Welcome to Pakistan 😊

Quick Facts About Pakistan

Money and Finances

The Currency of Pakistan is Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Pakistani Rupee coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 PKR.

ATM Network

ATM networks are available in major cities of Pakistan, but may be limited in rural areas. It is advisable to carry cash as backup when traveling to remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in major cities of Pakistan, although not widely. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express may not be accepted everywhere. It's recommended to carry cash as backup.

Internet and Phones

Pakistan has an average internet speed of 13.5 Mbps for downloads and 8.5 Mbps for uploads. The government heavily regulates internet use and occasionally restricts access to certain websites or social media platforms.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several telco companies in Pakistan, including Mobilink, Telenor, and Ufone. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around Rs. 500 per month. Some phones may have compatibility issues with certain sim cards.

Dialling to Pakistan

To call Pakistan from another country, dial +92 followed by the area code and phone number. Area codes are used when dialling within Pakistan, with the most common being 021 for Karachi and 042 for Lahore.

Transport Around Pakistan

Air Travel

Pakistan has several major airports, including Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad, and Quetta International Airport in Quetta.

Train Travel

Pakistan has a fairly extensive inter-city train network, with journeys between major cities taking around 4-5 hours. Ticket prices vary depending on class, with prices starting at around 500 PKR ($3).

Metro / Local Trains

Pakistan does not currently have any major metro systems in its cities.

Buses

Pakistan also has a national bus service, with a range of options from luxury coaches to more basic minibuses. Prices and journey times vary depending on the distance traveled and the level of comfort, with prices starting at around 600 PKR ($4) for a basic bus journey between major cities.

Rideshare

Pakistan has several rideshare companies operating throughout the country, including Careem and Uber. Prices vary depending on the distance traveled and the time of day, but generally start at around 100 PKR ($0.60) per kilometer.

Driving by Car

Driving in Pakistan can be challenging, particularly in major cities where traffic can be congested. Speed limits vary depending on the road, but are generally around 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 120 km/h on highways. Pakistan drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Pakistan, tipping is not a common custom, but it may be appreciated for exceptional service. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, and it is customary to address people by their title or last name. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be polite and avoid sensitive topics such as religion or politics. Men and women may address each other using their first names in informal settings, but it is more common to use titles or last names in formal settings.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Pakistan's health system is a mix of public and private sectors. Public hospitals and clinics are often overcrowded and underfunded, while private hospitals are mostly accessible only to those who can afford it. Travelers are advised to have travel health insurance in case of emergency. A visit to a doctor in Pakistan can cost approximately $30-50.

COVID Situation

Pakistan faced challenges in managing the COVID-19 pandemic due to limited healthcare resources and a large population. However, the country introduced measures like lockdowns and social distancing to control the spread of the virus. As of September 2021, Pakistan has reported over 1.2 million cases and around 27,000 deaths.

Common Health Risks

Travelers to Pakistan should be aware of the risks of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Food and water-borne illnesses such as typhoid and hepatitis A are also common. Travelers should take precautions such as getting vaccinated, using insect repellent, and avoiding street food and uncooked fruits and vegetables.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Pakistan, alcohol is strictly prohibited and illegal. If caught drinking alcohol, there can be serious legal consequences.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is also illegal in Pakistan and can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In Pakistan, pre-marital relationships are not socially accepted and can result in legal consequences, including imprisonment.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

LGBTQ rights are not recognized in Pakistan and same-sex relationships are strictly illegal, carrying the possibility of imprisonment or worse.

Firearms / Guns

Firearm ownership is heavily restricted in Pakistan and requires extensive licensing and background checks, with large penalties for illegal ownership or use.