(Last updated: 15 Apr 2011)

Visas

The Government of Pakistan has cancelled its 30-day visa on arrival policy for Australian citizens (amongst others). As a result, you will need to contact the Pakistan High Commission in Canberra to arrange for a visitors visa.

Pakistan High Commission in Canberra
4 Timbarra Crescent
O'Malley ACT 2606
Tel: +61 2 6290 1676, 6290 1879 or 6290 1031
Fax: +61 2 6290 1073
Email: parepcanberra@internode.on.net
Web: www.pakistan.org.au

Consulate General of Pakistan, Sydney
Level 7, 32 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9222 1806 or 9222 1807
Fax: +61 2 9222 1824
Email: parepsydne@comcen.com.au

Climate

Pakistan has a sub-tropical, semi-arid climate with extreme variations in temperature. Although it lies in the monsoon region, it is basically a dry country with only seven per cent of the country receiving rainfall over 480mm annually.

Winter begins in mid-December lasting through till March. In Sindh, Punjab and lower areas of Baluchistan, winter brings cool weather. In the Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar regions it is cool during the day and cold at night. North of Islamabad the temperature falls rapidly and winters can be severe. Snowfalls are common in the hills just 50km from Islamabad.

Summer begins in early May, with June and July being the hottest months. The monsoon normally arrives in July and lasts until late August. Temperatures can be high, often reaching over 40°C in Lahore and Islamabad. Karachi has a more even range of temperatures in the low to mid-30s, however, the humidity is generally higher.

For weather details in Pakistan, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

On domestic flights Austrade suggests that you only fly with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). It is worth paying the extra small premium to fly business class. Be sure to re-confirm all domestic and international flights with PIA or reservations can get cancelled.

In all international arrival cities - Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore - most people join the hotel shuttle buses, which are usually complimentary. Private car transfers can also be arranged and you should expect to pay PKR200.

Islamabad is 15km from the airport and the journey should take approximately 25–30 minutes. Karachi is 20km away and is a 30–45 minute drive, and Lahore is eight kilometres away, taking 20–25 minutes.

Ground transport

Avoid any long distance travel by trains or buses at night.

The best option for business visits is to hire a car and driver from your hotel. It is relatively inexpensive and will work best in heavy traffic centres with confusing road layouts.

Hotels

It is recommended to stay in five-star hotels such as the Marriott, Serena or Pearl Continental.

Security and health

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists to Pakistan. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

If travelling to remote or rural areas it is advisable to register your travel plans with the Australian High Commission in Islamabad.

Health

Only drink bottled water (referred to locally as mineral water). It is acceptable to ask the waiter to break the seal on the bottle in front of you.

Tipping

Tipping is common and is around Rs. 10 and above, depending on the service.

Time zones and time differences

Pakistan is five hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Islamabad, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Pakistan's country code is 92.

For calls to Pakistan from Australia dial: 0011 + 92 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Pakistan to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

The Pakistan working week is from Monday to Friday. There are variations but in general:

• Business hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday except in Islamabad where it is 8.00am to 4.30pm.
• On Friday most government offices close at midday for Friday prayers, but are open again on Saturday morning.

Public holidays

February 26 – Birth of the Prophet
March 23 – Pakistan Day
August 14 – Independence Day
September 6 – Defence of Pakistan Day
September 10-11 – Eid al-Fitr
November 9 – Birthday of Allama Iqbal
Devember 16-17 – Eid al-Adha
December 25 – Birthday of Quaid e Azam

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency of Pakistan is the rupee.

Electricity and water

Pakistan’s power supply is 240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Pakistani food is relatively mild and there are a lot of meat dishes and breads. Although the standard of food is quite good, many Australians will find the dishes very oily and there are few options for vegetarians (particularly in summer). Avoid seafood and salads, this also applies to hotel restaurants.

It’s customary for Pakistanis to eat their evening meal relatively late. At functions, the meal is usually eaten around 10.00pm. Restaurants normally open at 7.00pm.