Local Services in Afghanistan

The electricity in Afghanistan is officially 220V 50Hz, although the voltage can fall to less tha 150V in some areas. There are three types of plugs that could be found in the country. One is of the British type, old BS-546, another one of the British standard, new BS-1363 and another one of the European standard, CEE-7/7.

The telephone lines in use are 33.100 and those of mobile telephones are 15,000. The domestic use of telephones and telegraphs is limited. The telephone service has improved by the establishment of two operators of mobile telephones in the 2003. Fixed telephone lines continue to be weak, there is just 0.1 line for each 10 people. The international code to call to Afghanistan is 93.

The radio stations are AM21 and FM23, in the Pashtu, Dari, Urdu and English languages. Afghanistan has around 1000 Internet users. Internet access is growing through Internet cafes in Kabul.

Transport is limited due to the rough land and undriveable roadways. Public transport is generally by bus and trucks, which are usually overflowing with people and animals, reaching the ceiling. Normally women sit in the front, separated from the men. Those passing through the city usually travel by bus or bicycle, whereas those on the outskirts travel by foot, donkey, horse and sometimes by camel. Also there are shared mini-buses and cars that travel throughout the country.

Traveling is rather cheap. From the completion of the national freeway program in 2005, traveling between cities is easier and with less rough areas.