Language
Overview
Official languages are Pashto (35%) and Dari Persian (59%). Turkic languages (11%), predominantly Uzbek and Turkmen, and 30 minority languages (4%) are also spoken. Many people are bilingual.
Public Holidays
01.05.2022 Eid al-Fitr (Ende des Ramadan)
09.07.2022 Eid al-Adha (Opferfest)
09.10.2022 Mouloud (Birthday of the Prophet).
Source: Top-mba-universities.com
The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items may be brought into Afghanistan duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco products; 2 liters of wine or 1 liter of spirits. 50 g of perfume or 250 cl of eau de toilette. Note: The above duty-free import limits were valid until August 2021. The currently applicable upper limits are not known.
Prohibited Imports
Narcotics, weapons and ammunition, more than one spare part, counterfeit money, motorcycles and used bicycles, used household appliances, second-hand furniture, any objects that violate moral standards, and second-hand clothing. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Export Regulations
Antiques, hides and carpets only with an export permit.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
23 Avenue de France
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 731 16 16, Consular Section: +41 (0)22 732 44 89.
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00. By phone: Mon-Fri 2pm-5pm.
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Kärntner Ring 17/12-15
Vienna
Austria
+43 (1)402 10 06.
http://www.afghanistan-vienna.org
http://www.afghanistan-vienna.org
Consular department: Mon-Thurs 09.00-12.00, by telephone: Mon-Fri 14.00-16.00.
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Consulates General in Bonn and Grünwald b. Munich.
Taunusstrasse 3 (corner of Kronberger Strasse 5)
Berlin
Germany
+49 (0)30 20 67 35 18. Consular Dept.: +49 (0)30 206 73 50.
https://www.berlin.mfa.af/en/
https: //www.berlin.mfa.af/en/
Mon-Thurs 09.00-16.00. consular dept. (Kronberger Str. 5): Submission: Mon-Thurs 09.00-12.30, collection: Mon-Thurs 1.00-3.00 p.m.
Business
Business etiquette
Bargaining is common, and verbal contracts are binding. A suit and tie, suit or dress is appropriate. Appointments should be arranged in advance; Business hours: Sat-Wed 08.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.30, Thu 08.00-13.30.
Communication
Phone
GSM 900/1800. The state-owned company Afghan Telekom offers landline and mobile communications throughout the country.
Cell phone
Afghan Wireless operates a 4G LTE mobile network in the country’s provinces.
Internet
There are internet cafes in various cities such as Kabul, Khost and Herat.
Post
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, Afghan Post is the country’s state national postal organization. DHL Paket und Päckchen take 15-19 days from Europe to Afghanistan as standard shipments and 10-15 days as premium shipments with tracking options.
