Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Parallel market exchange rates for the U.S. dollar against the Iraqi Dinar remained elevated across major domestic trading hubs on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, trading at 154,500 IQD per $100 in Baghdad and Basra, and 153,750 IQD in Erbil, according to price sheets published by the 964 Network.
The parallel market pricing maintains a notable spread above the Central Bank of Iraq’s (CBI) official benchmark rate of 131,000 IQD per $100 (1,310 IQD per $1 USD).
Daily Exchange Rates by City (per $100 USD)
Baghdad (Al-Kifah & Al-Harithiya Bourses):
Selling Price: 154,500 IQD
Buying Price: 154,000 IQD
Erbil (Kurdistan Region Main Exchange):
Selling Price: 153,750 IQD
Buying Price: 153,250 IQD
Basra (Southern Commercial Hub):
Selling Price: 154,500 IQD
Buying Price: 154,000 IQD
Trading across Baghdad and Basra held steady at a uniform selling level of 154,500 IQD, while Erbil posted a slightly narrower margin at 153,750 IQD per $100.
The persistent parallel market spread reflects ongoing liquidity demand for physical cash dollars in local retail commerce and informal merchant transactions, while institutional cross-border wire transfers and formal import financing continue clearing through the Central Bank’s electronic compliance portal at the official rate.