Kabul

The ancient city of Kabul is teeming with bazaars hidden amid its winding, crooked lanes. Cultural sites include the National Museum of Afghanistan, which houses an impressive statue of Surya excavated at Khair Khana, the ruined Darul Aman Palace, Mughal Emperor Babur’s tomb at Bagh-e Babur and Chehlstoon Park, the Minar-i-Istiqlal (Column of Independence) built in 1919 after the Third Afghan War, Timur Shah Durrani’s tomb, and the imposing Id Gah Mosque (founded 1893). Bala Hissar is a fort that was demolished by the British in 1879 in punishment for the murder of their ambassador and has since been renovated as a military academy. The Chakari Minaret, which was demolished in 1998, included Buddhist swastika as well as Mahayana and Theravada elements.

Kabul City Center, Kabul’s first shopping mall, the shops on Flower Street and Chicken Street, the Wazir Akbar Khan district, Kabul Golf Club, Kabul Zoo, Abdul Rahman Mosque, Shah-Do Shamshira and other famous mosques, the National Gallery of Afghanistan, the National Archives of Afghanistan, the Afghan Royal Family Mausoleum, the OMAR Mine Museum, Bibi Mahro Hill, Kabul Cemetery, and Paghman Gardens are also worth seeing. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was also engaged in the Bagh-e Babur renovation (Babur Gardens).

Tappe-i-Maranjan is a neighboring hill where Buddhist sculptures and 2nd century BC Graeco-Bactrian coins have been discovered. A citadel and the royal palace are located outside of the municipal limits. Paghman and Jalalabad are noteworthy valleys to the north and east of the city, respectively.

Kabul has a semi-arid climate, with most of the precipitation falling as snow in the winter and spring months.

Temperatures are quite temperate compared to most of Southwest Asia, owing to the city’s high elevation.

Summer has low humidity, which provides respite from the heat.

Autumn is distinguished by warm days and dramatically chilly nights.

Winters are chilly, with a daily average temperature of 2.3 °C (27.9 °F) in January.

Spring is the wettest season, yet temperatures are normally pleasant. Sunny weather prevails all year. The yearly average temperature is 12.1 degrees Celsius (53.8 degrees Fahrenheit).

Kabul, located 1,791 meters (5,876 feet) above sea level in a small valley nestled between the Hindu Kush mountains and the Kabul River, serves as the nation’s cultural and learning hub. It is connected to Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-e Sharif by Afghanistan’s circumferential Highway 1. It is also the starting point for the major route leading to Jalalabad and then on to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kabul International Airport is approximately 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) from the city center, in the Wazir Akbar Khan area. Bagram Airfield is located around 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Kabul.

Kabul International Airport is located east of the city. The new international terminal is now fully operational, with domestic flights departing from the old terminal. Ariana Afghan Airways, Kam Air, Safi Airways, and Pamir Airways all use the airport as a hub. Banks, restaurants, a post office, and auto parking are all available at the airport (all very basic).

ARRIVAL

Foreigners must get a foreigner registration card; after clearing immigration, head to the booth adjacent to the luggage carousel and fill out the form; if you have two passport photographs, you may finish the registration there. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until later to complete your registration at the Ministry of the Interior (a major hassle – best to make sure you have those photos).

Taxis to the city center are available when you arrive (AFN400), however it is safer to meet someone you know.

DEPARTURE

When you leave Afghanistan, the Foreigner Registration card is sometimes required and seized from you, and if you don’t have it when you fly out, a large fine / bribe is sometimes required, however sometimes arguing that no one was at the counter to issue the Foreigner Registration card will work. It is not necessary to pay for the registration card. When flying out, some individuals feel compelled to ‘tip’ everyone at the airport, but tip one person for putting your suitcase through the x-ray scanner, and everyone will be on you for their fair share. Usually, a courteous “no thank you” suffices.

When flying out, you’ll most likely finish up at Car Park C, where you’ll have to take the shuttle bus to the terminal. Expect long lines and several ticket, passport, and luggage inspections while flying out, however things are much better today with the new terminal, owing to the increased space.

INTERNATIONAL

The following international airlines and destinations are available:

• Ariana Afghan Airlines – to Ankara, Baku, Delhi, Dubai, Dushanbe, Frankfurt, Islamabad, Istanbul-Atatürk, Jeddah, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Riyadh, Sharjah, Tehran-Imam Khomeini, & Ürümqi.
• Safi Airways – flies to Dubai, Frankfurt, & Kuwait City.
• Kam Air – to Almaty, Delhi, Dubai, Dushanbe, Islamabad, Mashhad, Peshawar, & Urumqi.
• Pamir Airways – to Delhi & Dubai.
• Air India to Delhi.
• Pakistan International Airways – to Islamabad & Peshawar.
• Fly Dubai – to Dubai
• Air Arabia – to Sharjah
• Gulf Air-to Bahrain
• Turkish Airlines– Daily flights to Istanbul and most convenient connections to Europe.

DOMESTIC

While Kabul International Airport is decent for a third-world country, other Afghan airports will have very rudimentary facilities.

• Ariana Afghan Airlines to Herat, Kandahar, & Mazar-e-Sharif.
• Kam Air to Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif, & Tarin Kowt.
• Pamir Airways to Faizabad & Herat.
• Safi Airways to Herat,Kandahar, & Mazar-e-Sharif.

Most locations are served by private operators in Mercedes buses that are fairly pleasant. With so many incidents, safety might be a concern. Bus rides are extremely risky since most drivers use hashish before driving.

The route from Kandahar has been restored, but due to the Taliban, it is extremely unsafe to drive on.

The roadway between Mazar-e Sharif and the north via the Salang Pass is open, however driving during the winter months should be done with caution.

The freshly repaired motorway from Jalalabad is now operational, reducing travel time to 2-3 hours; nonetheless, security on this road has worsened significantly since 2008.

It is preferable to travel the lengthier northern road from Bamiyan, as the southern route (via Wardak province) is dangerous.

The Millie Bus runs a number of routes across Kabul, however cabs are faster and more comfortable. Some of the buses are newer, but many are older, as one would anticipate in a third-world country.

Taxis are numerous, and renting a car for the day should cost roughly AFN30-50, depending on the destination and your negotiating abilities. Some drivers have learnt basic English, however they are more likely to be spotted lingering near Westerner-friendly spots and trying to demand a somewhat higher fee (airport, major hotels). While the city is quite secure, it’s a good idea to be cautious and avoid taking a cab near any sensitive areas (embassy, military facilities, 5-star hotels). Women are expected to sit in the back seat at all times. Local yellow cabs become scarce after dusk, so save a few taxi numbers on your phone as a backup.

In Kabul, there are just a few locations to hire a car, one of which is:

• Afghan Logistics & Tours 700 277 408, 700 288 668, 700 479 435, 799 391 462. Rents new-ish Toyota cars, SUVs, trucks & minivans along with a driver who doubles as a mechanic (very important on Afghanistan’s harsh roads).

Summers bring insufferable heat and dust, while winters bring snow and muck. Downtown Kabul is reasonably compact and accessible, making it a suitable option in the spring and fall. Because there are few paved roads, you must have your wits about you when crossing them.

It is good to walk about Wazar Akbar Khan and Taimani (to a restaurant, etc.) at any time of day or night if you are concerned about your safety. At night, you can roam about central Kabul, but make sure you know where you’re going and how to get back to your guesthouse. Given the unpredictable security situation, keep an eye out for any demonstrations, gatherings, or other events that might swiftly spin out of hand. Maintain a low profile by dressing simply and covering your hair with a scarf or shawl (if you’re a woman). To lessen the risk of kidnapping, it’s also a good idea to change your routes periodically. When you ask for directions, people are often helpful and kind.

Walking through typical residential neighborhoods should be avoided (e.g., near the city wall). Conservative Afghans are distrustful of strangers in their homes, and their children may throw stones or attack you with their dog.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

Bagh-e Babur (Gardens of Babur)

The mausoleum of Babur, the first Mughal Emperor, is surrounded by gardens. Despite his wishes to be buried here, he was initially buried in Agra and then relocated to this location. Afghans have traditionally come to the gardens for picnics and peaceful days. Among the amenities are a swimming pool, a tiny mosque for prayers, and a modest museum. Locals pay AFN10, while outsiders pay AFN250.

Bagh-e Bala

It was built in the late 1800s as a vacation residence for Amir Abdur Rahman. Much of the original interior has been conserved, and the surrounding area has been transformed into a vast park.

Bagh-e Zanana (Family Park)

A female-only park and market that includes both male and female youngsters. It was created as a venue where women could directly sell their own items and commodities, which is impossible to accomplish in areas where males conduct commerce since women in Afghanistan are not expected to engage directly with men who are not relatives. This park was established as a place for these women to market their wares in a culturally appropriate manner. There is also a restaurant managed by women. The park is also a great area for female visitors to relax and enjoy the fresh air. AFN50 is the entrance charge.

British Cemetery

In Kabul, where foreigners are buried. There are additional memorial plaques honoring ISAF troops who have died in recent years.

Darul Aman Palace

(At the end of Daral Aman Rd, south of the city, next to the Kabul Museum). 

Built in the 1920s as King Amanullah’s Palace, it has been demolished and rebuilt several times. Plans to rehabilitate it were announced a few years ago, despite the fact that it is still in a condition of falling decay and on the risk of collapse. AFN200 or so bakshesh to the guard to go into the ruins and look around.

Daoud Khan Memorial

Behind Darul Aman Palace, up the hill. The bodies of President Daoud and his family were discovered in two different mass graves in the Pul-e-Charkhi neighborhood of Kabul city on June 28, 2008. On a tiny hill overlooking southern Kabul, there is now a little memorial to the deceased.

Kabul Zoo

6AM-6PM daily. 

The zoo is famous among Afghans, and it has over 100 species, however they are in bad condition. China was formerly a major animal supplier to the zoo, but after the deaths of a few animals due to sickness and hunger, the country has stated that no more gifts would be made until living circumstances improve. Locals pay AFN10, while outsiders pay AFN100.

Lake Qargha

Kabul’s lake region, Lake Qargha, is around 9 kilometers outside the city. The Spojmai restaurant serves international cuisine. Swimming and boating are popular in the lake, and there are plans to add water skiing and jet skiing in the future.

National Gallery of Afghanistan

(Afghan National Gallery), Asamayi Watt(34°31’2.94N, 69°10’15.97E). 08:00-ish to 16:00-ish, closed Fridays

A lovely gallery located in a gorgeous old Kabul home that has been lovingly renovated. The collection used to comprise 820 paintings and portraits, but half of them have been plundered or destroyed, with the Taliban destroying 210 portraits, according to the director. The majority of the collection consists of landscapes from Europe and Afghanistan, as well as portraits of notable Afghan poets and monarchs, as well as a portrait of French writer Victor Hugo. It is well worth the time and effort to see. The Sultani Gallery is linked, although the hours of operation are unknown. AFN250.

National Museum of Afghanistan

(Afghan National Museum), South Kabul, Darul Aman Rd (several miles from the city centre, across from Darulaman Palace). 10:00-16:00 weekdays, 09:00-12:00 Fridays. 

The National Museum of Afghanistan used to have one of the world’s most extensive collections of Central Asian antiques. After the upper levels of the museum were blasted under Taliban administration in the 1990s, a major portion of the prior collection was taken. The Taliban destroyed several early Buddhist artifacts at the same time as the Bamiyan Buddhas. Looted things continue to crop up at auctions all around the world. The museum has reopened with much more modest, but nonetheless spectacular, displays of early Buddhist and Islamic relics. Free, but contributions are appreciated.

Mausoleum of Nadir Shah and Zahir Shah (Teppe Maranjan)

The graves of King Nadir Shah and his son, Zahir Shah, may be found here. It has been undergoing renovations since 2005 and is yet not finished.

Kabul Wall

A relaxing trek with spectacular views of the city. The Kabul City Wall, which runs west-east from Babar Gardens to Bala Hissar, is still in good shape (about 3 km in distance).

Kabul Golf Club

Qargha Rd,  +93 79 22 63 27. 

It was closed by the Soviet Union in 1978 and reopened in 2004 after a 25-year break. “Extreme golf with an attitude” is how this 9-hole course describes itself. Greens fees are AFN750/USD15 for 9 or 18 holes, or AFN15,000/USD300 per year.

Ariana Cinema

Pashtunistan Square. 

Shows mostly Bollywood or cheap action movies, with the occasional American blockbuster.

Amani High School sports field

Football (soccer) with local Afghan males, frisbee (with a group of foreigners), and a 400 meter jogging track in fairly green and attractive surroundings are open to the public on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. Free.

Ghazi Stadium (National Stadium)

The Afghan football team’s home. The mine museum is just past the stadium, as is a route up the hill where hundreds of Afghan men and boys are flying kites on vacation.

Kabul National Cricket Stadium

The Afghan cricket team’s home. Newly constructed.

Swim

In the city, there are a few swimming pools. The best is probably at the Serena, although it’ll set you back USD30 to use it. The swimming pool in the UNICA club (USD5) is highly popular, especially on Fridays, when there is probably as much catwalking as swimming going on. Internationals (also known as Maple Leaf) features a huge and frequently empty pool (USD7) that is housed in a plastic shed rather than being outside. The pool at Le Divan is very busy on Fridays. Women should not wear anything revealing unless they are in a private or foreigner-only setting (especially bikinis).

Thousands of tourists have flocked to Kabul after the Taliban’s collapse, transforming the city into a culinary Mecca. Restaurants can be divided into “locals’ restaurants” and “expats’ places,” with the latter having better security and higher pricing, but not necessarily higher quality. Restaurants that have been certified by the UN are extremely costly. The (dry) Lebanese, Turkish, and Iranian restaurants are the places to go if you’re seeking for a decent mix of Afghans and expat eaters.

Restaurants open and close with surprising regularity, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to see whether one you’re interested in visiting is still open.

Afghan Fried Chicken

Clean fast food establishment in the Western style.

Cafe

Share-e Naw is located in the basement of Kabul City Center. For less than USD3, you can have a burger and a banana drink.

Everest Pizza

13 St Wazir Akbar Khan,  +93 799-317979, +93 70-263636. 9AM-9PM. 

Fast food with an English menu is available. Orders can be placed over the phone or delivered to your house.

Kabul Fried Chicken

Clean fast food establishment in the Western style.

Peshawar Kebab Shop

(Shash Darak). 11:00-18:00. 

A fantastic neighborhood spot for a delicious meal. They only serve one type of food: flat chapli kebabs in the Pakistani manner, but they do it well and at about AFN100.

Shar-e-now Burgers

(Shar-e-now, opposite the Shar-e-now park),  +93 799-300797, +93 70-255788. 10:00-22:00. 

Fast food with an English menu is available. Orders can be placed over the phone.

Street stalls

Street booths abound, and some of the best may be found in the old town near Shahr-e Naw Park and the Pul-e Khisti bridge. However, especially in the summer, the hygiene is dubious.

Because of the large number of foreigners in Kabul, the city is undoubtedly the greatest location to dine in the region, and there are hundreds of decent restaurants to eat for USD15-25 per person for an evening meal in the mid-range.

Afghan International Pizza Express

Darulaman Rd (near Ministry of Commerce and Ariana TV),  +93 700 383 918. 

Pizza is excellent. During the May 2006 riots, it was destroyed, however it has since been restored and has a new chef.

Anaar Restaurant & Bar

Crossing of St 14, Lane 3, Wazir Akbar Khan(Between Wazir Akbar Khan circle and Heetal Plaza Hotel, towards end of St 14),  +93 700 284 315, e-mail: anaarkabul@yahoo.com. 10:00-22:00. 

Security clearance from the United Nations. Excellent Indian and Asian fare. The menu is in English, and the staff is also fluent in English. Orders can be placed over the phone, and both takeout and delivery are available.

Le Divan Restaurant (frm L’Atmosphere)

Str.4, Qala-e- fatullah,  +93 799-300264, +93 700 224982. 10:00-22:00. 

French food with a menu in both French and English. Orders can be placed over the phone. Swimming pool and dinner in the garden Sundays are closed.

B’s Place Restaurant

(Guest House), Str.2, Qala-e- fatullah House No.3, +93 70-276416, +93 70-276711. 11:00–23:00. 

English menu with Italian and Mexican food. Orders can be placed over the phone.

Bella Italia

(Guest House), Street 14, near the Pakistani Consulate,  +93 799 600 666. open until 22:00. 

Italian cuisine. Pizzas and pastas are excellent. Mains are too expensive. Appetizers that are tasty. The menu is in English.

Carlito’s Restaurant & Bar

Str 15 Wazir Ak Khan, +93 799 159697, +93 799 167824. 10:00-22:00. 

English menu with Mexican food. There will be no phone orders or home deliveries.

Cafe du Pelican

Daraluman Rd (on the west side of the road, look for an orange guard box and Landcruisers parked outside). closes at 17:00. 

Good French café meals with a bakery, run by a French couple.

Chief Burger

Shahre Naw (In front of Park Cinema). 20:00-midnight. 

This eatery serves quick meals such as burgers and pizzas.

Delhi Darbar

Cinema Zainab Rd, Share-e Naw (between the park and Flower St),  +93 799 324 899. 

Great Indian cuisine, including a thali for USD6. Indoor seating is cozy and spread out over three rooms, or you may relax outside in the large garden.

Escalades Restaurant

Macroian2, Matba block 104,  +93 799 473763.10:00–22:00. 

English menu with European food. There are no phone hours or home delivery options.

Golden Key

No 284, Lane 4, Wazir Akbar Khan, (4th Turning on the left off St 13),  +93 799 002800, +93 799 343319. 10:00–23:00. 

Restaurant serving Chinese seafood. In the summer, garden dining is available, as well as Sheesha, Karaoke, and English breakfast on Fridays. Takeout and home delivery orders can be placed over the phone. http://www.goldenkeykabul.com

The Grill Restaurant

Street 15, Wazir Akbar Khan (on junction near British embassy). 

Mixed clientele, Lebanese cuisine in a nice garden setting.

Hong Kong Restaurant

Wazir Akbar Khan (near Pakistani embassy). 

Excellent Chinese cuisine.

Istanbul Restaurant

Macroian2, Matba block 104,  +93 70 200116, +93 799 356282. 08:00–21:00. 

The Turkish food is excellent, and the menu is in English. A terrific spot to enjoy delicious food and a bit of local Kabul culture. Clean, friendly, and frequented by middle class Afghans. Orders can be placed over the phone.

Kulba Afghan

Shar-e-now, Esmat Moslim Str. 3rd floor,  +93 799 452151,+93 70 034979. 10:00–21:00. 

English menu with Afghan and Italian food. There will be no phone orders or home deliveries.

Mai Thai Restaurant

Str15 Wazir Ak Khan House No.124, +93 70 297557,+93 70-278640. 11:00–21:00. 

Thai food, an English menu, and employees that speak English are all available. ‘Lai Thai’ has reincarnated. You may either sit inside or outside. Outside, on the gravel road, park. Good value for money.

Mr Cod

Kabul Tower, Shaheed Abdul Haq Square , Makroyan 3,  +93 78 505 0501. 

Fish and chips in the British style

New World Korean Restaurant

Charyi Ansari (Shar-e Now),  +93 799 199509. until 21:00. 

Although the restaurant has relocated, the food remains of exceptional quality. Excellent kimbab and a good assortment of Korean meals (Korean sushi).

Zadar Croatian Restaurant

Wazir Akbar Khan 13th St,  +93 70 0220884, e-mail: zadar_restaurant@hotmail.com. 

Restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and a Divan lounge bar. Catering, takeout, and services for parties and ceremonial events are all available.

Pamir Restaurant

Bagh-e Bala Rd (at the Intercontinental Hotel),  +93 20 2201321. 

Offers a fantastic buffet at a reasonable price.

Popolano Italian Restaurant

Charahi Ansari, Share-e Naw,  +93 70 288116. 09:00-22:00. 

The menu is in English, and the pizza and pastas are excellent. Orders can be placed over the phone.

The Springfield Restaurant & Bar

Wazir Akbar Khan. 

On Mondays, there is a weekly quiz night with pizza and other Italian/Western food.

Raven Rae Restaurant

(Off Koche Qasabi, first left lane. Located in the Raven Rae Villa compound, 6th building on the right side),  +93 779 057640, e-mail:ravenraevilla@ravenraeresources.com. 18:30-22:30. 

Grilled meats, seafood, steaks, pizza, soups, and salads are available. During the summer, brunch is served in the rose garden. USD5-25.

Boccaccio Restaurant & Bar

Str 10 Wazir Ak khan (same street as Everest Pizza), +93 799 160368. 10:00–22:00. 

English menu with European and Italian food. There will be no phone orders or home deliveries. Although it is pricey, the food is among of the best in Kabul.

Café Zarnegar

Froshgah St (In the Kabul Serena Hotel),  +93 79 9654 000. 06:30-22:00 daily, brunch 11:00-16:00. 

One of the best restaurants in the city, with delicious high-end foreign food and a pleasant ambience. Their extensive buffet is without a doubt the greatest in the country. USD15-20 for the mains.

Gandamack Lodge

(Sherpur Square, next to the UNHCR). 

One of Kabul’s most upscale restaurants, presenting a diverse cuisine in a pleasant setting. Even by Afghan standards, alcohol is prohibitively costly, although this may be overlooked given the relatively low cost of food.

Raven Restaurant

Shar-E-Naw (Off Butcher St. (Koche Qasabi), take first left lane. Raven Restaurant (and Guesthouse) is the 6th building on the right.), +93 779 057640, e-mail: Raven@RavenRaeResources.com. 18:30-22:30.

Meat on the grill, fish, steak, and pizza are all popular choices. On F-Sa, 10:00-15:00, Vietnamese spring rolls and coffee are offered in the rose garden around back. On Mondays, the restaurant is closed. USD5-25.

Silk Route Restaurant

Froshgah St (In the Kabul Serena Hotel),  +93 79 9654 000. 18:00-22:00 daily. 

In a magnificent setting, this restaurant specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine. USD15-20.

• Near the park, in the Kabul City Center, there are several pretty nice shops.
• Majid Mall.  It Is located in the Supreme Tower. It is Afghanistan’s largest retail mall.
• Roshan Plaza contains a few decent clothing stores.
• Chicken Street is known for its tourist attractions (carpets, carvings, knives, and so on) as well as pirated CDs and DVDs.
• Chelsea Supermarket sells a wide range of Western foods and goods.
• Although the Supreme Supermarket on the Jalalabad Road (near the British military post) sells Western goods, no alcohol is now accessible. Afghans are not permitted to enter. Ciano, an Italian commissary, is a little distance down the road. On the Jalalabad Road, there is usually a security alert.
• Spinneys It appears to be geared for non-profits. Most Western items and foods are available. Last Christmas, they had turkeys and a variety of traditional side dishes available.
• Shah M Book Co (Across from Mustafa Hotel). The best bookshop in town, with a decent collection of coffee table books and Afghanistan-related publications. Although his prices are hefty, you will like his choices.
• Finest Super Markets (Share-e-now, opposite Kabul Business Centre). Finest Super Market has four locations in Kabul: 1-Wazir Akbar Khan 13th Street (which was blown up on January 28, 2011), 2- Opposite Kabul Business Centre, 3- Kart-e-sai, and 4- Kart-e-Parwan. Most of your everyday necessities can usually be found, and the things are of decent quality.

There are a few foreign card-accepting ATMs strewn across the city, and most of them accept both Afghani and US money. Credit cards, on the other hand, are unlikely to function or be accepted in the city, with the exception of a few high-end hotels.

• Afghanistan International Bank (AIB). There are a few foreign card-accepting ATMs strewn across the city, and most of them accept both Afghani and US money. Credit cards, on the other hand, are unlikely to function or be accepted in the city, with the exception of a few high-end hotels.
• Azizi Bank. In the city, it has a large number of branches.
• Kabul Bank. In the city, it has a large number of branches.
• Western Union. In the city, it has a large number of branches.
• Money Changers – some individuals choose to swap their foreign currency for Afghanis with roadside money changers. There is no charge for exchanging money this method, but make sure you are aware of the current exchange rate before proceeding.

Kabul is often regarded as one of the safest cities in Afghanistan, and while bombs and kidnappings have decreased in recent years, they still pose a concern. Given the large number of expats and tourists to the city, and the fact that just a few have been victims of such assaults, you should be cautious but not terrified. Avoid strolling after dark, avoid loitering in hotel lobbies, and vary your routes and times on a regular basis (for lengthy visits and expats). Riots do occur from time to time, and they are frequently followed by looting; keep away from them since police will respond with fatal force.

Female guests should wear a headscarf from the time they arrive at Kabul Airport until they depart.

Having any form of social connection with local people when visiting Kabul or any other region of the nation should not be an issue, since Afghan people are historically quite nice and hospitable toward visitors.