On a budget and looking for free ATMs in Iraq - Any top banks?
TBI (Trade Bank of Iraq) was the only bank where I didn't pay withdrawal fees using my Australian Visa debit card. Their ATM withdrawal limit is high, and cash access was super reliable. Other banks did tack on a small charge per transaction, so spend some time hunting down TBI locations. Always check for the fee notification on the ATM screen before finalizing the withdrawal. For travelers, bulk withdrawals save money and time in Iraq.
From my last trip in Iraq, I found TBI ATMs to be totally fee-free for foreign cards, especially Visa and Mastercard. Their daily withdrawal cap is high, so you don’t have to make multiple smaller withdrawals. Other banks-especially outside main cities-might add a fixed fee, and many Western cards still won’t work. Bonus tip: always carry some USD as backup, nearly every exchanger gives better rates than hotels, especially for $100 notes.
Most hotels and exchange offices in Erbil switch dollars to dinars with great rates and zero commission, so bringing cash is smart. Still, Iraqi Trade Bank (TBI) ATMs offer free withdrawals for TBI cards and even foreign Visa debit cards, as confirmed by recent users. Other banks in Iraq usually charge a small fee per transaction. For backpackers, withdrawing in bulk and sticking to TBI ATMs is the way to go.
In Iraq, if you want to save on ATM fees, the best bet is the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI). Several travelers, including myself, used TBI ATMs in Baghdad and Basrah with Visa and Mastercard and didn't get charged at all for withdrawals. The daily withdrawal limit is IQD 2,000,000-about $1,500-which is fantastic for big cash needs. Other bank ATMs almost always charge a small fee, so stick to TBI branches if you’re traveling on a budget.