City in Erbil Governorate, Iraq
Erbil
Kurdistan's capital: a UNESCO citadel, lively bazaars and expats, with alcohol, English and a more relaxed feel than federal Iraq. Iranian strikes and militia risks since July 2026 make it high-risk.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 43°CDetails
- 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 travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–46Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBalyWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at hotels, malls and some restaurants; cash in dinars for bazaars and taxis, with dollars accepted.Details
Where to stay in Erbil
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Citadel and Qaysari Bazaar | Sightseeing: old town, tea houses and markets |
| Ankawa | Christian district with bars, restaurants and guesthouses |
| Italian Village and 100 Meter Road | Expats: cafés, malls and upscale apartments |
| Sami Abdulrahman Park area | Calmer residential area with green space |
Apps that work in Erbil
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Taxis: Taxis have no meters; agree prices first. Hotels can arrange a driver for the day or airport run.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Iraq.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at hotels, malls and some restaurants; cash in dinars for bazaars and taxis, with dollars accepted.
- 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
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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.