In a joint action, Bank Melli and Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) unveiled the first Iranian tourism debit card late last week at the bank’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) branch, and will be issued for all incoming tourists.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the tourism deputy of ICHHTO Morteza Rahmani Movahed, members of Melli Bank board of directors, and the IKIA officials; CHTN reported.
“The Tourist Debit Card was designed with the convenience and security of foreign tourists in mind,” said Rahmani Movahed.
The card will be charged up to $5000 in rials in exchange for foreign currency. The card is valid for a specific period, and can be used to purchase goods or pay for accommodation at any establishment connected to the country’s banking network (Shetab).
Card holders are provided with a username and password to check their balance online and also given two pin codes.
The cards can also be used to withdraw cash from Bank Melli ATMs and transfer money. The card’s expiration date can be adjusted using an ATM.
Balance at the end of the tourist’s stay will be exchanged from the rial based on the day’s exchange rate and returned to the visitor.
