Quetta, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#1321
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province, is located in southwest Pakistan surrounded by mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is approximately 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Pakistani Rupee (PKR) ≈ 0.0055 USD, local banks include Habib Bank and United Bank |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Jazz, Zong, and Telenor for mobile services |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International debit/credit cards accepted at most ATMs; local currency often needed for daily transactions |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels like Serena Hotel Quetta |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, primarily cash; some stores may accept cards |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting from PKR 3,000 per night |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Quetta offers dorms starting at PKR 1,200 per night |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center and near the Quetta Railway Station for access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Satellite Town offers a mix of convenience and quieter environment, with local restaurants and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nexus Hub in Quetta offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Shai Cafe provides free Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Quetta Chamber of Commerce hosts periodic networking events for local entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events organized via Facebook groups for expats in Quetta to meet and share. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in Quetta for convenient ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; local shops offer motorcycle rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches nearby; consider coastal access from Karachi, approx. 700 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer international services from Quetta. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access through National Highway N-25 connecting to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Quetta Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | City buses available; no specific passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and private vans operate to nearby cities like Zhob and Sibbi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sandeman Provincial Hospital, the largest hospital in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options locally; private gyms offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Clubs Quetta offers decent facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; door-to-door laundry services offered by various providers. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda operates in Quetta for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sajji (roasted meat) is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options available at places like Balochistan Restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery items at Khazana Sweets are popular. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Quetta Saddar Bazaar for fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores offer delivery services, limited options available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few spots available, mostly restaurants offering family dining. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol consumption is limited due to cultural norms, no breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine consumption is generally not prevalent. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls selling local snacks like samosas and rolls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | KFC and Pizza Hut available in Quetta for international flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Quetta Archaeological Museum and the Sibi Fort are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Quetta Museum features regional artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historical Qissa Khwani Bazaar offers cultural experiences. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Chehlum Shrine, an important local religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sibi Mela is a major cultural festival held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Saddar area known for its rich cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; small theater performances can be found locally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Quetta Saddar Bazaar for traditional crafts and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances occur in local gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; focus is more on traditional artwork. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not widely available; local cuisine classes can usually be arranged through homestays. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Quetta has few galleries focused on local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Quetta Railway Station is a historic landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Quetta's Baloch culture is highlighted through local crafts in markets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Haleji National Park is located about an hour’s drive from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ziarat National Park, known for its cedar forests, is about 130 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited walking paths in civic parks; outdoor cycling routes available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Quetta’s higher elevation provides scenic mountain views all around. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching opportunities in nearby valleys and parks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open parks allow bonfires but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Multiple electronic repair shops exist in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; check local community centers for gatherings. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language institutes offer Pashto and Urdu classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Quetta Central Library is a popular spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers frequently host events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; small gaming spots found in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available due to regulatory restrictions. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 45,000 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = PKR 2,025,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 35,000 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = PKR 1,575,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 50,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 3,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 40,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 2,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 4,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 45,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 3,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 29% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territorial income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Exceeds 35% for higher income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | YES, there are CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income for non-residents. |