1. Pakistan is considered quite a dangerous country for tourists, and an unstable political climate only adds to this situation. Karachi is one of the potentially unsafe regions, so if you want to visit this city it is important to observe safety measures strictly.
2. Always have an identity document and a visa with you. In Pakistan, there are quite many patrols that can ask you to show your documents. Travelers do not need to be scared of them – these patrols are quite loyal to tourists.
3. It is better to keep a distance from crowds of people, all kinds of strikes and meetings. Otherwise, you may be mistaken for a member of some radical group. It is also a good idea to stay away from the buildings of local authorities and objects controlled by the army.
4. Don’t forget about safety measures during your vacation in the country: do not take big sums of money when going outside, do not show off your expensive items and walk on the city’s streets at night. Besides that, it is better to exchange currency only in special exchange offices, such as banks, hotels, and official exchange points. Do not use exchange services of individuals because there is a risk of getting scammed.
6. It is strongly not recommended to take pictures of military objects, police and army forces, inner décor of mosques, important strategic objects (such as bridges, airports), and Pakistani women. It is possible to take pictures of local people only if they give you permission.
7. Sometimes tourists must have a special permit to be able to explore some mountain regions and valleys. That being said, access to some regions is prohibited for all travelers. It is important to think of a route carefully and find out about restricted areas in advance. The period starting from May until October is considered the best time to visit the mountains.
The national cuisine of Pakistan combines peculiarities of Arabian and Indian cuisines, so pastries, dried fruit, and meat dishes with various spices are the core dishes in the region. … Open
9. Tourists should apply for a Pakistan visa beforehand and only in their country of residence. Pakistan embassies abroad are likely to reject applications. You will also need an invitation from Pakistan. Most tour agencies offer this service.
10. When filling the visa application form, don’t forget to mention all the cities in Pakistan that you plan to visit. Tourists can visit Karachi, Multan, Islamabad, Lahore, and their neighborhoods. Such destinations as Tribal Area, Balochistan, and territories close to the borders have limitations for tourists.
11. Karachi has a well-developed system of public buses. It is easy to reach any part of the city by public transport. There are also stations for intercity rides that sell tickets to other settlements of the country.
12. Blackouts are not rare in many cities in Pakistan, including big ones. Karachi is no exception, so it is a good idea to take a couple of spare batteries and power banks.
Pakistan: travelling advices
10. You should not go to see the iconic sights on a weekend. Sunday is a time of pilgrimage for the locals.11. It is impossible to get the camera in the mosques. It is strictly forbidden to photograph local residents without their permission. You can also not take photos of military installations, military, and police.
12. You should not leave a tip in hotels. Enterprising Pakistanis include it in the living expenses. It is customary to round the bill up or leave a small tip in the restaurant. Muslim laws prohibit additional payment in rural areas. But the owners of the house will be very happy with a small souvenir.
13. You should take documents and visas with you when you exit the hotel. There are a lot of patrols, which involved checking documents on the streets. The authorities have broad powers. It is not recommended to enter into disputes with them. … Open