Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is one of the largest cities in the Arab world and serves as a cultural and political center. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 8 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,460 IQD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobitel, Zain, and Asiacell provide good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks and ATMs, including Bank of Baghdad. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hotels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited options, cash preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies available in central areas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options starting around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Karada neighborhood is popular for its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al-Mansour offers amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Eureka Coworking offers reliable internet and a great work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Murtaza serves coffee and has free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Iraqi Entrepreneurs network hosts events monthly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings are organized via Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in Baghdad, allowing for convenient ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; biking is not widely practiced. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beaches are in Basra, approx. 1 hour flight away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iraqi Airways serves domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Middle East Airlines, Qatar Airways have regular flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Route 1 towards Basra and Route 2 to Erbil. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Baghdad Central Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited formal public transport, taxis and minibus services used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis available for inter-city travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Kindi Hospital offers general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studios are limited; some gyms offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First offers gym facilities in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato operates for food delivery in Baghdad. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Masgouf, a traditional grilled fish dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Several restaurants in Kadhimayn offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweets House is famous for Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks provide fresh produce and budget-friendly groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop from local platforms like اسواق العراق. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Select local stores offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Restaurants with nightlife include Al-Makan. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited options, but local non-alcoholic beers are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few wine bars, alcohol is limited due to cultural norms. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls in the Kadhimiya area are popular for quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Italian and Turkish dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Iraq and the Al-Mustansiriya School. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Iraq Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Askari Mosque is an important Shia pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals held during Muharram and Eid. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Al-Mutanabbi Street is famous for its book market. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al-Saadouniyah Market offers traditional goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The music scene is vibrant with traditional Iraqi music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas feature murals reflecting cultural significance. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes on Iraqi cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Several independent galleries showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Al-Mustansiriya University is a historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Baghdad's rich heritage includes influences from various civilizations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Tigris River offers scenic views and recreational areas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kurdistan region has several parks, accessible via domestic flights. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; preferred outdoor activities include walking along the Tigris River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Al-Jawadain Bridge offers picturesque scenery. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands are suitable for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides parcel delivery services in Baghdad. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in some community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language schools are available throughout the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Baghdad Public Library offers reading areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers host various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some internet cafes offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Iraq. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive taxation based on income with exemptions. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT in Iraq. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign companies are subject to local laws. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax exists but is generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% on property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits for digital nomads, exemptions available. |