How much cash should I bring to Iran?

Bring $3,000–$5,000 in clean USD or EUR bills for your first 2–3 months. This covers apartment deposit (rahn), furnishing, SIM card, and daily expenses while you establish local banking. You can arrange future cash deliveries through trusted contacts or crypto.

Can I ship my furniture to Iran?

Yes, but it's often not worth it due to shipping costs and customs hassles. Furniture is very affordable in Iran — a basic apartment furnishing (bed, sofa, kitchen essentials) costs $500–$1,000 locally. Ship only items with sentimental or high replacement value.

What should I NOT bring to Iran?

Alcohol (strictly prohibited), pork products, non-Islamic religious proselytizing materials, political literature critical of the government, and drones (require special permits). Women should pack hijab-appropriate clothing for public wear.

How do I get a phone and internet?

Buy a prepaid SIM card from Irancell or MCI at the airport or any phone shop ($5–$10). Data packages are cheap — about $5–$10/month for generous data. Home internet is arranged through your landlord or ISPs like Shatel and Asiatech.

Is it hard to adjust to life in Iran?

The biggest adjustments are: no alcohol, mandatory hijab for women, internet censorship requiring VPN, cash-only economy for international transactions, and language barrier (Farsi). The positives — hospitality, affordability, cultural richness — typically outweigh the challenges within a few weeks.

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🇮🇷 Iran

Moving Guide

4–8 weeks

Shipping Time

Sea freight to Bandar Abbas

$3,000–$5,000

Cash to Bring

For first 2–3 months

$5–$10

SIM Card

Irancell or MCI

2–4 weeks

Setup Time

Housing + essentials

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Tehran 🕌Isfahan

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Iran requires careful planning around sanctions, banking, and cultural adaptation. Unlike moves to most countries, you cannot rely on international moving companies, bank transfers, or online services working as expected. Bringing sufficient cash, arranging local support, and managing expectations about internet and banking are the three most important preparations.

Key Takeaways

Visa: arrange your work/business visa or confirm visa-on-arrival eligibility
Airport: arrive at IKA (Tehran) — visa on arrival desk is before immigration, exchange shops are in arrivals
Sea freight: main route to Bandar Abbas port — 4–8 weeks from Europe, longer from Americas

Pre-Departure Checklist

Preparing for a move to Iran is more involved than most international relocations due to sanctions and banking restrictions. Start planning 2–3 months before your move date. The most critical step is ensuring you have enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your first few months, as international transfers are effectively impossible.

Visa: arrange your work/business visa or confirm visa-on-arrival eligibility
Cash: bring $3,000–$5,000 in clean, undamaged USD bills (post-2006 preferred) or EUR
Insurance: arrange travel insurance from a provider that covers Iran (most don't)
VPN: download and configure VPN apps before arrival — app stores may be restricted in Iran
Medications: bring a 3–6 month supply of any prescription drugs with documentation
Documents: authenticated degree certificates, work contracts, passport photos (women: with hijab for Iranian documents)
Electrical: Iran uses Type C/F plugs (European-style) at 220V — bring adapters
Cultural prep: read about taarof, dress codes, and Islamic Republic social norms

First Week in Iran

Your first week should focus on essentials: getting a SIM card, exchanging currency, finding temporary accommodation, and beginning the apartment search. Having an Iranian contact, colleague, or fixer to help navigate these first days is almost essential — everything is in Farsi and the bureaucratic processes are unfamiliar.

Airport: arrive at IKA (Tehran) — visa on arrival desk is before immigration, exchange shops are in arrivals
SIM card: get Irancell or MCI at the airport or a phone shop — $5–$10 for a prepaid SIM with data
Currency exchange: exchange USD/EUR at a licensed sarafi (exchange shop) — avoid airport rates
Temporary housing: book a hotel or guesthouse for 1–2 weeks while apartment hunting
Snapp app: download Iran's Uber equivalent immediately — essential for getting around
Registration: register with local police (FARAJA) within 8 days if on a long-term visa
Bank account: open a local account if you have a residence permit — Parsian Bank is expat-friendly

Shipping & Customs

Shipping personal belongings to Iran is possible but complicated by sanctions. Many international moving companies won't service Iran. Sea freight to Bandar Abbas (main port) takes 4–8 weeks from Europe. Customs clearance can be slow and requires documentation in Farsi.

Sea freight: main route to Bandar Abbas port — 4–8 weeks from Europe, longer from Americas
Air freight: faster but significantly more expensive — limited to essential items
Customs duties: personal effects are generally duty-free if accompanied by a detailed inventory
Electronics: laptops, phones, and tablets may be subject to customs duty if new
Prohibited items: alcohol, pork products, non-Islamic religious materials, political materials
Specialty movers: seek companies experienced with Iran — AGS Movers and some Middle East specialists
Consider buying furnishings locally — furniture is affordable and readily available in Iran

FAQs