Money Guide: ATMs, Exchange Rates & Cards in Basra
Basra’s economy runs almost entirely on cash in Iraqi Dinars (IQD). International cards work at a limited number of ATMs and hotel payment terminals, but you should not count on them for everyday spending. As of 12 July 2026, the USD/IQD exchange rate is 1 USD = 1,310.19 IQD — know that number before you hand over any currency anywhere.
Current IQD/USD Exchange Rate
The mid-market rate on 12 July 2026 is 1 USD = 1,310.19 IQD, sourced from ExchangeRate-API. The Iraqi government maintains an official pegged rate close to this figure, so large deviations at exchange offices are a red flag worth questioning.
What You Actually Get at the Counter
Exchange offices (Arabic: sarrafa) and bank tellers apply a spread — the difference between the buy and sell rate that represents their margin. A typical spread at a street-level exchange office in Basra’s city centre can mean you receive slightly less than the mid-market rate. Ask to see both buy and sell rates on a printed board before committing; reputable offices display them openly.
Quick reference at the mid-market rate (2026-07-12):
| USD | IQD (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,310 |
| 10 | 13,102 |
| 50 | 65,509 |
| 100 | 131,019 |
Always do your own arithmetic with today’s live rate before you travel, as the peg can shift.
ATMs in Basra: What to Expect
ATMs that accept foreign Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards exist in Basra, but the network is patchy compared with other regional cities. The most reliable clusters are:
- Bank lobbies and branches on Corniche Road – several Iraqi state and commercial banks have ATMs in the lobby; security guards are usually present during banking hours.
- Basra International Airport arrivals area – a small number of ATMs serve arriving passengers; check with your bank before departure whether your card is accepted on the Plus or Cirrus networks.
- Larger hotels (four- and five-star) – some properties in the Corniche and city-centre district have in-house ATMs or can arrange cash advances through the front desk.
- The Jawaher Mall and similar commercial centres – ATMs are positioned near entrances; international card acceptance varies by machine.
The total count of operational, internationally-accessible ATMs in Basra is not independently verified at time of publication — check with the operator or your bank’s ATM-locator tool before relying on a specific machine.
ATM Withdrawal Fees
The specific fee charged per withdrawal is not confirmed in our verified data — check with your home bank and with the ATM screen before confirming the transaction. Iraqi bank ATMs typically display a fee disclosure before you approve; do not skip that screen. Many travellers find it more economical to make one larger withdrawal than several small ones.
Cards That Have the Best Chance of Working
- Visa and Mastercard on the Plus/Cirrus networks have the broadest acceptance.
- American Express is rarely accepted at ATMs and is not widely taken at merchants.
- Inform your bank of your travel dates before departure to prevent automatic fraud blocks.
Bank Branches and Exchange Offices
Iraqi State and Commercial Banks
The main branches of Rafidain Bank, Rasheed Bank, and a number of private Iraqi commercial banks are located in and around Ashar (the historic commercial district) and along Corniche Road. Banking hours are typically Sunday–Thursday mornings, but confirm current hours directly with the branch — they can change around public holidays and Friday prayers. Maghrib prayer on 12 July 2026 is at 18:54, after which many offices close for the day.
Licensed Exchange Offices (Sarrafeen)
Licensed exchange offices are concentrated in:
- Ashar market area — the highest density of exchange offices in the city
- Around the central bus stations
- Near Basra International Airport arrivals (limited options; rates may be less competitive than city centre)
Always use visibly licensed offices. Verify the licence number is displayed. Never exchange money informally on the street.
Tipping and Small Cash Needs
IQD banknotes come in denominations of 250, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000, and 50,000. For practical daily use:
- Taxis and ride-hail apps: Fares are typically settled in IQD; see getting around Basra for fare guidance. Round up to the nearest 500 or 1,000 for a standard tip.
- Restaurants: Tipping is not obligatory but 5–10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants. Budget spots rarely expect a tip.
- Hotel porters and housekeeping: 1,000–2,500 IQD per service is a reasonable range.
- Private drivers: Confirm the full rate in advance; see hiring a private driver in Basra for what to agree on before you depart.
Keep a supply of smaller-denomination notes. Merchants and drivers frequently have difficulty making change for 50,000 IQD notes, especially early in the day.
Card Fraud Prevention
Card skimming and fraud are global concerns; standard precautions apply in Basra as anywhere:
- Use ATMs inside bank lobbies or hotel premises in preference to standalone street machines.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Check the card slot and keypad for any loose or added components before inserting your card.
- Enable real-time transaction alerts on your mobile banking app before you travel.
- Carry a backup card stored separately from your primary wallet.
- If a machine retains your card, report immediately to your home bank’s international helpline and ask hotel staff to help you contact the local bank.
Carrying Cash Safely
Divide your cash across at least two separate locations — for example, a wallet and a secure inner pocket or money belt. Keep only the amount you expect to spend that day easily accessible. For guidance on arrival logistics, including the airport-to-city transfer where you will first need local currency, see the Basra airport arrival guide and airport taxi and ride-app options.
If you are staying multiple nights, budget accommodation tips and mid-range hotel options in where to stay in Basra include notes on which properties have in-house payment facilities.
FAQ
Can I rely solely on my international debit card in Basra?
No. Card acceptance at merchants is limited. Carry sufficient IQD cash for daily expenses — accommodation, meals, local transport, and entry fees. Use your card at ATMs or hotel desks to replenish cash, but have a plan if a machine is offline.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Basra?
Licensed exchange offices in the Ashar district typically offer competitive rates with transparent boards. Avoid exchanging at the airport if you can wait until the city centre, as airport-adjacent rates are often less favourable. Always compare both buy and sell rates.
Is the USD/IQD rate fixed or does it fluctuate daily?
Iraq operates a managed exchange rate policy. The official rate is relatively stable, but small day-to-day movements occur. The mid-market rate on 12 July 2026 was 1,310.19 IQD per USD. Check a live source such as ExchangeRate-API on the day you travel.
Do restaurants and shops in Basra accept US dollars directly?
Some upscale hotels, international-brand outlets, and a limited number of larger restaurants will accept USD. The exchange rate they apply, however, is at their discretion and may be less favourable than what you would get at a licensed exchange office. IQD is the practical daily currency.
How much cash should I bring for a short visit?
This depends entirely on your itinerary and spending style. A useful approach: estimate your daily budget in USD, convert at today’s rate (1 USD = 1,310 IQD as of 12 July 2026), and carry enough IQD for two to three days at a time. Replenish at a city-centre exchange office or bank ATM. See first 24 hours in Basra for a practical breakdown of typical first-day expenses.