Follow the link to our Pakistan weather page for more information about the best time to travel Pakistan and the climate. We also have a six-day Islamabad weather forecast.

For those calling Pakistan, the International Direct Dialling code is +92, while for calling out the code 00 has to be prefixed before the desired country code. The police, fire department and ambulance services can be reached by dialling the common number 15. Cellular coverage is concentrated in urban areas and there are a number of GSM networks operating at frequency bands of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz.

Postal services can take up to 5 days to reach mainland Europe, and longer for other overseas destinations. In some major cities, post offices are open 24 hours.

Internet cafes also exist in the main towns and cities.

The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is divided into 100 paisa. To view the current exchange rate, click on this link to OANDA.com - The Currency Site.

Travellers cheques are accepted at most banks, four and five star hotels and major shops. Larger shops and hotels accept credit cards, mostly American Express.

The larger hotels and restaurants add a service charge of 10% to their bills otherwise tipping is not customary in Pakistan. Baksheesh, however, helps get things done more quickly.

Pakistan runs off a 230V/ 50Hz system.

The following categories of visitors are exempt from visa requirements:

- People holding a Pakistan Origin Card. They are entitled to unlimited stay.
- Nationals of Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago. Again, entitled to unlimited stay.
- Nationals of Iceland, Maldives and Zambia. No visa required for visits lasting no longer than 3 months.
- Nationals of Nepal and Samoa, and people with Chinese passports issued in Hong Kong - maximum stay of 30 days.
- Transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft. They are not allowed to leave the airport and must have onward or return documentation.
- Those holding UN Laissez-passer.

All visitors staying in the country for over 30 days are required to register with the nearest Foreigners Registration Office. Visitors are advised not to travel to Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and the northern areas.

Israeli citizens are not allowed entry into Pakistan, even if they are transiting. Citizens of Afghanistan are not allowed to enter Pakistan if they have transited or boarded in India, as seen from their passports or tickets. It is advisable to cross-check all visa and passport requirements and information with your embassy before travelling to Pakistan.

The area around the Indus River - right from the high Himalayan Mountains that include K2, the second highest mountain in the world, to the Arabian Sea - forms Pakistan. Important cities, including the capital Islamabad, the historic Lahore and Rawalpindi, and Karachi are all located in the Indus valley. With Afghanistan and Iran on its west, China towards the north, and India in the east, Pakistan is strategically placed. While Punjab and Indus benefit from the river Indus that flows through them, Baluchistan is an arid plateau.

- Consumption legally forbidden
- Some exemptions made for tourists
- You have to get a permit
- Alcoholic drinks only served in select restaurants

Dress

- Cover arms and legs
- Do not wear shorts
- Be decorous

Ramadan

- Muslims fast during the day for the month-long Ramadan period
- Most restaurants are closed during the day
- You should not be seen eating, drinking, or smoking in public

A full medical insurance is advised before departure to Pakistan. Visitors must get yellow fever vaccinations and present a certificate at the point of disembarkation. Chances of trachoma, typhoid fever and hepatitis B are rampant. Hepatitis A and E cases have also been reported. Malaria is prevalent in certain regions. In non-urban areas, there is a risk of Japanese encephalitis from June to January. Outbreaks of Dengue fever occur periodically and Rabies can be contracted from infected animals and requires prompt medical attention, which may not be easily available in rural areas. In case a visitor plans to stay in Pakistan for over a year, a HIV-negative medical certificate is required. Health facilities outside big cities are rudimentary.

Diseases to watch out for:

- Trachoma
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A and E
- Malaria
- Japanese encephalitis
- Dengue fever

The quality of tap water is suspect and visitors must stick to bottled or sterilised water. Milk is generally not pasteurised and must be boiled before consumption. Food items to be avoided include dairy products and uncooked food - meat, salads or fruit that has not been peeled. Tinned and powered milk can also be used, provided it is mixed with pure water. Diarrhoea-related diseases can be avoided by taking proper precautions.

Common consumption items and gifts /souvenirs up to the value of Rs 2,000 are exempt from duty on import. Import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g tobacco is allowed, provided the arriving passenger is over 18 years. Exemption is also given for 250ml eau de toilette and perfume, as long as the perfume is less than 125ml.

Items banned for import into Pakistan are alcohol, matches, plants and material made from them, as well as fruits.

Banned Imports:

- Alcohol
- Matches
- Plants and material made from them
- Fruits

Travellers should keep up to date with the latest travel advisories from their consulates and embassies regarding travel to Pakistan before departure and during a visit.