Middle East
Money, cards and tipping in Iraq
IQDDinar
Money in Iraq
Mostly cash Cash economy: dinars for daily spending, dollars for hotels, drivers and big purchases. Cards work mainly in upscale Erbil and Baghdad hotels and malls. US$1 ≈ ع.د1,310.22 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected in cheap places; about 10% in nicer restaurants. Tip drivers and guides.
- ATMs: A few ATMs in Erbil, Baghdad and Basra take foreign cards, some dispensing dollars; don't rely on them.
- Paying by phone: Local wallets like ZainCash need an Iraqi number and ID; visitors pay cash.
- Price level: about 38% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baghdad | Mostly cash | Iraqi dinars for daily spending; dollars for hotels, drivers and big costs. Cards work only in upscale hotels, malls and some restaurants. |
| Erbil | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work at hotels, malls and some restaurants; cash in dinars for bazaars and taxis, with dollars accepted. |
| Karbala | Mostly cash | Iraqi dinars for almost everything; dollars accepted at hotels. Few places take foreign cards. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Iraq?
Not expected in cheap places; about 10% in nicer restaurants. Tip drivers and guides.
Is Iraq cashless?
Mostly cash. Cash economy: dinars for daily spending, dollars for hotels, drivers and big purchases. Cards work mainly in upscale Erbil and Baghdad hotels and malls.
What currency does Iraq use?
The Dinar (IQD). US$1 ≈ ع.د1,310.22 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Iraq
- Republic of Iraq e-visa portal
- Kurdistan Region e-visa portal
- Speedtest Global Index: Iraq
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.