A good trip to Karachi starts before you leave home. Knowing how to handle money, mobile data, power and packing saves you time and stress once you arrive. This checklist covers the practical things that most first-time visitors wish they had thought about earlier.

Rules and prices change, so treat this as a general guide and check current details before you travel.

Money

  • Currency: Pakistan uses the Pakistani rupee (PKR). Carry enough cash for your first day, including small notes for fares, tips and small shops.
  • Cards and ATMs: cards are accepted in many hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but small shops, markets, rickshaws and street food stalls usually need cash. ATMs are easy to find in most parts of the city, but some foreign cards may not work in all machines, so carry a back-up.
  • Exchanging money: use banks and licensed exchange companies, and avoid street dealers. Keep receipts.
  • Mobile wallets: JazzCash and Easypaisa are widely used by residents. Visitors may not be able to register for them, so do not count on them for your whole trip. Many guest houses accept them for payments, which can be useful if you have a local account.
  • Safe habits: split your cash between your bag and your room, avoid carrying large amounts and keep your wallet in a front pocket in crowds.

SIM card, data and Wi-Fi

  • Local SIM: several mobile companies, including Jazz, Zong and Ufone, sell SIM cards. Registration requires identity verification, with a CNIC for Pakistani citizens and a passport for foreign visitors. Rules for foreign visitors can differ, so ask at an official franchise or service centre and carry your passport.
  • Coverage: signal is good in the city but can be weak on long drives and in remote places. Download offline maps before you leave.
  • Wi-Fi: ask the guest house whether Wi-Fi is available and how reliable it is, and do not assume that it works in every room.
  • Roaming: check your home operator’s roaming charges before you rely on it.

Power and charging

  • Pakistan uses 230 V electricity. Sockets vary, so bring a universal travel adapter, and check that your devices are rated for 230 V.
  • Power cuts can happen, so a power bank is very useful. Ask the guest house about backup power for your room.
  • Carry a short extension cord with a multi-socket if you have several devices to charge.

Documents

  • Original CNIC for Pakistani adults, or a passport and visa for foreign visitors. Children need a B-form or another proof of relationship.
  • Booking confirmations, your tickets and the address and phone number of your guest house.
  • Travel insurance details, if you have them.
  • Copies of all documents on your phone, in a separate folder, and a paper copy in a different bag.

Guest houses typically ask for an original ID at check-in, so keep it in your hand luggage.

Packing

  • Light cotton clothes, with a sweater or light jacket for winter evenings and air-conditioned places.
  • Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and a scarf or shawl.
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals that are easy to take off.
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • A reusable water bottle.
  • A small first-aid kit, oral rehydration salts, hand sanitiser, tissues and any medicine you take regularly, in its original packaging.
  • A day bag with a zip, which is safer in crowded markets.
  • A small torch, in case of a power cut.

Useful apps

  • A map and navigation app, with offline maps downloaded.
  • A ride-hailing app, so that you can book a ride and see the fare.
  • A translation app for Urdu, in case you need it.
  • A weather app, and your airline’s app for flight updates.

Health and safety

  • Drink bottled or properly filtered water, and be careful with ice.
  • Eat at busy places where food is freshly cooked.
  • Check with a doctor or travel clinic about vaccines and health advice before you travel.
  • Save emergency numbers on your phone. Common ones include 15 for the police and 115 for the Edhi ambulance, but confirm the current numbers with your host, who will know the nearest clinic and hospital.
  • Share your plans with someone you trust, and keep your guest house details with you.

The day you arrive

  • Tell your guest house your flight number and arrival time, and confirm your pick-up.
  • Have your documents and some cash ready before you reach the immigration or exit.
  • Do not accept rides from people who approach you without being asked.
  • Pay your advance only through the method you agreed, and keep the receipt.

At Rehaish Group guest houses, check-in and check-out are at 12:00 noon, an advance payment confirms a booking, and payment can be made by cash, bank transfer, JazzCash, Easypaisa or card. Airport pick-up is available for an extra charge.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my credit card everywhere?

No. Cards work in many hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but markets and small shops mostly use cash.

Do I need a local SIM?

It is very useful for maps, ride-hailing and staying in touch. Check the registration rules for visitors at an official outlet.

What plug adapter do I need?

Sockets vary, so bring a universal adapter and check that your devices work at 230 V.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Most visitors drink bottled or properly filtered water instead.

Final thoughts

Money, mobile data, power and documents are the four things that make or break the first day of a trip. Sort them out before you leave, pack light and keep your essentials together. You will arrive calm, and the rest of the trip will be easier.