Herat Afghanistan Travel Guide
Purchase local SIM cards from providers like Roshan, Etisalat, and MTN. Registering your passport is required for activation. Mobile network coverage is better in urban areas like Herat, spotty elsewhere. Hotels and some guesthouses feature Wi-Fi. Speed and reliability vary. Mobile data via local SIM cards offers internet access. Internet access can be subject to government restrictions or intermittent service.
Learning a few basic Dari phrases assists with day-to-day interactions and shows deference.
Further phrases for common situations.
Communicating your nationality and seeking assistance.
Dari (Afghan Persian) forms the main language in Herat. Pashto also receives wide speaking. English speakers are rare outside specific government or NGO contexts. Language barriers happen commonly, making translation resources invaluable. Google Translate with downloaded offline packages for Dari and Pashto offers an useful tool.
Cultural sensitivity forms a main feature of respectful and safe travel in Herat.
Men typically shake hands with other men. Women usually do not shake hands with men; a nod or placing a hand on the heart is more appropriate. The common greeting is "Salaam alaikum" (peace be upon you), with the response "Walaikum salaam."
Strict modesty is necessary everywhere. Women must wear a head covering and loose, full-body clothing. Men should wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves. Refer to regional directives for specific dress codes.
Use your right hand for eating. Tipping finds appreciation but does not mandate it. Local dining practices align with cultural norms, emphasizing communal eating in many settings. Seek guidance from trusted area contacts.
Always get consent before taking pictures people, most notably women and children. Avoid photographing sensitive areas, like government buildings, military installations, or security checkpoints. Be discreet and deferent.
Avoid conversations on politics, religion, or sensitive social issues. Never criticize the government or local customs. Public displays of affection are highly offensive and strictly forbidden. Touching someone'the leader of is considered disrespectful. Pointing with your feet or exhibiting the soles of your feet to someone is offensive.
Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is extremely limited in Herat. Public buildings, transportation, and sidewalks generally lack ramps, elevators, or other accessibility features. Navigating the city can be very difficult for individuals with mobility impairments. No attractions or ways to get around are specifically designated or reliably available as accessible. Specialized services for visually or hearing-impaired visitors are not available. No specific resources or organizations cater to accessibility information for international tourists in Herat.
The official currency is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Cash transactions dominate the country's economy. Prepare to handle most payments in local currency. ATMs are limited and may not accept non-local cards.
Currency exchange services are available, mainly in urban centers and bazaars. It is wise to exchange foreign currency at official exchange offices or banks upon arrival. Avoid unofficial street money changers.
While in Herat, direct travel perks are limited.
Plan a conservative budget. Bargaining forms a common practice in bazaars and area markets. Bargain respectfully plus equitablely.
Prudent managing your money forms a main feature of travel in Herat. Carry enough local currency and have secure backup options.
