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Iraq - Tourism Not Terrorism
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Iraq is one of the easternmost countries of the Arab world, lying at nearly the same latitude as the southern United States. Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Jordan are its neighbors to the north, while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are its neighbors to the south. Iraq has a meager sliver of territorial sea, with a coastline that stretches 36 miles (58 km) along the northern edge of the Persian Gulf. So, it is the Middle Eastern nation with the least sea access and offshore sovereignty, followed by Jordan.
Beneath Iraq’s reputation for conflict and turbulence lies another nearly forgotten reputation — Its status for being the cradle of civilization. This reputation will contribute to the concept of an Iraq vacation seeming almost normal once more.
The Iraqi government has taken a significant step toward opening the nation to foreign visitors in the wake of years of strife, invasions, terrorist attacks, ISIS, and later COVID. The bulk of the country's security situation has greatly improved over the past few years, and the government has determined that it is now time to revive Iraq's tourism industry. It takes years for foreign visitors to return here with confidence and a strong desire.
Iraq has the potential to develop into a significant cultural, historical, culinary, and adventure tourism hub in the Middle East due to its extensive history, ruins, archeology, religious pilgrimage sites, and architectural marvels. There are countless historic places in Iraq. From the Hanging Garden of Babylon to the castle of Erbil, the place where people have lived continuously for the longest.
Let's get around
Shared taxis are the safest and most prevalent mode of public transportation in Iraq, especially in big cities like Baghdad and Kurdistan. All other kinds of public transit are infrequent as most vehicles prefer to stay within the city limits. Some cabs go as far as Kirkuk and Mosul though fares are often expensive.
On the other hand, it's inexpensive and simple to find intra-city taxis. Be sure to agree on a price before getting in a taxi because there are no established rates or meters in Iraqi taxis. Fares typically depend on the distance traveled and are negotiable. Some businesses in Erbil, including Hello Taxi, employ English-speaking drivers who mostly cover the airport-downtown route. While in the city, call a private taxi if you desire one by contacting PNK Taxi (+964-750-633-7700).
It is feasible to rent a car in Baghdad, and most service providers may be found at the airport. But driving is not for the timid, as there are still significant security risks, particularly at night. Convoy journeys during the day are preferable to going it alone. When approached by a military roadblock, always obey the directions issued by the authorities.
Commuter services are available in Baghdad though they mostly serve areas between the city and the suburbs. A free shuttle bus travels through the Green Zone, however, most destinations in the region are within walking distance of each other. Although there are sporadic bus excursions connecting Kurdistan's cities, there are bus services available. On the other hand, there are no trains at the moment, despite plans to reopen the rail network between towns and the capitals of nearby Middle Eastern countries.
Few things to know
1. What is the currency and conversion in Iraq?
The Iraqi dinar is used as money there. The Iraqi dinar is the country's official legal tender, which entitles you to use it to meet any financial responsibilities in the nation, including payment for products, services, taxes, and debts.
1 USD = 1,310.43 IQD2. What is the language in Iraq?
The majority language in Iraq is Arabic, although many people are astonished to hear that Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages of the nation.
3. Are there many ATMs and Money Exchange?
ATMs in IraqATMs are widely available in Iraq's major cities, including Baghdad, Nasiriyah, Basrah, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. When you are in any of these cities is the appropriate time to withdraw cash. ATMs are also available at airports.
Currency Exchange in IraqIf you visit Iraq, you may quickly convert your dollars into dinars and make purchases almost anywhere. There is no requirement to exchange Euros for US dollars; you are free to exchange Euros instead.
The city center and shopping centers of major cities (Baghdad, Karbala, Basrah, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok) typically include outlets to exchange money. The main bazaar in Erbil has a variety of stalls where you may exchange money. Additionally, there is a sizable money market where exchanging money is a lot of fun. You'll notice small booths with a lot of money on them that lack protection and oversight.4. What is the time zone in Iraq?
Arabia Standard Time (AST) (UTC+03:00) is used to determine the time in Iraq. Currently, Iraq does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
5. What is the climate in Iraq?
With the exception of the northern and northeastern mountainous parts, which have Mediterranean climates, most of Iraq has a continental or subtropical semi-arid climate.
6. What is the telephone code in Iraq?
Iraq's international dialing code is +964, according to the International Telecommunication Union. The National Numbering Plan of Iraq of 2015, developed by the Communications and Media Commission of the Republic of Iraq, also specifies all of the nation's telephone numbers.
7. What is the emergency service in Iraq?
The national emergency number is 112.
8. What is the driving mode in Iraq?
Comparatively, this number is 12.3 in the USA and 17.0 globally. Driving in the right lane and overtaking on the left is the norm in Iraq, as traffic travels on the right side of the road. On your left, oncoming traffic is moving in your direction. A summary of all nations with left-hand traffic is also available here.
9. What is the electricity voltage in Iraq?
230VIraq operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Some highlights in Iraq
Airlines that fly to Iraq
These are some of the airlines flying to Iraq from around the world. Major airlines offer direct flights to Iraq from all over the world. There are also several connecting flights to Iraq depending on what countries you depart from and which airline you are flying with. In some airlines, you may consider having layovers too.
How long do flights to Iraq take?
It takes 14 hours and 23 minutes to fly nonstop from the US to Iraq.
This implies that a commercial airliner flies at an average speed of 500 mph, 805 km/h, or 434 knots. A further 30 minutes are added for takeoff and landing. Depending on the wind, your exact time may change.
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