Afghanistan Packing List: What to Bring
Packing well makes an Afghanistan trip smoother and more comfortable. The country covers hot plains and cold high mountains, and culture matters as much as the weather, so it pays to pack modest, layered, and practical. Here's the checklist we share with our guests, grouped so you can tick it off.
Pack modest, loose, layered clothing that covers arms and legs, sturdy walking shoes, and warm layers for the mountains in any season. Women should bring a headscarf. Add sun protection, a basic medical kit, a power bank and a European-style plug adapter, and carry cash: mostly US dollars, plus some afghanis.
What clothes should you pack for Afghanistan?
Pack loose, modest clothes that cover your arms and legs, a headscarf if you are a woman, warm layers for the mountains even in summer, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat, sunglasses and a light scarf for sun and dust.
- Modest, loose clothes that cover arms and legs — long trousers and long-sleeved tops.
- For women, a headscarf for covering the hair, especially at religious sites.
- Warm layers — a fleece or jacket — as the mountains are cold even in summer.
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals for warm days.
- A hat, sunglasses, and a light scarf for sun and dust on the road.
What documents and money should you bring?
- Passport (valid well beyond your trip) plus printed and digital copies.
- Your visa and any permits — we help arrange these before you travel.
- Cash: mostly US dollars to exchange, plus some afghanis for daily spending.
- Travel insurance details and a couple of passport photos, just in case.
What health items and essentials should you pack?
- A personal medical kit with any prescription medicines you need.
- Basics: pain relief, rehydration salts, plasters, and any stomach remedies.
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm — the sun is strong at altitude.
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any personal toiletries you prefer.
- A reusable water bottle — we provide bottled water throughout the tour.
What tech and extras should you bring?
Bring your phone with a charger and a power bank, a universal adapter for European-style plugs, a camera if you like (ask before photographing people), and a small daypack for water and layers.
- Phone, charger, and a power bank for long days out.
- A universal travel adapter (Afghanistan mainly uses European-style plugs).
- Camera if you like — and always ask before photographing people.
- A small daypack for water, layers, and daily essentials.
Tell us your route and dates on WhatsApp and we'll send a tailored packing note for your exact trip and season. For more detail, see our what to wear guide, the best time to visit guide, or our Afghanistan tour prices. How much cash to bring, and where to change it, is in money in Afghanistan.
Questions about packing for Afghanistan
What should I pack for Afghanistan?
Pack modest, comfortable, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, a basic medical kit, your passport and permits, some cash in US dollars and afghanis, and adapters and power banks. Add warm layers for the mountains in any season. Women should bring a headscarf.
How should women dress in Afghanistan?
Women should dress modestly, covering arms and legs with loose clothing, and carry a headscarf to cover the hair, especially at religious sites. A long tunic over trousers works well. See our What to wear in Afghanistan guide for details.
Do I need cash or cards in Afghanistan?
Bring cash — mostly US dollars to exchange, plus some afghanis for daily spending. Card payment is unreliable outside a few places in Kabul, so plan to carry enough cash for your trip.
Planning a trip? Talk to our Kabul team — we reply fast on WhatsApp.
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