Skip to content
Some scams

Western Asia

Tourist scams in Iraq

The main money risks described in Iraq are overpriced rugs, bootleg DVDs, counterfeit or obsolete banknotes, and taxi charges added after a fare is agreed. There is no reliable measure of how often visitors face these problems. Serious security threats, including financially motivated kidnapping, are separate from everyday scams and can be much more dangerous.
  1. 1 ShoppingCommonOverpriced or poor-quality rugsMany rugs are heavily overpriced. Some are cheap Chinese-made rugs, so a high asking price does not mean high quality.Baghdad 1Read
  2. 2 ShoppingCommonBootleg DVDsMany DVDs are bootlegs. Their quality varies, so the disc may not match your expectations.Baghdad 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonShared-taxi charges added after agreementA driver may expect a tip or payment above the agreed fare because checkpoints cause extra inconvenience when carrying a foreign passenger. An agreed fare may therefore not be the final amount.Shared-taxi journeys outside Iraqi Kurdistan, particularly on routes with many checkpoints. Checkpoints increase north of Tikrit.Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyOccasionalCounterfeit or obsolete banknotesCounterfeit US dollar notes are a stated risk. Pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes should also not be accepted. Check notes before completing a cash transaction.When accepting Iraqi dinars or US dollars. 2Read
  5. 5 Other tricksOccasionalFinancially motivated kidnappingForeign visitors can be targeted for kidnapping. In Baghdad, kidnappings are often financially motivated. Near the Kuwait entry point, insurgents may watch arriving travellers and target Western-looking people on the road. This is a serious security threat rather than an everyday tourist scam.Baghdad, Basra 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Roads north of TikritCheckpoints become more frequent here. Shared-taxi drivers may seek extra payment for checkpoint-related inconvenience.
  • Areas outside the International Zone, BaghdadSerious security threats include kidnapping. Foreign visitors can be targeted, and kidnappings are often financially motivated.
  • Road after the Safwan border crossing from Kuwait, BasraInsurgents may watch the Iraqi entry point and target Western-looking travellers for kidnapping after they cross.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree the total fare before getting in.
  • Ask whether checkpoint delays could add to the fare.
  • Keep the agreed fare written down.
  • Carry small notes to reduce problems with change.

Money

  • Carry mostly small Iraqi dinar notes for daily purchases.
  • Bring clean, undamaged notes; old or damaged bills may be refused.
  • Check banknote security features and reject pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes.
  • Confirm the currency and conversion rate before paying in dollars or euros.
  • Inspect goods and compare prices before making a large purchase.

Police and officials

  • Keep identification ready for checkpoints.
  • In Dahuk, police or military questions and identification checks are described as routine; they are not described as requests for money.
  • Stay calm when documents are checked.
  • If someone requests payment, calmly ask what it is for and whether a receipt is available.

Tours and guides

  • Strongly consider a local guide.
  • Discuss routes and checkpoints before setting out.
  • Share your itinerary and expected arrival time with someone you trust.
  • For essential travel in Baghdad, consider professional security support.

What travellers say about Iraq

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Iraq?

There is no reliable overall frequency given. The main money risks described are overpriced rugs, bootleg DVDs, suspect banknotes and extra shared-taxi charges. Serious security risks can be much more dangerous.

Can a shared-taxi driver ask for more than the agreed fare?

Yes. Outside Iraqi Kurdistan, drivers may expect extra payment for checkpoint-related inconvenience when carrying a foreign passenger. Ask about this before departure.

Are police identification checks in Dahuk a scam?

Routine police or military identification checks in Dahuk are explicitly described as legitimate. They are not described as attempts to get money.

Which banknotes should I check carefully?

Check Iraqi dinar and US dollar security features. Do not accept pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes. Counterfeit US$5, US$10 and US$20 notes are specifically identified as a risk.

Should I use dollars or dinars for everyday purchases?

Small Iraqi dinar notes are the most practical daily cash. Some sellers do not accept dollars, and people may be reluctant to change large notes. Confirm the conversion rate when paying in another currency.

What should I check before buying a rug in Baghdad?

Inspect its quality closely and compare prices. Some rugs are cheap Chinese-made products, and many are heavily overpriced.

Are DVDs from street vendors reliable?

Many DVDs sold in Baghdad, especially by street vendors, are bootlegs of varying quality. Ask to test a disc before buying.

Is kidnapping a concern for foreign visitors?

Yes. Foreigners can be targeted in Baghdad, where kidnappings are often financially motivated. The road after entering through Safwan from Kuwait is also identified as a kidnapping risk.

Who should I contact after a scam or theft?

Report the incident to police when safe. Contact your card issuer if payment access is affected, your insurer for a claim, and your embassy for lost travel documents or serious threats. Emergency services may be unreliable.

Reviewed by