Key takeaways
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.
- 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.
Best way to get data in Iraq
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.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation on a local Iraqi network, no roaming charges and nothing physical to collect at the airport. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: 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 | Best for: Small groups sharing data | Limited availability in Iraq; adds a device to charge and requires return or disposal at trip end. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: 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. |
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.
How much data you need
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.
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.
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.
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.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline map packages for Babylon, the Al-Ahwar marshes and any route outside major cities before leaving a town with strong 4G signal.
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.
- 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.
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.
Roamix sets the APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start after landing, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode off and on.
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.
Visa and 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.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or 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.
When you land in Iraq
0 of 5 done
How people message here
Iraqis rely heavily on WhatsApp for messaging and voice calls, both locally and for communicating with international contacts. Facebook Messenger is also widely used.
Do you need a local number?
A local Iraqi number is not essential for most tourist visits. WhatsApp over a Roamix eSIM covers most communication needs including booking guides and transport.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data and WhatsApp calls.
Airports in Iraq
BGW
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.
EBL
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.
BSR
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.
ISU
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.
Apps and internet access in Iraq
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.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available for messaging and calls throughout Iraq.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over 4G data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions; useful for navigating Baghdad and archaeological sites.
Social media, works
Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok all work normally.
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.
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.
Money and 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.
- Cards and cash
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Local 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.
- Food
- 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.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type C and G plugs
Apps worth having
Careem
rideshare
The main ride-hailing app in Erbil and some other Iraqi cities; requires data to book, track and pay.
WhatsApp
communication
The primary communication tool in Iraq; essential for coordinating with guides, drivers and accommodation.
Maps.me
navigation
Offline maps that work in low-signal zones; download Iraq, Kurdistan or specific city maps before leaving a coverage area.
Safety and 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.
- Stay reachable
- 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
- 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.
- Tap water
- 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.
Networks and coverage 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.
Asiacell
Largest operator by subscriber count, with 4G reaching around 98 percent of the population. Best overall national coverage including Baghdad, Basra and southern provinces.
Zain Iraq
Strong urban 4G in Baghdad and Erbil, with the fastest median download speeds recorded in 2025 independent benchmarks. Good coverage across central Iraq.
Korek Telecom
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
- 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.
Where to go in Iraq
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.
- Iraq Museum Baghdad
- Mutanabbi Street
- Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
- Arch of Ctesiphon
- Babylon ruins
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.
- Erbil Citadel (Qalat Erbil)
- Sulaymaniyah Museum
- Rawanduz Canyon
- Amadiya town
- Shaqlawa resort town
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.
- Al-Ahwar Mesopotamian Marshes
- Imam Ali Shrine Najaf
- Imam Husayn Shrine Karbala
- Basra Corniche
- Shatt al-Arab waterway
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.
- Mosul Old City
- Al-Nuri Mosque and leaning minaret
- Nineveh ruins
- Nimrud archaeological site
- Lalish Yazidi temple
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.
- Great Mosque of Samarra and Malwiya minaret
- Samarra Archaeological City
- Tikrit riverside park
- Saladin caves
- Ashur archaeological site
Asiacell 4G covers Samarra and Tikrit town centres. The riverside road between Baghdad and Mosul has intermittent signal in rural stretches.
Off the beaten path
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Events and seasons in Iraq
Spring (March to April)
Kurdistan Film Festival
Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region
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.
March 21
Nowruz Kurdish New Year
Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk)
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.
April
Erbil International Marathon
Erbil, Kurdistan Region
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.
Spring (April to May)
Erbil Food Festival
Erbil, Kurdistan Region
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.
Throughout the year (major events in spring and autumn)
Mosul Heritage Revival Events
Mosul Old City
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.
Autumn (September to October, varies)
Babylon International Festival
Babylon ruins, Hillah
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.
October 3
Iraqi National Day
Baghdad (main celebrations)
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.
November to December
Basra International Marathon
Basra
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.
40 days after Ashura (Islamic lunar calendar, varies annually)
Arbaeen Pilgrimage
Karbala, with procession from Najaf
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.
First 10 days of Muharram (Islamic lunar calendar, varies annually)
Muharram and Ashura
Karbala and Najaf (main sites)
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.
Through the year
- 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.
Working remotely 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.
- Connection
- 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.
