Kandahar, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1494
,
Nomad Score:
28%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kandahar is the second-largest city in Afghanistan and serves as the capital of Kandahar Province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Mobile internet averages around 3-5 Mbps, while fixed broadband can reach up to 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 95 AFN; banking services are limited, with main options being local banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets, power outages are common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Options include Afghan Wireless, Roshan, and Etisalat. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely used; limited ATMs available; international bank cards may not be accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of hotels and guesthouses, including Hotel Siraj and Hotel Mumtaz. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred; very few places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available, but options are limited. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotels like Hotel Kakar and Safari Hotel offer budget-friendly rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center and near the Kandahar Citadel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Staying in the City Center is recommended for better access to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Limited options; cafe spaces like Cafe 74 have occasional Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 74 on Airport Road, with a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Rare; informal gatherings may occur among expats at hotels. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Privately organized dinners or gatherings among embassies and NGOs. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, ride-sharing apps like Careem have limited availability. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not commonly available; walking is recommended in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; closest water is the Arghandab River. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kam Air operates limited domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines operates flights via Kabul. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via the A1 highway to Kabul and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; primarily road transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes available; minibuses operate on fixed routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses and private taxis are the main options for traveling to nearby areas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kandahar Provincial Hospital; limited services and resources. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | No formal yoga centers; private sessions may be arranged. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in most hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No delivery apps; local restaurants provide limited takeaway options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kabuli Pilaf and Mantoo are local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local dishes may feature vegetables but often contain meat. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional sweets like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets such as Sarai-e-Shazad for local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; no major e-commerce platforms in Kandahar. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; groceries can be sourced from local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife options; social gatherings at hotels. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No breweries; alcohol is not widely available due to local laws. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; wine consumption is limited. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available near local markets and mosques. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some eateries offer Afghan-Mediterranean fusion. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kandahar Citadel and Baba Wali Shrine. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kandahar Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Mosque of Kandahar and the Shrine of the Cloak. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous mosques including the historic Shah Jahan Mosque. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals around Eid celebrations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old City has rich history and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; cultural performances may occur at local schools. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kandahar's bazaars are vibrant, offering local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Afghan music is performed during cultural festivities. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited due to local regulations on public art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional classes are offered by local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few galleries; local artisans sell crafts at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical architecture can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kandahar is known for its ancient history and significance in Afghan culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gardens and parks within city limits, such as the Kandahar Botanical Garden. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No formal national parks; nearby areas may have natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; walking is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Some hills surrounding the city provide views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nature reserves are not present; local parks may offer some birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks may have areas but check regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | No dedicated services; local courier options are very limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair shops exist; often need to go to Kabul for reliable service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No formal spots; occasional setups in private homes. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited; private tutors are available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Very few libraries; most public spaces are in hotels. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited community spaces exist; mostly within NGOs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few gaming options; limited to private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling is not permitted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $14,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $44,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is generally 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is applied mainly on income; Afghanistan follows a residency-based taxation model. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | A VAT of 10% applies to goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Non-existent; limited regulations on foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is not strongly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard transaction tax is 1% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads; regular tax rates apply. |