Iraq

Iraqi transport is an adventure in itself, blending ancient landscapes with modern movement. While there are trains connecting Baghdad to Basra, most travelers rely on the extensive network of shared taxis known as 'Garaaj.' These depart from central hubs once every seat is filled. For instance, a seat in a shared taxi from Baghdad to the holy city of Karbala typically costs between 10,000 and 15,000 IQD ($7.60 – $11.50 USD). Within major cities like Baghdad or Erbil, the Careem app is the most reliable way to secure a ride with transparent pricing. To ensure you can book these rides and use GPS to navigate the winding alleys of the Erbil Citadel, it is highly recommended to activate a Hello eSIM before you land. Having immediate data connectivity means you won't have to navigate the complexities of local SIM registration while carrying your luggage. For longer journeys across provinces, keep your route details and hotel addresses organized in the Hello trip planner, as you will frequently need to show your destination to security personnel at various checkpoints.

Dining in Iraq is a profound expression of hospitality. You cannot leave the country without trying Masgouf, the national dish. This seasoned carp is split open and slow-grilled over an open fire of apricot wood. For the most authentic experience, head to the restaurants along Abu Nawas Street in Baghdad; a large fish meant for a group usually costs around 35,000 to 50,000 IQD ($26 – $38 USD). Beyond fish, look for Kubba—savory dough stuffed with spiced meat—and the rich, layered Dolma. Iraqi tea, or 'Chai,' is served strong, dark, and sweet in small, waisted glasses called Istikan, and it is the universal social lubricant here. Because Iraqi meals are almost always shared family-style, the Hello expense splitting feature is a lifesaver for groups. It allows you to easily track who covered the Masgouf and who paid for the rounds of tea and Kleicha (date-filled cookies), letting you focus on the conversation rather than the bill.

Iraq remains a cash-heavy economy where the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is king. While some upscale hotels in the Kurdistan Region might accept international credit cards, you will need physical cash for markets, smaller cafes, and transport. ATMs are available in urban centers, but they can be inconsistent with international banks; bringing crisp USD bills to exchange at local 'Sarraf' booths is a common strategy. Use the Hello budget tracking feature to log your daily spending in IQD, which helps you stay on top of your finances against the official exchange rate of approximately 1,310 IQD to $1 USD. Beyond money, remember that security is visible and proactive. You will encounter checkpoints when moving between cities, so keep your passport and visa documents easily accessible. Storing digital copies of your travel documents in the Hello trip planner ensures you have a backup ready at all times. Note that Friday is the weekly holiday, meaning many shops and the famous Al-Mutanabbi Street book market are at their liveliest, while government offices will be closed.