Rawalpindi, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#1322
33.591423, 73.053512
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rawalpindi is a city in northern Pakistan, located adjacent to the capital, Islamabad. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0034 USD, major banks include HBL, UBL, and MCB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C/Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely used; credit cards are accepted in major establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; usage of cards is increasing, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Widely available through platforms like Airbnb and local websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels such as Kingfisher Lodge offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WorkLab Rawalpindi, located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Shai, known for its cozy work environment and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local tech meetups can be found via Facebook groups or LinkedIn. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Rawalpindi' host regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Rawalpindi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Bykea offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Karachi, approximately a 17-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways operate flights from Islamabad International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the M1 Motorway and N-5 National Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rawalpindi Railway Station connects to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local transport, including buses and vans, operates on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains to Lahore, Islamabad, and more neighboring cities are available regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is one of the largest hospitals. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Fitness Center near Saddar offers classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Shapes are popular gym chains in Rawalpindi. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available in shopping centers and local neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Cheetay available for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Biryani and Nihari, local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like The Green House offer good vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chaat House is famous for traditional Pakistani sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Jinnah Super Market and local bazaars for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk and Goto.com.pk are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Most grocery stores offer delivery options, including Metro and Carrefour. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Murree offers vibrant nightlife, but local options are limited. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted; drinking is mostly limited to private venues. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few wine bars exist due to local laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls near Liaquat Bagh serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants can be found in malls. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Rawalpindi Murree Road and Benazir Bhutto Park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Rawalpindi Arts Council hosts various exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the Rawalpindi Clock Tower and Faizabad Interchange. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Rawalpindi Mosque is a prominent religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pakistan Day celebrations in March and cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Areas like Saddar are rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural festivals sometimes use the Rawalpindi Arts Council for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Saddar has local bazaars filled with arts and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music scenes flourish in various cultural institutions and gardens. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found around Saddar and local parks. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking schools exist for traditional Pakistani cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore small galleries in the city showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal in nearby Lahore is a short trip. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Explore local culture and handicrafts in bazaar areas. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Margalla Hills National Park is a short drive away for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lavish valleys of Murree, approximately 30 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling is allowed in parks like Ayub National Park. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Daman-e-Koh offers stunning views of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching can be done in Margalla Hills. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires allowed in designated campsites in Murree. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like TCS and Leopards provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Pop-up shops and authorized service centers are available across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs in local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools and private tutors are available for English and Urdu. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Rawalpindi Public Library is a useful study resource. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often host various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes can be found around college areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Pakistan; hence, no casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,200,000 PKR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 24,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 960,000 PKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 35,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,100,000 PKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 28,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,680,000 PKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 40,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,200,000 PKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 30,000 PKR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,400,000 PKR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on progressive taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain rules apply on foreign incomes. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2% upon purchase. |