First-time visitors usually have the same practical questions: how much to tip, whether alcohol is available, which plugs to bring, how to get a SIM card and whether drones are allowed. This Pakistan travel FAQ gives short, direct answers and links to the full guides. Last checked: October 2026. Rules, prices and availability change, so confirm important details locally or with official sources before you travel.
Pakistan quick facts for visitors
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Pakistani rupee (PKR) |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (no daylight saving) |
| Country calling code | +92 |
| Electricity | 230 V, mainly Type C and D plugs |
| Driving side | Left |
| Languages | Urdu and English are widely used in tourism; regional languages include Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Shina, Burushaski and Balti |
Money and tipping
How much should I tip in Pakistan?
Tipping of about 10 to 15 percent is appreciated in restaurants and for services such as guides and drivers. Check whether a service charge is already on your bill. Tips are a thank-you, not an obligation.
Can I use cards and ATMs?
Cards and ATMs work in major cities, but cash is essential in the mountains and small towns. Withdraw before you leave Gilgit, Skardu or Chitral. See our ATM and cash guide and currency exchange guide.
Can I bargain?
Yes, politely, in bazaars and with unmetered transport. Ask the price first, smile and settle on a price before you buy or set off. Hotel rooms, restaurants and fixed-price shops are not usually negotiable.
How much does a trip cost?
Costs vary widely by style and region. Our Pakistan travel cost guide gives realistic daily budgets in PKR and USD.
Phones, internet and power
How do I get a SIM card?
Jazz, Zong, Telenor and Ufone are the main operators, and coverage varies by valley. Tourist eSIM availability varies by outlet. Registration normally needs your passport, so carry it. Read our SIM card guide for tourists.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but it can be slow or limited in remote areas, and mountain towns have power cuts. Download maps and documents before you travel.
What plugs and voltage does Pakistan use?
The supply is 230 V, and plugs are mainly Types C and D, though sockets vary. Bring a universal adapter and a power bank, because outages happen, especially in the mountains.
Food and drink
Is alcohol available in Pakistan?
Alcohol is prohibited for Muslims. Non-Muslim visitors can obtain it in limited ways, for example through permits, licensed shops and some hotels in certain cities, but it is not widely available, and drinking in public is not acceptable. Ask your hotel about local rules, and declare any alcohol at customs rather than carrying it in. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Drink sealed bottled water or water you have treated, and check that the seal is intact. Use the same water for brushing your teeth and ice if you are cautious.
Is street food safe?
Many travellers enjoy it. Choose busy stalls with fresh, hot food and avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit if your stomach is sensitive. See our street food tips and the food lovers guide to Pakistan.
Getting around
Does Uber work in Pakistan?
No. Uber has stopped operating in Pakistan, and Careem closed its ride-hailing service in July 2025. In major cities, apps such as inDrive and Yango are the usual options. See our public transport guide and domestic flights guide.
Do I need a driver for the mountains?
A driver or a reputable operator makes mountain travel simpler, especially on long roads and in bad weather. Read hiring a guide in northern Pakistan.
Culture and etiquette
What should I wear?
Dress modestly: loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and a scarf for mosques and shrines. See what to wear in Pakistan.
Can I take photographs?
Yes in most places. Always ask before photographing people, especially women, and follow signs at checkpoints, military areas and some heritage sites. Ask before entering mosques with a camera.
What is Ramadan travel like?
Many restaurants open later in the day, and visitors are expected to avoid eating or drinking openly in daylight. Hotels still serve guests. Plan around Eid holidays, when transport and rooms get busy.
Language, insurance and driving
Is English spoken in Pakistan?
English is widely understood in hotels, airports, tour offices and restaurants in tourist areas, and many people speak some. In villages, learning a few Urdu words such as shukriya (thank you) goes a long way.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, especially for the mountains, where evacuation and medical costs can be high. Check that your policy covers trekking and altitude. See our travel insurance guide.
Can I rent a car and drive myself?
It is possible, but many visitors prefer a car with a driver because of road conditions, traffic and local driving styles. See our self-drive guide.
How many days do I need?
A first trip works well at 7 to 14 days. Browse our 7-day itinerary, 10-day itinerary and 2-week itinerary.
Can women travel in Pakistan?
Many women travel in Pakistan, including solo. Dress modestly, plan transport in advance and use trusted hotels and guides. See our tips for solo female travellers.
Drones
Can I fly a drone in Pakistan?
Do not assume you can. Drone rules are set by the Civil Aviation Authority, and published information about what tourists must do (registration, permission, import) varies by source and has changed. Check with the authority before you travel, declare the drone at customs, and never fly near airports, military sites, government buildings, borders or religious sites. Heritage sites such as those in Lahore restrict drones, so ask site management first.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 15 |
| Rescue and ambulance | 1122 in many cities |
| Edhi ambulance | 115 |
| Fire brigade | 16 |
| Motorway Police | 130 |
Numbers can differ by area, so confirm them with your hotel when you arrive.
Planning basics
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors need one. Rules and fees change, so check the official portal and our e-visa guide.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the region. See our best time to visit Pakistan guide and what to visit in October.
What should I pack?
Layers, modest clothing, a scarf, sturdy shoes, a power bank and a universal adapter. See the packing list and our tips for first-time visitors.