Iraq

Iraq

Iraq is the cradle of civilization where writing, cities, and law were born. Babylon's ancient walls, Ur's 4,000-year-old ziggurat, and Baghdad's Abbasid legacy await intrepid travelers. Iraqi Kurdistan offers safety, stunning mountains, and the ancient Erbil Citadel - one of the world's longest continuously inhabited places.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay14 days
Budget$40/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$250/day

Known For

iraqmesopotamiababylonerbilkurdistanbaghdadcradle_of_civilizationzigguraturancient_historycitadelmarshesbasranajafkarbalareligious_tourismoff_the_beaten_pathadventureemerging_destinationzagros_mountains

🇮🇶 Country Information: Iraq

CapitalBaghdad
CurrencyIraqi dinar (د.ع)
LanguageArabic , Kurdish, Assyrian, Turkmen
Phone Code+964
Electricity230V (Type C, D, G)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is generally expected in hotels, restaurants, and for services
  • For taxi drivers, round up the fare
  • For hotel staff, a small amount (e
  • g
  • , 5,000
  • 10,000 IQD) per day is appropriate
  • In restaurants, 10
  • 15% is common if a service charge is not included

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are not widely available and often unreliable
  • Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels and some large stores
  • It is highly recommended to bring sufficient cash (USD is widely accepted)
  • A black market for cash exists, but using it can be risky and is not recommended

Cultural Norms

  • Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees for both men and women, especially in religious sites
  • Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate
  • It is customary to remove shoes before entering mosques and some homes
  • The left hand is considered unclean, so use your right hand for eating, greeting, and exchanging money
  • During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination and legal penalties in Iraq. Homosexuality is illegal and can be punishable by death.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Alcohol consumption is generally restricted and not widely available, especially outside of specific zones or for non
  • Muslims
  • Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment or death for possession, trafficking, or use

Special Laws

  • It is forbidden to photograph military or government installations
  • Dress modestly in public, especially for women
  • Respect local customs and traditions, particularly during religious holidays

Common Phrases

NoLa (la) لا
YesNa'am (na-am) نعم
HelloMarhaba (mar-ha-ba) مرحبا
PleaseMin fadlik (min fad-lik) من فضلك
Thank youShukran (shuk-ran) شكرا

Climate

Extreme continental climate. Summers very hot (40-50°C/104-122°F in Baghdad). Winters mild in south (10-20°C), cold in Kurdistan with snow in mountains. Spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) are ideal. Very dry most of the year.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Masgouf must_try

Iraq's national dish - freshwater carp opened butterflied and grilled over an open fire. Smoky, crispy skin and tender flesh. Traditionally from the T

Dolma must_try

Grape leaves, vegetables, and even lamb intestines stuffed with rice, meat, and herbs. Iraqi version is distinctive. Every family has their recipe. Co

Kubba must_try

Bulgur or rice shells stuffed with spiced meat and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Many regional variations - Mosul kubba is famous. Street food and

Tepsi Baytinijan local_favorite

Layered casserole of fried eggplant, meatballs, tomatoes, and onions. Hearty home cooking, especially popular in Baghdad.

Iraqi Breakfast must_try

Gaimer (Iraqi clotted cream) with date syrup on warm bread, eggs, cheese, olives. Tea served in small glasses. Leisurely and generous.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Tour Operator/Guide tour_or_activity
Book 1-4 months in advance

Essential for safe and efficient travel. Good operators book up. Handles permits, security, and logistics.

Visa Arrangements Transport
Arrange 2-8 weeks in advance

Understanding visa requirements essential. Kurdistan VOA for many; federal Iraq more complex.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Hotels in Kurdistan Accommodation
Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Good hotels limited. Erbil hotels busy during events.

Fun Facts

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