Afghanistan vs Costa Rica
Crypto regulation comparison
Afghanistan
Costa Rica
Banned
No Regulation
Afghanistan effectively banned cryptocurrency in August 2022 under Taliban rule, declaring crypto 'haram' (forbidden). Authorities shut down 16 crypto exchanges in Herat and arrested traders. In 2024, enforcement intensified with provincial bans and public denouncements. Underground P2P trading persists despite the crackdown.
Costa Rica has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Central Bank has stated crypto is not legal tender and not backed by the government, but has not prohibited its use. Some businesses accept Bitcoin, and there is a growing crypto community, particularly in tech-focused areas.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Unclear
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Da Afghanistan Bank (Taliban administration)
Regulator
BCCR (Banco Central de Costa Rica), SUGEF
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin-specific regulation
Key Points
- Taliban banned crypto in August 2022, declaring it haram (forbidden)
- 16 crypto exchanges shut down in Herat; traders arrested
- 2024 provincial bans with public loudspeaker campaigns against crypto
- Crypto was used during the 2021 transition period for fund transfers
- Underground P2P trading persists for remittances despite ban
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation exists
- BCCR does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not banned it
- Crypto businesses operate in a legal gray area without formal licensing
- A Bitcoin and crypto community has emerged, especially around tech hubs
- Tax obligations on crypto gains are unclear due to lack of specific guidance