Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#271
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan, known as the financial hub of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 20-25 Mbps but can vary by area. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0036 USD (as of April 2025). Major banks include MCB, HBL, and UBL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong. SIM cards are available at the airport and retail shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Local banking options for expats include Citibank and Standard Chartered. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, serviced apartments, to short-term rentals through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most urban areas, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Property Finder. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Backpackers and Casa Blanca. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Clifton and Karachi Saddar are popular among tourists for shopping and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | DHA (Defence Housing Authority) is recommended for its amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive, located in Clifton, offers great amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Wala in DHA is known for its work-friendly ambiance and good internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech and startup events are often held at The Nest I/O and other local venues. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Karachi group on Facebook hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are popular choices. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | E-scooter rentals are available through services like Bird. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Clifton Beach is around 30 mins away and accessible via taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways both have service to Karachi. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include M-9 and N-5 for easy travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Karachi Cantt Railway Station is the main train terminal. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Karachi has a Green Line bus service, but passes are rare; pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Hyderabad and Lahore are available from multiple terminals. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Agha Khan University Hospital is one of the premier healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House in Karachi offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Shapes Health Studio and Fitness 360 are popular gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash and Fold services are available in residential areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda is widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani, particularly from Karachi’s famous seller, Student Biryani. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nando's and The Bowls offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Churros in Karachi and Rangoon Walla are renowned for sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Empress Market for local fruits and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is a leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery deliveries available through Grocer App. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zanzibar and The Deli are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local beer brands include Murree Brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Due to local laws, wine bars are rare; however, some restaurants offer wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit Burns Road for authentic street food experiences. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza, especially from Domino's and local pizzerias, is widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mohatta Palace and Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Pakistan and art galleries in Karachi offer cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Frere Hall and the original colonial buildings around Saddar. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hindu temples and various mosques are spread across the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Qurat-ul-Ain events often attract significant crowds. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit Saddar for historical architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Arts Council Karachi frequently hosts theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit Saddar for traditional shopping experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Café A for live music and local performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art around Karachi's core. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Hut offers local cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Canvas Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | St. Patrick's Cathedral and other colonial buildings are noteworthy. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Karachi's heritage showcases a blend of various cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hawksbay and Paradise Point are popular beach getaways. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kirthar National Park is a two-hour drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Clifton promenade is a favorite for walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at the coastline provide stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Haleji Lake is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches such as French Beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Pakistan Post are widely used for delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops like iFix offer services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers host table tennis tournaments. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kahani Language School offers Urdu language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The British Council library is a great study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Defence Authority Country Club offers community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like Gamers Lounge attract enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is mostly illegal, but some venues offer poker nights. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₨150,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₨6,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₨80,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₨3,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₨145,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₨8,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₨75,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₨4,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₨120,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₨9,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₨60,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₨4,800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is currently at 29%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Pakistan has a progressive tax structure. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, annual property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% of the transaction value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from a simplified tax filing process. |