Kabul, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1491
,
Nomad Score:
28%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan, situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 4.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 7 Mbps, variable in different areas |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 89 AFN. Main banks include Kabul Bank, Bank of Afghanistan. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. Power supply can be inconsistent. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Roshan and MTN, affordable packages available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Western Union available; Credit cards accepted in some locations. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels like Serena Hotel and Airbnbs. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, especially at markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb, ranging from $30-$100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses starting around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Shahr-e Naw, a neighborhood with many restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Wazir Akbar Khan, known for its residences and some coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Afghan Works, a limited space for remote workers in the city. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kabul Coffee, offering Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community meetups and events are hosted occasionally by expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kabul Expats Facebook group is active for organizing gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is widely used for rides across the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is not common; scooters are available for rent but limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; scenic spots like Qargha Lake for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kam Air operates some internal flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways connect internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the Kabul-Kandahar Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kabul has limited train services; primarily bus stations for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly buses and shared taxis with no formal passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to cities like Jalalabad and Mazar-i-Sharif. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital is a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited availability; expats often practice independently. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Kabul Gym offers basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services available, prices vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food from local restaurants can be ordered via local services, though not widespread. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabli Pulao, a traditional rice dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local restaurants may have vegetarian offerings. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kabul's sweets are available at various markets, especially baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Shahr-e Naw Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping options; local websites cater minimally. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; most residents use local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kabul lacks a vibrant nightlife; some restaurants and hotels serve alcohol. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No established breweries; beer is primarily imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited, often found in luxury hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling snacks like Samosa and Bolani. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Indian restaurants available in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The National Museum of Afghanistan, Babur's Gardens, and the Kabul Zoo. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum has exhibitions on Afghan history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Buddha statues in Bamiyan and ancient minarets. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Pul-e Khishti Mosque is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations are significant. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Wazir Akbar Khan known for its expatriate community. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; occasional performances organized by cultural groups. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chicken Street known for handicrafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Afghan music at cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Emerging in specific neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not widely available; private lessons possible. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited local art exhibitions in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Arg (Royal Palace) is a key historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich traditions reflected in local crafts and music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Paghman Valley for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Band-e Amir National Park is a notable but distant option. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; safe paths mostly around parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Qargha Lake offers beautiful scenery. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Some opportunities around Qargha Lake. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Qargha Lake. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Afghan Post available for letter and parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops; limited availability of parts. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational spaces at community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors available for Dari and Pashto. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited access at local universities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Occasional events at cultural centers for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, mainly at private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; gambling is not culturally accepted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system applied on individual earnings. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% for earnings above a certain threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | No formal VAT system; sales tax vary by item. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; standard rates apply. |