Abbottabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#275
34.143613, 73.213274
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abbottabad is a city in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, known for its scenic beauty and mild climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 150,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with options for fiber connections in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0045 USD; major banks include Bank Alfalah, Habib Bank Limited, and National Bank of Pakistan. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without filtration; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz; uses Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted in major banks; services like PayPal are limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and local guesthouses; average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around PKR 20,000. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are common in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb; prices range from PKR 1,500 to PKR 5,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options exist; for example, Red Lion Hostel offers beds from PKR 800. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Abbottabad Coworking Space offers a quiet environment and good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Wala Cafe is popular among locals and provides a good atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look out for local meetups; expat groups on Facebook can provide updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Abbottabad Expats frequently organize social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in Abbottabad, providing reliable ride services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter rentals; prices start at PKR 500 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach; nearest beach is about 300 km away at Karachi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) serves nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways for international travel from Islamabad. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major road access via N-35 highway connects to Islamabad. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Abbottabad has a bus terminal but no significant train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly consists of buses and vans; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans available for travel to nearby cities like Mansehra and Murree. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ayub Medical Complex is the primary healthcare facility in Abbottabad. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Just for Women offers yoga classes; limited options available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Stay Fit Gym provides comprehensive fitness services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are widely available, with local options like Wash & Go. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda operates in Abbottabad for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Chapli Kebab is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some local restaurants offer vegetarian meals, but options can be limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chatai Sweets is known for traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Saddar Bazaar offers budget-friendly shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is the leading online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local stores may provide delivery upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is minimal; local cafes and tea houses are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is generally not consumed due to cultural norms. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are not present; alcohol availability is restricted. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls selling samosas and chaat are common. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Chinese cuisine are popular; Pizza Point is a local favorite. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ilyasi Mosque and the Abbottabad Chairlift are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Abbottabad Museum features local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby sites include the iconic Shimla Hill and various forts. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jalal Baba Shrine is a significant local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals occur annually; check local calendars for dates. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local bazaars represent cultural aspects of Abbottabad. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural festivals sometimes feature performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Saddar Market is bustling with activity and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is rare; local cafes occasionally host performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; mainly public murals created by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local home cooks may offer informal cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local artists showcase their work in community events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-era buildings can be found around the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals highlight the local heritage of Abbottabad. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nathiagali and Mukshpuri are popular for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ayubia National Park is about 30 km away, ideal for outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several trails available around the hills; great for cycling and hiking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints around Nathiagali offer scenic outlooks. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ayubia National Park is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in national parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards Courier provide parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops in the Saddar region offer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language classes available in private institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Abbottabad Public Library is a primary resource hub. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; some cafes may have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not part of the local culture. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 4,500,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PKR 135,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 3,000,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = PKR 90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 6,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 390,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 4,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 8,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 680,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 5,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is approximately 29%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system includes income and wealth tax principles. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules govern taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax during property purchase is about 2% standard rate. |