Herat, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1492 34.157718, 62.290567

Nomad Score: 39%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Herat is one of the largest cities in Afghanistan and serves as the capital of Herat Province, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
👥 Population Approximately 500,000 people.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 3-5 Mbps, with connectivity improving in urban areas.
💸 Currency & Banking Currency is Afghan Afghani (AFN). As of now, 1 USD is approximately 87 AFN.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water is generally not safe to drink without purification.
🔌 Power Main voltage is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C plugs commonly used.
📶 SIM Card Popular mobile providers include Roshan and Afghan Wireless.
💳 Banking for Expats Local and international banks operate; ATMs available in the city, but cash transactions are more common.
🛌 Accommodation Various accommodation options are available, including guesthouses, hotels, and rental apartments.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited cashless transactions; cash is preferred.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local rental options can be found, but fewer than in more conventional tourist cities.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Options include local guesthouses, starting at around 10 USD per night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space Currently, coworking spaces are not widely available; remote work is usually done from hotels or cafes.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Cafe Mahi, a local spot that offers Wi-Fi and is conducive for working.
💼 Networking Events Few formal networking events; however, local NGOs often host informal gatherings.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Join expat Facebook groups for informal meetups and socialization.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis are widely used; ride-hailing apps have limited availability.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Bicycle rentals are not widely available; walking and using taxis are common.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby No beaches available; however, the surrounding landscapes offer stunning views.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Kam Air provides domestic flights to major Afghan cities.
✈️ Top International Airline Turkish Airlines and Kam Air offer international flights.
🛣️ Highway Access Herat is close to major highways connecting to other provinces.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Herat does not have a train system; travel is mainly by bus or private vehicle.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Bus services available, but typically not structured around passes.
✈️ Regional Travel Travel options include bus services to nearby cities like Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Central Hospital Herat offers the best healthcare facilities in the region.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited options; however, some gyms may offer fitness classes.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Local gyms like Asma and Hadaf provide fitness facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundry services available in the city, varying from 1-3 USD per load.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Food delivery options are limited; UberEats is not present, prefer local takeaway.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Biryanis and Qabli Pulao are must-try traditional dishes.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Local vegetarian dishes are available, mostly based on legumes and rice.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Bakery cafes in the old city offer traditional Afghan sweets.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets like Herat Bazaar offer affordable food and local produce.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited e-commerce options available; local shops dominate.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Limited; local stores usually require in-person purchases.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Bars are limited; local teahouses are popular gathering spots.
🍻 Local Brewery Alcohol consumption is restricted by local laws; few breweries operate.
🍷 Wine Bars Not available due to cultural restrictions.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street vendors offer various snacks, notably samosas and kebabs.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Limited options; local Afghan cuisine predominates.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Citadel of Herat and Friday Mosque are essential historical sites.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Herat Museum offers insights into local history and culture.
🏰 Historical Sites The city's rich historical sites reflect its significant past along the Silk Road.
🕍 Religious Sites Visit the Herat Mosque and several local shrines.
🎉 Annual Events Local cultural festivals celebrate Afghan heritage but may vary year to year.
🎨 Cultural Districts Herat's old town showcases traditional Afghan lifestyle and architecture.
🎭 Theater Venues Limited; local cultural performances can be found occasionally.
🛍️ Local Markets The bazaar is vibrant, offering spices, fabrics, and handicrafts.
🎼 Music Scene Traditional Afghan music can be enjoyed at local gatherings.
🎨 Street Art Limited street art; however, some murals can be found in public areas.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local cooking classes are rare but occasionally offered by private instructors.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Few local artists display their work in informal settings.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Numerous historic buildings reflect Islamic architecture throughout the city.
🏴 Local Heritage Herat is known for its cultural heritage, including Persian influences.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Beautiful landscapes in the surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Bamyan National Park is a notable travel destination, although distant.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited routes for cycling; walking is the main mode of exploring.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Several viewpoints around Herat overlook the city and countryside.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Rural areas surrounding Herat are good for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas on outskirts of the city are suitable for picnics.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local courier services are available for shipping within the country.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Several local shops provide basic tech repair services.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Few recreational centers feature table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Private tutors offer language classes for Dari and Pashto.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Libraries are limited; studying is often done at home or cafes.
🏘️ Community Centers Local cultural centers may host community events.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited gaming venues; most gaming is done at home.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Not available due to cultural restrictions.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000) in the city center.
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approximately $300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $12,000) outside the city.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) in the city center.
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approximately $350 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $21,000) outside the city.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) in the city center.
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approximately $280 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $22,400) outside the city.
💼 Corporate Tax The corporate tax rate is approximately 20%.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax The dividend withholding tax rate is approximately 10%.
🏦 Tax System Afghanistan has a progressive tax system based on income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket The maximum personal income tax rate is around 20%.
🧾 VAT VAT is currently not uniformly applied.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules There are limited CFC rules in place.
🏠 Property Tax Property tax varies by locality and is assessed annually based on market value.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Transaction taxes can vary, typically around 2-4%.