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Guide
Sialkot, Pakistan π΅π°
#1323
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Sialkot is known as the 'City of Sports' due to its manufacturing of sports goods. It is located in the northeastern part of Pakistan, near the India-Pakistan border. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 1.5 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Pakistani Rupee (PKR). 1 USD β 280 PKR. |
π° Tap Water | Not safe to drink without purification. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/D sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Mobile providers include Jazz, Telenor, and Zong. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks include HBL, UBL, and Standard Chartered. International transfers may require additional verification. |
π Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to serviced apartments and rentals through local agencies. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash is still widely used; however, mobile payments via JazzCash or EasyPaisa are becoming popular. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available through local real estate agencies and Facebook groups. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and basic hotels start from PKR 2,000 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Civil Lines and Gulshan-e-Iqbal are popular among tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Wahdat Colony and Sialkot Cantt are recommended for longer stays due to better facilities and connectivity. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Sialkot Business Center offers coworking facilities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Chai Shai provides a conducive environment with Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local startup meetups are occasionally held in various cafes. Watch local social media for updates. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Sialkot' host various community gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Sialkot. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local shops but not widely advertised online. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Karachi, approximately 800 km away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) connects Sialkot to major cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | PIA and Emirates offer international flights from Sialkot Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | N-5 National Highway and M-11 Motorway provide excellent access to major cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Sialkot Railway Station connects to major cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets are pay-per-ride; no monthly passes available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to nearby cities like Gujranwala and Lahore. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Allied Hospital is one of the largest and most recognized hospitals in Sialkot. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Green Gym offers some fitness and wellness classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Gym is popular for workouts. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local dry cleaners and laundromats are available in most neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda delivers a variety of cuisines in Sialkot. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Sialkoti Saag' and local kebabs. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Al-Maida offer vegetarian options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Choco Delight is a popular bakery for sweets and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars like Iqbal Market offer affordable goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.pk is a popular online shopping platform. |
π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services may be limited but local stores often offer basic services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; there are a few local cafes and restaurants that stay open late. |
π» Local Brewery | Alcohol consumption is restricted due to local laws. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine bars are not common due to cultural restrictions. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent; try samosas and chaat from local vendors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants are available in upscale areas. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Sialkot Fort and the Allama Iqbal Memorial. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Iqbal Manzil is significant for its cultural heritage. |
π° Historical Sites | The Sialkot Fort dates back to the 11th century. |
π Religious Sites | The Shrine of Baba Noor Shah is a popular religious site. |
π Annual Events | Sialkot's Independence Day celebrations are vibrant with parades and events. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Visit the cityβs old bazaars for traditional crafts. |
π Theater Venues | Local community theaters host performances occasionally. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Sadar Bazar is famous for its variety of goods and buzzing atmosphere. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local music events can be found during cultural festivals. |
π¨ Street Art | Some public artworks can be found in urban spaces. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local cooking workshops can be arranged with local chefs. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Small art exhibitions are occasionally held at local venues. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The buildings around the fort have historical significance. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Sialkot is known for its handicrafts and sports goods. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Khawaja Garib nawaz park offers green space for relaxation. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Nearby communities have access to several small parks but no national parks. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Several roads are suitable for cycling, particularly in suburban areas. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The surrounding hills offer great views and are spot for picnics. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The area around Sialkot has diverse bird species, particularly in rural areas. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open parks outside the city allow bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | TCS and Leopards Courier provide reliable shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer phone and laptop repair. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis is played in many local sports clubs. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Private tutors for Urdu and English can be found via local ads. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Library of Sialkot offers resources but is on the smaller side. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Various community centers conduct cultural activities and workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some gaming cafes can be found near universities. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not permitted in Pakistan. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 40,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = PKR 2,000,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 30,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = PKR 1,500,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 35,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = PKR 2,100,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 25,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = PKR 1,500,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PKR 32,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = PKR 2,560,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PKR 22,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = PKR 1,760,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 29%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are taxed at 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 17%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Pakistan has limited CFC regulations. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value assessed by local authorities. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is typically around 2%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from relatively lower living costs, but are subject to Pakistani taxation. |