Afghanistan's official currency is the Afghani, written as AFN and shown with the symbol ؋. It's issued by the Central Bank of Afghanistan, Da Afghanistan Bank, headquartered in Kabul. If you're planning a trip, understanding how the Afghani works — and how money actually moves here — matters more than in most travel destinations, since Afghanistan's cash system runs quite differently from what most international travelers are used to.
The basics: name, symbol, and denominations
- Name: Afghani
- Code: AFN
- Symbol: ؋ (also written "Af" singular or "Afs" plural)
- Subunit: the pul (100 puls = 1 Afghani), though pul coins are no longer in circulation
- Banknotes in circulation: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Afghani
- Coins: 1, 2, and 5 Afghani, though notes dominate everyday use
The Afghani has been Afghanistan's currency since the 1920s, replacing the earlier Afghan rupee, and it remains the only currency issued and regulated domestically.
What's the exchange rate?
Exchange rates move, so treat any figure here as a guide rather than a fixed number. Through much of 2026, the US dollar has generally traded in the 60s against the Afghani — roughly 63–68 AFN per USD at various points — though the rate has fluctuated and at times strengthened against the dollar. Check a current rate shortly before you travel rather than relying on older figures, and expect street or hotel rates to differ somewhat from the official bank rate.
Cash is king — cards and ATMs are not reliable
This is the single most important practical point: Afghanistan runs on cash. International debit and credit cards aren't reliably accepted outside a small number of settings in Kabul, and you shouldn't plan a trip assuming you can withdraw money from ATMs or pay by card as you go. ATMs exist in a few places but are inconsistent, and relying on them isn't a safe plan for a multi-day itinerary.
The practical approach most travelers take
- Bring clean, newer US dollar bills — larger denominations ($100, $50) generally get the best rates; older, torn, or marked notes are sometimes refused.
- Change dollars for Afghani in Kabul or other major towns through legitimate money exchangers or your guide's trusted contacts, rather than sourcing Afghani from home (it's not widely available outside Afghanistan anyway).
- Carry enough cash for the whole trip, plus a reasonable buffer, since topping up mid-trip isn't something you can count on.
- Keep cash secure and split across bags or pockets rather than in one place.
Everyday costs in Afghani
Local transport, meals, market purchases, and tips are typically paid in Afghani, while larger prepaid items — permits, guide/driver arrangements, hotels booked in advance — are often quoted in US dollars and settled that way. Ask your operator in advance which currency they expect for which expenses, so you're not converting at the last minute.
A few practical tips
- Small notes are useful for markets, tips, and vendors who can't break large bills.
- Don't expect Afghani outside Afghanistan — it's a thin, non-convertible currency in most global markets, so exchange leftover cash before you leave.
- Travel insurance and money matters go together. With limited card access and emergency cash options, specialist travel insurance that actually covers Afghanistan (providers like IATI or Battleface, or an equivalent) is a sensible safeguard, not an afterthought.
- A local planner helps here more than almost anywhere else. Knowing where to change money safely, what the current street rate looks like, and how much cash to carry for your route is easy to get wrong without someone on the ground.
Planning a trip? We handle the logistics, including this part
At Tour Afghanistan, we're a Kabul-based, licensed operator — not a foreign reseller — so questions like "how much cash should I bring" and "where do I change money safely in Bamiyan or Herat" are part of how we plan every trip, not an afterthought. We also handle permits, Letter of Invitation support for the e-visa process, guides, private transport, and 24/7 on-trip support.
- Request a free custom itinerary and quote — no deposit required to start planning.
- Message us on WhatsApp for quick, personal planning help.
- Browse our Afghanistan tour packages, including private and small-group options.
- Related guides: Is Afghanistan safe? · Afghanistan e-visa · How booking works · Women travel in Afghanistan
This article reflects general guidance for travelers as of 2026. Exchange rates and payment infrastructure can change — for details specific to your travel dates, get in touch with our planning team.
