Kabul, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1491
34.52601, 69.177683
Nomad Score:
33%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, is situated in the eastern part of the country, at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 5-10 Mbps; unreliable and varies significantly across the city. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 90.5 AFN; banks are limited, with Kabul Bank being one of the larger institutions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is irregular; 220V, 50Hz, predominantly using Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Roshan, MTN, and Etisalat, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards are accepted in some places, but cash transactions are more common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb is limited but available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is the dominant payment method. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options available on Airbnb; often better to negotiate directly. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses and hostels like 'Kabul Guest House' offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kabul's coworking options are limited; 'Afghan Entrepreneurs' provides some workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Sufi is known for being a work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking is informal; seek groups on social media for local meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats tend to gather at various private social events; check local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not operational; local taxis or 'Kabul City Taxi' for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; not widely common due to safety issues. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; the nearest is a significant distance away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kam Air operates domestic flights across Afghanistan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ariana Afghan Airlines offers international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Kabul is connected by the Kabul-Jalalabad road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kabul does not have a train system; reliance is on road transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited and mainly bus services; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are used for regional travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ali Jinnah Hospital is one of the largest in Kabul. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check local community boards for private classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Facilities like 'Kabul Gym' have basic fitness equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in many guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food is mainly delivered via local restaurants; apps are few. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kabuli Pulao, a traditional Afghan rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; local bases often serve salads and rice. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery selections include traditional sweets at local bakeries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Street vendors and bazaars offer inexpensive local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; most transactions are done locally. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few options exist; local markets are the main source. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited and mostly private gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; traditional beverages are offered instead. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability; most restaurants serve soft drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Commonly found near marketplaces. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some Asian and Italian cuisines can be found in select restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the National Museum of Afghanistan and the Babur Gardens. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Afghan National Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Citadel of Bala Hissar is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Shah-i-Dushamsufi Shrine for cultural insight. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local New Year festivals and religious events are celebrated. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | District 10 has a rich cultural feel with local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater performances are held irregularly; check community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Chicken Street Bazaar is famous for local crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Afghan music is present at various social gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, though some art exists in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited availability; private classes might be offered. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging art scene; local artist exhibits are held sporadically. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ark of Kabul is a notable historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The national flag is a symbol of Afghan heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Paghman Valley is about 30 km from Kabul, a popular getaway. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Band-e Amir National Park is a prominent national park, requiring travel. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited due to safety; mainly in enclosed areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Paghman has beautiful mountain views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Limited options due to local conditions. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Not commonly available; verify local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Roshan offer some shipping services, but unreliable. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; local tech shops may help with basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Few established spaces; local clubs may host regular games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local universities sometimes offer language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library is a key spot for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local NGOs often host events and meetings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; most gaming occurs at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Afghanistan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rates around 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT system in place. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Subject to local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction fees apply; specific rates vary. |