Practical Basics for Visitors to Pakistan
A short reference for the everyday details of travelling in Pakistan, with pointers to where things differ in the mountains.
Money
The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). Cash is widely used, especially in mountain villages; cards and cash machines are easier to find in cities such as Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Check exchange and card arrangements before heading north.
Time
Pakistan Standard Time is UTC+5 and the country does not currently observe daylight saving time, so the difference from your home time can change when your own clocks change.
Power and connectivity
Electricity is 230 V at 50 Hz; type C and type D plugs are common. In the mountains, power and mobile coverage can be intermittent, and on treks there may be none for days. Our programme exclusions list telephone and email charges as personal expenses.
Language
Urdu and English are the official languages, and English is widely used in tourism. In the north you will also hear regional languages such as Burushaski, Wakhi, Shina and Balti. Our programmes list English-speaking guides where they are included.