Baghdad, Iraq Report of what it's like to live there - 07/31/18
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?
Yes
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?
Last assignment was in Washington, DC.
3. How long have you lived here?
I had a one year tour.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
DoS direct hire at Baghdad Embassy Compound (BEC).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Direct hires live in Staff Diplomatic Apartments (SDAs). Currently no roommates, not sure if/when that will change. You will have a two bedroom apartment to yourself (unused bedroom = living room). It's completely adequate and honestly way more than needed.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There is a PX with basically everything Walgreens or CVS would have (maybe not the exact brand you want). You could get by without sending consumables. Groceries is N/A unless you want to get stuff to grill yourself.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I shipped a ton of stuff and didn't come close to using it all.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The DFAC. It's not as bad as people say. Gets repetitive.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not in my experience.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
You can arrange cleaning service. Not sure why you would need it.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
North gym is mostly cardio. South gym is mostly free weights. Both 24/7. Indoor 25m pool. No excuse to not get/stay in shape.
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?
There is an ATM in the MWR. There's not much to buy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are services, but I don't know specifics.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Zero.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
2. 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?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
MIRI internet service. It's pricy but adequate.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Used my personal phone on wifi. Used work phone for work.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
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?
Spouses have to have a job at the embassy to come to post.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Depends on your job/section. Ranges from cargo pants to suits. Ask whomever you are replacing.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Does everyone take them seriously? No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health unit is good. Flu, etc. goes around sometimes just like anywhere.
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?
Not great. Pollution. Dust.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Probably should not come to post.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Days and weeks can melt together (Groundhog Day effect). Lots of self-induced unnecessary stress.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Insane heat in summer. Fall/winter is nice and even cold at times.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
No kids. There is a sports and exercise class schedule.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Morale depends on the person you are talking to. Some people make the best of things. Some don't.
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?
Plenty of opportunities to blow off steam in productive and unproductive ways. You can definitely make bad decisions here. Or you can get in shape, get paid, and get out.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Depends how you define "good." I'm not single, but it's obvious there is a dating "fishbowl" going on. Looks miserable to me, but go for it if that's your scene.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
As a post, it's probably fine. I don't know of any issues that happened. I'm not LGBT, so I can't say for certain.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not among Americans. TCN contractors have their own issues.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Good people. Good money. Good work experience.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
I enjoyed stripping away the "fluff" from my life for a year. I lived really minimally, and I'm better for it. That was the highlight for me. No commute. No shopping, cooking, etc. A different kind of life experience that I can't have in the real world.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
The CLO puts on a bazaar a couple times a year. Some of the wares looked nice. Art was expensive, maybe worth it?
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Money. Work experience. Onward assignment.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Not much. I feel like I planned pretty well.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I did the tour at the right time.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Lots of the stressors of your normal life. Granted, you will pick up some new ones. But it can be a growth experience if you let it.
4. But don't forget your:
Morals.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Don't bother.
