Islamabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#269
33.693811, 73.065151
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, known for its high standard of living, safety, and abundant greenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 280 PKR. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted at many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong for reliable mobile data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as Habib Bank and Standard Chartered offer services for expatriates. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments in F-10 and F-11 sectors. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless. Major cards accepted in urban areas, but cash is preferred in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Islamabad Backpackers provide affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work Flex, located in F-6, offers great facilities and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Shai in F-6 is popular among freelancers for its calm atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com, particularly in tech and entrepreneurship sectors. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Pakistan Facebook Group frequently organizes social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are the most popular ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting bikes is less common, but some cafes offer bicycles for customer use. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches in Islamabad; however, nearby Murree offers hill views and outdoor activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) provides regional services. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways operate frequent flights from Islamabad. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access via the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) and the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Islamabad Railway Station serves as the primary rail hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro bus cards for the Metro Bus Service are available for public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services like Daewoo and Faisal Movers connect Islamabad with major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is the largest healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House in F-10 offers various wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness Club are popular among fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at most local supermarkets and specialized laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Eat Mubarak are the top food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani and Nihari are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Lotus Café offers a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco Delight offers a range of chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Aabpara Market provide affordable shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is the largest online shopping platform in Pakistan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available through services like GrocerApp. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | F-7 is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no local breweries due to alcohol regulations, but non-alcoholic options are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable due to local laws regulating alcohol. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is popular in G-9; try the samosas and chaat. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | KFC and Domino's are widely popular for international fast food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh offer stunning views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Pakistan Museum of Natural History features local heritage and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Lok Virsa Museum showcases Pakistan's rich cultural heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Saidpur Village is a historic village with a blend of culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23 are spirited events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Saidpur Village area offers cultural experiences and local cuisine. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Pakistan National Council of the Arts hosts various cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sadar Market is a bustling area with traditional crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various cafés throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is visible around the F-6 and F-7 areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are offered at the Cooking School Islamabad. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 39 showcases contemporary art and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Supreme Court building is a remarkable architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city features various parks and gardens showcasing local flora and fauna. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Margalla Hills National Park is ideal for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nathiagali and Murree are accessible national parks for weekend visits. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The F-9 Park offers beautiful paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Daman-e-Koh is a popular viewpoint overlooking Islamabad. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Margalla Hills is a renowned spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas within Margalla Hills allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and DHL provide efficient parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix Repair Center and Techynamics offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks like F-9 Park have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers like Berlitz offer English and Urdu classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Pakistan is a suitable place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The British Council in F-7 hosts cultural and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Arena Gaming in F-10 provides gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not applicable due to local laws prohibiting gambling. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 10,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 4,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 6,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 9,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 5,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 5,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 3,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 12,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 9,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 8,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 6,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable for foreign corporate entities |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | maximum personal income tax rate is 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 17% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules exist for CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property size and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax is 2%. |