Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#271
33.202706, 72.794126
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and serves as the country's financial and economic hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 14 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 285 PKR. Banks like Habib Bank, MCB, and Standard Chartered are widely accessible. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Services like PayPal are limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Monthly rentals range from $300 to $800 depending on location. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, with increasing acceptance of debit/credit cards, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local booking platforms like Bookaholic offer good options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Backstay Hostel or Budget Hotel options range from $15 to $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Karachi - modern coworking space offering short-term and long-term plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Shai - known for good Wi-Fi and a cozy work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech-based meetups are often held at NED University and active tech groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Karachi Expats Meetup Group on Facebook organizes regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are popular for safe, affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental services are limited; biking is less common due to traffic. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Clifton Beach, about 20 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways are popular for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the M-9 and M-10, connecting to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Karachi Railway Station offers intercity train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Karachi has limited public transport passes; bus services operate on specific routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available for travel to nearby cities like Hyderabad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Aga Khan University Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Karachi focuses on various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Big Bird Fitness and Gold's Gym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats and full-service laundry shops available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is the most widely used food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani is a must-try, with famous places like Biryani of the Seas. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Chai Shai offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chaat Gali is famous for traditional sweets and chaat. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Zainab Market for local street food and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery via apps like GrocerApp is available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The neighbourhood of DHA features several popular bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are rare; however, international brands are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; however, restaurants may serve a selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bolton Market and Burns Road are famous for street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various international restaurants can be found in the Clifton and DHA areas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mohatta Palace and Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum are essential attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Pakistan offers insights into the country's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Frere Hall is notable for its architecture and history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The beautiful Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta is worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Karachi Literature Festival occurs annually and attracts a large crowd. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Saddar neighborhood features a blend of cultures and traditions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Arts Council of Pakistan hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Empress Market is lively with local vendors and colorful stalls. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Karachi has a vibrant music scene with venues hosting live performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various neighborhoods, particularly in the artsy areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at various local schools, focusing on Pakistani cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Vasl Art Gallery showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | NED University and KPT Head Office are outstanding examples of historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city reflects a mix of cultures, evident in its architecture and local customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hawke's Bay Beach and Sandspit Beach for relaxing day trips. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kirthar National Park is accessible within a few hours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The city's coastline provides some scenic walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Karakoram Road provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mangroves of Karachi offer great opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Hawke's Bay Beach has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and BlueEx offer reliable delivery services within Pakistan. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various mobile and electronics shops provide repair services across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer tables; check gyms for availability. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Liaquat Memorial Library offers a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Karachi Arts Council facilitates various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming zones in malls are available for console gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Pakistan, and casinos are not present. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is approximately 29%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on a worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 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, there are strict rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value determined by local authorities. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Various local taxes may apply, typically around 1-2% of the transaction value. |