#1 2010-08-22 09:18:54
- sunflower12
- New member
- Registered: 2010-08-22
- Posts: 1
moving to erbil
Hi everyone,
I am moving to erbil soon. Would like to get in touch with other people there as well. Also, I would be looking for work in oil and gas sector so any help in that regard would be great. Do i need to know anything important before i arrive? How cold does it get in winters?
Thanks alot
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#2 2010-09-08 04:50:11
- Omnia
- New member
- From: Baku
- Registered: 2009-06-24
- Posts: 4
Re: 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
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#3 2010-09-14 10:46:36
- roger22
- Active member

- From: Erbil
- Registered: 2010-09-02
- Posts: 35
Re: moving to erbil
I'm In erbil and I can help you.
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#4 2010-11-30 19:45:50
- mahmedadz12
- New member
- From: medina
- Registered: 2010-11-30
- Posts: 1
Re: moving to erbil
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
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#5 2011-01-12 14:39:00
- Thomas231
- New member
- From: Erbil
- Registered: 2011-01-12
- Posts: 5
Re: moving to erbil
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.
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#6 2011-01-24 16:18:45
- Joya van der Linde
- New member
- From: Amsterdam
- Registered: 2011-01-24
- Posts: 1
Re: moving to erbil
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?
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#7 2011-04-20 07:42:53
- Rafid80
- Contributor

- From: Istanbul
- Registered: 2011-02-08
- Posts: 128
Re: moving to erbil
Dear Omnia and Joya....
there is no bus between Damascus and Erbil , but there are cars
it costs it 50 $
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#8 2011-04-20 07:44:41
- Rafid80
- Contributor

- From: Istanbul
- Registered: 2011-02-08
- Posts: 128
Re: moving to erbil
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.
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#9 2011-04-20 09:37:59
- Rafid80
- Contributor

- From: Istanbul
- Registered: 2011-02-08
- Posts: 128
Re: moving to erbil
Great !
expat175 wrote:
Wonderful!! I don't want to be stuck in a hotel and do nothing after work. I'd appreciate it.
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#10 2011-07-08 07:23:18
- malik.dxb
- New member
- From: Dubai
- Registered: 2011-07-08
- Posts: 2
Re: moving to erbil
Im Moving to Erbil soon,
im going to work in Divan Erbil Hotel, i would like to have some friends over there !!!
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#11 2011-07-08 15:12:55
- Abdul Khaliq
- Member

- Registered: 2011-06-29
- Posts: 10
Re: moving to erbil
Malik, I am IT Manager of Divan Erbil.
If you have any queries, Which can help you, prior coming to this place ?
Last edited by Abdul Khaliq (2011-07-08 15:14:34)
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#12 2011-07-08 17:21:29
- Sanka23
- New member
- From: Timisoara
- Registered: 2011-07-08
- Posts: 2
Re: moving to erbil
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.
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#13 2011-07-09 15:16:58
- BigSandBox
- New member
- From: Erbil
- Registered: 2011-07-09
- Posts: 1
Re: moving to erbil
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.
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#14 2011-07-09 15:34:30
- Abdul Khaliq
- Member

- Registered: 2011-06-29
- Posts: 10
Re: moving to erbil
@ 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.
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#15 2011-07-21 22:05:18
- Sanka23
- New member
- From: Timisoara
- Registered: 2011-07-08
- Posts: 2
Re: moving to erbil
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 : yanneckadolphe[at]2332.ro
Thanks in advance
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#16 2011-07-26 21:11:46
- malik.dxb
- New member
- From: Dubai
- Registered: 2011-07-08
- Posts: 2
Re: moving to erbil
Hi, Mr Abdul,
Good to hear, i will be there by Sep, 7 of this year,
how's erbil now,? see you soon !!!
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#17 2012-01-08 19:40:51
- darkcomedy
- New member
- From: Diyarbakir
- Registered: 2012-01-08
- Posts: 2
Re: moving to erbil
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. darkestdarkcomedy[at]gmail.com
Heather
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#18 2012-01-10 04:59:52
- MOVES
- Member
- From: Erbil
- Registered: 2011-11-01
- Posts: 14
Re: moving to erbil
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
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#19 2012-02-03 17:27:32
- shayarna
- New member
- From: uk
- Registered: 2012-02-03
- Posts: 1
Re: moving to erbil
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!!!
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#20 2012-02-04 06:03:45
- MOVES
- Member
- From: Erbil
- Registered: 2011-11-01
- Posts: 14
Re: moving to erbil
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
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#21 2012-03-12 23:16:10
- loay_alsamraaie@yahoo.com
- Member

- From: Dubai
- Registered: 2012-03-12
- Posts: 14
Re: moving to erbil
u r welcome in iraq , hope to meet u when i br in erbil
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#22 2012-07-11 18:46:45
- FrancisColette
- New member
- From: Fujairah
- Registered: 2012-07-11
- Posts: 2
Re: moving to 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.
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#23 2012-10-30 14:16:21
- eben.mclean
- New member
- From: Kurdistan
- Registered: 2012-10-30
- Posts: 3
Re: moving to erbil
I am due to arrive in Kurdistan to meet with a client.
Any tips or anything i should know?
Thanks in advance.
Eben.
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#24 2012-11-16 21:16:59
- JemX
- Member

- From: Amman
- Registered: 2012-11-09
- Posts: 16
Re: moving to erbil
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..
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#25 2012-12-03 08:02:16
- tomnaser
- Member

- From: Kuala Lumpur
- Registered: 2012-12-03
- Posts: 22
Re: moving to erbil
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?
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#26 2012-12-13 09:32:01
- Naya2012
- New member

- From: Amman
- Registered: 2012-11-19
- Posts: 8
Re: moving to erbil
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
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#27 2012-12-13 11:43:54
- tomnaser
- Member

- From: Kuala Lumpur
- Registered: 2012-12-03
- Posts: 22
Re: moving to erbil
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
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#28 2012-12-25 16:24:42
- iyas
- New member
- From: Erbil
- Registered: 2012-12-25
- Posts: 1
Re: moving to erbil
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
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#29 2013-02-25 18:59:38
- parisa-maz
- New member
- From: Pune
- Registered: 2013-01-12
- Posts: 1
Re: moving to erbil
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 ?
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#30 2013-02-26 10:54:29
- Aurélie
- Team

- From: Pamplemousses
- Registered: 2012-05-02
- Posts: 21347
Re: moving to erbil
Hello parisa-maz -> You should post an advert in the Jobs in Iraq section. It could help. 
Thank you,
Aurélie
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#31 2013-03-21 21:54:36
- salim_212005
- New member

- From: Riyadh
- Registered: 2013-03-10
- Posts: 3
Re: moving to erbil
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.
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#32 2013-05-14 15:52:24
- Magical Panda
- New member

- From: NC
- Registered: 2013-05-14
- Posts: 6
Re: moving to erbil
How is Erbil in 2013 for a expat?
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#33 2013-05-14 15:53:51
- Magical Panda
- New member

- From: NC
- Registered: 2013-05-14
- Posts: 6
Re: moving to erbil
How is Erbil as far as living conditions, shopping and people?
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