Travel Essentials › Iraq
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, D and G, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112 or 911, Police 104, Ambulance 122, Fire 115. Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated; round up for taxis. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C, D and G, 230 V
| One number for everything | 112 or 911 |
| Police | 104 |
| Ambulance | 122 |
| Fire | 115 |
Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated; round up for taxis.
Greetings. A handshake (same gender) is standard; wait for a woman to extend her hand first before offering one across genders, as norms vary.
Dress. Dress conservatively — long sleeves and trousers/long skirts are expected, especially for women, and a headscarf is advisable at religious sites.
Alcohol and photography. Alcohol is restricted or banned in many areas (importing it can bring heavy fines); avoid photographing security personnel, checkpoints, or government buildings.
The US and most Western governments maintain a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict risk; Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah) is comparatively calmer and does see some tourism, but security can change quickly and checkpoints are frequent nationwide.
Overcharging tourists. Taxi drivers and vendors, especially in Baghdad and Karbala during pilgrimage season, may quote inflated prices; agree costs beforehand.
Unofficial money changers. Street currency exchange can involve shortchanging or counterfeit notes; use licensed exchange offices or banks.
Women travelers. Conservative dress and behavior are expected everywhere; solo women travel is uncommon and requires significant extra caution and planning, ideally with a local contact or organized tour.
Criminalized
Same-sex relations were explicitly criminalized under a 2024 law, with penalties of 10-15 years in prison or heavy fines; this is an extremely dangerous environment for LGBTQ+ people with essentially no legal protection or safe way to be open.
| Coffee (café) | IQD 2,000-2,900 | $1.40-2.20 |
| Local bus or metro ride | IQD 500 | $0.35 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | IQD 15,000 | $11 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | IQD 34,000 | $24 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | IQD 89,000 | $63 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | IQD 50,000 | $35 |
2026-09
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) have the mildest weather, avoiding the extreme summer heat; however, as of 2026 the US and other governments advise against all travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, so 'best time' guidance mainly applies to Iraqi Kurdistan, which is comparatively calmer.
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