Tour & Activity Scams in Isfahan, Iran

How it works

Individuals without official guide credentials position themselves at the entrances to the Bazar-e Bozorg and the Jameh Mosque, offering to give informal tours in exchange for a "small tip" or "whatever you like." Once the tour ends, they demand large sums and may become aggressive or block exit if the payment is disputed. Some lead tourists specifically to shops where they earn commission, providing minimal actual historical information.

How it works

Unofficial individuals near the entrances of Ali Qapu Palace and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque claim that photography inside requires a special paid permit beyond the standard admission ticket. They may display unofficial-looking badges and collect cash fees of 100,000–500,000 IRR. Official Iranian heritage sites include standard photography rights in the entrance ticket, and no separate cash payment to an individual is ever legitimate.