how to find an apartment in as sulaymānīyah without getting scammed
okay so here's the deal with finding an apartment in as sulaymānīyah, iraq - it's not like scrolling zillow in brooklyn. it's more like asking your cousin's friend's uncle who knows a guy. and yeah, you might get scammed if you're not careful. i learned this the hard way when i moved here last summer as a freelance photographer chasing the light and the stories.
first thing: forget about "vibrant" neighborhoods or "nestled" hills. in sulaymānīyah, you're looking for safe, central, and preferably walkable to bazaar areas. safin street and sarwaran are popular with expats and locals alike. rent here can range from $200 to $600 a month depending on how fancy you want to get. and yes, that's for a whole apartment, not a closet.
now, the scams. they're real. i heard this from a local barista at a tiny coffee shop near azadi park: "if someone asks for rent upfront in cash with no contract, run." another friend, a digital nomad who stayed six months, said she got shown the same apartment three times by different agents at three different prices. classic bait-and-switch.
here's what i did:
- asked around in person at cafes and markets
- checked facebook groups like "sulaymaniyah housing" (yes, they exist)
- never paid anything without a written agreement
- took photos of the place and the landlord's ID
weather-wise, sulaymānīyah is cooler than you'd think for iraq - think warm summers, cold winters with snow. pack layers. and if you're into hiking, the nearby qandil mountains are just a short drive away.
i also met a yoga instructor who swore by living near azadi park for the green space and quiet. she said the community feel there made her feel safer as a solo woman. and a street artist i bumped into near the bazaar told me to avoid anything too far east unless you have a car - public transport is… let's say "unpredictable."
one more thing: always check the water and electricity situation. blackouts happen. and not all places have 24/7 water. ask before you sign anything.
here's a quick table of average costs i gathered from locals:
| item | cost (usd) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apt (city center) | $250-400 |
| utilities (monthly) | $30-50 |
| internet | $20-30 |
| street food meal | $2-5 |
if you're still unsure, hit up expat forums or the sulaymaniyah subreddit. real people, real advice. no fluff.
for more local tips, check out tripadvisor's sulaymaniyah guide or the sulaymaniyah subreddit. and if you want to see what street food looks like, yelp has a few reviews worth skimming.
bottom line: take your time, ask questions, and trust your gut. sulaymānīyah is a gem, but like anywhere, it's got its quirks. happy apartment hunting.
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