Continuous
strife have had its degrading effect on the heritage sites and travel
attractions of Afghanistan. Yet travel to Afghanistan can be a distinct
experience. We would provide here all information you would need to make
your stay in Afghanistan safer and more comfortable.
Hotels
One cannot get world class luxuries and ultra modern amenities in
Afghanistan. In Kabul there are very few hotels, like the Hotel
Inter-Continental, that measure up to western standards. Basic accommodation
is available elsewhere. In some rural areas there may still be hotels run by
the provincial authority, but they are of low standard. Some local guest
houses and small hotels are also available. After ouster of Taliban from
power, things have started to become little better. Kabul's most popular
hotel is currently the Mustapha Hotel on Chahrahi Sadarat at the end of
Chicken Street. There are many hotels between Zarnegar Park and the main
post office. The Spinzar Hotel, Jamil and Zarnegar Hotels are some other
hotels in Afghanistan.
Money
Official currency in Afghanistan is Afghani. It is divided in 100 puls.
Afghani economy is not so developed and advanced. Due to continuos
conflictions the currency goes through sudden fluctuations. Afghanistan Bank
changes travellers' cheques only at its Kabul head office. A branch of
Western Union for money transfer exists in Kabul. Cost of living is not so
high in Kabul. ATMs and banks are now started reopening or introducing new
branch. U.S. Dollar is also accepted in most of the restaurants and shops.
Credit cards are not accepted so frequently in Afghanistan.
Transport
Afghanistan is comparatively not so developed from the transport point of
view. Due to continuos political instability, the country has not been able
to concentrate on these fields. However the government now is trying to
improve the transport system in the country. A new highway between Kabul and
Kandahar is upcoming. Hired taxies and cabs are now becoming available in
Afghanistan. Jeeps and land cruisers are also available on hire. Regular
domestic flights of Ariana airlines can also be used. National airline has
gone through renovations and started working properly. Departures and
arrivals are more or less on time.
Travel Tips
Get here travel tips about Afghanistan which would come handy when you
travel to the country. Afghanistan is a war-torn country and you should be
extremely careful while travelling there. Also get other necessary
information.
Visa and Passport
Every tourist needs to get a tourist visa in order to travel Afghanistan.
Visa process has become more flexible in the past few years. Visa can be
obtained from Afghan Embassies and consulates abroad. There are Afghan
embassies in all the major countries of the world like India, Australia,
Canada, China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan,
Russia, U.K., USA etc. Tourists arriving by land may obtain visas at
Embassies or consulates in Pakistan (Islamabad or Peshawar). In normal cases
successful visa applications only require the necessary form, a couple of
photos and the visa fee - usually around US$50/50 Euros for a one-month,
single-entry visa. For working in Afghanistan a letter of support is
required with the visa.
