Restrictions on money exchange enforced to balance the forex market in Iran may have side effects on the inflow of currency by incoming travelers who may be discouraged by news of the difficulties, warranting special attention by authorities to find a fix.
Around two months ago, the Central Bank of Iran introduced new forex regulations by which exchange shops where banned from activity and foreign tourists were directed to select banks to receive rials.
This, however, has caused trouble, although minor, for inbound tourists whose decision to travel to Iran is already on shaky grounds.
According to Ali Sadrnia, a top member of the Iran Tourist Guides Association, the new process will lead to misunderstandings and lack of trust among foreign tourists.
"Most tourists are encouraged by verbal accounts of previous travelers and if news of these challenges spread outside the country, it could be a negative advertisement for Iran," he said in a talk with ISNA.
Challenges
Elaborating on the type of challenges, the official categorized incoming travelers into two groups: package holidaymakers and independent travelers.
The first group is often directed by tour guides to branches of authorized banks in airports to change their money which is a safe method.
What might cause discontent for this group is the rather time-consuming process of "filling in forms and waiting in queues," according to Sadrnia.
"Those on package tours less often need to exchange because they have already paid for much of their expenses and might only need rials to buy souvenirs," he explained.
Nevertheless, many foreigners are aware of the difference between the official and free market exchange rates in Iran and do not welcome referral to banks.
"They prefer to go for illegal dealers, instead, which will not be risk-free," he said.
With nobody to give them guidance, individual travelers are at greater risk of being lured by dealers who appear everywhere offering better exchange rates.
Sadrnia called for a procedure with which foreign tourists can easily and safely exchange their money at reasonable rates.
"The case of foreign travelers does not involve the outflow of currency which requires restrictions to be controlled," he reminded.
The fact that tour operators are rewarded each year as the best exporters shows that tourism's potential to bring in currency is well recognized by authorities, he noted.
"So, why are travel agents not given authority in this regard?"
Ali Asghar Mounesan, head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, has pledged to discuss the matter with CBI officials to find a solution.
