In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Afghanistan - any experiences?
I kept aside $75/day for flexibility and didn’t regret it. Some cities had price jumps due to Ramadan - even basic groceries were inflated. Guesthouses were simple but hospitable. Cash is king, so factor in currency exchange fees if you’re bringing USD. A little extra budget gives peace of mind here.
In March, I did a 10-day circuit: Kabul-Mazar-Bamyan-back. Budgeted $600 all in. Shared taxis cost me less than $10 between cities, and food was incredibly affordable - think grilled kebabs and Afghan bread for under a dollar. Most museums or heritage sites didn’t charge entry fees, but security logistics can add hidden costs.
I was based in Kabul for a remote project for three weeks. Decent Wi-Fi at coworking spots like “TechShah” and a good Airbnb setup cost me $400/month. Day-to-day expenses - food, transport, data (Roshan SIM) - ran me $15-20. Budgeting $50-60/day gives flexibility without compromising too much.
I spent around $40/day in western Afghanistan - budget guesthouses in Herat were about $12 a night, meals under $5. Transport is super cheap - minibuses between cities were like 200-300 AFN. If you're doing a deeper route like to Nuristan or Wakhan, add buffer for guides and private jeeps.