Abbottabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#275
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abbottabad is a city in the Galiyat region of Pakistan, situated in the eastern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-20 Mbps, with options for 4G mobile internet. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0036 USD; ATMs are available but credit card acceptance varies. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz; Type C/D sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks support international card transactions and online banking for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb listings; expect rates from PKR 3,000 to 6,000 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; while some places accept cards, cash is more commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals; prices typically range from PKR 2,500 to 5,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget guesthouses available starting around PKR 1,500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The main city area offers various lodging options and easy access to local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Galiyat region provides serene surroundings, good for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces, but local cafes with Wi-Fi are available. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 76, known for its quiet atmosphere and decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups and online platforms like Facebook groups can help connect with other expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Less frequent but occasional community events may be found through social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the popular ride-hailing app in Abbottabad. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; local transport is mainly via taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No nearby beaches; Abbottabad is situated inland. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) serves major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | PIA and Emirates connect to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is well connected via the N-35 highway, linking to Islamabad. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest major train station is in Haripur, about 30 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is not well organized; buses and shared vans operate on various routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans are available for intercity travel to Islamabad and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Abbottabad International Medical College, known for decent healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; gyms may offer yoga classes sporadically. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness World Gym and Spark Fitness Club offer facilities for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various local shops, typically costing PKR 200-500 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely available for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Chapli Kebab and Dum Pukht Biryani are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian dishes are available in local restaurants, especially at small dhabas. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chaman Sweet Shop is famous for traditional desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars offer budget-friendly fresh produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is popular for online shopping in Pakistan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery on request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some cafes and restaurants provide evening ambiance. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol breweries are not common due to local laws; you may find non-alcoholic options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are rare due to local regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant; visit Abbottabad’s main bazaar for various snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Chinese food are popularly available in restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ilyasi Mosque and Shimla Hill are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Few local art galleries, no major museums found. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic sites include the Abbottabad Church and the Governor House. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various mosques and the minor attributions provide insights into local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural events are often organized during national holidays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area offers local architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited local theatres; cultural performances are rare. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The main bazaar offers a variety of local products and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music festivals may occasionally take place, focusing on traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; most artistic expressions found in galleries or community spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking classes may be held in local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few local galleries displaying regional art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-era buildings found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Abbottabad is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Khanaspur and Nathiagali offer beautiful hiking opportunities in nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ayubia National Park is reachable within an hour. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several trails in the surrounding hills for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Donegal viewpoint provides breathtaking views over Abbottabad. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The hills surrounding the town are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping sites near Nathiagali allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards Courier services available for local and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local mobile repair shops offer basic device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks or clubs may host ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Few English language centers available for expat learning. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries offer study environments with internet access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offer activities and spaces for gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is restricted due to local laws. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 2,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 1,600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 3,300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 38,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 2,280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 4,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 2,800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate in Pakistan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system applies based on personal income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Regulations exist but may vary; review local guidance if investing. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value assessed. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied at 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives for foreign investors, but local regulations apply. |