Exchanging IQD for U.S. Dollar; Sending and Receiving Money Between Iraq and the U.S. Using Western Union

 

Sending USD to Iraq (Receiver Gets IQD)

• Methods: From the U.S., you can send USD online (via website or app), in person at agent locations, or over the phone. The sender funds in USD, and the Iraqi recipient receives the payout in IQD, either in cash or to a local bank account (westernunion.com, westernunion.com).

• Speed: Cash pickups at agents in Iraq are often available within minutes. Bank deposits may take minutes to up to a banking day, depending on the method (westernunion.com).

• Fees & Exchange Rates: Western Union applies a markup to the mid-market rate. Rates vary based on transfer method, payment source, and transfer amount. You can preview fees before sending (westernunion.com).

Sending IQD from Iraq to the U.S. (Receiver Gets USD)

• Western Union also supports transfers initiated in Iraq using IQD or USD. Regulations cap monthly transfers—for instance, in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok, senders may move up to USD 7,500 or its IQD equivalent per month. In some governorates, the limit is USD 1,500 per transaction per month (rtb.iq).

• Recipients in the U.S. can receive payout in USD, typically by bank deposit or cash pickup, depending on the options available (westernunion.com).

Can You Exchange IQD for USD at Western Union?

Yes, Western Union allows users in Iraq to send IQD (or USD) from agent locations, and receivers in the U.S. can receive USD. Likewise, sending USD from the U.S. results in the recipient receiving IQD in Iraq. So effectively, the platform facilitates:

• USD → IQD (sender in the U.S.)

• IQD → USD (sender in Iraq)

However, it's not a walk-in currency exchange booth where you go to cash out or swap money with no transfer involved. Exchange always happens via a money transfer service subject to the respective send/receive limits and fees (westernunion.com).

Tips for Smooth Transfers

1. Estimate costs ahead of time: Use WU’s online estimator to check current exchange rates and fees before initiating a transfer (westernunion.com).

2. Stay within limits: In Iraq, be mindful of monthly caps (e.g., USD 7,500 total, or USD 1,500 in specified regions) (rtb.iq).

3. Choose the right payout method:

   • For fast delivery in Iraq: cash pickup

   • For convenience and security in the U.S.: bank deposit.

4. Identification required: Both sender and receiver must show government-issued ID (passport, national ID), and non-citizens need valid visas or residency documents (wise.com, rtb.iq).

Summary Table

Transfer Direction	Sender Pays In	Receiver Gets	Notes
U.S. → Iraq	USD	IQD	Online, app, or agent; cash or bank pickup.
Iraq → U.S.	IQD (or USD)	USD	Subject to monthly limits via agents.

---

 Final Word

Western Union supports currency conversion via remittance:

• Yes, you can exchange IQD for USD—but only as part of an international money transfer.

• It's not a simple exchange service for walk-in currency conversion.

• Be sure to check rates, fees, transfer limits, timing, and keep an ID ready.