Erbil, Iraq 🇮🇶
#459
36.191174, 44.009414
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is a rapidly developing city with a rich history dating back thousands of years. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50 Mbps for broadband connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Iraqi Dinar (IQD). As of November 2024, 1 USD ≈ 1,460 IQD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and D sockets; power outages may occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Korek, Asiacell, and Zain. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bank of Baghdad and Kurdistan International Bank accept international cards; ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options, including hotels, apartments, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment acceptance; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; affordable hotels start at around $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kurdistan Business Center offers a professional environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Mela is popular among digital nomads for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups focusing on tech and entrepreneurship are hosted at various venues. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community groups on social media platforms regularly organize events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Erbil for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; cycling is not common due to road conditions. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; Erbil is landlocked but nearby Lake Dukan offers recreational activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fly Erbil International Airport (EBL) to major cities in Iraq and the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways provide international flights from Erbil. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major routes connect Erbil to other cities like Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Erbil does not have trains; intercity buses provide transit options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited options; most travel done via taxis or personal cars. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate between Erbil and major cities; Sulaimaniyah is about 2 hours away. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Evin Hospital is among the top hospitals for expats, providing a range of medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kurdistan Yoga Centre offers yoga classes for various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness factory and 7 Stars Fitness Club cater to gym-goers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundry services are available at various locations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Talabat are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish Dolma, which features stuffed vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Bateel offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kurdish sweets are available at local patisseries, like Kawa. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Erbil Citadel bazaar offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | AliExpress and local platforms like bashan are available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Several supermarkets offer grocery delivery, like Carrefour. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around the Erbil Citadel has numerous bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Fire Brewery in Erbil produces beer locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability; some restaurants offer imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent, especially kebabs and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serving Italian, Turkish, and Persian food are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kurdish Textile Museum showcases local craftsmanship. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of Amediyah are about 2 hours away. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Many mosques like the Great Mosque of Erbil are open to visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Erbil International Book Fair attracts book lovers annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cultural events often occur in the Citadel area. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are hosted year-round at the Erbil Cultural Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Erbil's local markets offer a mix of crafts, food, and cultural products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is found in many cafes; check event schedules. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Emphasized in community areas; murals can be found around various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes can be found at community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging art scenes are displayed at venues like Art House Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several Ottoman-era buildings are noteworthy. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Kurdish language and folklore are significant aspects of local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Zagros Mountains provide scenic hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gali Ali Bag National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited but some parks offer designated paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Erbil Citadel is striking, particularly at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Reservoirs near Erbil attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas on the outskirts of the city are suitable for bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like DHL and FedEx operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech support; e.g., Tech Zone. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some gyms have table tennis setups available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in English and Arabic. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available, but most study in cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural and community centers host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges can be found, especially catering to youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is traditionally not part of the culture. |
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. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for companies operating in the Kurdistan Region. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Local taxation system for residents and businesses applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% Value Added Tax standard. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules as seen in many international jurisdictions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Varies by region and local government ordinance. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Range from 3-5% based on property value. |