Baghdad, Iraq Report of what it's like to live there - 04/14/19
Personal Experiences from Baghdad, Iraq
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Hamilton, Rome, Stockholm, London, and Budapest.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
The US.
3. How long have you lived here?
Nine months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
SDA housing is fine; think beige Courtyard Marriott or a Residence Inn. Bathrooms are spacious but difficult for tandems (hot water, etc.) Best commute ever!
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Limited variety, but plenty of basics. Supplement with your consumables shipments. Plenty of cleaning supplies so don't waste your time shipping any of those items.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Canned foods (tuna, crab, chicken), and a bread maker. Annie's Mac & Cheese. Some people ship wine; only do that in the cold months if you're inclined.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Pizza on site. DEFAC has plenty of variety. The environment gets dull, but every effort is made to prepare good food. Local staff can help with delivery options (burgers, local food).
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Fine. A little slow, but all things considered...it is better than expected.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It is available. Don't know costs.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Two gyms. Two pools (one indoor open all year). Bring goggles and bathing caps if you want to do laps. Busy, but never too crowded. Water Polo optional.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes. No problems. You really don't need much money, as there is not much buy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not needed.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, for security reasons.
Transportation:
1. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Suspect there are plenty of used bicycles (don't bring your best bike, as there's no where to go on it other than a loop around the compound).
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Within a few days. Costs of $90 a month.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
If you are here, it is under terms of employment, including a few positions for EFMs. Plenty of volunteer opportunities (organize something for the community)
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as Washington.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Environment usually prevents frequent departure from compound. Occasionally there are opportunities to leave the compound, and I'd say to take them if invited.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The heat is only oppressive for a few months, and even then its a dry heat, not a muggy, swamp like heat. Plenty of opportunities to exercise, but keep hydrated.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is not great. Worsens in the hot weather with smell of oil. Have not had specific health issues; scheduled any routine care during R&Rs.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Bring your meds.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Make an effort to get out. Go for walks. Engage in community. There's generally something for everyone. People lookout for each other.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
May-September will be very hot (well over 100). The rest of the year is actually quite pleasant. November-March chilly (low 40s in the evenings). Bring layers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Most people make the most of this post. Set some personal goals. Boredom and inertia are the biggest challenges.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Fitness classes, trivia, wiffle ball, frisbee, volley ball, tennis, knitting, cooking. The Community Liaison Office (CLO) does a great job. Find an exercise partner. Movies.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Many people here alone are balancing circumstances of family (children, aging parents, spouse) back in the States. Plenty of singles. Lots of support for all circumstances.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
The LE staff are fantastic, but that's only exposure to locals
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Gender equality is a cultural challenge.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Meaningful work (not everyone has that experience), excellent local staff, great colleagues.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
If you have any opportunity to get out, take it.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Simplified life.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Variations in weather. Bring a few colorful items (pillows for couch, cheerful shower curtain, bright sheets and towels, a throw for the couch, one or two items for the walls).
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes and the time goes quickly.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Stuff. You need very little here.
4. But don't forget your:
Sense of humor.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Structure your R&Rs carefully.
