*** I'm moving places during November so I will most likely not be able to host you sadly but please do let me know if you need anything and message me so I can send you my contact details ***

A Canadian/Iraqi living the Iraqi experience in Baghdad. Moved to Iraq a couple of years ago to invest in the raw opportunities this country has to offer and to live a new adventure.

I'm passionate about gaining new experiences either by meeting new people, trying new things, or exploring things I'm usually unfamiliar with.

\/\/\/\/\/IMPORTANT INFO FOR TRAVELERS TO IRAQ\/\/\/\/\/

- [Very Common Mistake] If you wanna visit Iraq and think of going to Kurdistan first and take a car down to Baghdad, DONT. The visa you get in Kurdistan is NOT valid in the rest of Iraq. You will have to take a flight to Baghdad from Erbil or Suli in order to get the proper Visa (and pay again). The Visa you get in Baghdad is VALID over ALL IRAQ (Kurdistan included). So book a flight to Baghdad first then you can take a car to Kurdistan --- For European Travelers. (this will save you from paying twice for a Visa + plane ticket from Erbil to Baghdad)

- Be prepared to pay exactly 77 USD at the airport for the Visa. They don't take IQD or any other currency. And they don't have change to give you back. So get exactly 77 USD in change. --- For European Travelers.

- Getting out of the airport and into Baghdad is a 2-step process:

---1- You MUST take a taxi from the airport itself to a secondary arrivals garage. This taxi costs 10,000 IQD. Don't pay more. Ask the drivers at the exit for the 10,000 IQD rides. (Don’t let them handle your luggage, they will ask for tips)

---2- Once you arrive at the secondary arrivals garage you will be greeted by a swarm of taxi drivers that will insist you go with them. Tell them your friend is coming and go a little bit away. (Ignoring them or just saying No also works)

---3- If you do take a taxi from the garage, don’t pay more than 20,000 IQD. Insist on that and make sure of it.

- Give Baghdad more time! I know you might think one night is enough, but Baghdad has more to offer than you can expect! Keep in mind that it's a city that has been shadowed by the smoke of wars for over 20 years, and a lot has progressed and evolved underneath!

- Yes Iraqis are VERY generous and kind. But please don't take advantage of that or enforce this habit among Iraqis. If the Iraqis keep giving out free food and things to all tourists, Iraq will be losing money because of tourism instead of benefitting from it. Getting something that's worth 50 cents for free might not seem like much to you, but it does to them. Support the locals and their businesses! (It's okay to accept some kindness and free stuff from time to time).

- Ride-hailing (taxi) apps in Baghdad: [1] Careem (accepts Visa/MC) - [2] Baly - [3] Obr.
- Food Delivery apps in Baghdad: [1] Toters (accepts Visa/MC) - [2] Talabat - [3] Obr - [4] AlSaree3.
- Usual Exchange Rate 1 USD to IQD = between 1460 - 1480 IQD

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

1- Couchsurfing has given me the opportunity to meet amazing people, especially while traveling. So I want to give back when I'm home.

2- Iraq is a beautiful and interesting country to visit but sometimes it could be complicated for first-timers. especially with the lack of accurate information on the internet. I want everyone who has the chance to properly enjoy Iraq. Hence I tend to offer as much support as possible to any traveler I come across. You'll discover how living the Iraqi adventure is easy and super fun!

3- It's beautiful to see how small the world has gotten and how easily we can connect with others all over the planet. It's exciting!

Interests

I'm all about living this big adventure! Life is too short!

I want to keep evolving and learning new things and experiencing new stuff.

I don't like routine.

• partying
• socializing
• music
• business
• engineering
• entrepreneurship
• adventure travel
• nature
• adventure
• fun

Music, Movies, and Books

Queen, Backstreet Boys, Mac Miller, Stromae, Coldplay, Wegs,

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Moving to Iraq during war times. And seeing how much it has changed and how much the country has evolved today. Which gave me the experience I can share with anyone who decides to visit Iraq.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a great cook and can do all sorts of handy work such as electrical, electronics, carpenting, metal work. In addition, I can share my business skills, like planning, finances, marketing, operations. Plus anything linguistic, like practicing languages or translation.

The beauty of meeting new people is that you get to tell eachother your stories and experiences and have fun in unique ways with every thing you do.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Jordan, Netherlands, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Iraq, Jordan