Pakistan

Pakistan is a country of striking contrasts: snow‑capped Karakoram peaks, bustling megacities like Karachi, and the Mughal elegance of Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. Expect generous hospitality—strangers may invite you for tea, ask for photos, or insist on paying the bill.

Dress is generally modest: shoulders and knees covered in cities and rural areas, with slightly more relaxed styles in trendy neighbourhoods of Lahore and Islamabad. Pack a light scarf or shawl, especially if you plan to visit mosques. Shoes come off at religious sites, so slip‑on footwear is practical.

English is widely understood in major cities and tourist hubs, but having Hello eSIM connectivity helps with translation apps, ride‑hailing, and maps from the moment you land, without hunting for a local SIM. Cash is still king outside big cities, so withdraw Pakistani rupees (PKR) at ATMs; many travellers keep small notes for rickshaws, snacks, and tips. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log what you’re spending in PKR so daily costs don’t creep up unexpectedly.

Security has improved in many areas, but advice can change. Check current guidance, register your trip if your home country offers it, and ask locals or hotel staff which neighbourhoods to avoid at night.

Pakistan is often a good‑value destination. In many cities, a decent local meal can cost around PKR 400–800 (roughly US$1.50–3), while a mid‑range restaurant might be PKR 1,500–3,000 (US$5–10) per person. Budget guesthouses in popular spots like Hunza or Skardu may start around PKR 4,000–7,000 per night (US$15–25), with higher prices in peak summer.

Cash is widely used, though big hotels and upscale cafes in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi usually take cards. ATMs are common in cities but rarer in mountain regions, so withdraw enough rupees before heading north. Keep notes in multiple places rather than one wallet.

To keep your spending under control, use Hello’s budget tracking to categorize expenses—transport, food, accommodation—and set daily limits in PKR. This is especially useful on long trips where small purchases add up. If you’re travelling with friends, restaurant bills can get confusing when everyone orders multiple curries and naan; use Hello’s expense splitting to divide costs fairly without awkward math at the table.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up taxi fares, add about 5–10% in restaurants if service isn’t included, and keep small notes for porters and guides.

Distances in Pakistan are long, and journeys can be slow but memorable. Domestic flights connect major hubs like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Gilgit/Skardu, saving time on mountain routes that might otherwise take a full day (or more) by road.

For overland travel, long‑distance buses and minivans run between cities—Daewoo and other "business" class services are usually more comfortable and safer than the cheapest options. The legendary Karakoram Highway to Hunza and Gilgit offers dramatic scenery but also landslides and hairpin bends; consider a trusted driver rather than self‑driving, especially in winter.

Within cities, ride‑hailing apps are invaluable for avoiding haggling and language barriers. Short rickshaw rides can be a fun, cheap way to hop between neighbourhoods—confirm the price beforehand if there’s no meter.

Navigation and communication are easier if you arrive with an eSIM from Hello already activated—no queueing for a SIM card after a long flight, and you can show drivers map locations even if they don’t speak much English. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to line up flights, buses, and hotel confirmations in one place so you’re not digging through email at a crowded bus station.

Food in Pakistan is rich, aromatic, and often spicy. In Lahore, hunt down nihari, haleem, and charcoal‑grilled seekh kebabs; in Karachi, try fresh seafood near the coast. Up north in Hunza and Gilgit‑Baltistan, you’ll find milder, hearty dishes like chapshuro (stuffed bread) and apricot‑based specialties.

Street food—like gol gappay, samosas, and bun kebabs—is tempting, but choose busy stalls with high turnover and watch food being cooked fresh. Many travellers prefer bottled or filtered water; avoid ice of unknown origin and brush your teeth with safe water if you have a sensitive stomach.

Tea (chai) is a daily ritual. Accepting a cup of doodh patti (sweet, milky tea) is an easy way to connect with locals, whether you’re in a village guesthouse or a city bazaar. Alcohol is restricted and not widely visible; expect tea houses and juice stands instead of bars.

If you’re sharing lots of meals, keep track of who paid last—Hello’s expense splitting feature simplifies this when you’re hopping between roadside dhabas and city cafes. Use Hello eSIM connectivity to quickly check restaurant reviews and locate vegetarian‑friendly spots, which are common but not always clearly advertised.