Is it safe?
Yes! While you may hear a very different story from the media, Iraq is in fact safe to visit for both men and women. Iraq has come a long way in recent years and all of the places we visit are safe.
Can women travel to Iraq?
Absolutely! Women are definitely welcome to travel to Iraq. The only difference is that women have to dress a bit more conservatively than men. Apart from that, there are no differences between men and women traveling to Iraq. And even that, there are plenty of situations where women will be able to dress exactly how they please.
What should I wear?
Iraq is a conservative country and is also known for having a very warm climate. This means that you are encouraged to dress modestly while visiting. As for the weather, visiting in winter, the weather is very pleasant in the southern part of Iraq with some days still being quite warm.
Kurdistan in the winter though can be very cold due to its mountainous terrain. The capital Erbil can get to freezing temperatures at night and it regularly snows up in the mountains. If traveling to Kurdistan in the winter bring warm clothes.
We recommend long loose fabric pants like those used for hiking. This is for both men and women. Women should also wear a top that does not expose any cleavage or shoulders. A long shawl type piece of clothing can be very convenient for women to cover up but still not get too hot, and can be taken off when it’s not necessary.
If you visit in the summer you can expect temperatures to regularly top 40 degrees Celsius and sometimes even 50 and above. Even though temperatures reach this high, locals will still always be in long pants.
Can I use ATMs?
Theoretically yes, however they are not so common and foreign cards rarely work in the country. Iraq is a very cash-based society, so it is wise to bring in cash with you such as US Dollars or Euros and exchange them there.
What is the best way to get to Iraq?
The best way to fly into Baghdad is via any of the big Middle Eastern hubs, with Dubai and Istanbul generally being the cheapest. There are a surprising number of options though.
Can I get a sim card?
Yes, you can. Not all the mobile companies in Iraq will provide a sim card to foreigners, however Asia Cell is a good option. To be able to get one you do have to go to an official store.
Is alcohol legal?
Yes, alcohol is legal in Iraq. You won’t find a pumping red light district in downtown Baghdad, however there are discos and shops where you can buy alcohol throughout the country, although they are not so numerous. For more information, read our blog about alcohol in Iraq .
Is there anything I should never do?
Like every place, yes! There are some cultural things that you must avoid. In Iraq the biggest thing is to not point the bottom of your feet at people. When sitting in restaurants on the floor make sure when you get up you don’t point your feet at someone as this is very offensive.
