Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Iraq or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
I visited Najaf for research and stayed with a local family. They helped me withdraw cash during the day from an ATM near the holy sites. At night, streets empty fast, and most machines are inside locked bank compounds. Iraq’s situation varies a lot - but overall, ATM use after dark should be avoided unless you’re in a secured location with a local contact.
In Baghdad, night withdrawals weren’t even on the table. Most locals advised against going out after dark unless necessary. I used a Rafidain Bank ATM during the day inside a government building. If you’re visiting Iraq, make sure to plan all financial tasks for daylight. Even in secure zones, after-dark movement is restricted.
Spent some time in Sulaymaniyah working on a cultural project. I tried using an ATM near City Star Mall around 9 PM. The streets were quiet but not threatening. The ATM worked with my card. In Kurdistan, withdrawing cash after dark is okay in public places, but across the rest of Iraq, I wouldn’t risk night ATM use unless you’re with someone local.
I traveled independently in the Kurdistan region and stayed in Erbil. Withdrew cash from a Cihan Bank ATM near Family Mall around 8:30 PM - area was well-patrolled, and the machine worked. ATM safety at night in Iraq (specifically Kurdistan) is relatively stable in urban zones, but I always went out with locals and avoided late-night solo errands.