English Language
Although Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages of Iraq, people living in bigger cities like Erbil, Sulaymaniyah understand and speak English.
Kurdish is the most widely spoken language in the city which is followed by Arabic, Turkmen and Syriac. Erbil is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to at least 2300 BC.
The cities of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Duhok are extremely safe, even at night, and petty crime is almost unheard of.
Although Kurdish is the official language plenty of people in the bigger cities of Kurdistan such as Erbil and Sulaymaniyah will be able to understand basic English – especially the younger generation.
The countries with the greatest number of English speakers are UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. Up to 75% of the UAE population can speak English and only 25% speak Arabic. Interestingly, the population of these countries mainly comprised of immigrants which, in turn, can clarify why there are so many English speakers.
Alcohol is available. Liquor stores can be found just about everywhere in the cities of Erbil and Suleymaniyah, while bars are plentiful too. Drinking out in bars and restaurants tend to be a little pricey, but prices of buying drinks from the local stores are pretty reasonable.
Public alcohol consumption is frowned upon in Iraq, a predominantly Muslim country, but it can be bought at liquor stores or licensed bars. The law, originally passed by parliament in 2016, imposes a fine of up to 25m Iraqi dinars (£14,256).
Shorts – Men can get away with wearing shorts as Kurds are a lot more forgiving with tourists, however, it is advised that women don't wear shorts. Jacket/Jumper – No matter where you travel, it's always advisable to bring a versatile jacket or jumper just in case it gets cold, or you get caught in a sudden downpour.
Erbil's Kurdish Sunni Muslim majority speaks the Sōrānī Kurdish dialect. Other ethnic groups in the city include the Turkmen and Arabs. Other religious groups include Shīʿite Muslims, Assyrian and Chaldean Catholic Christians, Yazīdīs, and Kākāʾīs.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
Visas on arrival are available for U.S. citizen tourists at airports in Iraq, including Erbil International Airport. Travelers to Iraq should not depart Iraq without ensuring they receive an exit stamp in their passport.
Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to 6,000 years B.C. It has been inhabited, over the millennia, by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols and Ottoman Turks.
Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks to their safety and security, including the potential for violence and kidnapping.
Iraq has a long tradition of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). All schools in Iraq, public or private, offer English courses. French and Kurdish are also taught in most Iraqi schools, but English has obtained a privileged status in the education system for many decades.
The city is predominantly Kurdish and has minorities of local Turkmen and Assyrians, as well as Arabs.
Foreign national is only eligible to purchase one property for residence and one property as an office. The approval of the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipalities, Department of Foreign Relations, Governorate that the property located and Military party are required.
A family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,962.7$ (2,568,797.4IQD) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 565.8$ (740,534.2IQD) without rent. Erbil is 63.0% less expensive than New York (without rent).
Erbil ranks among the top-five safest cities in the world according to data collected from Numbeo in 2018. The Kurdish capital has benefited from instability in the southern part of Iraq. The headquarters of many businesses, foreign outposts, and aid organizations have migrated to stable and safe Kurdistan.
Yes they do, but they take around 3% extra plus the exchange rate. so, it's much better and cheaper for you to pay by cash..
Typical Kurdish Food
Common foods include dolma (vegetables stuffed in grape leaves), kofta (spiced meatballs or meatloaf), flatbreads, honey and black tea. As nomads and herders, lamb and chicken have been staple meats in Kurdish cuisine for centuries.
Arak is the traditional alcoholic beverage in Western Asia, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean countries of Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.
According to the data suggested by the Global Peace Index (GPI) that's prepared and published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait are the safest countries in the region.
Oman, the most beautiful country in the Arab peninsula.