Budget Travel in Iraq – How Much Should You Plan to Spend?

Travelling to Iraq can be a truly unique experience, offering rich historical sites, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Baghdad, exploring the ancient ruins of Babylon, or hiking through the scenic Kurdistan region, planning a budget for your trip is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll break down the estimated costs for a trip to Iraq, providing insights into transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and more. We’ll also offer tips on how to save money while making the most of your trip.

Be sure to also check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Iraq, Top 10 Reasons to Visit Iraq in 2024, and How to Travel to Iraq from the UK for more detailed travel tips.

1. Transportation Costs

Getting to Iraq and moving around within the country are key parts of your budget. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on transportation.

a. Flights

The cost of flights to Iraq can vary depending on where you’re flying from, the season, and how far in advance you book. From the UK, flights to Baghdad or Erbil typically range from £350 to £600 for a round-trip ticket.

b. In-Country Travel

Once you’re in Iraq, there are several options for getting around:

• Taxis: Taxis are the most common mode of transport in cities like Baghdad and Erbil. Short rides within the city may cost around 2,000 to 5,000 IQD (£1 to £3), while longer rides or day trips can range from 25,000 to 50,000 IQD (£12 to £25).
• Buses and Minibuses: These are a more affordable way to travel between cities. A bus ride from Baghdad to Najaf could cost around 10,000 IQD (£5).
• Domestic Flights: If you want to travel quickly between cities, domestic flights are available, especially between Baghdad and Erbil. Expect to pay between £40 to £100 for one-way flights.

For detailed guidance on transportation and logistics, check out our How to Travel to Iraq from the UK.

2. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation in Iraq can range from budget options like hostels and guesthouses to more expensive hotels. Here’s a breakdown of typical accommodation costs:

a. Budget Accommodation

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, expect to find:

• Hostels/Guesthouses: These are available in major cities like Baghdad and Erbil. Prices range from 15,000 to 35,000 IQD (£8 to £18) per night.
• Basic Hotels: Small hotels that offer basic amenities such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning can cost between 40,000 to 70,000 IQD (£20 to £35) per night.

b. Mid-Range Accommodation

For those seeking a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels and inns will typically cost:

• 3-Star Hotels: Expect to pay between 80,000 and 130,000 IQD (£40 to £65) per night for a room with amenities like air conditioning, free breakfast, and 24-hour electricity.

c. Luxury Accommodation

Iraq also offers some high-end hotel options, particularly in cities like Erbil and Baghdad:

• 5-Star Hotels: Luxury hotels with pools, restaurants, and upscale amenities can cost upwards of 200,000 IQD (£100+) per night.

Make sure to review our Complete Guide to Visiting Iraq for more information on finding the right accommodation for your trip.

3. Food and Dining Costs

Iraqi food is delicious, and eating locally is one of the best ways to experience the country. Fortunately, meals in Iraq can be quite affordable, especially if you’re sticking to local cuisine.

a. Street Food and Local Eateries

Street food and small local eateries offer the most budget-friendly options. You can expect to pay:

• Street Food (e.g., Shawarma, Falafel): Around 1,000 to 2,500 IQD (£0.50 to £1.50) per item.
• Local Restaurants: A meal at a local eatery might cost between 5,000 and 10,000 IQD (£2.50 to £5).

b. Mid-Range Dining

If you prefer dining in a sit-down restaurant with a wider menu, you can expect to pay:

• Mid-Range Restaurant: Meals can range from 12,000 to 25,000 IQD (£6 to £12), with local dishes like kebab or masgouf (grilled fish).

c. High-End Restaurants

For a fine dining experience in Iraq:

• Luxury Restaurants: Meals can cost between 30,000 and 70,000 IQD (£15 to £35) depending on the restaurant and the cuisine.

For first-time visitors, our Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors offers helpful advice on dining and eating safely while in Iraq.

4. Cost of Tourist Activities

Iraq is home to a wealth of historical and cultural sites. Entrance fees to attractions are usually quite affordable, but guided tours may increase your overall budget.

a. Entrance Fees

Here’s a list of average entrance fees to some popular tourist destinations:

• Babylon Ruins: Around 5,000 IQD (£2.50)
• Erbil Citadel: Free entry, but tours can cost around 10,000 IQD (£5).
• Baghdad Museums: Museum tickets range from 3,000 to 6,000 IQD (£1.50 to £3).

b. Guided Tours

Hiring a guide can enhance your experience, particularly if you want to learn more about Iraq’s rich history and culture. Tour guides typically charge:

• Private Tour Guide: Prices can range from 50,000 to 100,000 IQD (£25 to £50) for a day.
• Group Tours: These can be more affordable, ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 IQD (£10 to £25) per person, depending on the size of the group and the location.

For more information on the best activities and places to visit, check out our Top 10 Reasons to Visit Iraq in 2024.

5. Travel Insurance

When planning your trip to Iraq, it’s important to purchase travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations. Insurance costs will depend on the length of your trip and the level of coverage you choose.

• Basic Insurance Plans: Typically start at £20 to £40 for a one-week trip.
• Comprehensive Coverage: More extensive coverage, including medical evacuation and high-risk activity coverage, can cost between £50 to £100 for a week.

6. Miscellaneous Costs

It’s always a good idea to budget for additional expenses, such as:

• Souvenirs: Prices for local crafts and souvenirs can vary, but expect to pay around 5,000 to 20,000 IQD (£2.50 to £10) for small items like handicrafts.
• Tipping: While not always expected, tipping is appreciated in restaurants and by tour guides. A tip of 1,000 to 5,000 IQD (£0.50 to £2.50) is usually sufficient.

7. Daily Budget Estimates for Travellers

To help you plan your trip more effectively, here’s a table summarising daily budget estimates based on different types of travellers:

Traveller Type	Accommodation	Food	Transportation	Activities	Total Daily Budget
Budget Traveller	£8 – £20	£3 – £6	£2 – £5	£5 – £10	£18 – £41
Mid-Range Traveller	£25 – £65	£6 – £15	£5 – £10	£10 – £25	£46 – £115
Luxury Traveller	£100+	£20+	£10+	£25+	£155+

These estimates will give you a general idea of how much you’ll need to budget based on your travel style. Be sure to adjust according to your personal preferences and interests.

Conclusion

Budgeting for a trip to Iraq requires careful planning, but with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options, it’s possible to travel on a budget while still enjoying everything this historic country has to offer.

Remember to plan ahead for expenses such as travel insurance, entrance fees,

and guided tours, and always keep a little extra for unexpected costs.

By following the tips in this guide and using our helpful resources like How to Plan a Safe and Enjoyable Trip to Iraq, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable and budget-friendly adventure in Iraq. Safe travels!