Peshawar, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#272
,
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Peshawar is the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, known for its historical sites and rich culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15-25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0042 USD; commonly used currency is Pakistani Rupee (PKR). ATMs widely available in the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; commonly uses Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Mobilink (Jazz), Telenor, and Zong offering good coverage and packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards accepted at major banks and ATMs (e.g., Habib Bank, MCB). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb is also available in select areas. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless transactions are growing; however, cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Peshawar House and local guesthouses starting from PKR 1,500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Walled City and Saddar are popular for tourists, offering easy access to historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Hayatabad is recommended for its modern facilities and quieter environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Peshawar offers a conducive working environment with necessary amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tandoor is popular among freelancers for its ambiance and WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and seminars held at institutions like Peshawar University, focusing on tech and startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats and local meetups are active within the community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Peshawar. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at local parks; some locals also offer scooters for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach location is Nandipur Riverside, about 3 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways connect Peshawar to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N-55 (Indus Highway) connects Peshawar to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Peshawar Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate with low fares; no formal passes available yet. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and vans frequently travel to nearby cities like Islamabad and Abbottabad. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Khyber Teaching Hospital is the main public hospital in Peshawar. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kohat Wellness offers yoga classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym options include Fitness 24 and Fitness Planet. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in most hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda is popular for delivering local and international cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kabuli Pulao, a traditional Afghan dish popular in Peshawar. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Chaiwala offers vegetarian options, with some traditional dishes too. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chaat Wala is famous for local desserts like Jalebi and Kulfi. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Qissa Khwani Bazaar offer affordable street food and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is the leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Quick grocery delivery via services like GrocersApp. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife options; few bars exist due to cultural norms. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol production is restricted; limited local breweries exist. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local customs. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is widely available; try Chaat and Samosa from local vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fast food chains like KFC and Pizza Hut are present. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Peshawar Museum and Bala Hisar Fort for a glimpse into history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Peshawar Museum displays various artifacts from the Gandhara civilization. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Khyber Pass and Mohmand Agency are significant historical sites nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mosques like Mohabbat Khan Mosque are architectural treasures. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural Festivals in spring showcase local arts and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Walled City of Peshawar is rich in culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | National Performing Arts Company hosts various cultural shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Qissa Khwani Bazaar is famous for its vibrant local atmosphere and shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local musicians often perform at events; Sufi music is particularly popular. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is emerging, especially in the Walled City area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes available focusing on traditional Pakistani dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local art is mostly displayed in cultural fairs. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Forts such as Bala Hisar depict the city’s rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Peshawar's cultural heritage reflects a mix of Pashtun and Sikh influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hayatabad Park offers lush green spaces for relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kaghan National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, about 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails available in local parks such as Shalimar Park. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at nearby hills provide a panoramic view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Peshawar’s rural areas and parks are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards Courier are reputable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops are available in most commercial areas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local youth clubs have table tennis facilities for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer Urdu and Pashto classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Allama Iqbal Library is a well-known place for reading and studies. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers often organize events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafés are becoming popular, particularly for PC gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Incompatible with local laws; casinos are not allowed. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 80,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 3,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PKR 2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 75,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 4,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 3,300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 70,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 5,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 4,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Around 29% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approximately 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Subject to local regulations, often based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% applicable at the time of property transfer. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives are limited, but certain industries may have benefits. |