Living in Afghanistan

"Expatriates considering retirement in Afghanistan should first research the local culture, laws, and customs; learn the local language, especially Pashto and Dari; be aware of the security situation and understand the risks involved; visit Afghanistan to meet other expatriates and gain a better understanding of what life is like in the country; and familiarise themselves with the healthcare and pension systems. It is also important to understand that the cost of living in Afghanistan is very low, and that expatriates may need to bring medicines and other supplies with them. Finally, expatriates should be aware that Afghanistan is an Islamic country and that public displays of affection are considered haram and strictly prohibited," wrote a member in Afghanistan.

"Expats living in Afghanistan can join several clubs and activities, such as the American Women of Kabul Community Club and the Afghan-American Football Club. Additionally, participating in local events and festivals, such as Kabul's International Gardens Festival and the Mihtarlam Festival, allows expats to mingle with the local population and make friends. Serving in a volunteer organization or teaching at a local school are also ways for expats to become part of the community. Expats can also meet people by attending weekly Sunday dinners hosted by the International Women’s Association of Kabul and joining the local events at Kabul-based restaurants. Additionally, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have allowed expats to connect with each other and make new friends," said one expat who made the move to Afghanistan.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Afghanistan can be difficult due to the security threats and instability that exists in the country. Despite this, there is a small but growing community of expats and digital nomads based in Afghanistan, particularly in the capital, Kabul. They typically stay in secure residential compounds and have access to basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, supermarkets and hospitals. Due to the security concerns, expats and digital nomads in Afghanistan generally have limited access to the outdoors, with areas close to the city being the safest. However, with a wealth of culture and an ever-growing tech start-up culture, many expats find that the positive experiences of living in Afghanistan outweigh the negatives," wrote one member in Afghanistan.

"Crime is a major problem in Afghanistan. Many criminal activities, including terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and theft, are common in Afghanistan. The country is also a major hub for smuggling weapons, drugs and gemstones. The security situation in Afghanistan is fragile, and despite the presence of international forces, many areas remain dangerous. The Taliban and other armed groups are active and continue to threaten the people of Afghanistan," remarked one expat living in Afghanistan.

"There is a diverse range of ethnic and religious backgrounds in Afghanistan. Despite a history of ethnic tension, there is generally a strong respect for differences among Afghanistan's many different groups. People in Afghanistan understand that their unity is their strength and strive to support each other's cultural and religious heritages. Overall, Afghans are often tolerant of differences and try to promote a sense of community," explained one expat living in Afghanistan.

"Plan early and ask questions about available spaces. Last year there were not many openings. The school calendar is similar to that we had in the States. For Afghanistan, the school offers many resources, but not all High School Elective classes are offered every year - if you have needs for AP classes or specific math or sciences for college placement, check with the school in advance," wrote an expat with kids at International School of Kabul in Kabul.

"The American School of Kabul (ASK) is one of the best international schools in Afghanistan. It has over 1300 students from 62 countries and is committed to equipping students with the resources and skills they need to be successful in the global world. ASK strives to teach students to be tolerant, critical thinkers, vigilant citizens, and creative problem solvers. Additionally, the school provides students with a wide selection of sports, music, arts and theatre productions. The International School of Kabul (ISK) is another great international school in Afghanistan. ISK focuses on creating an inclusive, diverse and academically rigorous environment for its students. The school offers an enriched curriculum with state-of-the-art facilities, support services, international-level extracurricular activities, and sports facilities. The school works hard to create a community of learners, where critical thinking and a shared knowledge is encouraged. The Hayat National School of Excellence is a bilingual school that offers both English and Persian instruction. The curriculum offers a wide range of subjects and focuses on providing students with an innovative and creative education. The school promotes a culture of respect and solidarity and provides an atmosphere conducive to developing students’ problem-solving skills, academic proficiency and social responsibility. The school also provides extra-curricular activities and sports," commented one expat when asked about in Afghanistan.

"The cost of living in Afghanistan depends heavily on the location, individual circumstances and lifestyle, but many sources estimate that living costs are relatively low compared to other countries. General expenses for items such as food, healthcare, and everyday necessities are much cheaper than in most developed countries, while rent and other bills tend to be higher than in other war-torn countries. Despite the country's instability, prices are generally stable and there are usually opportunities to save money if one knows where to look and has access to adequate resources," said one expat in Afghanistan.

"The cost of living in Afghanistan varies significantly across the country. Major cities, like Kabul, Herat, Jalalabad, and Mazar-e-Sharif, are generally more expensive than rural villages. Similarly, the cost of living is higher in the north of the country than the south. The rental price for a 1 bedroom apartment in Kabul is around $600-800 USD and a 2 bedroom apartment around $1000-$1500 USD. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant would cost around $3-5 USD," said one expat.

"In Afghanistan, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, sports fields, and swimming pools. Parks are a popular destination for families, providing a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Sports fields are also available for residents to play soccer, cricket, and other sports. Swimming pools are also available in some areas, allowing residents to cool off during the hot summer months. Additionally, there are a number of cultural and historical sites that offer a unique experience for visitors," wrote one expat living in Afghanistan.

"The weather in Afghanistan is generally hot and dry, with cold winters in the northern and central highlands. Summers are usually hot and dry, with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C (104°F). Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C (-4°F). Rainfall is scarce, with most of the country receiving less than 250mm (10 inches) of rain per year. Snowfall is common in the higher elevations, and dust storms are frequent in the summer months," commented one expat who moved to Afghanistan.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Afghanistan is the Kabul Darbar Restaurant, located in the capital city of Kabul. This restaurant serves traditional Afghan cuisine, including kebabs, rice dishes, and a variety of other dishes. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those looking for a meat-free meal. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service. Another popular restaurant in Afghanistan is the Kabul Kabab House, located in the city of Jalalabad. This restaurant serves a variety of traditional Afghan dishes, including kebabs, rice dishes, and a variety of other dishes. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those looking for a meat-free meal. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service. The Kabul Restaurant is another popular restaurant in Afghanistan, located in the city of Herat. This restaurant serves traditional Afghan cuisine, including kebabs, rice dishes, and a variety of other dishes. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those looking for a meat-free meal. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service. Finally, the Kabul Grill is a popular restaurant in Afghanistan, located in the city of Kandahar. This restaurant serves traditional Afghan cuisine, including kebabs, rice dishes, and a variety of other dishes. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those looking for a meat-free meal. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service," said one expat living in Afghanistan.

"People living in Afghanistan typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, bazaars, and shops. Many people also purchase items from street vendors who sell a variety of goods. Additionally, some people may shop at larger stores and supermarkets in larger cities," said one expat.

"Visitors to Afghanistan must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues visas to those with valid passports. Applications for visas must include a passport-sized photograph, the applicant's passport, and a completed online application form with proof of accommodation and transport. The validity of visas ranges from a few weeks to six months. In order to apply for residency, foreigners need to obtain a Sponsor Card from the Directorate of Immigration and Passports. This Sponsor Card must be signed by the holder's sponsoring organization or individual. After obtaining the Sponsor Card, the applicant must fill out an application form, provide proof that they have financial means, present a valid passport and other documents, and have an interview before completion of the process," mentioned one expat inAfghanistan.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Afghanistan are generally considered to be expensive. The cost of medical care is often prohibitively high for many Afghans, and the quality of care is often inadequate. Health insurance is also expensive and difficult to access, with limited coverage and high premiums. Additionally, many Afghans lack access to basic healthcare services due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. As a result, many Afghans are unable to access the healthcare they need, leading to poorer health outcomes," commented one expat who moved to Afghanistan.