Mazar-e Sharif Balkh, Afghanistan Travel Guide
The official currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). The exchange rate fluctuates; check current rates before and during your trip. Exchange major currencies like USD and EUR at official money changers (sarrafs). Avoid unofficial exchanges due to risks of fraud.
ATMs are limited for international cards and their reliability could be an issue. Credit/debit cards are not widely accepted outside of a few rare establishments. Cash is absolutely essential for almost all transactions.
The concepts of "budget," "mid-range," and "luxury" travel for visitors from abroad to Mazar-e Sharif are largely theoretical due to the severe lack of tourist infrastructure and very high security risks. The following estimates cover basic necessities. Security costs, which can be substantial, are excluded in these daily breakdowns.
Total prices for security arrangements can be hundreds or thousands of dollars daily and are typically for diplomatic, NGO, or high-level business personnel, not tourists.
Approx. $27-80 USD/day
$20-50 for basic guesthouse.
$5-15 for local meals, $2-10 for local transport.
Approx. $75-160 USD/day
$50-100 for better hotel (basic by international standards).
$15-30 for local restaurants, $10-25 for private taxis.
Not applicable conventionally
True luxury travel infrastructure does not exist for foreign visitors.
"Luxury" means extensive private security, armored vehicles, thousands daily.
Basic guesthouses and hotels range from $20 to $100 per night. Street food or basic local eateries cost AFN 100-300 ($1.50-$4.50) per meal. Mid-range restaurants are AFN 400-800 ($5-$11) per meal. Bottled water: AFN 20-50 ($0.30-$0.70).
Shared taxi within city: AFN 30-100 ($0.40-$1.40). Private taxi: AFN 100-300 ($1.40-$4.50). Hiring a vehicle with a trusted driver for a day (for security): $50-150. Nearly all public sites, like the Shrine of Ali, have no entry fee.
Tipping is not customary in the Western sense but is appreciated for good service.
Round up the fare or a small extra (AFN 50-100).
A small tip (AFN 50-100 or 5-10%) is appropriate if no service charge is included.
A small amount (AFN 20-50) is customary for assistance.
Health and safety represent the most paramount aspects of planning a visit to Mazar-e Sharif. The environment has significant risks, demanding extensive preparation plus constant vigilance. Most foreign governments strongly advise against all travel to Afghanistan.
Consult a travel medicine specialist far in advance of your travel for personalized recommendations.
Preventative measures are critical for common health issues in the region.
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely necessary. Ensure your policy specifically covers travel to high-risk, conflict zones. Regular travel insurance policies often exclude these regions. Confirm with the insurer that Afghanistan is covered and that specific activities are not excluded. Your policy must include emergency medical evacuation. Consider providers like World Nomads or SafetyWing.
