Pakistan

Landing in Islamabad or Lahore is an exhilarating introduction to Pakistan’s vibrant energy. To hit the ground running, ensure your Hello eSIM is activated before you touch down. This allows you to bypass the airport kiosks and immediately book a ride via apps like Careem or Uber, which are the most reliable ways to get around. A typical ride from Islamabad International Airport to the city center costs roughly PKR 1,500 to 2,500 ($5.40–$9.00). Connectivity is generally strong in major cities, but having data ready the moment you land is essential for navigating the bustling streets and communicating with hosts. Once you’re settled, use the Trip planning feature in the Hello app to map out your route between the historic sights of the Walled City in Lahore and the modern architecture of the capital. Remember that while English is widely spoken in urban centers, having a working map and translation tool on your phone is invaluable for communicating with local rickshaw drivers or finding tucked-away gems like the Faisal Mosque or the colorful truck art workshops.

Pakistan is a paradise for food lovers, where every region offers a distinct flavor profile. In Lahore, head to the famous Gawalmandi Food Street for a sensory explosion. Try the Siri Paye (slow-cooked goat trotters) or a succulent Chargha (deep-fried chicken). In Karachi, you cannot leave without tasting a spicy Sindhi Biryani or fresh seafood by the coast. Most street food meals are incredibly affordable, often costing between PKR 400 and 900 ($1.45–$3.25). When dining out with a group, the Expense splitting feature in the Hello app is a lifesaver, allowing you to easily divide the bill for a massive spread of seekh kebabs, handi, and fresh naan. For a more refined experience, visit the Margalla Hills in Islamabad for dinner with a view. Be sure to keep an eye on your daily food costs using the Budget tracking feature; it’s easy to get carried away when the food is this delicious and the hospitality is so warm that locals may even try to treat you to a meal.

The rugged peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Hunza Valley are the crown jewels of Pakistani tourism. Traveling here requires careful organization, as the journey involves long drives along the Karakoram Highway, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Use the Trip planning tool to schedule your stops in places like Karimabad or Passu, where the views of Rakaposhi and the Passu Cones are legendary. Connectivity can be spotty in deep valleys, so having your Hello eSIM set up ensures you can grab a signal whenever you pass through larger towns like Gilgit or Skardu. In these remote areas, the economy is heavily cash-based. You’ll find that a private jeep rental for a day trip to Attabad Lake or the Fairy Meadows trailhead might cost around PKR 12,000 to 20,000 ($43–$72). Use the Budget tracking tool to log these larger cash expenses in PKR, so you always know exactly how much you have left for local handicrafts, such as hand-woven wool shawls or gemstones from the mountains.