For many Iranians, crypto for Iranians, a practical workaround for economic isolation and currency collapse. Also known as digital dollar alternatives, it’s not about speculation—it’s about survival. With the rial losing value fast and international banking cut off, Bitcoin and stablecoins like USDT have become the closest thing to a reliable store of value. People use them to pay for medicine, send money home, or buy essentials online—anything that traditional finance won’t touch.
This isn’t theoretical. Real users in Tehran, Mashhad, and Tabriz are trading on platforms like Coinlocally, a peer-to-peer exchange that lets Iranians bypass blocked banks. But it’s risky: no regulation, no insurance, and reports of frozen funds. That’s why knowing the difference between a real exchange and a scam is critical. Many fake airdrops—like the fake ART Campaign, a phantom token project pretending to be from Around Network—target Iranians because they’re desperate for free crypto. Real airdrops don’t ask for private keys. They don’t promise instant riches. And they’re never promoted through Telegram bots that vanish after you send funds.
Gas fees on Ethereum can be too high for small transactions, so many Iranians turn to lower-cost chains like BSC or Arbitrum. But even then, they need to understand how Ethereum gas fees, the cost to move crypto on the network work, or they’ll lose money before they even start. Some use Divi or other mobile-friendly coins because their wallets are simple enough for non-tech users. Others stick to USDT because it’s the most liquid option available—even if it’s not perfect.
And then there’s the legal gray zone. While Iran hasn’t banned crypto outright, it doesn’t protect users either. If your funds disappear on an unregulated platform, there’s no recourse. The FATF greylist, a global list of high-risk jurisdictions includes Iran, which means even legitimate exchanges may block Iranian users. That’s why so many rely on decentralized tools—no middleman, no freeze button. But that also means no help if something goes wrong.
You’ll find posts here that expose fake airdrops, warn about broken exchanges, and break down how real crypto tools work under pressure. No fluff. No hype. Just what people in Iran are actually using—and what they’re avoiding. If you’re trying to protect your money, avoid scams, or just understand how crypto fits into daily life here, this collection is built for you.
Iranian citizens use crypto exchanges to bypass banking sanctions. In 2025, Nobitex dominates locally but is risky after a $90M hack. International platforms like MEXC, KuCoin, and XT.com remain accessible with KYC, while DAI on Polygon is replacing USDT as the preferred stablecoin.