Middle EastBaghdadIraq eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected in Baghdad, Erbil and Beyond
Iraq has three main mobile operators with 4G reaching around 98 percent of the population, led by Asiacell and Zain Iraq in Baghdad and Erbil and Korek Telecom across the Kurdish north. A Roamix Iraq eSIM connects you to the strongest available network the moment you land, with no roaming bill and no queue at an airport SIM kiosk. Budget 5 to 8 GB for a typical two-week visit, download offline maps before venturing into remote Mesopotamian desert or marshland areas, and always have emergency numbers saved before departure.
Key Takeaways
- Asiacell leads on 4G population coverage at around 98 percent, while Zain Iraq recorded the fastest 4G download speeds in 2025 benchmarks.
- A Roamix eSIM activates automatically on arrival at Baghdad or Erbil International Airport, so you land already connected.
- Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) is among the safest and most tourist-accessible areas, with strong 4G from Korek Telecom.
- Cash in Iraqi Dinar is essential across Iraq as card payment infrastructure is limited outside major hotels.
- Cache offline maps before visiting remote sites like Babylon, Hatra, Al-Ahwar wetlands or the Mesopotamian desert, as signal can be patchy.
Quick Facts
Iraq Connectivity
Get a Roamix Iraq eSIM and land connected at BGW or EBL.
How to Stay Connected in Iraq
Free wifi is available in hotels, some cafes and shopping malls in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, but public networks are inconsistent. Mobile 4G is more reliable for navigation and communication on the move.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
Most travellers
Instant activation on a local Iraqi network, no roaming charges and nothing physical to collect at the airport.
Local physical SIM
Long stays or those needing a local Iraqi number
Available from Asiacell, Zain Iraq and Korek Telecom outlets in cities. Requires ID and is straightforward to buy in Erbil.
Pocket wifi
Small groups sharing data
Limited availability in Iraq; adds a device to charge and requires return or disposal at trip end.
Carrier roaming
Very short stays requiring no setup
International roaming rates for Iraq are typically high. A Roamix plan costs a fraction of most carrier roaming charges.
For most visitors to Iraq, a Roamix eSIM is the most convenient way to stay connected, giving local network speeds from landing without standing in a SIM queue or paying inflated roaming bills.
Get connected the moment you land in Iraq.
Get your Iraq eSIMMobile Networks in Iraq
Iraq's mobile network is anchored by three main operators: Asiacell, Zain Iraq and Korek Telecom. All three offer 4G LTE across the country's major cities and most populated areas. Asiacell has the broadest 4G footprint at around 98 percent population coverage, Zain Iraq posted the fastest download speeds in 2025 independent benchmarks, and Korek is the strongest choice in the Kurdish north. A Roamix Iraq eSIM picks up the strongest available signal on arrival without any local paperwork.
Largest operator by subscriber count, with 4G reaching around 98 percent of the population. Best overall national coverage including Baghdad, Basra and southern provinces.
Strong urban 4G in Baghdad and Erbil, with the fastest median download speeds recorded in 2025 independent benchmarks. Good coverage across central Iraq.
Dominant in the Kurdistan Region with strong 4G across Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk governorates. Coverage thins outside Kurdish territory.
Typical Speeds
Urban 4G delivers 15 to 40 Mbps in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, with 5 to 15 Mbps in regional towns.
5G Status
5G pilots are underway; Asiacell and Zain Iraq are rolling out 5G in Baghdad and Erbil, but the country remains primarily a 4G network in 2025 to 2026.
For travel focused in the Kurdistan Region, Korek Telecom has the densest local network. For Baghdad and the south, Asiacell provides the widest safety net. Either way, a Roamix eSIM auto-selects the strongest signal without manual switching.
Signal is strong in Baghdad, Erbil, Basra and major cities, but remote desert areas in Anbar province, the Mesopotamian marshes (Al-Ahwar) and some rural border zones can drop to 2G or no coverage. Always download offline maps before heading to archaeological sites or marsh areas.
Iraqi networks use standard LTE bands compatible with most unlocked international phones from iPhone XS onward and recent Android flagships.
Data Usage Guide
Data needs in Iraq are moderate for city and cultural tourism, rising sharply if you are navigating remote archaeological sites or marshland areas where offline maps become critical.
Download offline map packages for Babylon, the Al-Ahwar marshes and any route outside major cities before leaving a town with strong 4G signal.
Data by Activity
Light Use
3 to 5 GB
One week cultural trip to Erbil and the Kurdistan Region
Navigation around the citadel district, guide communications, social uploads and daily messaging on a well-covered 4G network.
Standard
6 to 8 GB
Two-week trip covering Baghdad, Babylon and Basra
Frequent navigation between historical sites, WhatsApp with guides, offline map downloads for Mesopotamian sites and photo sharing.
Heavy Use
15 GB or more
Remote work base in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah
Video calls, tethering a laptop for work sessions and cloud uploads alongside daily sightseeing in the Kurdish region.
Apps & Internet Freedom
Iraq has an open internet for travellers. Common messaging, navigation and social media apps all work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There are no nationwide blocks on mainstream apps or social media for travellers. Some periodic service disruptions have occurred during civil unrest, but these are not routine and do not affect standard tourist use.
Fully available for messaging and calls throughout Iraq.
FaceTime
Works normally over 4G data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search
No restrictions; useful for navigating Baghdad and archaeological sites.
Social media
Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok all work normally.
How to Set Up a Iraq eSIM
A Roamix Iraq eSIM is best installed over wifi before your flight. It activates automatically when your device connects to an Iraqi network on landing, so you arrive online at BGW or EBL.
Works on eSIM-capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
- 1
Buy your Iraq plan on the Roamix Iraq eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Iraq and the eSIM connects automatically to Asiacell or Zain Iraq.
APN Note
Roamix sets the APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start after landing, apply the APN from your activation email and toggle airplane mode off and on.
Troubleshooting
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Go to settings, confirm the Roamix SIM has data roaming enabled, select the network manually if needed, and restart.
Get connected the moment you land in Iraq.
Get your Iraq eSIMArrival Checklist
Confirm your Roamix eSIM has connected to a local Iraqi network before leaving the arrivals hall at BGW or EBL.
Have your visa documentation and entry permit accessible; most nationalities require a visa in advance or obtain one on arrival.
Save emergency numbers: ambulance 122, police 104, fire 115.
Exchange some Iraqi Dinar at the airport or a licensed exchange office, as cash is essential for transport, food and entry fees at most sites.
Download offline maps of Baghdad, Erbil or your intended route before leaving the airport, as remote sites can have patchy signal.
How locals communicate
Iraqis rely heavily on WhatsApp for messaging and voice calls, both locally and for communicating with international contacts. Facebook Messenger is also widely used.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data and WhatsApp calls.
Airports in Iraq
Baghdad International Airport
Baghdad
Free wifi is available in the terminal, though speeds can be inconsistent during peak arrival periods.
Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing so you can arrange ground transport, confirm your hotel and pull up city maps as soon as you clear customs at BGW.
Erbil International Airport
Erbil
Free wifi across the terminal with reasonable speeds; useful for confirming your hotel and downloading offline maps of the Kurdistan Region.
Erbil is the main gateway to the Kurdistan Region. With Roamix data active you can book a taxi to the Erbil Citadel and check opening hours for the Sulaymaniyah Museum before leaving the arrivals hall.
Basra International Airport
Basra
Basic free wifi in the terminal; coverage is patchy in the outer arrivals area.
Basra is the gateway to the Mesopotamian Marshes and southern pilgrimage cities. Use Roamix data to arrange a guided marshland tour and download Al-Ahwar maps before heading out.
Sulaymaniyah International Airport
Sulaymaniyah
Free wifi in the terminal; speeds are adequate for messaging and map downloads.
Sulaymaniyah is the cultural heart of the Kurdish south. Use Roamix data to confirm your guesthouse in the bazaar district and check road conditions for the Rawanduz Canyon drive.
Visa & Entry for Iraq
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iraq. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of many countries at Baghdad, Erbil and Basra international airports. The Kurdistan Region also operates its own entry process and is generally more accessible for independent travellers. Always check the latest entry requirements before travel.
eVisa / ETA
Iraq does not operate a widely available e-visa system for most nationalities as of 2026. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) offers a separate visa process for the Kurdistan Region. Check with the nearest Iraqi embassy or consulate for the latest requirements.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Iraq.
Onward ticket
Proof of onward travel and accommodation details may be requested at the border or by immigration officers.
Have your visa documentation, hotel address and guide contact details saved on your Roamix eSIM so you can display them quickly at immigration.
Entry requirements and safety conditions change. Always check your government's travel advisory and the Iraqi embassy in your country before booking. Parts of Iraq outside the Kurdistan Region require careful advance planning.
Get connected the moment you land in Iraq.
Get your Iraq eSIMMoney & Payments in Iraq
The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is the only currency accepted at most establishments. USD is accepted at some hotels and tourist sites in Erbil and Baghdad, but Dinar is essential for local transport, food and market purchases.
Cash vs Card
Iraq is heavily cash-based. Card payment infrastructure exists in major hotels and some upscale restaurants in Erbil, but most restaurants, transport providers and market vendors accept cash only.
ATMs
ATMs are available in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra and dispense Iraqi Dinar. International cards work at many ATMs in the Kurdish Region; availability is more variable in the south and central areas. Withdraw sufficient cash in cities before heading to rural sites.
Payment Apps
Zain Cash and Asia Hawala are local mobile payment systems used by Iraqis, but they require a local SIM and bank account and are not practical for tourists. Cash remains king.
Daily Budget
Iraq is an affordable destination. Budget travellers can manage on 30 to 60 USD equivalent per day including accommodation and food; mid-range spending with a private guide runs 80 to 150 USD per day.
Data cost: Local SIM data costs are low in Iraq, and a Roamix eSIM plan is a cost-effective way to access local network rates without visiting an operator store.
Getting Around Iraq
Getting around Iraq typically involves a combination of taxis, ride-hailing apps where available, minibuses between cities and hired drivers for longer journeys. Data is useful for navigation and confirming arrangements in a country where street addresses can be imprecise.
Taxis and private hire
Yellow taxis operate in Baghdad and major cities. Agreeing a fare upfront is standard. In Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, Careem operates and requires a data connection to book and pay.
Intercity buses and minibuses
Shared taxis and minibuses (service taxis) connect major cities. Schedules are informal; your Roamix eSIM is useful for confirming departure times and finding departure points via WhatsApp.
Hired driver or guided tour
For archaeological sites, the marshes and remote regions, a local guide or hired driver is strongly recommended. Use data to research reputable guides and confirm bookings in advance.
Domestic flights
Iraqi Airways, FlyBaghdad and Air Arabia Iraq connect Baghdad, Erbil, Basra and Sulaymaniyah. Use your eSIM to manage bookings and receive boarding pass updates.
Regions & Travel
Iraq is one of the world's oldest civilisations, home to Mesopotamian ruins, early Islamic architecture and living cultures that bridge the ancient and the contemporary. Tourism is growing steadily in the Kurdish north, the Shia pilgrimage cities and Babylon. A Roamix eSIM keeps navigation, tour bookings and emergency communication working as you move between regions.
Best time to visit: October to April for most of the country when temperatures are mild, ranging from 15 to 25C. Summer (June to September) brings extreme heat above 45C in Baghdad and the south, making outdoor sightseeing difficult. The Kurdish highlands are more tolerable in summer.
Baghdad and Central Iraq
The capital Baghdad straddles the Tigris River and is home to the Iraq Museum, the Mutanabbi Street book market, Al-Kadhimiya Mosque and a rapidly reviving cultural scene. Central Iraq also includes Babylon and Ctesiphon.
Signal: Good 4G coverage from Asiacell and Zain Iraq across greater Baghdad. The Iraq Museum area, central districts and airport expressway all have strong signal.
Kurdistan Region
The autonomous Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq, centred on Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk, is the most accessible area for independent travellers, with a functioning tourism industry, mountain landscapes and ancient citadels.
Signal: Strong 4G from Korek Telecom across Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk cities. Mountain valleys and the Amadiya plateau have patchy signal in remote areas.
Basra and the South
Basra is Iraq's second city, an oil hub at the confluence of the Shatt al-Arab waterway. The surrounding southern province contains the UNESCO-listed Al-Ahwar (Mesopotamian Marshes) and Shia pilgrimage sites at Najaf and Karbala.
Signal: Asiacell and Zain Iraq provide 4G in Basra city and the main pilgrimage cities. The Al-Ahwar marshes have limited signal; download maps in Basra before venturing in.
Mosul and the North
Mosul on the Tigris is undergoing reconstruction after 2017 liberation, with the historic Al-Nuri Mosque minaret being rebuilt and the old city reviving. The surrounding Nineveh plains include ancient Assyrian sites at Nimrud and Nineveh.
Signal: Asiacell and Zain Iraq have restored 4G in central Mosul. Outlying archaeological sites and rural Nineveh plains can have patchy coverage.
Samarra, Tikrit and the Tigris Valley
The Tigris Valley north of Baghdad passes through Samarra, home to the UNESCO Great Mosque and its iconic spiral minaret, and Tikrit, with pilgrimage sites and riverside parks. This corridor is a key route for historical touring.
Signal: Asiacell 4G covers Samarra and Tikrit town centres. The riverside road between Baghdad and Mosul has intermittent signal in rural stretches.
Hidden Gems
Babylon Archaeological Site
archaeological siteBaghdad and Central Iraq
One of the ancient world's greatest cities, home to the fabled Hanging Gardens, the Ishtar Gate replica, and the processional way of Nebuchadnezzar II on the Euphrates River south of Baghdad.
Signal: Asiacell 4G covers the site entrance and main pathway, but parts of the outer ruins and the Nebuchadnezzar Palace perimeter can be patchy. Download an offline guide before arrival.
Entry tickets and guide arrangements are best confirmed in advance; use Roamix data in Hillah to book your guide and download offline maps of the sprawling site before entering.
Erbil Citadel (Qalat Erbil)
historic citadelKurdistan Region
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited human settlements on Earth, rising 32 metres above Erbil's bazaar on an ancient tell with views across the Kurdistan plains.
Signal: Good Korek and Zain 4G throughout Erbil city and around the citadel mound. Signal is strong enough for live navigation and photo uploads from the citadel top.
The citadel museum has limited visiting hours and guided tours that book up; confirm your slot over Roamix data and use maps to navigate the renovated lanes inside the walls.
Al-Ahwar Mesopotamian Marshes
wetlandBasra and the South
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest inland delta ecosystems, home to the Marsh Arab (Maadan) communities living on floating reed islands in a landscape unchanged for millennia.
Signal: Signal is limited to 2G or no coverage across much of the marsh interior. Download detailed offline maps and your guide's contact details in Basra or Chibayish before taking a boat into the wetlands.
Boat tours into the marshes depart from Chibayish and need to be arranged through a local guide. Use Roamix data in Basra to confirm your operator and download the wetland map before the signal disappears.
Hatra Archaeological City
archaeological siteMosul and the North
A UNESCO World Heritage Parthian city that once withstood attacks by the Roman Empire, with towering carved temples and elaborate stone friezes in a remote desert setting in the Nineveh plains.
Signal: Very limited signal at the site itself; download everything in Mosul before making the 110 km drive southwest. The desert road has long stretches without coverage.
Hatra requires a full-day trip from Mosul with a local guide. Confirm transport and guide arrangements over Roamix data in Mosul and download offline navigation for the desert road before departure.
Rawanduz Canyon
natural canyonKurdistan Region
A dramatic mountain gorge carved by the Greater Zab River near Rawanduz town, with the historic Hamilton Road clinging to cliffsides, a thrilling suspension bridge and the Bekhal waterfall.
Signal: Reasonable Korek 4G at Rawanduz town and the Hamilton Road viewpoints, but the canyon floor and deeper gorge sections drop out. Download trail maps in Rawanduz town.
The canyon is a popular half-day excursion from Erbil. Use Roamix data to book a rental vehicle or driver and check road conditions before the mountain ascent.
Lalish Yazidi Temple
religious siteKurdistan Region
The holiest site in the Yazidi religion, a serene valley temple complex of cone-shaped shrines nestled in an ancient oak forest north of Dohuk, open to respectful non-Yazidi visitors.
Signal: Very limited signal at the secluded valley site. Download maps and read the site etiquette guidelines over Roamix data in Dohuk before visiting.
Visitors must remove shoes at the entrance and follow specific etiquette; read guidelines online over Roamix data before arrival. Arrange a knowledgeable guide in Dohuk for context.
Sulaymaniyah Bazaar and Museum
cultural quarterKurdistan Region
Sulaymaniyah is the intellectual and artistic capital of the Kurdistan Region, with a famous bazaar selling textiles, spices and traditional Kurdish items, and a world-class museum housing Mesopotamian artefacts.
Signal: Strong Korek 4G throughout Sulaymaniyah city centre, bazaar district and the museum area. Signal is reliable for navigation and booking nearby restaurants.
The bazaar spans many lanes and the museum's opening hours vary. Use Roamix data to navigate the bazaar, check museum scheduling and book one of Sulaymaniyah's celebrated local restaurants.
Arch of Ctesiphon (Taq Kasra)
ancient monumentBaghdad and Central Iraq
The largest single-span brick vault of the ancient world, the sole surviving structure of the Sassanid capital Ctesiphon, its 37-metre arch rising dramatically from the flat Tigris plain.
Signal: Asiacell 4G covers the access road and visitor area near Madain, about 35 km southeast of Baghdad. Signal is good for uploading photos and checking nearby sites.
The arch is a half-day trip from Baghdad and is best combined with a visit to the nearby Salman Pak area. Use Roamix data to arrange transport from Baghdad and confirm entry details.
Amadiya Plateau
mountain townKurdistan Region
A medieval hilltop town perched on an isolated plateau at 1400 metres in the Bahdinan mountains near the Turkish border, with a historic gate, ancient watermills and sweeping mountain views few tourists reach.
Signal: Patchy Korek signal in Amadiya town itself; the surrounding plateau roads and mountain trails can drop to no signal. Download offline maps in Dohuk before the ascent.
The mountain road from Dohuk to Amadiya is spectacular but requires confident driving. Use Roamix data in Dohuk to download the route offline and confirm guesthouse availability before heading up.
Samarra Great Mosque and Malwiya Minaret
world heritage siteSamarra, Tikrit and the Tigris Valley
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 9th-century Abbasid Great Mosque once the largest in the world, dominated by its extraordinary 52-metre spiral Malwiya minaret, climbable for panoramic Tigris Valley views.
Signal: Asiacell 4G covers central Samarra and the mosque area. Signal is reliable for navigation from Baghdad and for uploading the distinctive spiral minaret from the top.
Samarra is a 130 km drive north of Baghdad and requires security coordination. Use Roamix data to confirm tour arrangements and check current conditions before departure.
Events & Best Seasons
Nowruz Kurdish New Year
CulturalKurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) · March 21
The Kurdish and Persian New Year, celebrated across the Kurdistan Region with bonfires lit on hilltops the night before, outdoor festivals, traditional music and dancing, and family gatherings in parks and mountains.
Network note
Erbil and Sulaymaniyah city networks hold up well, but popular picnic sites and mountain viewpoints can see congestion. Careem demand surges.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to navigate to the best bonfire viewpoints north of Erbil and to book a traditional Kurdish restaurant for the celebration meal before they fill up.
Erbil International Marathon
sportErbil, Kurdistan Region · April
A major marathon event in the Middle East drawing thousands of runners through Erbil's modern boulevards and past the ancient citadel, with accompanying cultural activities and a welcoming atmosphere for international participants.
Network note
Strong Korek 4G throughout the Erbil marathon route. Spectators can track runners and navigate to viewpoints easily.
Roamix tip
Register online and use Roamix data to track participants, navigate Erbil's spectator routes and book post-race restaurant tables in the citadel district.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage
religiousKarbala, with procession from Najaf · 40 days after Ashura (Islamic lunar calendar, varies annually)
The world's largest annual human gathering, drawing tens of millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims to Karbala for the commemoration of Imam Husayn, with a famous 80 km walking pilgrimage from Najaf organised by volunteer service stations.
Network note
Networks become severely congested along the pilgrimage route and in Karbala. Expect very slow data; use text-only messaging and pre-download all maps.
Roamix tip
Pre-download maps of the Najaf-Karbala route and save your accommodation address offline before the pilgrimage period, as congestion can make real-time navigation unreliable.
Babylon International Festival
CulturalBabylon ruins, Hillah · Autumn (September to October, varies)
A cultural arts festival held among the ancient ruins of Babylon, featuring music, theatre, art exhibitions and heritage programmes celebrating Iraqi and Mesopotamian civilisation, drawing international performers.
Network note
Asiacell 4G covers the Babylon site during the festival. Hillah city has reliable coverage for accommodation and restaurant bookings.
Roamix tip
Check the current year's dates and line-up over Roamix data and book accommodation in Hillah or Babylon well in advance, as festival accommodation fills quickly.
Erbil Food Festival
food and drinkErbil, Kurdistan Region · Spring (April to May)
An annual food festival in Erbil celebrating Kurdish and wider Iraqi cuisine, with stalls from local restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, traditional music and a showcase of the Kurdish culinary heritage.
Network note
Strong Korek 4G across the festival venue. Use data to navigate between stalls, share food photos and find parking.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to find the festival location and programme for the current year, as the venue rotates between parks and exhibition centres in Erbil.
Basra International Marathon
sportBasra · November to December
A growing international running event in Iraq's second city that routes participants through the port city's riverside Corniche and modern boulevards, with categories from 5 km fun runs to a full marathon.
Network note
Good Asiacell 4G coverage on the Basra Corniche and marathon route. Crowds are manageable compared to northern festivals.
Roamix tip
Register and receive race bibs online; use Roamix data to navigate to the start line, track fellow runners and share finish-line photos.
Muharram and Ashura
religiousKarbala and Najaf (main sites) · First 10 days of Muharram (Islamic lunar calendar, varies annually)
The Shia commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, observed with large processions, public mourning rituals and ceremonies across Iraq, centred on the shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf.
Network note
Networks in Karbala and Najaf become severely congested. Pre-download maps and save key contact numbers offline before travelling to the shrine cities during Ashura.
Roamix tip
If visiting as an observer, arrange your transport and accommodation well in advance using Roamix data, and pre-download offline maps of Karbala before the congestion period begins.
Kurdistan Film Festival
CulturalSulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region · Spring (March to April)
An internationally recognised film festival showcasing Kurdish cinema and international films with a focus on human rights, culture and identity, held in Sulaymaniyah's cultural venues.
Network note
Strong Korek 4G throughout Sulaymaniyah city, making it easy to browse schedules and buy tickets online.
Roamix tip
Check the current programme and buy screening tickets over Roamix data before they sell out; popular screenings and Q and A sessions with directors book up fast.
Mosul Heritage Revival Events
CulturalMosul Old City · Throughout the year (major events in spring and autumn)
A series of cultural, artistic and heritage revival events in the reconstructed old city of Mosul, celebrating the city's recovery and the restoration of historic sites, traditional crafts and cultural identity.
Network note
Asiacell and Zain 4G coverage has been restored across central Mosul. Use data to find current event programmes and navigate the old city lanes.
Roamix tip
Check current events via social media over Roamix data before arriving in Mosul, and use navigation to find the restored Al-Nuri Mosque and mosaic-covered buildings in the old city.
Iraqi National Day
nationalBaghdad (main celebrations) · October 3
Iraq's national day marking the end of the British Mandate in 1932, celebrated with military parades, cultural events and public festivities in Baghdad and across the country.
Network note
Baghdad networks are busy on national day. Central areas near parade routes can experience data slowdowns during peak hours.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to check parade routes and viewing points in advance, and plan your transit around Baghdad to avoid congested central boulevards during the festivities.
Spring
March to May is an excellent time to visit, with flowering plains in the Kurdish foothills and comfortable temperatures of 15 to 25C across the country. Nowruz in late March brings festivals and celebrations to the Kurdistan Region.
Summer
June to September brings extreme heat across most of Iraq, regularly exceeding 45C in Baghdad and the southern provinces. Outdoor sightseeing is challenging; early mornings and late evenings are the only comfortable windows. The Kurdistan highlands (Erbil at 415 m, Rawanduz at 1000 m plus) are more bearable at 30 to 38C.
Fall
October to November is the best travel window with temperatures dropping to a comfortable 20 to 30C in Baghdad and the south, and ideal conditions in the Kurdish mountains. Ancient sites and outdoor markets are at their most pleasant.
Winter
December to February brings cool to cold temperatures: 5 to 15C in Baghdad, with the possibility of frost and snow in the Kurdistan highlands above 1000 m. Snowfall in Rawanduz and the Amadiya plateau creates scenic winter landscapes, while the south remains mild.
Remote Work from Iraq
Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region are the most practical remote work bases in Iraq, with a growing number of cafes offering reliable wifi and a stable 4G network. Baghdad has improving infrastructure but requires greater security awareness.
4G in Erbil handles video calls and moderate data tasks well. A Roamix plan of 15 GB or more suits a working week of calls and uploads alongside exploring the region.
Use hotel or co-working space wifi for large uploads or video meetings, with your Roamix eSIM as a backup. The Kurdistan Region has the most reliable connectivity in the country for remote work.
Get connected the moment you land in Iraq.
Get your Iraq eSIMLocal Tips for Iraq
Language
Arabic is the official language nationwide; Kurdish is co-official and dominant in the Kurdistan Region. English is spoken by tour guides, hotel staff and educated young Iraqis, especially in Erbil. A translation app on your Roamix-connected phone is invaluable for menus and signage outside tourist areas.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A tip of 5 to 10 percent at restaurants and small gratuities for drivers and guides is considered polite.
Food & Dining
Iraqi cuisine centres on slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice dishes (masgouf grilled fish is the national dish), flatbreads, stews and rich sweets. Erbil's bazaar district and Baghdad's Karrada neighbourhood have the widest variety of restaurants.
Transport
Careem (ride-hailing) operates in Erbil and is the safest and most transparent way to book transport. In Baghdad, use your hotel's recommended taxi service or arrange pickups via WhatsApp.
Emergency Numbers
general
122
police
104
ambulance
122
fire
115
Essential Apps
Careem
The main ride-hailing app in Erbil and some other Iraqi cities; requires data to book, track and pay.
The primary communication tool in Iraq; essential for coordinating with guides, drivers and accommodation.
Maps.me
Offline maps that work in low-signal zones; download Iraq, Kurdistan or specific city maps before leaving a coverage area.
Safety & Health in Iraq
The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) is generally safe for tourists and has an established visitor infrastructure. Baghdad and the major pilgrimage cities receive visitors but require greater situational awareness. Remain up to date with your government's travel advisory before and during your trip.
Keep your Roamix eSIM active so you can receive news alerts, stay in contact with your accommodation and reach emergency services (ambulance 122, police 104) at all times. Share your itinerary with someone at home.
Health Note
Travellers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive travel health insurance. Medical facilities are limited outside Baghdad, Erbil and Basra. Bring a supply of any prescription medication you require.
Water Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink in most parts of Iraq. Drink bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive, and use it for teeth brushing as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq eSIM, connectivity, and travel
What is the best eSIM for Iraq?
Roamix is a top choice for Iraq because it connects to local operators like Asiacell and Zain Iraq, which together cover around 98 percent of the population with 4G. You activate before you fly and land already online at Baghdad or Erbil International Airport.
Do I need a SIM card for Iraq?
You do not need a physical SIM. A Roamix Iraq eSIM gives you 4G data on arrival without card swapping or visiting an operator store, and is far cheaper than most carrier roaming rates for Iraq.
Which mobile operator is best in Iraq?
Asiacell has the widest 4G coverage at around 98 percent of the population and is the best all-round choice. Zain Iraq recorded faster download speeds in 2025 benchmarks, while Korek Telecom is the strongest network in the Kurdistan Region.
Does 5G work in Iraq?
5G is in limited pilot stages. Asiacell and Zain Iraq are launching 5G in Baghdad and Erbil, but Iraq remains effectively a 4G country in 2025 to 2026. The 4G network is reliable and fast enough for most travel needs.
How do I set up an eSIM for Iraq?
Buy a Roamix Iraq plan, scan the QR code to install the eSIM over wifi before departure, then enable data roaming on the Roamix line. It connects automatically to Asiacell or Zain Iraq when you land at BGW or EBL.
Is Iraq safe to visit for tourists?
The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) is generally safe and has an established tourist infrastructure. Baghdad and the pilgrimage cities receive visitors but require greater situational awareness and up-to-date travel advisories from your home government. Always check official guidance before travelling.
Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Baghdad, Erbil and Basra international airports. The Kurdistan Regional Government also has its own entry process for the Kurdistan Region. Check with your nearest Iraqi embassy for the current requirements, as they can change.
Can I use WhatsApp and Google Maps in Iraq?
Yes. Iraq has an open internet for travellers. WhatsApp, Google Maps, Instagram, FaceTime and social media all work normally on a Roamix eSIM without a VPN.
How much data do I need for a trip to Iraq?
For a city-focused week in Erbil or Baghdad, 3 to 5 GB is sufficient. A two-week trip including remote sites like Babylon, the Mesopotamian Marshes and Rawanduz Canyon is better served by 6 to 8 GB, with offline maps downloaded before entering low-signal zones.
Is it safe to use a mobile phone in Iraq?
Mobile phones are widely used throughout Iraq. Keep your phone secure in markets and busy public areas as you would anywhere. In remote areas, a charged phone with offline maps and emergency contacts is an important safety tool.
What currency do I need in Iraq?
The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is used for most transactions. USD is accepted in some major hotels in Erbil and Baghdad, but Dinar is essential for local transport, food stalls and all non-tourist venues. Carry adequate cash as card infrastructure is limited.
Is airport wifi enough at Baghdad or Erbil airports?
Airport wifi is available at BGW and EBL but is inconsistent and only works inside the terminal. A Roamix Iraq eSIM keeps you connected from the moment you land through immigration, the taxi queue and all the way to your hotel.
What plug type does Iraq use?
Iraq uses Type C and Type G plugs at 230V. Type G is the large three-pin British-style plug. Carry a universal adapter if your devices use other plug types.
Is the Babylon archaeological site worth visiting from Baghdad?
Yes. Babylon is a 90-minute drive south of Baghdad and contains the iconic Ishtar Gate replica, the palace ruins of Nebuchadnezzar II and a fascinating site museum. It is best visited with a local guide and your Roamix eSIM for navigation and offline maps of the sprawling site.
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Stay connected across Iraq with Roamix
Skip the roaming bills and airport SIM queues. Install a Roamix Iraq eSIM before you fly and land already connected at Baghdad or Erbil International.