Islamabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#269
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, known for its modern architecture, lush greenery, and spacious layout. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 1.2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 280 PKR. Banking is done through local banks like Habib Bank Limited, MCB Bank, and international services like PayPal are becoming increasingly accessible. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without purification; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz. Sockets are predominantly Type C. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong, which offer good 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international debit/credit cards accepted in larger establishments, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and long-term rentals. Areas like F-10 and F-11 are popular among expats. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is preferred in many small shops and local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is commonly used. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around PKR 30,000-40,000/month. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include 'Islamabad Backpackers' for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | F-6 and F-7 areas are ideal for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | F-10 and F-11 offer better amenities, coworking spaces, and a vibrant community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mind Hub, located in F-10, provides excellent facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Shai in F-11 is popular among nomads for its ambience and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups often organize gatherings at local cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Islamabad Expats' allow networking and finding events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Islamabad, offering reliable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike-sharing services are available but limited; generally, renting a pedal bike is common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately 4 hours away to the west near the city of Muzaffarabad. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights are available with various carriers, including Qatar Airways and Emirates. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Islamabad Motorway (M-1) connects to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Islamabad Railway Station is the main transit hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro bus system available; single journey tickets cost around PKR 40. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans available for intercity travel, operated by Daewoo Express and Faisal Movers. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House in F-10 offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness First have branches in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries like 'Wash & Fold' provide affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is popular for food delivery services across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Karahi Chicken and Nihari are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Qabail and The Royal Elephant offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chowk Punjab serves some of the best traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Saddar and Aabpara markets offer budget-friendly shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is the leading online marketplace in Pakistan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery can be ordered through GrocerApp and other local services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Centaurus Mall and F-7 area have popular bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are limited; instead, many cafes offer a range of beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Alcohol is restricted; however, some hotels and clubs do serve it. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offering samosas and chaat can be found in markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | KFC and McDonald's are widely available for fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Faisal Mosque and Pakistan Monument are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Pakistan covers the country’s cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lok Virsa Museum showcases the richness of Pakistani culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nearby Saint Thomas Church and Faisal Mosque are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pakistan Day Parade on March 23 and the Independence Day celebrations on August 14 are significant. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City of Rawalpindi, just a short distance from Islamabad, is rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Rawalpindi Arts Council hosts various theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Outlets in Aabpara and Faizabad offer an authentic shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues often host music festivals and performances, notably at Alhamra Arts Council. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in various neighborhoods highlighting local expression. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are offered by local chefs, especially in traditional Pakistani cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | National Art Gallery and other local galleries feature contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Supreme Court of Pakistan and Parliament House are architectural marvels. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural identities are represented in arts and performances throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Margalla Hills National Park offers hiking trails and picnic spots. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khanaspur National Park is easily accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Islamabad's numerous parks like Shakarparian are perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Pir Sohawa provides stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Margalla Hills is a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Islamabad has designated picnic areas in parks where bonfires are allowed. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and BlueEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Techno Hub provide gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis clubs can be found across the city in various sports complexes. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Urdu and English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Islamabad Public Library provides peaceful study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Community Centre in F-7 offers various activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nexus Gaming Lounge is popular among local gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Pakistan, hence no casinos exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 100,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 4,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 2,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 90,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 5,400,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 3,600,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 80,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 6,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 4,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 29%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is residency-based. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Taxation is based on annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally 1% of property price at the time of sale. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax exemptions for digital nomads; however, foreigners may benefit from favorable conditions regarding local taxation. |