Murree, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#278
33.905682, 73.392674
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | A popular hill station located in the Pir Panjal Range, known for its scenic views and pleasant climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 30,000 (seasonally swells to over 100,000 during peak tourist seasons). |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 5-10 Mbps, with availability of 4G networks in most areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0036 USD. Major banks include Habib Bank, National Bank, and Standard Chartered. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Mobilink, Telenor, and Zong, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted, but cash is often preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Consider Airbnb for flexible stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is still king, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Ibne Qasim Hotel and Al-Maida Hotel offer affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | A few cafes cater to remote work, but dedicated coworking spaces are limited. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Zia offers a quiet ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community events are infrequent; however, exploring social media groups may yield opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Occasional events organized by local hotels; check local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is available for rides in Murree. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available; inquire at local hotels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nathiagali Beach is approximately 60 km away, perfect for day trips. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates from Islamabad Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Murree Expressway from Islamabad. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Islamabad Railway Station is the nearest major station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited options; generally, local buses and vans operate on set routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans available for travel to nearby towns such as Nathiagali and Abbottabad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Murree Medical Complex provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited; local hotels may offer wellness packages. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | A few local gyms available, but not widely advertised. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available, with some hotels offering laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda operates in the area for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try local specialties like Murgh Musallam and Peshawari Naan. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are limited; best to inquire at restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chashm-e-Shirin serves popular desserts like Gulab Jamun. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars available for fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk for local online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited choices; local grocery stores may offer delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; few cafes and restaurants stay open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is generally restricted; few resorts may serve limited selections. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few options due to cultural norms. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available around main market areas offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fast food options like KFC and Pizza Hut are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, and Mall Road offer breathtaking views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Very few; mostly scenic parks and historical sites. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Mall Road and various colonial-era buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Moses Church and Christ Church are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festivals often include local fairs and cultural events in summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mall Road is a hub for shopping and cultural exchange. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theater options; local performances often held in parks. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Murree's Mall Road has numerous shops for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can occasionally be found at local resorts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; mostly tourist-focused decorations in town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Rare; some hotels may offer short culinary workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few options; primarily local craft shops. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era architecture can be seen throughout the hill station. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Murree is well-known for its scenic beauty and colonial history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nathiagali and Ayubia National Park are nearby for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ayubia National Park, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Multiple trails around Murree, with scenic views and tranquility. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Pindi Point and Kashmir Point offer stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ayubia is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas available in resorts and some parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards Courier provide parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repairs; however, options are limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hotels may have ping pong tables available for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options; private tutoring may be available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few local libraries; public areas such as cafes are used for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Mostly local hotel and resort event spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; few local cafes provide gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Pakistan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 400,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 320,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 12,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 720,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 600,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 11,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 880,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 720,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax varies by locality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% for property purchases. |