Question 1

What is the "Black Market Currency Exchange Fraud" scam in Isfahan?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial money changers near Naghsh-e Jahan Square and the Grand Bazaar offer rates significantly above the official bank rate, exploiting the gap between the official and open-market exchange rates in Iran. Some changers use sleight-of-hand to swap high-denomination notes for counterfeits, or short-count the bundle while distracting visitors. Transactions are illegal and offer no recourse if you are defrauded. Exchange currency only at licensed exchange offices (sarrafi) displaying official certification, or at your hotel. Always count every note immediately and do not let the bundle leave your sight. Avoid anyone who approaches you on the street offering exchange services.

Question 2

What is the "Currency Exchange Confusion (Toman vs Rial)" scam in Isfahan?

Accepted Answer

Iran officially uses the rial, but Iranians commonly quote prices in toman (1 toman = 10 rials), and some vendors deliberately exploit the confusion with foreign visitors. A carpet or souvenir priced at "500" could mean 500 toman, 500 rial, 5,000 toman, or 50,000 toman — a 100x difference. Vendors may also steer tourists away from official sarafi (exchange bureau) rates toward black-market deals that appear favorable but use rigged scales or counterfeit notes. Always clarify whether a price is in toman or rial, and write it down. Use licensed sarafi exchange bureaus on Chahar Bagh Abbas Avenue rather than street exchangers. Count all notes carefully before leaving any exchange point.

Money & ATM Scams in Isfahan

Black Market Currency Exchange Fraud

Currency Exchange Confusion (Toman vs Rial)

Experienced a scam here?