No issues elsewhere, but in Iraq, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
Don't worry about it too much; it’s not your card, it’s the country's system. Credit card acceptance is rare outside of a few tourist-focused spots. The best way to deal with this is to always have cash on you. I'd recommend finding a good exchange office to get Iraqi dinars from US dollars or Euros. It's a bit of a hassle, but it's the only way to ensure you can pay for taxis, meals, and other services.
My friend had this same problem. He tried to use his Mastercard at a store in Erbil, and it was rejected. The best advice is to assume your card will not work and carry cash. The economy is largely cash-based. You'll get a better exchange rate if you use US dollars and exchange them for dinars at a local exchange office. Don't rely on your credit card for anything here.
This has happened to me before. I tried to use my Visa card at a store in Baghdad, and it was declined. I tried again, and it was declined again. The issue is that the credit card terminals are not widely available, and even when they are, they can be unreliable. My advice is to carry cash, preferably US dollars, and exchange it for Iraqi dinars at a reputable money changer.
That’s a huge problem, and unfortunately, it is common. While some major banks like the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) have started to accept international cards, the system is very new and unreliable. Most smaller businesses, markets, and taxis will not accept credit cards. The best solution is to use cash. Both the Iraqi dinar (IQD) and US dollars are accepted in many places. You'll have much better luck with cash.