As a traveler, I’ve always been drawn to authentic experiences that showcase the beauty of different cultures. So, when I found myself in Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in Northern Afghanistan, I was excited to explore and immerse myself in the local way of life and tried to experience the things under $10 as much as possible.
The city is full of humble people, stunning architecture, and unbelievable flavors. And the best part? It’s incredibly affordable. In fact, daily life expenses in Afghanistan are significantly cheaper compared to the western world.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through Mazar-i-Sharif, and show you what $10 can get you in this beautiful city.
Here are the list of the things you can get for $10 in afghanistan:
- Shavarkamis
- Turban
- Rickshaw ride
- Flag
- Fresh orange juice,
- Sugarcane juice,
- Handmade ice cream
- Delicious kebab dinner
1. Clothing: Blending in with the Locals
One of the best ways to experience a new culture is to blend in with the locals. And in Afghanistan, that starts with clothing. So, my first stop was a traditional dress shop to get a Shavarkamis, a white or blue dress that’s commonly worn by men in the region. After a bit of bargaining, I managed to buy the dress for $2.
Next, I needed to cover up my bright red hair, which would otherwise stand out in a crowd. So, I bought a turban, which is what everyone wears to cover their heads. After some negotiation, I managed to get the price down to $1.
Total cost: $3
2. Transportation: Riding in a Rickshaw
To get around the city, I opted for a rickshaw, which is a common mode of transportation in Afghanistan. The rickshaw was decorated with bright colors and intricate designs, which added to the overall experience.
Total cost: $1
3. Collecting a Flag: Souvenir Shopping
I collect flags from all the countries I visit, so I made sure to stop by a local handicraft shop to add to my collection. I found a beautiful flag and managed to buy it for $1.
Total cost: $1
4. Trying Local Fruits: Fresh Orange Juice and Sugarcane Juice
Afghanistan is blessed with amazing fruit, so I decided to try some local juices. I started with fresh orange juice, which was incredibly delicious and cost only $0.50. Next, I tried sugarcane juice, which was equally refreshing and cost only $0.50.
Total cost: $1
5. Indulging in Handmade Ice Cream
Afghanistan has a unique way of making ice cream – it’s all done by hand. I visited a local vendor and tried their handmade ice cream, which had a distinct flavor. The vendor told me it was made from a secret recipe passed down through generations.
Total cost: $1
6. Eating delicious Kebabs
To cap off my day, I tried some local stuff and had dinner at a local restaurant. The restaurant was packed with hungry men, all eating my favorite Afghan dish – kebabs. The kebabs were made out of raw grapes and were incredibly soft, melting in my mouth. To my surprise, the entire meal only cost $2.
Total cost: $3
Conclusion
In total, I spent $10 and managed to get a Shavarkamis, a turban, a rickshaw ride, a flag, fresh orange juice, sugarcane juice, handmade ice cream, shisha, and a delicious kebab dinner. It’s safe to say that my $10 went a long way in Afghanistan, and I got to experience a beautiful culture that’s often overlooked.
If you’re looking to explore a new culture on a budget, Afghanistan is definitely worth considering. It’s a 100% cash
While English is not widely spoken in Afghanistan, it is possible to get by with basic English skills, particularly in tourist areas. It is recommended to learn some basic phrases in Dari or Pashto, the local languages, to help with communication. It is recommended!
The traveler had an authentic experience exploring the city and immersing themselves in the local way of life. They visited a traditional dress shop and bought a Shavarkamis, a white or blue dress commonly worn by men in the region, as well as a turban to blend in with the locals. They also took a rickshaw ride, collected a flag as a souvenir, tried fresh orange juice and sugarcane juice, indulged in handmade ice cream, and had a delicious kebab dinner.