Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Afghanistan: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
In Bamyan, the airport didn’t have a proper exchange counter, just a small kiosk charging an awful rate. I withdrew from an Afghan United Bank ATM instead. The trick is to always decline the currency conversion when prompted, otherwise you get charged way more. ATM withdrawals in Afghanistan usually give better rates than airport counters, but fees depend on your card provider. I used Revolut and tracked every transaction - ATM beat the counter by nearly 9%. Just be sure to take cash out during daylight hours for safety.
I landed in Mazar-i-Sharif recently and compared the rates between the local currency exchange booth and an ATM near the arrivals exit. The booth was charging a visible commission on top of a poor USD-to-Afghani conversion. The Islamic Bank of Afghanistan ATM offered a much better exchange rate, but remember to hit “Decline” when it asks if you want your card's home currency. Foreign travelers using ATMs in Afghanistan should always be cautious of hidden fees. Bring a backup card, just in case one is rejected or swallowed.
Airport exchange counters in Afghanistan often offer uncompetitive rates, especially for EUR or GBP. I used my Wise card at a Maiwand Bank ATM and got a solid rate with minimal markup. ATM exchange rates in Afghanistan for tourists are generally better than counters, if you decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Keep in mind: Afghan ATMs might have 20,000 AFN daily limits, so don’t rely on one withdrawal. Also, Kabul airport exchange desks sometimes run out of small notes, which is another reason to skip them.
At Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, I checked both options. The airport exchange counter had a terrible rate - they offered around 67 AFN for 1 USD when the actual mid-market rate was closer to 76. I tried an Azizi Bank ATM outside the arrivals area, declined the currency conversion prompt, and got a significantly better deal. If you’re concerned about getting ripped off, use ATMs with your travel card, and avoid exchanging at Kabul airport unless absolutely desperate. Just be sure your foreign card works with Afghan banks - not all do.