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Guide
Peshawar, Pakistan π΅π°
#272
,
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Peshawar is the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, known for its historical sites and rich culture. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 2 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 15-25 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 PKR β 0.0042 USD; commonly used currency is Pakistani Rupee (PKR). ATMs widely available in the city. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; commonly uses Type C and D sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Mobilink (Jazz), Telenor, and Zong offering good coverage and packages. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Most international cards accepted at major banks and ATMs (e.g., Habib Bank, MCB). |
π Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb is also available in select areas. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Cashless transactions are growing; however, cash is still commonly used. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals throughout the city. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Peshawar House and local guesthouses starting from PKR 1,500 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Walled City and Saddar are popular for tourists, offering easy access to historical sites. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Hayatabad is recommended for its modern facilities and quieter environment. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | CoWork Peshawar offers a conducive working environment with necessary amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tandoor is popular among freelancers for its ambiance and WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups and seminars held at institutions like Peshawar University, focusing on tech and startups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats and local meetups are active within the community. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Peshawar. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at local parks; some locals also offer scooters for rent. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach location is Nandipur Riverside, about 3 hours away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways connect Peshawar to various international destinations. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | N-55 (Indus Highway) connects Peshawar to major cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Peshawar Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate with low fares; no formal passes available yet. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and vans frequently travel to nearby cities like Islamabad and Abbottabad. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Khyber Teaching Hospital is the main public hospital in Peshawar. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kohat Wellness offers yoga classes and wellness sessions. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym options include Fitness 24 and Fitness Planet. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services available in most hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda is popular for delivering local and international cuisine. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kabuli Pulao, a traditional Afghan dish popular in Peshawar. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Chaiwala offers vegetarian options, with some traditional dishes too. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Chaat Wala is famous for local desserts like Jalebi and Kulfi. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Qissa Khwani Bazaar offer affordable street food and local goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is the leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan. |
π Grocery Delivery | Quick grocery delivery via services like GrocersApp. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife options; few bars exist due to cultural norms. |
π» Local Brewery | Alcohol production is restricted; limited local breweries exist. |
π· Wine Bars | Not available due to local customs. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food is widely available; try Chaat and Samosa from local vendors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Fast food chains like KFC and Pizza Hut are present. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Peshawar Museum and Bala Hisar Fort for a glimpse into history. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Peshawar Museum displays various artifacts from the Gandhara civilization. |
π° Historical Sites | Khyber Pass and Mohmand Agency are significant historical sites nearby. |
π Religious Sites | Mosques like Mohabbat Khan Mosque are architectural treasures. |
π Annual Events | Cultural Festivals in spring showcase local arts and crafts. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Walled City of Peshawar is rich in culture and heritage. |
π Theater Venues | National Performing Arts Company hosts various cultural shows. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Qissa Khwani Bazaar is famous for its vibrant local atmosphere and shopping. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local musicians often perform at events; Sufi music is particularly popular. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art is emerging, especially in the Walled City area. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes available focusing on traditional Pakistani dishes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local art is mostly displayed in cultural fairs. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Old Forts such as Bala Hisar depict the cityβs rich history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Peshawar's cultural heritage reflects a mix of Pashtun and Sikh influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Hayatabad Park offers lush green spaces for relaxation. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Kaghan National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, about 2 hours away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails available in local parks such as Shalimar Park. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at nearby hills provide a panoramic view of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Peshawarβs rural areas and parks are good for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards Courier are reputable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops are available in most commercial areas. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local youth clubs have table tennis facilities for public use. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language centers offer Urdu and Pashto classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Allama Iqbal Library is a well-known place for reading and studies. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community centers often organize events for locals and expats. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafΓ©s are becoming popular, particularly for PC gaming. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Incompatible with local laws; casinos are not allowed. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 80,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = PKR 3,200,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 60,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = PKR 2,400,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 75,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = PKR 4,500,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 55,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = PKR 3,300,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 70,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = PKR 5,600,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 50,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = PKR 4,000,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Around 29% for corporations. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income levels. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approximately 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for foreign subsidiaries. |
π Property Tax | Subject to local regulations, often based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% applicable at the time of property transfer. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives are limited, but certain industries may have benefits. |