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.
EnglishHelloGood 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 KurdishRozh-bashBeyanee-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 KurdishRozh-bashBeyanee-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
LanguageInternet Access
Cell Phone Coverage
Setting Up a Local Mobile Number
Setting Up Mobile Internet Access
Contribute to this Page
More information is required for this page.
Please email your experiences to
Last updated 23 January 2013.