Erbil Iraq Travel Guide
You can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at Erbil International Airport or from numerous phone shops throughout the city. A passport is needed for registration.
Wi-Fi is widely available and mostly trustworthy in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls. Many establishments have free Internet access-Fi for customers.
Kurdish (Sorani dialect) and Arabic are the official languages. English is spoken in hotels, by certain taxi drivers, and in tourist-oriented businesses.
Postal services for mail to other countries are limited and can be unreliable.
Learning a few local phrases significantly enhances your travel experience and interaction with locals. Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Information on typical operating hours and public holidays that may impact services during your stay.
Usually open from 9 AM to 9 PM, often with an afternoon break. Many smaller shops and stalls close on Fridays.
Typically operate longer, from 10 AM to 10 PM daily, offering a consistent schedule.
Banks: Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Government Offices: Sunday to Thursday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Both close on Fridays and Saturdays.
Hours vary widely. Many open for lunch and dinner service, some staying open quite late later in the day, especially in Ankawa.
Major Islamic Holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid-Adha bring widespread closures. Newroz (Kurdish New Year) on March 21st is a key public holiday.
Always ask a local calendar for specific public holiday dates to set up your activities and avoid unexpected closures.
Recommendations for respectful interaction and local customs to enrich your travel experience in Erbil.
Handshakes are common among men. Women may shake hands with other women. For initial greetings, a simple "Rojbash" (Kurdish) or "Marhaba" (Arabic) is appropriate.
Conservative attire is appreciated, especially for women, outside of the more liberal Ankawa district. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Eat with your right hand, especially when sharing food from a shared dish. It is polite to accept offers of tea or coffee.
Always get consent before taking pictures people, especially women and children. A simple gesture or "Mumkin taswir?" (May I take a picture?) is respectful.
Adhering to local customs and showing respect for cultural norms significantly improves your travel experience and interactions with residents.
Information regarding airport services and considerations for travelers with specific needs.
Erbil's infrastructure is largely not designed with accessibility in mind. Sidewalks are often uneven, lacking ramps, and can be obstructed.
Enhance your airport experience with access to independent airport lounges around the world.
A service assists customers in receiving compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane.
Resources and services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.
Advanced planning and direct communication with service providers helps address specific needs.
Inquire directly about specific accessibility features.
Discuss your requirements with local tour agencies.
Arrange suitable modes of transport for mobility needs.
For all travelers, reviewing airport services and local accessibility information beforehand streamlines your arrival and stay.
