Street Scams in Erbil, Iraq
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Erbil — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Jerusalem, Istanbul, and Izmir.
Last updated: April 9, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Erbil
How it works
The Qaysari Bazaar, the historic covered market directly adjacent to the Erbil Citadel, sells counterfeit branded clothing, electronics, and goods labelled as authentic Kurdish handicrafts that are in fact mass-produced imports. Stallholders frequently claim items are handmade by local artisans or are genuine branded merchandise at a discount, when the goods are factory-produced counterfeits. Visitors paying souvenir prices for "authentic" Kurdish textiles or branded goods are routinely misled about provenance and quality.
How it works
At several military checkpoints and tourist viewpoints around Erbil — including on the road toward Duhok and near the frontline memorial sites — individuals in peshmerga-style military clothing approach tourists and offer to pose for photographs, then demand payment of $10–20 USD after the photo is taken. Some are genuine off-duty personnel supplementing income; others wear surplus military clothing with no official affiliation. Refusal to pay after the photo is taken can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation.
See all scams in Erbil
10 total warnings across all categories