Urdu for Tourists in Pakistan
غیر ملکی سیاحوں کے لیے جامع عملی رہنمائی
Everything international travelers need to navigate Pakistan smoothly: local SIM cards, currency & ATMs, ride-hailing apps, dining & water safety, mountain jeeps, cultural etiquette, and emergency contacts.
Comprehensive Foreign Visitor Safety & Etiquette Guide
Pakistan Tourist Emergency Helplines (ہنگامی رابطے)
Toll-free 24/7 nationwide emergency response from any mobile or landline.
Top 6 Golden Rules for Traveling in Pakistan (اہم احتیاطی تدابیر)
Avoid tap water, unboiled ice cubes, and raw street juices from unverified stalls. Stick to Nestle, Aquafina, or boiled tea.
Loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders and knees is ideal for both men and women. In northern and conservative areas, women should keep a light scarf handy.
Card machines are rare in bazaars, mountain valley stores, and roadside dhabas. Withdraw cash at airport or major city ATMs.
InDrive, Careem, and Yango give you transparent rates, GPS navigation, and driver verification without haggling.
Most Pakistanis are friendly and love photos, but always ask permission ('Kya main tasweer le sakta hoon?'), especially with women.
Keep 5–10 printed copies of your passport data page and e-visa in your daypack for highway security registration logs.
Airport Arrival, Customs & Local SIM Cards
Upon landing in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi, pick up an official prepaid SIM card right at the international terminal kiosks. Zong and Jazz offer strong 4G across cities and motorways; SCOM is required if venturing to Gilgit-Baltistan (Hunza, Skardu). Always carry your original passport and a visa printout.
I need a local SIM card for Pakistan
Mujhe Pakistan ke liye muqaami SIM card chahiye
Available at official franchise booths inside international arrival halls with passport registration.
مجھے پاکستان کے لیے مقامی سم کارڈ چاہیے
Does this have a 4G internet data package?
Kya iss mein 4G internet data package hai?
Ask for a 30-day tourist data bundle (usually 20GB to 50GB costs under 10 USD / 2,800 PKR).
کیا اس میں فور جی انٹرنیٹ ڈیٹا پیکیج ہے؟
I have nothing to declare at customs
Mere paas customs par declare karnay ke liye koi cheez nahi hai
Follow the Green Channel exit if carrying standard personal belongings.
میرے پاس کسٹمز پر ڈکلیئر کرنے کے لیے کوئی چیز نہیں ہے
Which way is the international arrivals exit gate?
Bain-ul-aqwaami aamad ka exit gate kis taraf hai?
بین الاقوامی آمد کا ایگزٹ گیٹ کس طرف ہے؟
Is there any free Wi-Fi connection at the airport?
Kya airport par koi muft Wi-Fi connection maujood hai?
کیا ایئرپورٹ پر کوئی مفت وائی فائی کنکشن موجود ہے؟
Money, Currency & ATM Navigation
Pakistan is largely a cash-driven economy once you step outside high-end hotels, malls, and supermarkets. Always keep banknotes of 100, 500, and 1,000 PKR. Standard Chartered, HBL, Meezan Bank, and Bank Alfalah ATMs reliably accept international Visa and Mastercards with chip & PIN.
Where is the nearest ATM that accepts international cards?
Qareebi ATM kahan hai jo ghair-mulki cards qabool karta hai?
HBL, Standard Chartered, and Alfalah support global Visa and Mastercard networks.
قریبی اے ٹی ایم کہاں ہے جو غیر ملکی کارڈز قبول کرتا ہے؟
Do you have change? I need change for 5,000 Rupees
Khulle paise hain? Mujhe paanch hazaar ka khulla chahiye
Small vendors and taxi drivers rarely have change for 5,000 PKR notes.
کھلے پیسے ہیں؟ مجھے پانچ ہزار کا کھلا چاہیے
Do you accept credit or debit cards?
Kya yahan credit ya debit card chalta hai?
In traditional bazaars and street stalls, cash (Rupees) is strictly needed.
کیا یہاں کریڈٹ یا ڈیبٹ کارڈ چلتا ہے؟
Which way is the foreign currency exchange counter?
Currency exchange ka counter kis taraf hai?
کرنسی ایکسچینج کا کاؤنٹر کس طرف ہے؟
Could you please give me a payment receipt?
Kya aap mujhe adaigi ki raseed de sakte hain?
کیا آپ مجھے ادائیگی کی رسید دے سکتے ہیں؟
Ride-Hailing, Cabs & Highway Travel
Download InDrive, Careem, and Yango on your phone for city travel in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. When taking traditional auto-rickshaws or yellow cabs, always negotiate and agree on the fare beforehand.
My InDrive / Careem ride has arrived outside
Meri InDrive ya Careem ki gaari baahar aa gayi hai
InDrive is widely used in Pakistan; you can pay drivers in cash at the end of the trip.
میری ان ڈرائیو یا کریم کی گاڑی باہر آ گئی ہے
My location is exactly at the map pin drop
Meri location map par pin drop hai
میری لوکیشن میپ پر پن ڈراپ ہے
Please turn on the car AC
Baraah-e-karam gaari ka air conditioner chala dein
Ride-hailing AC tiers (Careem Go / InDrive AC) guarantee air-conditioned rides during summer.
براہ کرم گاڑی کا ایئر کنڈیشنر چلا دیں
What is the fixed fare to go to this place?
Iss jagah jaane ka fix kiraya kitna hoga?
Always confirm the price before boarding an auto-rickshaw or street taxi.
اس جگہ جانے کا فکس کرایہ کتنا ہوگا؟
Will you go via the Motorway?
Kya aap motorway ke zariye jaayein gay?
Pakistan's M-2, M-1, and M-11 motorways are smooth, fast, and toll-monitored.
کیا آپ موٹروے کے ذریعے جائیں گے؟
Please drive carefully and slowly
Baraah-e-karam gaari ehtiyaat aur aahista chalaayein
براہ کرم گاڑی احتیاط اور آہستہ چلائیں
Hotels, Guest Houses & Stays
Pakistani hospitality in hotels and guest houses ('Serai') is legendary. In the northern mountain regions (Hunza, Skardu, Swat, Kaghan), always confirm if the water heater (geyser) and room heating or electric blankets are active.
I have an online room booking under my name
Mere naam se kamray ki online booking hai
Keep your booking confirmation voucher and passport ready at the front desk.
میرے نام سے کمرے کی آن لائن بکنگ ہے
What is the Wi-Fi password?
Wi-Fi ka password kya hai?
وائی فائی کا پاس ورڈ کیا ہے؟
Is hot water available in the bathroom?
Kya bathroom mein garam paani aa raha hai?
In hill stations, hot water geysers might take 20 minutes to heat up.
کیا باتھ روم میں گرم پانی آ رہا ہے؟
Please provide a clean towel and extra blanket
Baraah-e-karam mujhe saaf toliya aur kambal de dein
براہ کرم مجھے صاف تولیہ اور کمبل دے دیں
What time is checkout?
Check-out ka kya waqt hai?
Standard hotel checkout across Pakistan is usually 12:00 PM noon.
چیک آؤٹ کا کیا وقت ہے؟
Food Safety, Street Food & Chai Dhabas
Pakistani food is world-renowned for its barbecue (Sajji, Chapli Kebab, Seekh Kebab), Karahi, and Biryani. Tap water is NOT safe for drinking; always drink factory-sealed bottled mineral water. If your palate is sensitive to heat, clearly request 'Mirchain bilkul halki' (very mild chillies).
Please give me a sealed bottle of mineral water
Mineral water ki sarbamoher botal de dein
Check that the cap seal is unbroken before drinking (Nestle, Aquafina, Dasani).
منرل واٹر کی سربمہر بوتل دے دیں
Please make it non-spicy, keep spices very mild
Mirchain bilkul kam rakhiyega, masaala halka ho
Say this when ordering Karahi, Handi, or Biryani to prevent intense chilli burn.
مرچیں بالکل کم رکھیے گا، مصالحہ ہلکا ہو
Does this food contain peanuts or nuts?
Kya iss khaane mein moong-phalli ya nuts shaamil hain?
Crucial for travelers with nut allergies.
کیا اس کھانے میں مونگ پھلی یا نٹس شامل ہیں؟
Is the food fresh and piping hot?
Khaana taaza aur garma garam paka hua hai?
Freshly cooked street food straight from the tandoor or wok is safest to eat.
کھانا تازہ اور گرما گرم پکا ہوا ہے؟
Please make a hot cup of milk-tea (Doodh Patti)
Ek garma garam doodh patti chaye bana dein
Doodh Patti is Pakistan's national beverage brewed purely with milk and tea leaves without water.
ایک گرما گرم دودھ پتی چائے بنا دیں
Please bring the bill, thank you very much
Bill le aayein, bohat shukriya
بل لے آئیں، بہت شکریہ
Bazaar Bargaining & Souvenirs
Pakistan's historical bazaars (Anarkali in Lahore, Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi, Zainab Market in Karachi) offer stunning Pashmina shawls, handcrafted carpets, brass antiques, and dry fruits. Polite bargaining with a cheerful smile is expected and enjoyed by shopkeepers.
How much does this cost?
Iss ki kya qeemat hai?
اس کی کیا قیمت ہے؟
This is too expensive, please give a reasonable discount
Yeh bohat zyada mehnga hai, kuch munasib riaayat karein
Offer around 60–70% of the initial quote politely and meet halfway.
یہ بہت زیادہ مہنگا ہے، کچھ مناسب رعایت کریں
Is this pure Pashmina and handmade?
Kya yeh khaalis pashmina aur haath ka bana hai?
Genuine Pashmina passes smoothly through a finger ring.
کیا یہ خالص پشمینہ اور ہاتھ کا بنا ہے؟
What is your best and final price?
Aap ki aakhri final qeemat kya hogi?
آپ کی آخری فائنل قیمت کیا ہوگی؟
Can you pack this safely for a flight?
Kya main isse achay se pack karwa sakta hoon?
کیا میں اسے اچھے سے پیک کروا سکتا ہوں؟
Northern Areas, Mountain Jeeps & Trekking
The Karakoram and Himalayan regions of Pakistan (Hunza, Skardu, Passu, Naltar, Fairy Meadows) feature some of the highest peaks on Earth (K2, Nanga Parbat). SCOM is the primary network provider in Gilgit-Baltistan. Mountain passes can close unpredictably due to landslides or winter snow.
I need to rent a 4x4 jeep to travel to Skardu or Hunza
Skardu ya Hunza jaane ke liye 4x4 jeep kiraye par chahiye
Rocky mountain tracks (Fairy Meadows, Deosai) require experienced 4WD drivers.
سکردو یا ہنزہ جانے کے لیے فور بائی فور جیپ کرائے پر چاہیے
Is the road ahead and Babusar Top open today?
Kya aaj aagay ka raasta aur Babusar Top khula hai?
Babusar Pass is typically open between June and October.
کیا آج آگے کا راستہ اور بابوسر ٹاپ کھلا ہے؟
Is SCOM cellular network and 4G working here?
Yahan SCOM ka network aur 4G chal raha hai?
SCOM is the dominant telecom provider throughout Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
یہاں ایس کام کا نیٹ ورک اور فور جی چل رہا ہے؟
I have a mild headache due to high altitude
Mujhe oonchayi ki wajah se halka sar dard ho raha hai
Hydrate copiously and acclimatize in Gilgit/Skardu before ascending over 3,500m.
مجھے اونچائی کی وجہ سے ہلکا سر درد ہو رہا ہے
Can you come with us as a local trekking guide?
Kya aap hamare saath bataur muqaami trekking guide chal sakte hain?
کیا آپ ہمارے ساتھ بطور مقامی ٹریکنگ گائیڈ چل سکتے ہیں؟
Mosques, Shrines & Cultural Customs
When visiting Pakistan's magnificent heritage mosques (Badshahi Mosque, Faisal Mosque, Shah Jahan Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque), dress modestly. Men should wear trousers covering the knees; women should cover their arms and drape a dupatta or scarf over their head. Always remove your shoes before stepping onto prayer carpets.
Where should I take off and store my shoes?
Joote kahan utaar kar mehfooz rakhnay hain?
Official shoe counters ('Joota Ghar') are located right outside mosque entrances.
جوتے کہاں اتار کر محفوظ رکھنے ہیں؟
May I take photographs inside the courtyard?
Kya main andar sehan ki tasweer le sakta hoon?
Courtyard photos are permitted, but avoid photographing worshippers during active prayer or women without permission.
کیا میں اندر صحن کی تصویر لے سکتا ہوں؟
Is a headscarf / dupatta required for women inside?
Kya khawateen ke liye dupatta ya scarf orhna zaroori hai?
Yes, covering the head is a mark of religious respect inside Islamic sanctums.
کیا خواتین کے لیے دوپٹہ یا اسکارف اوڑھنا ضروری ہے؟
Peace be upon you too! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality
Walaikum Assalam! Aap ki shaandaar mehmaan nawaazi ka bohat shukriya
Pakistani hosts often invite travelers for tea or lunch. A warm thank you is deeply appreciated.
وعلیکم السلام! آپ کی شاندار مہمان نوازی کا بہت شکریہ
Health, Pharmacy & Medical Assistance
Pharmacies in Pakistan ('Medical Stores') are plentiful in cities and stock over-the-counter international medications. Panadol (Paracetamol) is universal for headaches and mild fevers. For digestive troubles or dehydration, ask for ORS sachets (Oral Rehydration Salts). In acute emergencies, dial 1122 immediately.
Where is the nearest medical store or pharmacy?
Qareeb tareen medical store ya pharmacy kahan hai?
Look for green pharmacy signs or ask for 'Medical Store'.
قریب ترین میڈیکل اسٹور یا فارمیسی کہاں ہے؟
I need medicine for an upset stomach, indigestion, and nausea
Mujhe pait ki kharaabi, badhazmi aur ulti ki dawa chahiye
Drink lots of electrolyte fluids (ORS) alongside prescribed medicine.
مجھے پیٹ کی خرابی، بدہضمی اور الٹی کی دوا چاہیے
Please give me Panadol for headache and fever
Sar dard aur bukhaar ke liye Panadol de dein
Panadol (Paracetamol) is the standard OTC analgesic in Pakistan.
سر درد اور بخار کے لیے پیناڈول دے دیں
Please give me ORS electrolyte hydration sachets
Baraah-e-karam ORS electrolyte ke sachet de dein
Mix 1 sachet in 1 liter of safe bottled water to recover from heat or travel dehydration.
براہ کرم او آر ایس الیکٹرولائٹ کے ساشے دے دیں
Call an ambulance immediately, it is a medical emergency
Fawri ambulance ko call karein, hangaami tibbi soorat-e-haal hai
Dial 1122 directly from any mobile phone in Punjab, KP, and GB.
فوری ایمبولینس کو کال کریں، ہنگامی طبی صورتحال ہے
Police Checkpoints & Document Safety
Security checkpoints are standard along highways and in northern entry corridors (e.g. Kohistan, Diamer). Security personnel and Tourist Police are very courteous to foreign travelers. Keep 5–10 printed photocopies of your passport main page and Pakistani e-visa handy in your backpack for quick registration at checkpoints.
Here is my original foreign passport and visa copy
Yeh mera asal ghair-mulki passport aur visa ki copy hai
Checkpoints will register your details in a tourist ledger logbook.
یہ میرا اصل غیر ملکی پاسپورٹ اور ویزا کی کاپی ہے
Is an NOC (No Objection Certificate) required for this route?
Kya iss raastay ke liye NOC darkaar hai?
Standard tourist routes (Hunza, Skardu, Swat, Chitral) do NOT require an NOC for most foreign nationalities.
کیا اس راستے کے لیے این او سی درکار ہے؟
We are traveling from Islamabad to Gilgit for tourism
Hum Islamabad se Gilgit siyahat ke liye ja rahe hain
ہم اسلام آباد سے گلگت سیاحت کے لیے جا رہے ہیں
Thank you very much for your guidance and help, goodbye
Rehnumayi aur madad ke liye bohat shukriya, Allah Hafiz
رہنمائی اور مدد کے لیے بہت شکریہ، اللہ حافظ
5 Practical Realities Every International Visitor Must Know
📱SIM Cards & Mountain Data (Jazz, Zong & SCOM)
Buy a tourist SIM at airport arrival counters (Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi) using your passport. Jazz and Zong offer superior 4G LTE speeds across urban Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, if you travel north to Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, Skardu, or Azad Kashmir, standard SIMs often lose signal; purchase a local SCOM SIM in Gilgit or Skardu for uninterrupted mountain connectivity.
💵Cash is King & ATM Reliability
While high-end hotels and restaurants in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi accept international Visa and Mastercard, rural guesthouses, dhabas, bazaar vendors, and taxis are strictly cash-only. Use ATMs from major banks like Standard Chartered, HBL, or Allied Bank for foreign debit cards. Always keep a bundle of smaller 100, 500, and 1,000 Rupee notes.
🚕Ride-Hailing vs Traditional Transport
Avoid haggling with airport touts by booking rides via Careem, InDrive, or Yango in major cities. You get upfront metered rates and GPS tracking. For auto-rickshaws, negotiate the fare beforehand using the key phrase: "Meter se chalein gay ya kitnay rupay lein gay?" (Will you run by meter or how much will you charge?).
🚰Water, Hygiene & Dhaba Food Safety
Never drink unboiled tap water. Always ask for sealed bottled mineral water: "Seal-band mineral water ki botal dein". Hot, freshly cooked dishes from bustling dhabas (like Karahi, freshly rolled Naan, and boiling hot spiced Chai) are generally very safe because the intense heat sterilizes the food. Avoid unpeeled raw roadside salads and ice cubes.
🤝Hospitality Culture & The 'Mehmaan' (Guest) Principle
In Pakistan, guests are treated as divine blessings ("Mehmaan Khuda ki rehmat hota hai"). Locals will frequently offer you free tea, insist on paying your restaurant tab, or invite you home. While smiling and expressing heartfelt gratitude with "Bohat shukriya" is appropriate, gentle insistence on paying your share is respected. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly women and military checkpoints.
Frequently Asked Tourist & Travel Questions
Essential advice for smooth, safe, and culturally respectful travel in Pakistan
No. English is an official language in Pakistan, and airport staff, hotel receptionists, and educated urbanites speak English comfortably. However, learning 20 to 30 essential Urdu words for greetings, taxi directions, numbers, and thanking people will dramatically enhance your experience and win you immense goodwill.
نہیں، ہوٹلوں اور شہروں میں انگریزی سمجھی جاتی ہے، لیکن چند بنیادی جملے سفر کو آسان اور یادگار بنا دیتے ہیں۔
Explore Related Travel Resources
Master numbers for bazaar bargaining, explore the 100 travel phrases soundboard, or test your skills.