Iraq

Iraq's transport network is more accessible than many travelers expect. Public buses run regularly between major cities — the journey from Baghdad to Mosul takes about 4 hours and requires no checkpoints, making it straightforward for independent travelers. Within cities, Careem (the ride-hailing app) operates in Baghdad and larger towns, offering a safer alternative to hailing taxis on the street, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

For getting around, download offline maps before you arrive, as mobile connectivity can be spotty in some regions. Using Hello's eSIM feature keeps you connected without expensive roaming charges, letting you navigate confidently and stay in touch with your travel companions. If you're visiting Federal Iraq (outside Kurdistan), hiring a private guide or joining an organized tour removes the stress of navigation entirely — your guide handles logistics while you focus on experiencing the country.

Iraqi Kurdistan in the north feels distinctly different and more developed; Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have better infrastructure and more tourist services. If you're splitting costs with fellow travelers, Hello's expense splitting feature makes it easy to track shared transport costs and settle up fairly at the end of your trip.

November is the ideal month to visit Iraq — temperatures drop to comfortable levels after the brutal summer heat, and the weather remains stable for exploring. For Iraqi Kurdistan specifically, mid-October through mid-November offers perfect conditions with crisp mountain air and clear skies ideal for visiting places like Rawanduz, with its dramatic gorges and waterfalls.

Avoid summer (June-September) when temperatures soar above 45°C (113°F), making sightseeing exhausting and potentially dangerous. Winter months can bring rain, particularly in the mountainous north, though this rarely disrupts travel plans.

When planning your itinerary with Hello's trip planning tools, factor in at least 8-10 days to experience both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan properly. A typical route spans Baghdad (3 days), Samarra (1 day), Karbala and Babylon (1 day), the Mesopotamian Marshes (1 day), and 3-5 days in Kurdistan exploring Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and mountain towns. This pacing lets you absorb each region's distinct character without feeling rushed, and gives you time to connect with locals and discover hidden gems beyond the standard tourist circuit.

Iraqi cuisine is deeply rooted in Mesopotamian tradition, and dining here is an adventure in flavors. Seek out traditional dishes like masgouf (grilled fish from the Tigris River), kubba (spiced meat dumplings), and tabbouleh. In Baghdad, Darbunah Restaurant serves high-quality traditional Iraqi food in a more refined setting — portions are generous and prices reflect the quality, though expect to show your passport at street checkpoints if walking there.

For Kurdish cuisine, Tamdar Restaurant in Erbil delivers authentic flavors done well; portions are large enough to share, which is perfect for splitting costs with travel companions using Hello's expense splitting feature.

Street food and local markets offer the most authentic experiences and best value. Wander through bazaars in Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah where you'll find fresh kebabs, falafel, and local sweets. Use Hello's budget tracking to monitor your food spending in Iraqi Dinars (IQD) — a quality meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 15,000-30,000 IQD ($10-20 USD), while street food runs 2,000-5,000 IQD ($1-3 USD). Tea and coffee culture is central to Iraqi hospitality; accepting offered chai or qahwa is both respectful and delicious.

Iraq uses the Iraqi Dinar (IQD), and while ATMs exist in major cities like Baghdad and Erbil, cash remains king — bring US dollars as backup and exchange at banks or money changers for better rates than hotels offer. Credit cards have limited acceptance outside upscale establishments.

Budget roughly $40-60 USD daily for mid-range travel (accommodation, food, local transport), though this stretches further outside tourist hubs. Use Hello's budget tracking feature to monitor spending in dinars and understand your daily burn rate — it's easy to overspend without realizing it when currencies feel abstract.

Visas are essential: Americans and Europeans must apply in advance through Iraqi embassies; the process takes time, so plan ahead. Travel insurance is strongly recommended given the region's recent history, though security has improved significantly in major tourist areas.

Practical tips: dress conservatively, especially outside Kurdistan; remove shoes when entering mosques and homes; learn basic Arabic phrases (locals appreciate the effort); and always ask permission before photographing people. Hiring a local guide (around $30-50 USD daily) transforms your experience — they navigate bureaucracy, provide context, and open doors to authentic encounters you'd miss alone.