Visiting

Business hours

The working week in Iraq is from Sunday till Thursday, 8.00am to 4.00pm. The weekend is Friday and Saturday, so that an offering can be given to Allah and the Muslims can pray.

Public holidays

January 1 - New Year's Day
January 3 - Milad Un Nabi (The Prophet's Birthday)
January 6 - Army Day
April 9 - Baghdad Liberation Day
May 1 - Labour Day
July 14 - Republic Day
July 18 - Eid Al Fitr
August 8 - Ceasefire Day (End of Iran-Iraq War)
September 23 - Eid Al Adha
October 3 - National Day
October 13 - Al Hijra (Islamic New Year)
October 23 - Ashura

Climate

The climate in Iraq varies significantly between summer and winter. The summer temperature is hot to very hot during the day with warm to cool nights. In winter the temperature is cool during the day and can be very cold at night, with a good rainfall.

For weather details in Iraq, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Currency

The Iraqi Dinar (IDQ) is the official currency used in the country, however the Euro and USD is accepted everywhere due to the fluctuating exchange rates. There is an issue of counterfeit currency notes which are often given in exchange to customers, so be aware.

Banks

Inadequate supervision, political uncertainty and a lack of security have severely undermined the financial system. Banks suffer from a lack of liquidity. The state has used banks to finance deficit spending and has required loans to state-owned enterprises.

Time zones and time differences

Iraq is six hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving is from the last Friday in April to the last Friday in October.

To find out the current time in Baghdad, visit the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Iraq's country code is +964.

For calls to Iraq from Australia dial: 0011 + 964 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Iraq to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (e.g. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.