Afghanistan

Travel tips for Afghanistan: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Afghanistan is largely cut off from international banking, making foreign cards virtually useless for payments, so travelers must bring all their funds in crisp US dollars or Euros to exchange for Afghanis.

Try the food

  • Kabuli Pulao (قابلي پلاو): A hearty dish of steamed rice mixed with caramelized carrots, plump raisins, and tender chunks of lamb.
  • Mantu (منتو): Steamed dumplings filled with spiced minced meat and onions, typically served topped with a garlic-yogurt sauce and a tomato-based split pea sauce.
  • Bolani (بولاني): A thin, crispy flatbread stuffed with savory fillings such as mashed potatoes, leeks, or pumpkin, usually served warm with yogurt.

Say it in Pashto

  • Hello: سلام (Salaam)
  • Thank you: مننه (Manana)
  • Please: مهرباني (Mehrabani)
  • Excuse me: بخښنه غواړم (Bakhshana ghwaram)
  • How much is this?: دا څو دی؟ (Da tso dey?)
  • Yes / No: هو / نه (Ho / Na)
  • Goodbye: د خدای په امان (Da Khuday pa aman)

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type F
Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
119 (police, fire), 112 (ambulance)
SIM tip
Purchase a physical SIM card from providers like Roshan or AWCC at official stores in major cities, as eSIMs are not widely supported and registration requires your passport.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, passing items, and greeting, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Airports in Afghanistan