Capital city in Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
Baghdad
A historic capital of book markets, tea houses, Abbasid-era sites and shrines, with real hospitality. Militias, Iranian-linked strikes, kidnapping risk and heavy security mean most visitors go with a fixer or agency.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 46°CDetails
- Air quality48.5 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet50 MbpsFixed broadband, Iraq medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; tap water isn't safe and cholera outbreaks occur.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–46Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBalyYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashIraqi dinars for daily spending; dollars for hotels, drivers and big costs.Details
Where to stay in Baghdad
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Karrada | Hotels, restaurants and cafés; busiest commercial area |
| Jadriyah and Mansour | Calmer, upscale residential areas with cafés |
| Kadhimiya | Shia shrine district; pilgrims, markets and street food |
| Al-Rusafa (Mutanabbi Street) | Old Baghdad: bookshops, tea houses, Tigris |
Apps that work in Baghdad
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Taxis: Taxis have no meters; agree fares first. Hotels can arrange vetted drivers for the day.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Iraq.
- Mostly cash Iraqi dinars for daily spending; dollars for hotels, drivers and big costs. Cards work only in upscale hotels, malls and some restaurants.
- Currency: Dinar (IQD). US$1 ≈ ع.د1,310.22 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: A few ATMs in Erbil, Baghdad and Basra take foreign cards, some dispensing dollars; don't rely on them.
- Tipping: Not expected in cheap places; about 10% in nicer restaurants. Tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: Local wallets like ZainCash need an Iraqi number and ID; visitors pay cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Federal Iraq has no visa on arrival: apply on the e-visa portal at least 24 hours ahead and hold a return or onward ticket.
- The Kurdistan Region issues its own e-visa or visa on arrival, valid only inside the Kurdistan Region.
- Non-visit visas require an HIV and hepatitis test within 10 days of arrival.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 115
Plugs
Type C, D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Zain and Asiacell work nationwide, Korek mainly in Kurdistan; buy at company shops with your passport. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Iraq
Going to Baghdad solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.