City in Sindh, Pakistan
Karachi
Pakistan's huge port city: sea breeze, biryani, art and heritage, and the country's liveliest food and nightlife in private venues. Street crime, traffic and security risks need real precautions.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$722–1,190Comfortable, one person · Rs200,000–330,000Details
- Value for money52/100Better value than 51% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: May, 34°CDetails
- Air quality44.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet18 MbpsFixed broadband, Pakistan medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$7–25Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundinDriveYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for rickshaws, street food and bazaars.Details
Where to stay in Karachi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Clifton and Defence (DHA) | Safest base: restaurants, beach promenades, expat services |
| PECHS and Bahadurabad | Central, cafés, shops and local food |
| Saddar | Colonial buildings and Empress Market; crowded, day visits |
| Gulshan-e-Iqbal | Cheaper housing and universities; far from the sea |
Apps that work in Karachi
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| foodpanda | Widest restaurant choice across the city |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Use apps rather than street taxis; rickshaws need a firm price first. Avoid hailing vehicles at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Pakistan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for rickshaws, street food and bazaars. ATMs accept foreign cards.
- Currency: Rupee (PKR). US$1 ≈ Rs276.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: HBL, UBL and MCB ATMs take foreign cards in cities; few work reliably in mountain valleys.
- Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added; otherwise leave about 10% in restaurants. Tip drivers and guides, and give hotel staff small change.
- Paying by phone: JazzCash, Easypaisa and Raast QR need local accounts; visitors pay cash, or cards at bigger venues.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply online at visa.nadra.gov.pk well ahead; since January 2026 fees vary by nationality and processing takes about 7–10 working days.
- Areas near borders, former tribal districts and much of Balochistan need a No Objection Certificate or are off-limits to foreigners.
- Carry your passport and visa copies; police and army checkpoints are frequent, and hotels register foreigners with police.
Emergency numbers
Police 15 · Ambulance 1122 · Fire 16
Plugs
Type C, D · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at operator franchises with your passport and a fingerprint check. Phones used with a local SIM need PTA registration for longer stays. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Pakistan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.