Travel Iraqi Kurdistan

Travel information for the Kurdish region of Iraq

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February 2015: Make sure you research the current safety situation thoroughly. You travel to Iraqi Kurdistan at your own risk.

Communication

Language

The main language spoken in the region is Kurdish. This is split into two different dialects – Kurmanji, spoken mainly in Dohuk, and Sorani which is spoken mainly in Erbil and Suleimaniyah. Some English is spoken in the major cities as well as Arabic and Turkish.

English

Hello
Good morning
Goodbye
Thank you
You’re welcome
How are you?
Are you well?
I’m fine, thank you
What’s your name?
My name is John
What would you like to drink?
Tea (without sugar)
Please
Where is the bazaar?
Where is the Khanzad Hotel?
Yes
No
OK

Sorani Kurdish

Rozh-bash
Beyanee-bash
Khwa-hafees
Supas
Ser chaw / Sha-ee neeya
Chonee?
Bashee?
Bashem, supas
Naw-et cheeya?
Naw-em John-ah
Chee dakhoy?
Chai (bey shakir)
Zahmat Nabe
Bazaar le chweya?
Otel Khanzad la chweya?
Aa / Balay
Na
Balay

Kurmanji Kurdish

Rozh-bash
Beyanee-bash
Khwa-hafees
Supas/Mamnoon
Ser Chaava
Chaawayi?
Bashee?
Bashem, supas
Nav-ey ta cheeya?
Nav-ey min John-ah
Chi vadkhui?
Chai (bey shakir)
Bey Zahmat
Bazaar la kidareya?
Otel Khanzad la kidareya?
Aa / Balay
Na
Balay / Arey

Internet Access

There are a number of internet cafes in the cities. The Internet access is fast enough but there are frequent powercuts so save what you are working on regularly.

Cell Phone Coverage

Your cell phone and SIM card should work in Iraqi Kurdistan if roaming is activated. This incurs extra costs though and it may be cheaper to buy a local SIM card such as Korek or Asia Cell. Please note that your cell phone might have a SIM lock which would need to be removed before it will accept a new SIM card.

We have had a report that a Talkmobile (England) SIM card could send and receive messages to other international numbers but not local Iraqi numbers.

Setting Up a Local Mobile Number (with Korek)

  • Visit a Korek office in Iraqi Kurdistan
  • Provide a photocopy of your passport and a photograph of yourself
  • Give your thumbprint as signature for the contract
  • Pay 3,000 dinars

Setting Up Korek Mobile Internet Access (for 10 days)

  • Make sure that you have a balance of at least 11,800 dinars ($10 USD)
  • Send a blank text message to 9595
  • Adjust phone settings to:
    APN: internet.korek.com
    Username: korek
    Password: korek

To get one month rather than 10 days of Internet access you'll need to have a balance of the equivalent of $30 USD and send the blank text message to 9494.

On this Page

Language
Internet Access
Cell Phone Coverage
Setting Up a Local Mobile Number
Setting Up Mobile Internet Access

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Last updated 23 January 2013.

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