Is it safe to withdraw cash in Iran or not?
In Isfahan, I used an ATM attached to a shopping center at around 8:30 PM. It worked fine, but there wasn’t much foot traffic. Safety-wise, Iran felt peaceful, but logistical hurdles with ATMs are the real issue for foreigners.
Cash withdrawals in Iran are a local affair - you can’t use Western debit or credit cards. I topped up my tourist debit card before sundown and avoided carrying large amounts at night. The streets felt safe but not ideal for transactions after dark.
Iran’s banking system is isolated, so I had to rely on a MahCard prepaid debit card. I used it successfully at an ATM in Shiraz late in the evening - no problems. Still, most travelers exchange money at licensed exchanges during the day.
In Tehran, I withdrew cash from a Bank Melli ATM around 9 PM near Valiasr Street. It was attached to a busy grocery and there were plenty of people around. ATM safety in Iran at night was no issue in central zones, though you’ll need a local card - foreign cards don’t work.