Cycling in Iraq: is it SAFE?

Kurdistan Iraq

To be technically correct, we are traveling in the northern region of Iraq called Kurdistan Iraq. It's a very autonomous region governed by the Kurdish people, with their own government and military.

Source: Wikipedia

Is it safe…

There are many factors to determining if a place is safe or not, so we thought to use photos to give our readers a first hand insight into Kurdistan.

…in the cities?

So far, we have visited Suleymaniyah and Erbil. Throughout our time in these cities, we felt completely comfortable and safe. The only concerns were about keeping our money and passport safe (which applies to everywhere you go). The bazaar can be busy and very crowded so you have to look after your belongings.

Mountain view of Sulaymaniyah

City Park in Erbil

…to camp?

We camped twice, once in a paddock near the highway, another time in a picnic park. After visiting the Amna Suraka museum in Sulaymaniyah, we learned about mines that were planted up the mountains so it is definitely a no-no for camping.

A quiet night camping in the picnic park

…at night?

In Sulaymaniyah our accommodation was right in the city centre. Every night we hanged out with CouchSurfing members and we usually return home after midnight. The 2 kilometers walk home was quiet and we encountered no problem!

Outdoor tea drinking culture
It's very popular here to drink tea outside, in rows looking at the street. People casually sipping tea and chatting with friends. Some may have sweets with them, or busy nibbling at roasted sunflower seeds. Quite noticeably, there are many kids passing by begging for money, selling small items or offering to clean shoes.

Teeny tiny tea cups
It's a good business selling tea actually. For that small cup of tea, they're charging 500 IQD which is ~60¢ NZ. Without asking, you'll get a heapful of white sugar which isn't stirred. They really love their tea sweet here.

…being so close to the conflict areas?

We considered a lot before coming to Kurdistan Iraq and so far so good. This region is well protected by the Peshmanga military, and they are very friendly. We've passed several checkpoint already and they just want to know who we are. Nothing serious, no big delays and after a flick through our passport, we're free to go.

If a fast food chain set up restaurants here, is it considered safe enough?

Now is your chance 👇👇👇

Ask your question and we'll try our best to answer. We may not have a photo for everything, but we can answer any questions related to food, infrastructure, money, natural landscape, people, culture and urban development.

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