Before you go
Iraq go reward prepared travelers. Most visitors dey land for Baghdad (BGW) or Erbil (EBL) for Kurdistan Region, wey get im own visa-on-arrival rules. Federal Iraq now dey offer visa-on-arrival for plenty nationalities, but always confirm current requirements before you book. Carry printed hotel reservation and small cash.
Plugs and voltage
Iraq dey run on 230 V, 50 Hz. Sockets na usually types C, D and G (di British three-pin type G dey very common). Bring universal adapter. Power cut dey happen, especially for summer, so power bank and small flashlight go genuinely helep you.
Language basics
Arabic na di main language; Kurdish (Sorani) dey dominate for Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Duhok. English no too plenty outside hotels. Learn small words:
- Salam (hello)
- Shukran (thank you)
- Na'am / La (yes / no)
- Bekhair bey (welcome, Kurdish)
Packing
- Modest clothing wey go cover shoulders and knees; scarf for mosque visits
- Lightweight layers for hot days and cool desert nights
- Comfortable shoes for ruins like Babylon and Ur
- Copy of your passport and visa
- Basic medications, sunscreen and refillable water bottle
Connectivity
Local SIMs from Asiacell, Zain Iraq and Korek dey work well but dem need ID registration and local stop. eSIM na di simplest option: activate am before you fly and you go online di moment wey you land.
7 quick tips
- Carry cash (US dollars and Iraqi dinar). Cards no too dey accepted outside big hotels.
- Friday na rest day for Iraq; plenty shops and offices dey close.
- Dress well well and ask before you snap picture of people, soldiers or checkpoints.
- Expect checkpoints between cities; keep your passport close and stay patient.
- Drink bottled water and chop for busy, popular restaurants.
- Use trusted drivers or arranged transport instead of dey hail person anyhow.
- Greet generously Iraqi hospitality dey famous; accepting tea na part of di welcome.
Stay connected for Iraq
HelloSIM eSIM go keep you online for maps, translation and bookings di moment wey you land, no roaming bill or wahala to find local shop.
Get your Iraq eSIM for 30 seconds
Sharp-sharp delivery, 4G/5G speed, no roaming bill.