Photo: Cash and cards
In Islamabad and other large cities, cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. Once you leave the cities, card acceptance drops sharply. Plan to carry enough cash for the whole of your trip outside urban areas. ATMs are found in towns such as Gilgit, Skardu and Chitral, but they can run out of cash or be out of service. Withdraw before heading into remote valleys.
Carry a mix of denominations. Small notes are useful for everyday transactions, while larger notes may be needed for bigger expenses. Keep cash in a secure place and split it between bags. It is also wise to have a backup card and some emergency cash in a separate location.
SIM cards and data
A local SIM card gives you a Pakistani number and mobile data. You can buy one from official outlets of the main mobile networks in cities. You will need your passport and possibly a visa copy. Registration is required and may take a short time.
Coverage is good in Islamabad and along the Karakoram Highway in many places, but it becomes patchy in remote valleys and mountains. Data speeds can be slow. Download offline maps and any essential information before leaving the city. Keep your phone charged, as power cuts can occur.
Buying a SIM
Visit an official network shop with your passport. Avoid buying from informal sellers. The process usually involves filling a form and waiting for activation. Ask about data packages that suit your trip length.
Checkposts and security
Checkposts are a normal part of travel on many roads in northern Pakistan. They are usually staffed by police or paramilitary forces. You may be asked to stop, show identification and state your destination. The process is generally quick. Carry your passport and a copy of your visa. Some checkposts record your details and may inform the next post.
Be polite and patient. If you are travelling with a local guide or driver, they will often handle the conversation. Do not photograph checkposts or personnel without permission. If you are unsure about procedures, ask your accommodation or a local contact before setting out.
NOC and permits
Some areas require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign travellers. This can include parts of Azad Kashmir, certain districts of Balochistan and some border regions. Rules change frequently. Check with the Ministry of Interior or your embassy for current requirements before travelling.
Practical preparation
Before leaving Islamabad, make a checklist. Ensure you have enough cash, a working SIM card and copies of your documents. Check the weather and road conditions for your route. High passes may be closed in winter. Leave early in the day to avoid travelling after dark on mountain roads.
Pack a power bank and a torch. Keep a small first aid kit. Inform someone of your itinerary. In case of emergency, dial 15 for police. The British High Commission and other embassies can provide consular assistance, but they cannot arrange permits or bypass checkposts.
Emergency contacts
Save local emergency numbers. Police: 15. Rescue: 1122. Keep a note of your embassy's contact details. In remote areas, mobile signal may be absent, so plan ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash should I carry for travel in Pakistan?
There is no fixed amount. Carry enough for your entire trip outside cities, as cards are not widely accepted. Include small notes for daily expenses. ATMs in towns can be unreliable, so withdraw in Islamabad or other major cities before heading north.
Can I buy a SIM card in Islamabad as a foreigner?
Yes. Visit an official mobile network shop with your passport. Registration is required and may take a short time. Avoid informal sellers. Coverage is good in cities but patchy in remote areas, so download offline maps before travelling.
What is a checkpost and will I encounter one?
Checkposts are security points on many roads, especially in northern Pakistan. You may be asked to show identification and state your destination. The process is usually quick. Carry your passport and copies. Be polite and patient.
Do I need an NOC for travel in Pakistan?
Some areas require a No Objection Certificate (NOC), including parts of Azad Kashmir, some districts of Balochistan and certain border regions. Rules change frequently. Check with the Ministry of Interior or your embassy for current requirements before travelling.
