Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Iraq - cash only, or do cards work too?
It’s surprising how much Iraq still sticks to cash for public transport. They are slowly modernizing payment methods, but for now, no credit or debit cards are accepted on buses or metros. Carrying cash is essential, especially Iraqi dinars. ATMs exist mainly in bigger cities like Baghdad or Erbil, but not every machine takes foreign cards. Tourists should plan accordingly, because relying on cards will just complicate your daily commutes.
I rode buses in Iraqi Kurdistan recently and paid entirely in cash. The fares are usually in Iraqi dinars. Some ATMs don’t accept foreign cards, but I found Bank of Baghdad ATMs were reliable for withdrawing both USD and local currency. Public transport options like shared taxis or minibuses don’t take cards, so just keep local currency handy. It’s a bit old school, but the cash system works fine once you’re used to it.
If visiting Iraq, carry cash for local buses-card payment isn’t a practical option yet. Even though some major hotels accept cards, public transport remains a cash affair. ATMs in Erbil’s Ankawa neighbourhood or Sulaymaniyah center work for withdrawing Iraqi dinar or USD. Avoid relying on credit cards for buses or taxis. It’s also wise to split your cash in different pockets to minimize risk, especially when taking shared minivans or taxis between cities.
Right now in Iraq, public transport is almost entirely cash-based. Despite some banking improvements, buses and shared taxis don’t widely accept cards like Visa or Mastercard yet. Especially outside big cities like Baghdad or Erbil, it’s safer to carry Iraqi dinars in cash for your metro or bus rides. ATMs can be scarce, but Bank of Baghdad and Byblos Bank offer decent services in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah for cash withdrawals. So always have enough cash ready for transport to avoid any hassle.