Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1493
,
Nomad Score:
34%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mazar-i-Sharif is the capital of Balkh province in northern Afghanistan, known for its historical significance and the iconic Blue Mosque. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 2-5 Mbps, with some areas experiencing higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 86 AFN. Major banks include Pashtany Bank and Kabul Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are of type C and D. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Roshan, Etisalat, and Afghan Wireless. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most common payment methods include cash. International cards are not widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, guesthouses, and rented homes. Sites like Airbnb may have limited listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is the preferred method of transaction. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited availability; local guesthouses are recommended for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging can be found at local guesthouses, starting at around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Areas near the Blue Mosque are popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Staying near city centers provides better access to co-working spots and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no known formal coworking spaces in Mazar-i-Sharif. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Black Mosque Café, known for its quiet ambience and local coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking can be challenging; connect through local expat communities on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Few organized events exist; joining local community groups can be beneficial for meeting others. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services are available, but no ride-sharing apps are present. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are limited; consider walking for short distances. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches; Mazar-i-Sharif is located inland. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kam Air provides domestic flights to Kabul. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ariana Afghan Airlines connects to international airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mazar-i-Sharif does not have a railway station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no public transport passes; local buses and shared taxis are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Balkh Regional Hospital for major healthcare needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; private home classes may be an alternative. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms exist, but limited access for foreigners. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, typically charging around $2 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services are limited; local restaurants may offer limited takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bamiyan dumplings, a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; local cuisine is largely meat-based. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries like Sufi Sweets offer traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars are ideal for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access to local e-commerce. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are scarce; local markets recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; some local cafes offer evening gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; consider local cafes for drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street vendors offer snacks, with kebabs being popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; most food is traditional Afghan. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Blue Mosque (Shrine of Ali) and the Great Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Mazar-i-Sharif does not have major museums. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient city of Balkh nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Mosque of Hazrat Ali is a significant religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local celebrations for Nowruz (Persian New Year) are noteworthy. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old city area showcases traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; local cultural performances are rare. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly bazaars provide local culture and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Afghan music can be experienced in local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Very limited street art presence. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available through local families in home settings. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | No established galleries in the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The city has several historic mosques and monuments. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich in historic significance, particularly its Islamic heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby mountains offer hiking trails and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Band-e Amir National Park is located around 200 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Urban areas have limited paths for cycling or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The surrounding mountains offer picturesque views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Limited; nearby agricultural lands may attract birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas may exist outside the city. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services available, but may face delays. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited availability; best to rely on local markets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not widely available; consider private venues. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; local colleges may offer language programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers may offer quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited availability. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent in Mazar-i-Sharif. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is around 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax rate with various brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Personal income tax rate can go up to 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No value-added tax system currently in place. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Minimal to non-existent property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% for real estate transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits for digital nomads. |