Key facts
Pakistan is a country located in Southern Asia. There are 4 countries (Afghanistan, China, India, Iran) that Pakistan shares its borders with. As for languages, the country’s residents speak English and Urdu. Traveling across Pakistan if English is your first (and only) language may be difficult due to language barriers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Pakistan was ranked 63rd out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Pakistan is Pakistani rupee (PKR). The rupee (Rs) is subdivided into 100 paisa.
Pakistani
Banknotes
RS10Rs50Rs100Rs500Rs1000
Pakistani
Coins
Rs1Rs2Rs5
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Pakistan is 24.56 Mbps and mobile is 26.39 Mbs.The global average is 194.02 Mbps and 126.09 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density It may be difficult to locate an ATM in Pakistan.11.11 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Pakistan, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 4 socket types used in Pakistan. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries. Type D is not very common around the world, so it might be a good idea to check if your electronics need an adapter.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Pakistan?
There are Mariott hotels in 2 cities: Islamabad and Karachi.
There are no Hilton hotels in Pakistan.
There are no IHG hotels in Pakistan.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Pakistan.
There are no Radisson hotels in Pakistan.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Pakistan.
What fast food chains are present in Pakistan?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Pakistan.
The KFC chain operates in Pakistan.
The Burger King chain operates in Pakistan.
The Subway chain operates in Pakistan.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Pakistan.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Pakistan.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Islamabad?
Weather data for Islamabad (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in Lahore.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Pakistan
Sources
- Pakistan Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Pakistan (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Inconsistent or only partially enforced smoke-free laws
Cananbis legality Recreational usage: Illegal
Medical usage: Legal in certain circumstances
Sources
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)