Historical archive, first published 15 August 2018. This article examines how currency movements and U.S. sanctions influenced travel-cost comparisons in 2018. Its figures are not current fares, hotel rates, exchange rates or offers. Travel advisory checked 26 October 2026: the U.S. Department of State advises Level 4: Do Not Travel (advisory dated 23 October 2026), and the UK FCDO advises against all travel. Check your own government’s latest guidance before making any decisions.
Contents
What changed in 2018?
The United States announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on 8 May 2018. After a wind-down period, some U.S. sanctions were reimposed on 7 August 2018; others followed on 5 November 2018. The timeline is documented by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The rial’s depreciation changed how some prices appeared when converted into foreign currencies, but the effect on individual travelers was never as simple as a universal discount.
Transport costs in the 2018 comparison
The original article compared nominal bus, train and flight prices in March and August 2018. The table is retained for historical context, with U.S.-dollar conversions recalculated from the exchange rates and rial figures shown. The underlying 2018 fares have not been independently verified and must not be used for booking. For context, see the archived Imam Khomeini International Airport guide and Iranian currency guide.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$ (FREE MARKET RATE) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| Bus Tehran to Isfahan | 400000 | ~ $8.85 |
| Train Tehran to Yazd | 700000 | ~ $15.49 |
| Flight Tehran to Shiraz | 450000 | ~ $9.96* |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| Bus Tehran to Isfahan | 400000 | ~ $3.85 |
| Train Tehran to Yazd | 700000 | ~ $6.73 |
| Flight Tehran to Shiraz | 450000 | ~ $4.33* |
*The 2018 flight conversion in the original article was arithmetically inconsistent: IRR 450,000 divided by 45,200 is about USD 9.96, not USD 99.55; divided by 104,000 it is about USD 4.33, not USD 43. The source fare itself requires verification. All figures are archival.
Accommodation prices: a historical example
The comparison below uses a fixed hypothetical rial room price and two 2018 exchange rates. It does not establish what any hotel actually charged then or charges now. The original article referenced Abbasi Hotel, Saraye Ameriha and another Abbasi Hotel listing; availability and payment terms must be checked separately.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$ (FREE MARKET) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| A Double Room in a 4 star hotel (Tehran) | 7300000 | ~ $15.491.5 |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| A Double Room in a 4 star hotel (Tehran) | 7300000 | ~ $70.19 |
Persian carpets and souvenir prices
Handmade Persian carpets are valued for their weaving traditions and distinctive designs. A currency conversion alone cannot establish the retail value of a carpet. Export and import restrictions, including sanctions, can also affect whether an item may legally be purchased, transported or imported. The example below is preserved as an unverified 2018 comparison.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$ (FREE MARKET) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| 6 Square meter Persian Rug | ~ 70000000 | ~ $15.4900.00 |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| 6 Square meter Persian Rug | ~ 70000000 | ~ $673.08 |
Tour prices in the original 2018 article
The tour-cost examples below were published in 2018 and should not be interpreted as available itineraries or current prices. For general information about the company’s tours, the original article linked to SURFIRAN tours.
| SERVICE | FEE (RIAL) | US$(FREE MARKET RATE) |
| March 2018 (~ $1= 45200 IRR) | ||
| Private Tours (13 Days Tour Deep Desert & Historical Cities For 2Pax) | 123396000 (Per Person) | ~ $2730.00 (Per Person) |
| Private Tour(25 Days Historical Tour For 2 Pax ) | 215152000 (Per Person) | ~ $4760.00 (Per Person) |
| August 2018 (~ $1= 104000 IRR) | ||
| Private Tours (13 Day Tour Deep Desert & Historical Cities For 2Pax) | 123396000 (Per Person) | ~ $1186.5 (Per Person) |
| Private Tour (25 Days Historical Tour For 2 Pax ) | 215152000 (Per Person) | ~ $2,068.77 (Per Person) |
Why the 2018 figures cannot guide a trip in 2026
Exchange rates, inflation, hotel policies, transport availability, border rules and international sanctions have all changed since this article appeared. The figures above are kept to explain a historical moment, not to recommend travel or claim that Iran is inexpensive or safe today.
Travel safety and entry requirements today
As of 26 October 2026, U.S. authorities advise Americans not to travel to Iran and warn about wrongful detention and the absence of a U.S. embassy in the country. The UK advises against all travel and warns that consular assistance may be severely limited. Travelers should consult their government’s official advice and verify visa, insurance and payment rules; guided itineraries do not remove these risks. The original article’s statement that U.S. citizens could visit “with no problem” was inaccurate and has been removed.
Related archival reading
For background, the original article linked to a solo female traveler’s account, U.S. visitor visa information, the Kish travel guide, money exchange guide, shopping and price guide, travel tips and UK visitor information. These pages are not substitutes for official, current travel advisories.
Editorial note: Original publication date and historical tables have been retained. Mathematical conversions have been corrected, but underlying 2018 prices and image reuse rights still require documentary verification. Sources: OFAC, U.S. State Department and UK FCDO.
