which sanctions apply to the average US citizen tourist visiting Iran?
Mar 16, 2014, 8:37 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT / 2MM
Posts: 2,113
If you're asking whether there are any Cuba-style travel bans/restrictions, there are none.
Mar 16, 2014, 9:07 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 1,894
Credit cards and bank cards cannot be used in Iran. It is easy to exchange U.S. dollars for rials, either at banks or with certified money changers; however, you will not be able to access U.S. bank accounts using ATMs in Iran. While in Iran, avoid accessing a U.S. bank account via the internet, since the account will immediately be frozen or blocked by the bank due to U.S. government economic sanctions. Traveler’s checks can be difficult to exchange. Bring enough hard currency to cover your stay, but make sure you declare this currency upon entry. There is no Western Union or similar institution and bank transfers may not be possible.
Mar 16, 2014, 10:28 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 89
Mar 17, 2014, 10:37 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT / 2MM
Posts: 2,113
2) $100 per person limit. I've read online that people who want to bring back something expensive like a carpet will have the Iranian merchants send the goods to you in the US via some other neutral country like the UAE.
Mar 17, 2014, 10:52 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,305
The Chinese do business with Iran every day laughing all the way to the bank at the west's sanctions.
Mar 27, 2014, 10:56 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SNA
Programs: UA,DL,AA,Hilton,Starwood, Hyatt, Marriott,Taj, Shangrila
Posts: 9
You cannot use your credit cards for hotels, meals, sights, gas etc. Many stores selling expensive goods (rugs, jewelry, etc) have deals with businesses in other countries to run credit cards for an additional fee. Carry all purchases with you. Only change $$$ at recommended dealers. As Americans we had to have a guide(handler) with us every day, but we went out freely at night. Also watch how things are quoted we got confused on arrival about rials and tomans. Rials are the currency but a toman is 10 rials. You will get quotes both ways. In Tehran make sure to see the jewels in their version of the federal reserve.
Apr 9, 2014, 9:53 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: LAX
Posts: 18
You cannot use your credit cards for hotels, meals, sights, gas etc. Many stores selling expensive goods (rugs, jewelry, etc) have deals with businesses in other countries to run credit cards for an additional fee. Carry all purchases with you. Only change $$$ at recommended dealers. As Americans we had to have a guide(handler) with us every day, but we went out freely at night. Also watch how things are quoted we got confused on arrival about rials and tomans. Rials are the currency but a toman is 10 rials. You will get quotes both ways. In Tehran make sure to see the jewels in their version of the federal reserve.
I see your location as SNA - I'm in BUR and am very interested in visiting Iran. Did you use a local agency to book your tour? Or can you recommend a reputable group to sign up with?
Thanks!