Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Iraq

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Basic guesthouses, budget hotels in local areas, shared facilities, simple rooms with essential amenities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food, local kebab stands, traditional Iraqi restaurants in residential areas, market food stalls

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, shared taxis (service), walking, occasional regular taxi for short distances

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, basic museum entries, local cultural sites, self-guided exploration

Eat at local neighborhoods rather than tourist areas - typically 40-60% cheaper for authentic Iraqi cuisine

Use shared taxis (service) instead of private taxis - usually 70-80% less expensive for city transport

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through international booking sites - often 15-25% savings

Visit during shoulder seasons to avoid peak pricing - generally 20-35% lower costs

Buy food from local markets and prepare simple meals when possible - can reduce food costs by 50-70%

Use public transportation for longer distances instead of private transfers - typically 60-80% cheaper

Join group tours rather than private tours - usually 40-60% less per person for similar experiences

Only eating in hotel restaurants or tourist districts - typically costs 100-200% more than local alternatives

Taking private taxis for all transportation instead of using public options - can triple daily transport costs

Not researching visa requirements and fees in advance - unexpected costs can add $50-200 to trip budget

Booking accommodation in only the most central tourist areas - often 50-100% more expensive than nearby neighborhoods

Not carrying enough cash - ATM fees and card acceptance issues can add unexpected costs