Long Read
how to find an apartment in as sulaymānīyah without getting scammed (and not lose your mind)
so you're moving to as sulaymānīyah and you're already sweating bullets about getting ripped off. fair. i've seen people get hustled in cities with way more transparency. here's the deal: this city's rental scene is a wild west of "word-of-mouth" deals, handwritten contracts, and landlords who might or might not actually own the place they're renting out. fun, right?
first off, let's talk numbers. average rent for a decent one-bedroom in the city center? somewhere between 400k-600k iraqi dinars a month. that's roughly $300-$450 usd, which sounds chill until you realize utilities aren't always included and the power might cut out during dinner. yeah. it's a vibe.
*what to watch out for
- cash-only deals: if they won't take a bank transfer or give you a receipt, bounce.
- no lease: always get something in writing, even if it's in kurdish and you need a friend to translate.
- too good to be true: if the price is half of everything else, it's a trap. i've seen this scam in at least five countries now.where to look
forget craigslist. in as sulaymānīyah, you're better off:
- asking around in the bazaar (yes, really)
- checking facebook groups like "sulaymaniyah housing" or local expat pages
- walking around neighborhoods you like and looking for "for rent" signs (they exist!)
one local told me: "don't trust anyone who meets you at a cafe to show the apartment. that's step one of the scam." another said: "always visit during the day. at night, even nice places look sketchy."neighborhood vibes
- naz is where the young crowd lives. cafes, street art, and a bit of noise. rent's a little higher.
- azadi is quieter, more family-oriented. cheaper, but you might need a car.
- bakhtiary is central, walkable, but apartments are older and landlords are pickier.data table: cost of living snapshot
| Item | Cost (IQD) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed rent (city center) | 400,000-600,000 | $300-$450 |
| Utilities (avg/month) | 50,000-100,000 | $40-$75 |
| Internet (home) | 30,000-50,000 | $25-$40 |
| Meal at local restaurant | 10,000-15,000 | $8-$12 |
right now it's crisp in as sulaymānīyah. think: sunny afternoons, sweater evenings, and the occasional surprise rain that turns the streets into rivers. if you're craving a quick escape, erbil is just a 3-hour drive away, and iran's border is close enough for a weekend trip if you've got the visa.final drunk advice
- always visit the apartment twice. once in the day, once at night.
- bring a kurdish-speaking friend if you can. it helps with negotiations and spotting red flags.
- don't hand over cash until you've seen the actual deed or ownership papers.
- trust your gut. if it feels off, it probably is.
and hey, if you do get scammed, don't beat yourself up. it happens to the best of us. just move on and find a better place. the city's full of honest people too, you just gotta filter through the hustlers.
- TripAdvisor: Sulaymaniyah Travel Forum
- Facebook Group: Sulaymaniyah Housing
- Expat.com: Iraq Forum
- Yelp: Local Reviews
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