The currency is now the Afghani (Afghans are the people). The exchange rate at the time of writing is 47-50 Afghanis to the US$1.00. It is possible to change money in the money market, in Flower Street or in banks (but be ready for a long wait). It has been reported (July 2003) that the government will begin to use the money markets to pay salaries as it is the safest and most reputable method for banking. The money market is across the bridge from the main post office. The Milli Bank or Da Afghana Bank are situated across from the Kabul Hotel, near Zarnegar Park.

Credit cards are not yet in use. International banks in Peshawar or Islamabad can receive money from abroad, but someone must then go there to pick it up, or alternatively it can be sent through the money market to Kabul. Take Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Although there are signs for travellers cheques they have not yet been reintroduced.

In September 2003 Dr Hamid Karzai signed an agreement to allow foreign banks to open in Afghanistan. However, since religious teaching traditionally does not allow money to be made from interest from loans or deposits, banking in the western sense is not very strong.