Moving to erbil

Could i ask a question and i hope find answer
i was searching about people living in arbil
through expat-blog iraq network
to know about transportation connect arbil by syria
i want go from iran then to arbil by bus
then from arbil to syria by bus too
IS there any buses go from arbil to damascus or even aleppo??

thank you

I'm In erbil and I can help you.

Hello,

expatriate in Middle east since 8 years, i am planning to move to erbil in the coming month....and of course i am inquiring about the situation and way of life there... if someone can support me , it would be gratefull...

sincerely
Ahmed D

Hi Sunflower,
Erbil is growing rapidly.  New shopping centers, new automobiles are everywhere.  New and expensive housing complexes are being completed.  Many foreigners are around, but there are only limited social outlets(The Go-Kart Track, T-Bar, Other bars in Ainkawa-Christian Section).

It is very hot here in the summer(50degC in the day, and 35degC at night).  The winter is not too bad.  Today (12 Jan) it is 12 degC during the day and maybe 3-4 degC at night.

Looking for a job in oil and gas?  Do you have experience?  If so, you might be able to network and find something. Several service companies have office here, and a few independent oil companies are in the area (no majors).  If no experience, you might find something, but the pay will be low $1000-1500/mo.

The people here are vey conservative.  Mostly Muslim, so the socialising is extended family, not with outsiders.  As such, one of the downsides now is that there is not much in the way of activities and social outlets.  This could change in the next five years or so.

I have the same question. Is it possible to go from Damascus to Erbil by bus? Any special visa requirements for the border crossing there?

Dear Omnia and Joya....
there is no bus between Damascus and Erbil , but there are cars
it costs it 50 $

Dear expat175 ,
I will be there at the same time.
If you are interested to go you in Erbil please contact me,
there are many wonderful places to visit in there
have a nice trip

expat175 wrote:

Hey everyone,

Will probably come to Erbil 0n 4 May and leave on 7 May. Would like to meet some expats while being there. I's a business trip and I'd like to chil out after work. Please send me your email address if you want.

Great !

expat175 wrote:

Wonderful!! I don't want to be stuck in a hotel and do nothing after work. I'd appreciate it.

Im Moving to Erbil soon,
im going to work in Divan Erbil Hotel, i would like to have some friends over there !!!

Malik, I am IT Manager of Divan Erbil.
If you have any queries, Which can help you, prior coming to this place ?

Hi everyone,

I am Going to move in Erbil for september, and I am looking for some information:
1) How much cost to rent a flat in a residential location? With all the facilities? Could you recommand me a zone?
2) Is there a place to go by night and restaurant where the expatriets usely goes?
3) How is the way of life reguarding the security? and the health?
4) I represant an IT company, do you know how does it works for doing business?
5) What could we do for free time?
Thanks a lot.

Sanka 23,

I'm in Ankawa which is considered the Chirtian area of Erbil. I'll do my best to answer your questions.

1.) Costs vary by comfortability and what you or your company can afford. The place we live is nice but maybe outside of many peoples budget. Approximately $2,000 per month,fully furnished. Some pots and pans, nice furniture, decent bathroom, etc. Have to bring own towels but they provide some linens that are a little cheesy.
2.) Plenty of places to go out in and around Ankawa. I'm still learning because only been here two weeks. Couple of places are T-Bar, German Restaurant, Beruit Pub, Monza (Speed Center), Deutsche Hof, Marina etc. Pleanty of other local places as well.
3.) Security is pretty safe. You'll see kurdish security forces roaming around with AK47's on occasion. Probably there is more danger in driving than worried about the local community in Erbil. Can't explain it but when you get here, you will understand.
4.)No Clue.
5.)Read, travel up into mountains, stay out of Mosul, go out to eat and work. That's about it.

@ Sanka,

I am an IT manager for a 5* Hotel.
Experienced enough of IT market here in last three months.
Few small IT companies, mainly deals in Desktops and printers.
Couple of Companies claim they are HP partners (one in Sulaimaniya and other in Baghdaad).
IT is dependent on Dubai, Turkey and Lebonon for any major services.

Thank you guys for your Information .....

I will need your help....
I want to come in Erbil for the 19 Sep - 22 Sep 2011- Erbil International Fairground. I will come with a partner and we are lookin a place to stay. On the net, all the hotel are fully booked.

Do you know a place where we can go and stay?

Thanks in adavnce for your help.

Maybe we can meet when I will be in Erbil.

You can contact me on my email : ***


Thanks in advance

Hi, Mr Abdul,
Good to hear, i will be there by Sep, 7 of this year,
how's erbil now,? see you soon !!!

Moving to Erbil to begin an ESL program in three days would love to have folks to talk to.  Anyone want to hang out or whatever please let me know.  ***
Heather

Hi from Erbil
Winter depend on how you dress and where you come from!
Here now from 8 to 20 C not bad - days generally sunny -
What work in O&G are you seeking?

Neil

hello all, myself and my partner have just been refused a settlement visa application and are awaitting the result of a appeal process! im now weighing up options,
1. do i need visa to come to erbil?
2. i dont speak kurdish, would i be able to find a job there?
3. is there a school that my daughter, she only speaks english and is 6 cud go to?
4. we wud need rentel property, where is cheapest?
would be greatful for any advice!!!

Hi Shayana
No Kurdish language - is not a problem from my point of view
If you hold UK passport arrival visa will be granted otherwise what passport do  partner & you hold ??
3/4 International English language Schools in Erbil
Anikawa Erbil you can obtain unfurnished 3/4 bedrooms for $1000 monthly
   
Refused settlement visa fro KRG or UK?
What type of job and and partner seeking?

Kind Regards
Neil

u r welcome in iraq , hope to meet u when i br in erbil

Hello everyone,
My husband and i might be moving to erbil in about 3 months time, i am expecting my first baby in 2 months and would like to know how the healthcare is over there. is there any other expat families living in erbil who have had experience with some infants??? we are scared for the new move... can anyone provide some answer to my questions please.

I am due to arrive in Kurdistan to meet with a client.

Any tips or anything i should know?

Thanks in advance.

Eben.

hello
i am planing to drive from amman tomirbil, then from there to enter turkey...

how much is the gasoline in iraq?
is it safe to drive there, as a foreigner?

any tips will be appreciated...thanks a lot..

malik.dxb wrote:

Im Moving to Erbil soon,
im going to work in Divan Erbil Hotel, i would like to have some friends over there !!!

hello where u from?

Hi FrancisColette,

i will visit erbil in the coming weeks,i still waiting for the visa, i have 3 kids, i will just visit erbil to decide whiten we will stray or not, since i don't know if the schools there good for my big boy 6 year.

hope to communicate with each other since i looking for a family there to advise.

BR
Rania

Naya2012 wrote:

Hi FrancisColette,

i will visit erbil in the coming weeks,i still waiting for the visa, i have 3 kids, i will just visit erbil to decide whiten we will stray or not, since i don't know if the schools there good for my big boy 6 year.

hope to communicate with each other since i looking for a family there to advise.
hey i know that scholl is so good ...by away why u decide to stay in arbil?

BR
Rania

hello expats,

im moving to erbil on the first of Feb.2013 and i will stay there for a while maybe a year or more, i'm looking for a small apartment on bedroom and living room is enough for me, so wanna ask what does it cost nearby erbil airport ??
and i have a question about buying a car, is there any special reqs for a foreign ?
and i need to ask about salaries average for the middle management ?

one last thing, where can i find some expats and nice friends ?


thanks in advance

I am Parisa from Iran looking for job in Kurdistan. I have done master of Environmental science . from university of Pune anyone can help me ?

Hello parisa-maz -> You should post an advert in the Jobs in Iraq section. It could help.

Thank you,
Aurélie

i am currently in Saudi Arab Riyadh, and working here, just now i got a job in Ebril Iraq, as Restaurant  manager, and my basic salary will be 1350 USD, please some one can tell me how is this city,

i mean this is safe to work and stay. no any problem for live.
1-how much expense for food if cook at home.
2-how is city and local people.
3 is this salary  is enough for this job.

How is Erbil in 2013 for a expat?

How is Erbil as far as living conditions, shopping and people?

I am looking for an apartment or flat share in Ankawa Erbil
Professional working single female
any advice or help  most appreciated

Hi alice farthing,

Welcome to Expat.com!

Please post an advert in the housing in Iraq section. It might help you.

Thank you,
Christine
Expat.com team

Hello,

Don't worry too much about the weather. It can get cold but the idea of cold is relative. It is colder in the mountains. Erbil is not so cold during the day time even if you are outside all day long.

I have never needed long underwear or down filled coats here. Regular pants are fine too. Layers of clothing work best since it may be chilly in the morning, warm at noon, and cooler in the evenings.

I do use a hat, coat, and gloves (my hands get dry in cold weather). I have a blanket on my bed and rarely use heat in the apartment. I do have a small portable electric heater which I put in the bathroom to warm it up before the early morning shower.

Hope this helps.

People
Men and women do not mix unless they are married or in the same family. Easier for a man here than for a woman. Men can go where they want when they want.

Shopping
Most things are available here for a good price. Prices comparable to the USA. Liquor is available in Ainkawa at cheap prices too. Electronics are cheap. Lots of shopping options ranging from new goods to used goods. Shopping malls are most expensive. Markets are cheaper if you know what the price should be. Look first in mall and then make market price lower than mall.

Lifestyle
Very little to do here. Prepare yourself by having good internet access, renting DVDs, ebooks, etc.

Eating Out

Most neighborhoods have a donner and falafel shop. Prices are from 75cents to $1.50USD

Local restaurants, not catering to upscale, range in price from $7USD to $12USD for main dish and nonalcoholic drink

Restaurants featuring foreign food (Lebanese, Turkish, etc.) or in Ainkawa start at $15USD and go up to $50USD (buffet at Rotanna, Divan). Dawa Turkish is $25 buffet. Drinks are more.

I spend about $500 per month on grocery store food and eat out maybe once per week in the $10 price range. This is feeding 1 person and shopping at the big mall hypermarkets which is the most expensive. I buy a lot of fruits, veggies, and some imported products like spaghetti sauce, catsup, etc. Cost of food has risen a lot in 4 years. Example 1 liter oil was 750ID and is now 1400ID. 30 small Turkish eggs run 4500ID, produce fluctuates in price.

If I shop in neighborhood places my grocery bill drops to around $400 per month but I like the international products I buy in the hypermarkets like French cheese, Turkish yogurt, spaghetti sauce from Italy, etc.

If you want to eat beans and rice and very little seasonal produce then you can do 1 month for $150.

Gas, Cars, Insurance
Cars are expensive here same prices as in the USA and even used cars sell for a high price
There is no car insurance. You have an accident you pay, you pay.
Gas runs about 980ID per liter.

Taxis
Most trips around town cost between 4000ID and 8000ID. Lots of taxis some honest and some terrible.

My local friend says electricity and cooking gas are expensive. I do not know how much.

Hope this helps.

salim_212005 wrote:

i am currently in Saudi Arab Riyadh, and working here, just now i got a job in Ebril Iraq, as Restaurant  manager, and my basic salary will be 1350 USD, please some one can tell me how is this city,

i mean this is safe to work and stay. no any problem for live.
1-how much expense for food if cook at home.
2-how is city and local people.
3 is this salary  is enough for this job.

Does your employer pay housing?
Can you eat a meal for free at work?
Does your employer give you transport to work?

This amount of salary seems low to me but I do not know what those jobs pay normally here.

Food costs depend upon what kind of food you buy.
Fruit and veg are same price here as in the USA.
Meat depends upon what you buy. Frozen chicken whole from Turkey small size is 7000ID. Fresh meat runs about 18000-20000kilo.
Local spices are quite cheap. Imported Indian spices are 4000ID each packet. whole wheat flour is not available here but you can buy whole wheat pita about 6 pieces for 1000ID. 5kg rice ranges from 7000ID to 10000ID depending upon kind and country of origin.
Available dried beans include mung, channa/chickpea, black eyed pea/lobia?, sometimes kidney/rajma, green lentil, red lentil. For 750g dried about 2000ID. Sunflower Cooking oil 750ml is 1200ID.

Please see my other post here in this section for restaurant prices.

Some friends who happen to be Indian have reported being harassed by security guards when they passed by on the street walking. In general it is quite safe here during the day time. At night stick with friends. There are lots of contract workers here from other countries. Working conditions can be quite unfair and tough for them. But I have heard the same thing about Saudi and you seemed to have survived it. Overall the contract workers that I have talked to have felt working in Oman is the best and Erbil is the next best of the Gulf countries.

Weather is nice here. People are pretty nice. I like it here and this is my 4th year.Good luck.

Are you still in Erbil