Baghdad, Iraq 🇮🇶
#458
33.30617, 44.387221
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq, located near the Tigris River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 8 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,300 IQD. Local banks include Rafidain Bank and Rasheed Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommend bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz. 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Asiacell, Zain, and Korek Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted in larger establishments. Use local banks for cash withdrawals. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms include Airbnb, with prices starting from $15/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless transactions; cash is predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short term rentals can be found on Airbnb and local real estate sites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hostels such as Al-Mansour Hotel start around $20/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Epic Coworking, located in the Karrada district. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Starbucks in Baghdad Mall offers good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check for events on LinkedIn and local expat groups for professional networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats Iraq Facebook group organizes meetups and social gatherings regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Baghdad. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No widespread bike-sharing services currently available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Baghdad is landlocked; nearest beach is in Basra, approximately 650 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iraqi Airways operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights available via Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Baghdad-Basra Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Baghdad Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No centralized public transport passes; taxis and shared vans are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses can be taken to nearby cities, but conditions may vary. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Kindy Hospital is one of the largest and best-equipped hospitals in Baghdad. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some gyms may offer specialized classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a well-known gym in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in many neighborhoods; Dry Cleaners provide services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the most popular food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Masgouf, a traditional grilled fish dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are limited. Check out local markets for fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al-Maarefa Restaurant is known for its sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Al-Mutanabbi Street has numerous local food merchants. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com is a well-known platform for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few options exist; rely on local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Al-Jadriya district has some bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local use of alcohol varies; options are limited due to cultural practices. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited due to local customs; some upscale hotels may offer wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell delicious kebabs and other local foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some international chains like KFC and McDonald's can be found in Baghdad. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Iraq is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Al-Shaheed Monument is an important site. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of Babylon, about 85 km south of Baghdad. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf is significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kurdistan International Film Festival showcases regional talent annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Karrada district is known for its cafes and cultural offerings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Al-Rasheed Theater hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al-Mutanabbi Street is famous for its bookstores and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is found in various local cafes and clubs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some neighborhoods feature local murals and graffiti. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer traditional Iraqi cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary art can be found in select galleries around Baghdad. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Iraqi National Museum for preserved artifacts. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Baghdad has a rich history dating back to the Abbasid Caliphate. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Zawraa Park offers recreational space and greenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No formal national parks; check out wetlands along the Tigris River. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Al Zawraa Park has designated paths for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tigris River has several viewpoints; check near the bridges. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetlands near the Tigris provide opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow for family gatherings and bonfires; inquire locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Karrada district offer mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers host table tennis clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools offer English and Arabic courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Iraq has resources for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural centers organize events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Video game cafes can be found in popular districts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Iraq, hence no casinos operate. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income level. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% during property purchases. |