Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Iraqi Dinar (IQD); 1 USD ≈ 1,460 IQD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz. Commonly uses Type G plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Zain, Asiacell, and Korek Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks present include HSBC and various local banks; cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments, Airbnb is available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is typically preferred, but some businesses accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local renting websites are used for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include hostels and budget hotels like Erbil View Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hawler City and near the Citadel for easy access to sightseeing. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Erbil Valley and areas close to major coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tenda Hub, located in the city center with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Daze, known for its quiet atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are organized via Facebook groups and local expat meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups at places like the Kurdish Cultural Center. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snap is the most popular ride-hailing app in Erbil. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental options are available; rental scooters are not common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Erbil is inland; there are no beaches but nearby lakes like Lake Duhok for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Fly Baghdad and Iraqi Airways are popular for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways operate regular flights to and from Erbil. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Erbil to Mosul, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Erbil does not have a train system; buses and taxis are the main forms of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport pass; buses operate but are infrequent. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rizgari Hospital, a leading facility for health care in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Erbil has several wellness centers including Urban Yoga. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym with good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; laundry services offered by many hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and local Kurdish delivery services are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kurdish Dolma is a must-try, made with stuffed grape leaves. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at many local restaurants, particularly in cafes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dewan Pastry offers traditional sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Erbil Bazaar for local goods and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local websites available, but many residents use international sites like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited, but some supermarkets offer delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gulan Plaza area has bars and clubs popular with expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited, but local beers are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few wine bars; some restaurants offer wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available; try the local kebabs and grilled meat. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International restaurants serve Italian, Turkish, and Persian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kurdish Textile Museum showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of the Citadel are the main historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mulla Afandi Mosque is an important site in Erbil. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Newroz (Kurdish New Year) is celebrated with festivals in March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old City for traditional Kurdish culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Erbil Cultural Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Erbil Bazaar is vibrant, selling local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues host live Kurdish music, especially during holidays. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas in the city have murals and local art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes on traditional Kurdish cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Several galleries featuring Kurdish artists are located in the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic homes and the Citadel showcase unique Kurdish architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kurdish cultural symbols prominently displayed throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby parks like Qushtapa Park offer outdoor space. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gali Ali Beg National Park is a scenic spot for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are walking paths available in and around parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoints at the top of the Citadel for stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby rural areas provide opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain camping areas near Duhok are permitted for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics stores offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language courses offered in English and Kurdish through local institutes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available but limited; many cafes are suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Kurdish Cultural Center offers community events and facilities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; many gaming events occur informally. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal; entertainment is mostly through local gatherings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% in the Kurdistan Region. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on income earned within the Kurdistan Region. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% for personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not strictly enforced in the region. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for non-residents. |