‘Rial’ is the currency of Iran and her capital city, Tehran. Internationally it’s abbreviated as RI or Ris. The notes and coin of Rial comes in the following denominations:

• Notes:
  
  100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 rials Coins: 5, 10, 50, 100 and 250 rials

  While dealing the people of Tehran use the old currency unit called ‘toman’ where 10 rials are equivalent to one ‘toman’. For any sort of bill payment, to avoid inconvenience, it’s advisable to carry cash. In some places Master Card are accepted; however, the interest rate charged is around 4%. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Tehran international airport, foreign exchange banks and other money exchangers. There are a number of counters opened in the airport where the currencies can be exchanged easily. The exchange rate varies largely everyday and depends on the money market. For the benefit and convenience of the foreign tourists the transactions in the hotels and travel tour operators are done by US dollars.

  A valid passport for at least six months is the prerequisite. Visa is also required to enter Tehran, barring the following circumstances:
  
  Residents of Turkey can stay in Iran for three months without visa. Singaporeans and Malaysians can put up in Tehran for two weeks without a visa; however, hey should obtain it before the period terminates.

• Tourist/ business/ pilgrimage visa:
  
  For a stay of one these visas should be obtained. These remain valid for three months from the date of issue. It generally takes four weeks to acquire it. Pilgrimage visa takes less number of weeks. People desiring to put up in Tehran for more than 3 months should apply for the temporary residence permit. The applications should be made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Police Headquarters in Tehran within eight days of arrival. The required documents are as follows: two copies of the visa form, the exact fee, each day’s itinerary, 2 passport size photographs, invitation letter, valid passport and the two way ticket.

• Transit visa:
  
  This visa is valid for just five days. For renewing it further one should approach the Iranian embassy. The procedures are the same as the other visa.

• Student visa:
  
  Mark sheets proving the educational qualification, sponsored bank’s letter, valid passport, acceptance letter of the particular educational institute and visa fee are the chief documents required for obtaining a student visa.

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