Lahore, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#270
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lahore is the capital city of the Punjab province in Pakistan and is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 11 million, making it one of the largest cities in Pakistan. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 20-25 Mbps, with options for higher speeds available in select areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0036 USD, and vice-versa, with major banks like Habib Bank and MCB available for financial services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Ufone, with affordable prepaid options available for travelers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks accepting international cards include Standard Chartered and Citibank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms include Airbnb, Apartments.com, and local real estate sites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards are accepted in many urban establishments, but cash may be necessary in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate options offer flexible short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and hostels like Backstay Hostel and Hotel Premier are affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The old city areas, near Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, offer immersive cultural experiences. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Gulberg and DHA are popular neighborhoods with coworking spaces, cafes, and modern amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nest I/O is a leading coworking space in Lahore, conducive for networking and work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Wagera and Chai Shai offer great atmospheres for working, with Wi-Fi and power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Lahore hosts regular tech meetups and expat events through platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings often happen in Central Business District and can be found via social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are popular for convenient transport within the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Self-service bikes or scooters are available in some areas via local rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches close to Lahore; however, nearby parks like Shalimar Gardens provide green escapes. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines serve Lahore for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways such as the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) provide easy intercity travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lahore Railway Station is the major transit hub for train travel across Pakistan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Lahore Metro Bus offers affordable transit with monthly passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train and bus services run frequently to cities like Islamabad and Multan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Fauji Foundation Hospital is one of the top healthcare facilities in Lahore. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Body n’ Soul and The Wellness House offer various wellness and yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Planet and Shapes Health Studio are popular among expats for workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like 'Wash and Fold' are commonly available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Cheetay are popular choices for food delivery across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Do not miss out on Biryani and Nihari, popular traditional dishes in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Dasaprakash and Akbar Charcoal offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolat and the Sweet Tooth are known for delicious dessert offerings. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Anarkali and Liberty provide affordable food and product options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is a well-known online shopping platform in Pakistan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like GrocerApp and Metro Online allow for easy grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Areas like MM Alam Road host several bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is largely restricted in Pakistan; however, local non-alcoholic drinks are widely available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited options due to restrictions; however, some upscale hotels offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant; try stalls around Gawalmandi for a true experience. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Lahore hosts eateries catering to various international cuisines, including Italian and Chinese. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Minar-e-Pakistan are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lahore Museum and Alhamra Arts Council showcase local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Sheesh Mahal and Shalimar Gardens are stunning historical sites worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Data Darbar is the largest Sufi shrine and a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lahore Literary Festival attracts writers and poets, while Basant festival celebrates spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old city area has rich cultural heritage and street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Tehrik-e-Niswan and Punjab Arts Council offer theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market are vibrant places for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Lahore Music Meet highlights local talent, particularly in Sufi and traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art in areas like the old city and around Liberty is vibrant and showcases local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Saima offers classes in traditional Pakistani cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National College of Arts and Canvas Gallery feature local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque are important architectural sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lahore's rich history mirrors in its food, clothing, and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jallo Park provides a green escape within the city, while Lahore Zoo offers family-friendly activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khanewal Park is a close natural area for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Lahore Canal offers scenic paths ideal for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Lahore Fort overlooks the city providing picturesque views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hiran Minar in Sheikhupura offers birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks allow bonfires with special permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards are well-known for delivery services within Pakistan. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Valley and various local stores provide repair services for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complex and various clubs offer tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers like Berlitz offer classes for Urdu and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Pakistan is a quiet place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers like the Lahore Arts Council provide cultural engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges like Game On offer entertainment for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted; however, local entertainment venues provide various games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 10,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 50 m² for 500,000 PKR). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 50 m² for 300,000 PKR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 9,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² for 540,000 PKR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,500 PKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² for 330,000 PKR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 8,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² for 640,000 PKR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 5,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² for 400,000 PKR). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 29%. This may vary based on sector. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is 15% applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The system is based on income tax brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are relaxed for foreign income taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annually assessed property taxes are based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | General transaction tax rates hover around 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income may see lower tax application for expats, certain exemptions might apply. |