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Herat, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1492
,
Nomad Score:
32%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Herat is a historic city located in western Afghanistan, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location along the Silk Road. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 3-5 Mbps; connectivity may vary based on location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Afghan Afghani (AFN), with 1 USD ≈ 87 AFN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz; power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Roshan, MTN, and Etisalat. Prepaid options are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited banking services; some international banks like Kabul Bank are present. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and local apartments; Airbnb is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through local contacts or hotel options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local guesthouses starting at around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old City area for historical sites and cultural immersion. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Herat, near the airport and main services. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, no established coworking spaces; consider using local cafes. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes in the city center with decent internet include Coffee & More. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; occasional meetups are organized through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join local Facebook groups for expatriates for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis and motorcycle taxis are available, but no major apps like Uber or Bolt. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; renting scooters is uncommon. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Herat does not have beaches due to its inland location. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kam Air is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ariana Afghan Airlines operates some international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Herat-Kandahar highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Herat has limited rail services; buses are primary for long distances. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; pricing varies significantly. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect to major cities like Kabul. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Herat Regional Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited availability; local gyms may offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness centers are available but not commonly equipped. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, or laundry services may be offered by hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited delivery services; local restaurants may offer delivery directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani and traditional kebabs are highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but local dishes often have vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Saheli offers traditional pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce presence; local shops are preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; local stores provide groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Herat has limited nightlife; socializing typically occurs in cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries known; traditional drinks available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcohol consumption may be restricted; check local customs. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common in markets, offering affordable local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; mostly Afghan and Middle Eastern cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Citadel of Herat and the Friday Mosque are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Herat showcases local history and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Many ancient sites, including the Great Mosque of Herat. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Herat's many mosques reflect its rich Islamic heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local cultural festivals usually occur, check calendars locally. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Historic Old City is vibrant with artisans and traditional shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theater options; local performances may be available. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Herat has vibrant bazaars, offering both goods and a cultural experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music is prominent, with local artists available at events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is not commonly found, but local crafts are prevalent in markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes may not be widely available; local learning from families is common. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited to regional artisan shops showcasing local crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The architecture reflects Persian influences and local history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Herat is known for its rich Persian heritage and skilled artisans. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Surrounding areas offer mountainous landscapes, suitable for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bamiyan National Park is a notable distant destination. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; mostly urban walking in city parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills surrounding Herat offer panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Countrywide biodiversity present, but specific local spots are limited. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open areas outside the city may be used, but permissions advisable. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services are available for domestic deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; small local shops handle mobile repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks may have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited language schools; local immersion recommended. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries exist but may have limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited; some cultural centers promote local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not common; gaming is usually home-based. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling may not be widely accepted in local culture. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard rate of 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; tariffs apply to imported goods. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applied to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 7% annual based on the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Various fees apply upon purchase, approx. 2-5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads. |