If you arrive on Friday evening, it would be better if you stay overnight at the airport and to set off next day. Friday is the day off and taxis are not numerous, so they will cost a fortune.
The border can be crossed only by vehicle, it’s forbidden to cross it on foot. You can evidently get into someone else’s car. But then you will need to go further, so, take a taxi at once. In Silopi a lot of taxi drivers are waiting from the both sides.
No matter where you take a car to cross the border – in Gizre or in Silopi - you will pay the same price for it. The price also includes help taht could be provided by the driver during border processing; you will have to give him your passport for the time being. And there is nothing wrong with this. He will give it back to you upon the completion of the proceedings.
When making an order in a restaurant, you will be immediately served soup, vegetables, pickles, flatbread, and several sources if you have ordered some meat. All of these are included in your order’s cost.
Ankawa, a suburb of Erbil, will please you with cheap wine. But locals’ attitude towards alcohol is equivocal; therefore, you should avoid drinking outside. Furthermore, a taxi driver could refuse to take you if he sees you’ve got alcohol.
During the holiday season it could be a real challenge to find a hotel room, especially one at affordable price. If you want to save on accommodations, choose another time to arrive.