Let’s imagine you’re travelling to Shiraz, the city of Art, Literature and History in south-western Iran. You’re expecting to see one of the most ancient cities of the world and feel the spirit of an eastern life walking in the Pink Mosque and Persepolis. But when it comes to budgeting, everything gets complicated, so if you’re seeking a cheap travel to Iran; Don’t worry! you can do a lot with $10 in your pocket. So let’s see how far a $10 can get us in Shiraz!

Cheap travel to Iran: Dollar vs Rial

It was nearly more than 5 years that each US dollar equalled 50,000 Rials. But recently due to the domestic economic crisis and American sanctions; Dollar’s value increased suddenly to more than 1,300,000 Rials. $10 would be around 1,300,000 Rials. (also see the post on Iran’s Currency)

Let’s get started with our $10

Balance: 130,000 Rials

1- Take a Taxi

There are three kinds of Taxis in Shiraz. Public Taxis, Internet Taxis and Private Taxis. A public taxi will take you to the city centre of Shiraz (Bazaar Area) with just 40,000 rials.

Balance: 1,260,000 Rials

2- Buy souvenirs

Shiraz Bazaar is one of the best bazaars in Iran with so many choices in Iranian Art & handcrafts. The prices differ a lot but imagine buying this beautiful box of jewellery just for 260,000 Rials for your mom back at home.

Balance: 1,000,000 Rials

3- Have a Faloode

Faloode is the famous dessert in Shiraz. It’s some kind of a tasty ice-cream with traditional flavours on it. There are many shops selling Faloode and there are some famous ones around Sa’adi Shrine. each Faloode will cost you around 30,000 Rials.
You can also have a tea with rock candies in the bazaar for 30,000 Rials.

Balance: 970,000 Rials

4- Don’t miss Iranian Nuts

Since Iran is the biggest producer of great nuts like pistachios, they use nuts as a daily routine. Buy a 200 gr pack of nuts for 200,000 Rials and have a healthy snack while walking in the ancient bazaar.

Balance: 770,000 Rials

5- Eat launch in a Cafe

Shiraz is the well-known city of Cafes in Iran. there are so many Iranian style cafes here and there. As an example, a Chicken Salad in Ferdowsi Cafe will cost you 200,000 Rials.

Balance: 570,000 Rials

6- Buy a Hafiz poems book

Shiraz is the city of great poets. Sa’adi, Hafiz & so many others. If you like to touch the Persian spirit of poems you can find an English version of Hafiz for 250,000 Rials.

Balance: 220,000 Rials

Let’s Review!

With  $10 in Shiraz you can:

• Take a Taxi
• Buy souvenirs
• Have a Faloode
• Get a pack of healthy Iranian snacks
• Have a great chicken salad in a Cafe
• Buy some books
• and still, have 220,000 Rials!

After the recent crisis in the Iranian economy, It’s very economical to experience Iranian culture. With a $200 budget, you can easily handle all the prices of 6 days stay in Shiraz. So, let’s pack and schedule the trip to Iran.