Rawalpindi, Pakistan 🇵🇰
#1322
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rawalpindi, often called 'Pindi', is a city located near Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speed is around 15-25 Mbps, with mobile data speeds varying from 4G LTE. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PKR ≈ 0.0035 USD; major banks include Habib Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Currency exchange services are offered by banks and local exchange offices; international debit and credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Booking.com and local real estate sites provide various options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; cards are accepted in many establishments, but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property sites cater to short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include hostels such as Backpackers Paradise and budget hotels like New Shaheen Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Murree Road area is popular for its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Gulraiz and Saddar provide a mix of modern amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work in Sync - a popular coworking space located in Saddar. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chai Shai - offers WiFi and a conducive environment for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetup events at coworking spaces; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook often organize social gatherings and discussions. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber are the leading apps for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can often be rented from local shops; limited scooter rental services are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Karachi, about 18 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways are the major international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the M1 motorway connecting to Islamabad and Lahore. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rawalpindi Railway Station, providing access across Pakistan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Islamabad Metrobus service connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Rawalpindi to nearby cities like Islamabad and Lahore. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Holy Family Hospital - a leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Rawalpindi offers yoga classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Gym Rawalpindi is popular among locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Quick Clean and Easy Wash are available for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is the preferred food delivery service in Rawalpindi. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Chaiwala offers a range of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chiniot Sweets is renowned for its traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gulistan-e-Jauhar is popular for budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is a popular local e-commerce site for a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocer App offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | M1 Mall has various eateries and entertainment options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted; local restaurants serve beverages within licensed areas. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local regulations regarding alcohol. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food along Murree Road, particularly the chaat stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fast food outlets like KFC and McDonald's are prevalent. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Liaquat Bagh are notable places to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Pakistan Army Museum showcases military history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Rawalpindi Clock Tower is a significant landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Faisal Mosque in nearby Islamabad is a must visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rawalpindi Literature Festival attracts many literary enthusiasts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Saddar is known for its shopping and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Pakistan National Council of the Arts hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Raja Bazaar is popular for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in cafes around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is on the rise; look for murals around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes are offered at various hotels and restaurants. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore galleries showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The British-era buildings in Saddar are notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich in history, Rawalpindi reflects a blend of various cultural influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Margalla Hills National Park is a great hiking destination nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Khunjerab National Park is accessible for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths in Margalla Hills offer scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints in Shakarparian Park near Islamabad are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Margalla Hills is ideal for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Margalla Hills allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech stores in Saddar offer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several parks offer ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various local institutes offer English and Urdu language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Allama Iqbal Library is the main library in Rawalpindi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Rawalpindi Arts Council hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes are found in various neighborhood mall areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Pakistan; no casinos are available. |
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 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PKR 540,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 14,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 1,120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 11,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PKR 880,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is around 29%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate on dividends is approximately 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on residential status and income sources. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited rules; primarily based on residence. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property evaluation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is up to 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No worldwide income tax for non-residents. |