When people in Iran want to buy Nobitex, Iran’s most-used cryptocurrency exchange that lets users trade digital assets with Iranian rials. It’s not just another platform—it’s one of the few ways locals can access Bitcoin and other coins without relying on global exchanges that block them. Unlike Coinbase or Binance, Nobitex operates inside Iran’s financial restrictions, letting users deposit and withdraw in Rials through local banks. But that also means it’s not subject to international oversight, and users have little legal protection if things go wrong.
Nobitex isn’t just a trading site—it’s tied to Iran’s broader crypto ecosystem. Many users rely on it to convert crypto into cash for daily expenses, especially as inflation eats away at the rial’s value. The platform supports a handful of major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, and it’s known for fast local transfers. But it also has a reputation for slow customer service, occasional downtime, and unclear rules around withdrawals. There’s no insurance for funds, no official headquarters you can visit, and no public audit records. If your funds get stuck, there’s often no recourse.
Other exchanges like Coinlocally, an unregulated platform with zero fees but frequent user complaints about frozen accounts or Nanex, a Nano-focused exchange that shut down after months of inactivity have come and gone. Nobitex has stuck around because it fills a real need: access. But that doesn’t make it safe. Many users treat it like a necessary risk—like buying groceries from a corner store with no license. You get what you need, but you’re on your own if something breaks.
What you’ll find below are real user experiences, breakdowns of its fees, comparisons with other local options, and warnings about scams that mimic Nobitex’s name. Some posts expose how Iranian traders use it to bypass sanctions. Others detail frozen withdrawals and app crashes. There’s no sugarcoating here—just facts from people who’ve been through it.
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.