Travel Info

Currency Info

Afghanistan's currency, exchange rates, daily budgets, and essential money tips for travellers.

Official Currency

Afghani

AFN · ؋

1 USD equals

≈ 64.5 AFN

Approximate — check live rates

Best to carry

USD + AFN

Cash only — no cards

Cash is King in Afghanistan

Afghanistan operates almost entirely on cash. Credit cards, ATMs, and digital payments are not reliably available. Always carry enough USD and Afghan Afghani in small bills before you travel.

Exchange Rates

Common Currencies to AFN

Approximate rates — always verify with a local money changer or bank before exchanging.

CurrencyCode1 Unit = AFN
🇺🇸 US DollarUSD64.5 AFN
🇪🇺 EuroEUR76.2 AFN
🇬🇧 British PoundGBP89.4 AFN
🇵🇰 Pakistani RupeePKR0.25 AFN
🇮🇷 Iranian RialIRR0.0017 AFN
🇦🇪 UAE DirhamAED19.2 AFN

Rates are approximate and fluctuate daily. Money changers (sarrafi) in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar typically offer the best rates. Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels.

Daily Budget

How Much Will You Spend?

Afghanistan is an affordable destination. Here's what to expect at different comfort levels.

Budget

$20 – $40 /day

  • Basic guesthouse: $10–15/night
  • Local restaurant meal: $2–5
  • Shared taxi: $1–3
  • Bottled water: $0.30
Mid-Range

$50 – $100 /day

  • 3-star hotel: $40–65/night
  • Restaurant meal: $8–15
  • Private taxi: $10–20/day
  • Local SIM card: $3–5
Comfort

$120 – $200+ /day

  • 4–5 star hotel: $80–150/night
  • Fine dining: $20–40
  • Private driver: $40–70/day
  • Guided tour: $50–100

City Prices

Prices by City

Typical costs across Afghanistan's main cities in USD.

CityMealHotel/nightTaxiSIM card
Kabul$3–12$25–150$2–15$3
Herat$2–8$20–80$1–10$3
Mazar$2–7$15–60$1–8$3
Bamiyan$2–6$15–50$2–10$4
Kandahar$2–7$15–55$1–8$3

Money Tips

Do's & Don'ts

Essential tips to manage your money safely and efficiently in Afghanistan.

USD is widely accepted across major cities and tourist areas

Carry small denomination bills — change is often scarce

Bazaars and local shops prefer Afghani (AFN) cash

Money changers (sarrafi) offer competitive rates in cities

Credit and debit cards are not accepted almost anywhere

ATMs are extremely rare — do not rely on them

Avoid exchanging money at airports — rates are poor

Traveller's cheques are not accepted in Afghanistan

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