Muhafazat Arbil Local Custom Tips by Robin020

Internet and Netcafes

*crInternet%c*

Kurdistan Iraq has easy and cheap internet access. Internet is very common around the cities at internet cafes. . The cafes are very friendly but in order to avoid being price gouged it is best to ask a local how much the internet costs per an hour before agreeing to sit down. It is usually less than 50 S.P per hour (1$ US),

Changing money

Changing Money

There are money exchange businesses in the cities but the best rates are often found in bazaars. Look out for men sitting on the kerb with large bundles of cash. Make sure you agree on a good rate before handing your money over.

Tipping

Tipping

There is no wide practice or expectation of tipping - it is OK to pay the price requested for a product or service, or leave some small change as a thank you.as the is not so high the waiter will definitly appreciate it if you leave some changes specially a little can make a big difference.

Cell phone cover and sim cards

Cell Phone Coverage

Your cell phone and SIM card should work in Iraqi Kurdistan if roaming is activated. This incurs extra costs though and it may be cheaper to buy a local SIM card such as Korek or Asia Cell. Please note that your cell phone might have a SIM lock which would need to be removed before it will accept a new SIM card.

We have had a report that a Talkmobile (England) SIM card could send and receive messages to other international numbers but not local Iraqi numbers.
Setting Up a Local Mobile Number (with Korek)

Visit a Korek office in Iraqi Kurdistan
Provide a photocopy of your passport and a photograph of yourself
Give your thumbprint as signature for the contract
Pay 3,000 dinars

Setting Up Korek Mobile Internet Access (for 10 days)

Make sure that you have a balance of at least 11,800 dinars ($10 USD)
Send a blank text message to 9595
Adjust phone settings to:
APN: internet.korek.com
Username: korek
Password: korek

To get one month rather than 10 days of Internet access you'll need to have a balance of the equivalent of $30 USD and send the blank text message to 9494.

http://www.traveliraqikurdistan.com/practical-information/communication/

Kurdish National Anthem

(Kurdish national anthem)

HEY ENEMY !

Hey enemy, the Kurdish nation is alive with its language
Can not be defeated by the weapons of any time
Let no one say Kurds are dead
Kurds are living
Kurds are living, their flag will never fall

We, the youth are the red colour of the revolution
Watch our blood that we shed on this way
Let no one say Kurds are dead
Kurds are living
Kurds are living, their flag will never fall

We are the children of Medya and Keyhusrew
Both our faith and religion are our homeland
Both our faith and religion are Kurd and Kurdistan
Let no one say Kurds are dead
Kurds are living
Kurds are living, their flag will never fall

The Kurdish youth have risen like lions
To adorn the crown of life with blood
Let no one say Kurds are dead
Kurds are living
Kurds are living, their flag will never fall

The Kurdish youth are ever present and
Forever will be ready to sacrifice their lives
Sacrifice each life they have, each life they have!!!...