Pakistan Travel Guide
ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
The main operator of the domestic flights is Pakistan International Airlines (PK) (Internet: www.piac.com.pk). Further flight services are offered by Aero Asia (E4) and Bhoja Air (Internet: www.bhojaair.com.pk). There are several daily flights from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities. In domestic traffic, the airplane is the fastest and most practical means of transportation.
Airport fees: PR 120, excluding children under two.
On the way by car / bus
Left-hand traffic. The expressway network between the cities is well maintained.
Bus: There are regular connections between most cities and villages. There is an hourly bus on the Lahore – Rawalpindi – Peshawar route. For long distances, you should travel with air-conditioned buses. It is advisable to book in advance.
Car rental companies can be found in most major cities as well as at the airports of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Most hotels also arrange rental cars.
Documentation: international driver’s license.
Traveling in the city
In Lahore, Karachi and other cities, the bus and minibus network is well developed, but the vehicles are often overcrowded.
Taxi: The numerous, inexpensive taxis are the best means of transport, but during Ramadan they often only run during the day.
There are also motor rickshaws.
On the go by train
Extensive rail network of Pakistan Railways (Internet: www.pakrail.com), whose main route runs with several day and night trains from Peshawar via Rawalpindi and Lahore to Karachi. Most other routes have several connections a day.
Even the 1st class compartments are often overcrowded. We recommend driving in air-conditioned compartments. Children under three years of age travel for free, children between the ages of 3-11 years pay half.
As a country located in Asia according to thesciencetutor, Pakistan Railways offers tourists (excluding Indians) on presentation of one from the Pakistan Tourist Development Corporation (see addresses) issued certificate offers special discounts. Group and individual travelers receive a 25% discount and students 50% discount. Anyone who takes their own vehicle or a rental car by train receives a 25% discount. More information is available at any train station in Pakistan.
Approximate driving times: Karachi – Lahore: 20 hours; Karachi – Rawalpindi: 28 hours; Karachi – Peshawar: 32 hours; Lahore – Rawalpindi: 5 hours
On the way by ship
River traffic on the Indus is almost exclusively commercial.
MONEY
Currency
1 Pakistani rupee = 100 Paise (not in circulation). Currency abbreviation: PR, PKR (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 PR. Coins are valued at 5, 2 and 1 PR.
Credit cards
The most common is American Express. Visa and MasterCard, you can usually use them to pay in large cities in hotels, supermarkets and shops or withdraw money from banks. Details from the card issuer.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbols are accepted at some ATMs in Pakistan, but not in stores. ATMs are in all major cities. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Generally Mon-Thu and Sat 9 a.m.-1.30 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency is limited to 3000 PR (only in banknotes up to 10 PR). Unrestricted import of foreign currencies; Declaration obligation. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts (proof).
Currency Exchange
Bringing US dollars is recommended. Exchange receipts should be retained. When exchanging, you usually have to show your passport. Banks and exchange offices in large cities also exchange euros for the local currency. A redemption is only allowed up to 500 rupees.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Urdu (8%), there are also regional languages and dialects such as Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi (48%), Pashto (8%), Saraiki (10%) and Hindko (2%). English is widely spoken.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Pakistan duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 g tobacco;
250 ml of perfume and eau de toilette (opened);
Other goods / gifts up to an equivalent value of US $ 100.
Prohibited imports
Alcohol, counterfeits of all kinds, matches, plants, fruits and vegetables, fireworks, offensive and pornographic material, anti-Islamic or other religious writings, translations of the Koran without Arabic text
Prohibited exports
Antiques, certain chemicals, all kinds of counterfeits.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
In the larger cities there are modern hotels with every comfort such as swimming pools and other sports facilities. You can also find holiday homes, Dak bungalows and rest houses in all larger hill stations and holiday resorts. 15% tax is added to all room rates. It is advisable to reserve rooms well in advance and have the booking confirmed. Further information is available from the Pakistan Hotels Association, PO Box 7448, Shafi Court, Ground Floor, Merewether Road, Civil Lines, PK-Karachi 4. Tel: (021) 568 64 07. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates two hotels in Lahore and Rawalpindi. PTDC
also operates well-appointed mid-range motels in 15 resorts across the country. For more information, contact PTDC Motels Reservation Office, Block B-4, Markaz F-7, Bhitai Road, PK-Islamabad 44000. Tel: (051) 920 32 23.
Other accommodation options
The Pakistani Youth Hostel Association operates nine youth hostels that are open to members of the affiliated youth hostel organizations. Details from the Pakistan Youth Hostel Association, Shaheed-e Millat Road, Aabpara, Sector G-6/4, PK-Islamabad. Tel: (051) 82 68 99.
