Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Iraq: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
In Iraq, especially Baghdad, I avoided the airport currency exchange because of bad rates. I used TBI ATMs that gave a fair exchange rate and reasonable withdrawal fees. I still carry USD just in case, but ATMs worked well for the majority of my stay.
For Iraq, I’d say ATM is the way to go if your card works. Trade Bank of Iraq ATMs in Baghdad accepted my card, and even with the fee, the dollar-to-dinar rate was close to market value. The airport exchange desk charged way more hidden fees and you get less cash back.
Iraq’s banking isn’t the easiest, but I found using the TBI ATMs downtown gave me a better deal than the airport exchange counter. The counter was only good for taxi money. Larger withdrawals from the ATM at TBI branches saved me quite some cash despite the fees.
Just landed in Baghdad, and ATM withdrawals from Trade Bank of Iraq ATMs were way better than the airport exchange desks. Even though there’s a small withdrawal fee, the exchange rate was more favorable. Airport exchange counters felt expensive and had a terrible rate in comparison.