Sulaymaniyah, Iraq 🇮🇶
#460
35.55705, 45.442596
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sulaymaniyah is a major city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Iraqi Dinar (IQD), 1 USD ≈ 1,500 IQD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz. Common socket types are C and D. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Zain and Asiacell. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs are available, with major cards accepted at key locations. Services like Western Union exist for money transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and renting apartments via platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but certain establishments may accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate websites offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; budget hotels like Kiah Hotel offer affordable rates starting at around $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Panchak yurt offers a unique coworking experience with decent internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Shirin provides a comfortable atmosphere and Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attend local expat and business meetups organized through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Facebook groups like 'Expat Life in Sulaymaniyah' for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Karwan Taxi is widely used in the region. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; however, rental services might be available through local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach-like area is Lake Dukan, approximately 50 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kurdistan Airlines serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Iraqi Airways provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Sulaymaniyah to Erbil and other regional cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rail services are limited; buses are the primary mode of intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and shared taxis are common, but no formal passes are offered. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses and taxis are frequently used for short trips to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sulaymaniyah Teaching Hospital offers general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers like Zen Studio provide yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Sulaymaniyah offers a comprehensive gym experience. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available; local laundromats can be found throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and local food services deliver various cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetable-based dishes are available in many restaurants, particularly in local markets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweets from Kurdish Bakery are popular, with pastries such as baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sulaymaniyah's local bazaars offer affordable fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms such as Giraffe are available for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets provide delivery services; inquire locally. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Qasri Bar is popular among expats for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Duhok Brewery offers local beer tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars exist; restaurants may serve international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the bazaar offer local snacks like kebabs. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Italian House offer various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sulaymaniyah Museum showcases local history and artifacts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Kurdish Culture provides insights into local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Park of Culture is significant, showcasing Kurdish architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Khoshnaw Mosque is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Kurdish New Year, known as Nowruz, is celebrated in March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The central market area is rich in culture and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sulaymaniyah Cultural Center hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sulaymaniyah bazaar is a vibrant market for shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur often in cafes and restaurants across the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting Kurdish history can be found around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in traditional Kurdish cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their works in venues such as Art House. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several traditional Kurdish homes are preserved for public viewing. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols such as the Kurdish flag represent local pride. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Qandil Mountains offer stunning hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Amedi Mountain National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails along the local rivers are popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kurdish hills offer breathtaking views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Dukan Lake is a known spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in countryside parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers handle shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have tables available for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Kurdish and Arabic lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Sulaymaniyah Public Library provides a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers offer various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes may have gaming setups for video gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Iraq. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 15% in the Kurdistan Region. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically around 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residency with a progressive rate structure. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations apply in the Kurdistan Region. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 5% for property purchases. |