Iraq
Meetings are formal in Iraq with suit and tie typically worn. Formal courtesies are common and expected. Calling cards are regularly exchanged and these are often printed in Arabic and English. Meetings may not always be on a person-to-person basis and it is often difficult to confine items to the business in progress as many topics may be discussed in order to assess the character of colleagues or traders. Office hours are 0800-1400 Saturday to Wednesday and 0800-1300 Thursday. Friday is the weekly day of rest when offices tend to be closed.
Thefts of money, jewelry, or valuable items left in hotels' rooms are common. There are cases of pickpocketing in busy places like bazaars. Although traveling by private car to Iraq is unlikely, any involvement in a traffic accident could be very dangerous and costly (so-called blood money could be promptly requested.) There are reports of some unscrupulous taxi drivers. Avoid traveling alone by taxi with a large sum of money.
Some cars and buses have been stopped on highways particularly at night. Passengers have been robbed at gunpoint. In some cases, the cars are also stolen.
Modern hotel accommodation is limited and bookings should be made in advance. All prices are set by the Government for higher-class hotels. Small hotels are also available for low budgets, but with a lower standard of facilities. Hotel bills are payable in foreign currency but credit cards are generally not accepted.
Telephone IDD service is available. Iraq's country code is 964 and outgoing international code is 00. Telex/telegram facilities are available in Baghdad. Telegrams and telex messages can be sent from the telegraph office next to the post office in Rashid Street.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Various 2- and 3-pin plugs are in use.
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Various two- and three-pin plugs are in use. Electricity supplies were severely affected in the recent conflict.
C,D,G
National Specialties:
• Dolma (vine leaves, cabbage, lettuce, onions, aubergine, marrow or cucumbers stuffed with rice, meat and spices).
• Tikka (small chunks of mutton on skewers grilled on a charcoal fire).
• Quozi (small lamb boiled whole and grilled, stuffed with rice, minced meat and spices and served on rice) and masgouf (fish from the Tigris, cooked on the river bank).
Things to know: There is strict adherence to Islamic laws on the consumption of alcohol, which is available within the limits of religious
laws. A permit for alcohol may be necessary, although this may only be valid at international hotels. Certain hotels prohibit the consumption of alcohol by visitors. During the lunar month of Ramadan, smoking and drinking in public is not permitted. Waiter service is usual. Tipping:
Normal limit is 10 to 15 per cent. Taxi drivers need not be tipped since the fare is agreed before the journey.Nightlife
Baghdad has nightclubs with cabaret, music and dancing, as do other main towns. There are also cinemas, theaters and bars.
