Mazar-e Sharif Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile

Local SIM cards are available from major providers like Roshan, Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, and MTN. Purchasing a SIM card needs registering your passport.

Service Details

Coverage is generally good in Mazar-e Sharif and other major urban centers.
It can be unreliable or non-existent in rural areas.
For alternative communication, consider an eSIM: Airalo eSIMs.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, guesthouses, and some cafes in Mazar-e Sharif. Speed and reliability can vary significantly.

Connectivity Options

Mobile data from local SIM cards can serve as a key internet source.
Consider using a VPN for secure internet access, especially for sensitive communications.
For reliable portable Wi-Fi: Solis Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

Afghan Post provides basic postal services. However, reliability for overseas mail can be low. Do not use local postal services for important documents or valuables.

Recommendations

Private international couriers may offer more reliable, though expensive, options.
Avoid sending valuables through local post.
Confirm any specific requirements with providers.

Language Barriers & Translation

The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto. Dari is widely spoken in Mazar-e Sharif. Very limited English spoken outside of a few government offices or by a number of educated individuals.

Translation Resources

A good translation app (like Google Translate with downloaded offline Dari/Pashto packs) is highly recommended.
A physical phrasebook or a local interpreter is highly recommended.
Pick up basic expressions with: Rosetta Stone.

Important Phrases

Common Greetings

Salam (Sa-LAM): Hello
Tashakor (Tash-a-KOR): Thank you
Khoda Hafiz (Kho-DA Hah-Fiz): Goodbye
Bale (Bah-LEH): Yes

Useful Statements

Na (Nah): No
Chand ast? (Chand AST?): How much?
Man Englesi gap mezanam (Man EN-gle-si gap me-ZA-nam): I speak English.
Man Dari/Pashto gap na mezanam (Man DA-ri/PAHSH-toh gap nah me-ZA-nam): I don't speak Dari/Pashto.

Business Hours & Schedules

Knowing local business hours plans your movements efficiently.

Shops & Bazaars

Generally open from early morning (e.g., 8:00 AM) to late evening (e.g., 7:00-9:00 PM). Many may observe a break for afternoon prayers.

Restaurants

Open for lunch and dinner, often from late morning to late evening.

Government Offices

Typically operate Sunday to Thursday, 8:FROM 12 am TO 4:00 PM. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.

Banking Hours

Banks generally open Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Operating Details

Confirm specific bank schedules locally.
Hours may vary during sacred holidays.
Friday and Saturday are weekend days.

ATM Locations

ATMs are limited in availability and reliability. They are mainly found at major bank branches. Don't depend on them in order to international card use.

Cash Management

Carry sufficient cash in local currency.
International card acceptance is minimal.
Exchange currency at reputable exchange offices.

Holidays & Closures

Religious & Public Holidays

Friday: Islamic holy day, many businesses operate on reduced hours or close.
Islamic Holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, Mawlid al-Nabi. Dates vary annually.
Afghan Public Holidays: Various federal holidays like Independence Day and Nauroz, also affect business schedules.

Seasonal Schedules

During Ramadan, business hours may be shorter.
Many restaurants close during the day, opening for Iftar in the evening.
Plan movements considering these reduced hours.

Planning Ahead

Verify specific operating hours for any establishments you plan to visit, especially during holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural sensitivity is respectful and a component of safe travel in Mazar-e Sharif.

Greeting Customs

Men generally shake hands with other men. Women usually don't shake hands with men unless the woman initiates the handshake in a professional context.

Formalities

Place your right hand over your heart and nod slightly as a respectful greeting if a handshake is not appropriate.
Greetings are considered often elaborate, inquiring about health and family.
Men should avoid initiating physical contact with women.

Appropriate Attire

Refer to Section 3.1, "Climate-Appropriate Clothing and Cultural dress code." Modesty is an universal requirement in all public settings.

Dress Code

Women need head coverings and loose clothing.
Men should wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves.
Dress for public spaces in a conservative manner.

Dining & Tipping

Refer to Sections 7.1 and 7.2 for general dining practices. Eat with your right hand. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.

Dining Customs

Wait for invitations to begin eating.
For tipping, a small amount or rounding up the bill applies.
Breaking bread together is a sign of hospitality.

Photography

Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Be prepared for refusal.

Restrictions

Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, checkpoints, or anything related to security.
Be discreet with your camera. Avoid drawing attention to yourself while photographing.
This can lead to severe consequences.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Conversation

Politics, religion, and the current regime are highly sensitive topics. Avoid discussing them with strangers.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited.
Criticism of Islam or local customs is highly offensive.

Public Behavior

Public displays of affection are strictly forbidden.
Do not point the soles of your feet at anyone, or step over people, as this is considered disrespectful.
Avoid left-hand gestures for eating or giving items.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Considerations

Expect strong gender segregation in many public and private settings.
Women should not initiate conversation with men they do not know.
Be mindful of separate entrances or seating.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexuality is illegal in Afghanistan and carries severe penalties under the current administration.
Public expression of non-heterosexual identities is strictly forbidden and dangerous.
Protection for LGBTQ+ individuals is extremely low.

Cultural Awareness

Adhering to local customs and etiquette significantly influences your experience and safety during your visit.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility facilities for travelers with mobility issues is virtually non-existent in Mazar-e Sharif.

Mobility Challenges

Sidewalks are uneven or absent. Public buildings often do not have ramps or lifts. Public transportation is not designed for accessibility.

Infrastructure Limitations

No dedicated accessible routes.
Stairs are widespread in most governmental and non-governmental structures.
Public transport lacks accessibility features.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

No attractions or transportation options are specifically designed for accessibility.

Availability

No specific accessible services.
Most sites pose access challenges.
Private vehicle transport might present the only option.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

No dedicated services exist for visually or hearing-impaired travelers.

Support Services

Lack of tactile paving or Braille information.
No sign language interpreters.
Communication mainly relies on spoken language.

Accessibility Resources

No resources or organizations for accessibility in Afghanistan cater to foreign travelers.

Information Gap

Information about accessibility is scarce.
Plan for self-reliance or personal assistance.
Local assistance might be informal and limited.

Accessibility Advisory

Travelers with accessibility needs face significant challenges. Thorough personal planning and support are necessary for any visit.

Mazar-e Sharif Travel Tips