Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan 🇦🇫
#1493
36.709931, 67.109214
Nomad Score:
37%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mazar-i-Sharif is a major city in northern Afghanistan, known for its historic sites and significant cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 5-10 Mbps, variable in different areas |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 86 AFN (Afghan Afghani), limited banking options available for tourists |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Roshan and MTN, with data plans available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited; mainly cash transactions and some ATMs available in central areas |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Hotels and guesthouses such as the Rainbow Hotel and Hotel Safi |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is preferred, credit cards not widely accepted |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options; recommendations include local guesthouses |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; check for guesthouses or lower-end hotels |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No established coworking spaces; cafes may offer limited working space. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Haji Wazir offers a quiet atmosphere for work |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; local meetups primarily take place through community gatherings |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Occasional expat gatherings organized through social media platforms |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride-hailing apps are not available; local taxis can be hired. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No established bike rental services; local transport by foot or taxi. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; closest recreational areas are parks and gardens within the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines operate out of Mazar-i-Sharif |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights limited; check Kam Air and Ariana for regional connectivity. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connecting Mazar to Kabul and other regions are operational. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; road travel is the primary means of transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport system; primarily taxis and private vehicles. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available to major cities like Kabul and Balkh. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mazar-i-Sharif Regional Hospital provides primary care, but facilities may be limited. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some physical fitness classes offered in private homes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic facilities available; inquire locally for options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services available, often through hotels or independent services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try local Kabuli Pulao and various kebabs. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; some vegetarian-friendly restaurants are available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery options are limited; local sweets available at markets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars for fresh produce and traditional foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; most transactions occur in physical stores. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some cafes stay open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No breweries; alcoholic beverages are primarily sold in select venues. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; alcohol consumption is regulated. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Carts selling kebabs and local bread can be found in markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few options; local food primarily dominates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Balkh which is nearby, known as ancient Bactra and the Blue Mosque within Mazar. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local museum available, but limited in international exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Shrine of Hazrat Ali and the ancient city of Balkh. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Blue Mosque (Mosque of Hazrat Ali) is a significant site for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Limited; local cultural events may take place during religious holidays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Historical districts can be explored, but few structured cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community centers might offer informal performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mazar's bazaars where local crafts, food, and goods can be found. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be heard at local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; urban art is less prevalent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | No formal classes available; some locals may offer private cooking sessions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Not established; local crafts are sold in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The city contains several historic mosques and old markets worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich Afghan cultural heritage reflected in local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby hills and rural areas offer scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Limited access; few protected areas outside the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths available in parks and rural areas; city cycling may be challenging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Several hills around provide good viewpoints overlooking the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Some areas outside the city allow for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain rural areas may permit bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options for international shipping; local services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops may offer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | No known spots for table tennis; check local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited formal options; some private tutoring available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; quiet cafes may serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers sometimes host community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; few entertainment centers exist. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent; few if any establishments exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700/m² (example: 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500/m² (example: 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600/m² (example: 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450/m² (example: 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550/m² (example: 80 m² = $44,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400/m² (example: 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for registered businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No formal tax structure for dividends due to economic instability. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Limited enforcement and regulation, largely cash-based economy. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Generally 20-25% for higher earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax not implementable under current regulation. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not established; foreign investments have significant risks. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Non-standardized; local authorities may impose taxes. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Informal; fees are typically negotiated on a case-by-case basis. |