Home › Travel Guides › Middle East Travel Guide › Iraq › Money & duty free for Iraq

Money & duty free for Iraq

Currency information: 

Iraqi Dinar (IQD; symbol ID) = 20 dirhams = 1,000 fils. Notes are in denominations of ID25,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 250 and 50. Coins are in denominations of ID100 and 25.

Note: This information is subject to frequent change in the current conditions.

Credit cards: 

One of the main Iraqi banks, Warka Bank, has 350 ATMs in 120 branches across Iraq in most cities and towns. The location of their ATMs are listed on their website: www.warka-bank.com.

Note: The banking and financial infrastructure has been disrupted and is in the process of rebuilding. Hotels usually require payment in foreign currency.

ATM: 

One of the main Iraqi banks, Warka Bank, has 350 ATMs in 120 branches across Iraq in most cities and towns. The location of their ATMs are listed on their website: www.warka-bank.com.

Travellers cheques: 

Travellers cheques are not generally accepted in Iraq, though it is sometimes possible to do a deal with some merchants in city bazaars. Be warned that the rate will not be a good one. There are also Western Union branches available in main towns.

Banking hours: 

Sat-Wed 0800-1230, Thurs 0800-1100. Banks close at 1000 during Ramadan.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local or foreign currency is limited to US$10,000 or equivalent.

Currency exchange: 

Foreign currency can be used at special duty-free shops in Baghdad up to a value of US$200. To obtain this concession, goods must be purchased within 20 days of arrival and passports must be produced.

Iraq duty free

The following goods may be imported into Iraq without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco.
• Wine or spirits with a total volume of not more than 1l.
• 500mL of perfume (two small opened bottles).
• Gifts to the value of US$28.

(a) The total value of the above goods may not exceed ID100. (b) Travellers who have not left the country within 120 days must report to customs.

Banned imports: 

Electrical appliances other than personal effects, souvenirs in quantities considered to have commercial value, many types of fruits and plants.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.