space. Bags that occupy another passenger seat can also lead to an extra charge.Tehran 1Read
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowdsA thief takes money or belongings from a pocket or bag while you are in a crowd. Busy transport and places of worship need particular care.Crowded bazaars, buses and other busy areas across Iran; places of worship, including Mashhad's Holy Shrine 1Read
  4. 4 Fake officialsOccasionalFake police demanding documents or a searchUniformed men in unmarked cars show fake identification. They ask to see your passport or search your luggage. Their appearance can make them hard to distinguish from real police.Tehran, Isfahan 3Read
  5. 5 Changing moneyOccasionalCounterfeit cash from street money changersIndividuals offering currency exchange on the street may give you counterfeit money. These street exchanges carry greater risk than using a licensed exchange office.Tehran 1Read
  6. 6 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor hotel currency-exchange ratesHotels that exchange money may offer much worse rates than local money changers. This is a poor-value exchange rather than necessarily fraud.Mashhad 1Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalMuggingMuggings occur in Iran, although the country is described as relatively low-crime. No particular method or location is identified.Across the country 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Ferdosi Street, TehranStreet money changers may offer counterfeit cash. Use a licensed exchange office.
  • Imam Khomeini International Airport, TehranShared shuttle taxis serving Shahed metro station may overcharge or add luggage fees.
  • Shahed metro station, TehranThe airport shuttle route is linked to inflated fares and extra luggage charges.
  • Holy Shrine, MashhadCrowds at this place of worship create a small risk of pickpocketing.
  • Imam Reza Bus Station, MashhadTaxi fares can be lower outside the terminal than inside.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on the total fare before departure, including luggage and extra seats.
  • Check whether you are paying for one shared seat or the whole taxi.
  • Use Snapp or Tap30 where available to see a fare before booking.
  • At Imam Khomeini International Airport, ask at the taxi counter.

Money

  • Ask whether a price is in rials or tomans. One toman equals 10 rials.
  • Use licensed exchange offices and ask to see the licence.
  • Compare rates and confirm the total cash you will receive.
  • Avoid street money changers on Tehran's Ferdosi Street.
  • Check hotel exchange rates against other options before accepting.

Cards and ATMs

  • Plan for Western credit and debit cards not to work in Iran.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available offline.
  • Be aware that using a foreign card or checking an account online can lead to a card or account block.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and close to your body in bazaars, buses and places of worship.
  • Avoid keeping your phone or wallet in an exposed pocket.
  • Leave unnecessary valuables in a secure hotel safe.
  • Keep a separate copy of your passport and important contact details.

Police and officials

  • Be cautious when someone in an unmarked car flashes an ID and demands documents or a luggage search.
  • If an approach feels unsafe, head to a police station.
  • Save 110 for police assistance. English-speaking operators are available.

What travellers say about Iran

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Iran?

Iran is described as relatively low-crime. Taxi overcharging, counterfeit currency, fake police and theft are reported, but the frequency of most scams is unclear.

How can I avoid paying too much for a taxi?

Agree on the total price before departure. Confirm whether it covers one shared seat or the whole car. Compare quotes or use an app with an advance price.

Can airport shuttle drivers charge extra for bags?

On Tehran's airport shuttle route to Shahed metro station, drivers may demand luggage fees even when there is space. Confirm the total first and avoid occupying another seat with your bag.

What should I do if someone claiming to be police wants my passport?

Fake police have targeted visitors in Tehran and Isfahan. Be cautious about men in unmarked cars flashing IDs and demanding documents or searches. If you feel unsafe, head to a police station or call 110.

Where should I watch for pickpockets?

Keep belongings secure in crowded bazaars, buses and places of worship. Mashhad's Holy Shrine is specifically linked to a small pickpocketing risk.

Is it safe to exchange money on the street?

Avoid street money changers on Tehran's Ferdosi Street. They may offer counterfeit notes. Use a licensed exchange office and ask to see its licence.

Will my Western bank card work in Iran?

Western credit and debit cards do not work in Iran. Using a foreign card or checking your account online can also lead to a card or account block. Plan how you will pay before arrival.

Why do prices in rials and tomans look different?

One toman equals 10 rials. Ask which unit a seller or driver means before agreeing to pay. A difference in units does not by itself mean someone is scamming you.

Should I exchange money at my hotel?

Compare rates first. Hotels in Mashhad may offer much worse rates than local money changers. Confirm the full amount you will receive before handing over cash.

Who should I contact after a theft?

Report it to police on 110 or at a police station. English-speaking operators are available on 110. Also contact your card issuer for stolen cards, your embassy or consulate for a stolen passport, and your insurer.

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