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Currency in Afghanistan

A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in Afghanistan and the Afghan Afghani (AFN).

What's in this Afghanistan currency guide:

Currency Facts for Afghanistan
Travel & Money Ideas
Expat & Business Tips
USD/AFN – Market Data
Compare AFN Exchange Rates

What currency is used in Afghanistan?

The official currency of Afghanistan (country code: AF) is the Afghan Afghani, with symbol and currency code AFN.

Things to know about the Afghan Afghani

The new afghani currency was announced by President Hamid Karzai on September 4, 2002, and was introduced to the market on October 8, 2002. This monetary reform was well received by the public as it was a sign of security and stability, especially the country's rebuilding effort. People also no longer had to carry many bags of money for ordinary things. It was the first time in many years that a sole currency was under the control of the central bank instead of warlords. Most old banknotes were destroyed by the end of 2002. Prior to the reissue, there were more than 15 trillion afghani in circulation after unrestrained printing under Taliban rule and during wars and occupation.

Here are some things you should know about the afghani:

The afghani is divided into 100 puls.
The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 puls, 2 puls, 5 puls, 10 puls, and 50 puls. The banknotes come in denominations of 1 afghani, 2 afghanis, 5 afghanis, 10 afghanis, 20 afghanis, 50 afghanis, 100 afghanis, and 500 afghanis.
The banknotes feature images of famous Afghan historical figures, such as Ahmed Shah Durrani and King Amanullah Khan.
The afghani is not a widely traded currency and may be difficult to exchange outside of Afghanistan.
The value of the afghani can be volatile and is subject to economic and political instability in Afghanistan.
The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.

An example Afghan Afghani banknote

Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a country located in Central and South Asia. It is a landlocked country with a population of around 35 million people, and the official language is Dari. The country has a rich cultural heritage and a long history, but it has been facing a number of challenges in recent years, including ongoing conflict and political instability.

Visiting Afghanistan can be a challenging and potentially dangerous experience. The country has a high level of crime and a high threat of terrorism, and visitors are advised to exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities. In addition, the infrastructure in Afghanistan is not well developed, and the country has limited access to modern amenities and facilities.

Despite these challenges, Afghanistan is home to a number of interesting sights and attractions. These include the ancient city of Bamiyan, which was once a center of Buddhist learning and is home to the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan, and the Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country is also home to a number of museums, such as the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul, which houses a collection of ancient artifacts and manuscripts.

It is important to carefully research the security situation and to follow the advice of the local authorities before visiting Afghanistan. It is also recommended to have a reliable and experienced guide to help navigate the country.

Expat Money & Business Guide to Afghanistan

Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.

By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Afghanistan.

Doing business in Afghanistan

Doing business in Afghanistan can be challenging due to the country's political instability and ongoing conflict. The country has a high level of corruption, and businesses may face difficulties navigating the complex regulatory environment. In addition, the infrastructure in Afghanistan is not well developed, and access to electricity, water, and other basic amenities can be limited.

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for businesses in Afghanistan, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and construction. The country has a large and young population, and there is potential for businesses that can tap into this market.

To succeed in Afghanistan, it is important to have a clear understanding of the local market and the business environment. It is also important to be patient and to be prepared for setbacks and delays. It is recommended to seek legal and financial advice, and to work with local partners who have a strong understanding of the local market.

Managing your finances in Afghanistan

Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Afghanistan:

Understand Afghan Afghani currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the AFN exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Afghan Afghani bank account: A local AFN bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Afghanistan. It may also be more convenient to use a local AFN bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Afghanistan. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Afghanistan. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Afghanistan, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.

USD/AFN – Market Data

The exchange rate of Afghan Afghani (AFN), or the amount of AFN that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest USD/AFN rate plus recent trend, chart, forecasts and historic rates.

1 USD = 86.75 AFN

Sell USD → Buy AFN

USD to AFN at 86.75 is 2.2% below its 3-month average of 88.71, having fluctuated within a 5.4% range of 86.24-90.90

24-MAR 6PM-NY 10PM-LON 25-MAR 6AM-HK 9AM-SYD

USDAFN : no alerts

After depreciating during the last quarter of 2003/04, the afghani has been appreciating steadily, hitting 100 in 2022 and dropping back to 90 by 2023. This long-term appreciation, at a time of increasing inflation, appears to reflect a greater willingness by the population to use the afghani as a medium of exchange and as a store of value. This trend appears to be attributable to the relative stability of the exchange rate since the introduction of the new currency, administrative measures aimed at promoting its use, such as the requirement that shopkeepers must price goods in afghani. Donors are increasingly making payments in afghani instead of U.S. dollars and this appears to be widely accepted.

Date	USD/AFN	Change	Period
10 Mar 2023	87.58	0.9% ▼	2 Week
24 Dec 2022	87.00	0.3% ▼	3 Month
24 Mar 2022	87.97	1.4% ▼	1 Year
25 Mar 2018	69.50	24.8% ▲	5 Year
26 Mar 2013	53.13	63.3% ▲	10 Year

USD/AFN historic rates & change to 24-Mar-2023

Compare Afghan Afghani Exchange Rates & Fees

The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to Afghanistan or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Afghan Afghani.

Loading comparison rates...

Provider	Amounts	Rate	Total Cost

It is important to note that the exchange rate of the Afghan Afghani can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect AFN exchange rates before making any financial decisions.