Currency in Afghanistan: AFN Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Afghanistan with the Afghan Afghani.
What's in this Afghanistan currency guide?
What currency is used in Afghanistan?
The official currency of Afghanistan (country code: AF) is the Afghan Afghani, with symbol and currency code AFN.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Afghanistan?
The domestic currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani.
What is the Afghan Afghani currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Afghan Afghani is AFN.
What doe the Afghan Afghani look like?
Here is an example Afghan Afghani banknote:
Which countries use the Afghan Afghani?
It is the domestic currency in Afghanistan.
Is the Afghan Afghani a closed currency?
No, the Afghan Afghani is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and AFN?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to AFN (US dollar to Afghan Afghani)*.
*Converted at the current USDAFN interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
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.
The Taliban regime has taken strict measures to strengthen the currency, such as banning the use of foreign currencies like the US dollar and Pakistani rupee in local transactions, imposing severe restrictions on the outflow of US dollars from the country, and criminalizing online currency trading.
Here are some things you should know about the afghani:
1. The afghani is divided into 100 puls.
2. 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.
3. The banknotes feature images of famous Afghan historical figures, such as Ahmed Shah Durrani and King Amanullah Khan.
4. The afghani is not a widely traded currency and may be difficult to exchange outside of Afghanistan.
5. The value of the afghani can be volatile and is subject to economic and political instability in Afghanistan.
6. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
Travel money for Afghanistan
Using Wise for Afghan Afghani travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Afghan Afghani otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Afghan Afghani cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the AFN cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Afghanistan: Travel Guide
Traveling to Afghanistan requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
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.
USD/AFN Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/AFN change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Afghanistan - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Afghanistan you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Afghanistan
When sending money to Afghanistan it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Afghan Afghani amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted AFN amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Afghanistan.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Afghan Afghani deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in 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.
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 money transfer specialist 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.
We have put together some key points to help 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.