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Digital Nomad Guide to Pakistan | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Lahore, Pakistan

Digital Nomad Life in Pakistan

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Pakistan is not a popular destination for digital nomads, but it is becoming increasingly popular. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Pakistan are Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Digital nomads like living in Pakistan because of its low cost of living, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. The monthly budget for a digital nomad in Pakistan is around $500-$1000 USD, depending on the city and lifestyle. The culture of Pakistan is a mix of traditional Islamic values and modern influences. It is a diverse country with many different ethnic and religious groups. Foods popular in Pakistan include curries, kebabs, biryani, and naan. Pakistani cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and use of fresh ingredients.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How do I meet people in Pakistan?

When we asked people living in Pakistan about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Pakistan often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, expats can meet people by joining online forums and social media groups related to their interests. Finally, expats can meet people by attending networking events and joining professional organizations," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Pakistan.

What is life like in Pakistan?

When we asked people living in Pakistan what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Pakistan can be both exciting and challenging. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with a rich history and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to explore, from visiting historical sites to exploring the country's natural beauty. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. However, the country can be dangerous in certain areas, and expats and digital nomads should take extra precautions when travelling. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken. Despite these challenges, expats and digital nomads can find a welcoming and hospitable environment in Pakistan," said one expat who made the move to Pakistan.

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Where should I live in Pakistan?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We lived in Defence as this was close to my husband's place of employment, had a lot of green space, was quiet and has residents who were used to seeing foreigners. We used a real estate company, Deal Makers to find our apartment. You can read more here: How to Find Housing in Lahore http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1195348/how_to_find_housing_in_lahore_pakistan.html?cat=54 Best Areas to Live in Lahore http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1797302/best_areas_to_live_in_lahore_pakistan.html?cat=16," explained one expat living in Lahore, Pakistan.

"The best way to find a place to live in Pakistan is to start by researching the different cities and towns in the country. You can look at online listings for rental properties, or contact local real estate agents to help you find a suitable place. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Pakistan for advice and recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can visit the area to get a better feel for the neighborhood and to make sure it meets your needs," said one person in Pakistan.

What do I need to know before moving to Pakistan?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Pakistan, they said:

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Pakistan before retiring there, as it can vary significantly depending on the city and lifestyle. 2. It is important to familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. 3. Expats should also be aware of the security situation in Pakistan, as it can be volatile in certain areas. 4. It is important to obtain the necessary visas and permits before retiring in Pakistan, as well as to ensure that all paperwork is in order. 5. Expats should also research the healthcare system in Pakistan, as it may not be up to the same standards as in their home country. 6. It is also important to research the banking system in Pakistan, as well as the availability of international banking services. 7. Expats should also be aware of the tax system in Pakistan, as it can be complex and may require professional advice," said one expat who made the move to Pakistan.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Pakistan?

"Expats in Pakistan appreciate the hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture, the delicious cuisine, and the beautiful landscapes. They also enjoy the rich history and the diverse range of activities available, from exploring ancient monuments to visiting bustling bazaars. Additionally, expats appreciate the strong sense of community and the welcoming atmosphere that exists in Pakistan," said one expat in Pakistan.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Pakistan?

"Expats in Pakistan often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to, which can be challenging. For example, the traditional gender roles and expectations can be difficult to adjust to, as can the conservative dress code. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken in Pakistan. Furthermore, the local customs and etiquette can be confusing for expats, as they may not be familiar with the cultural norms. Finally, the lack of infrastructure and resources can be a challenge for expats, as they may not be used to the limited access to certain amenities," remarked one member in Pakistan.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Pakistan for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Pakistan for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa from the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa, such as a work visa, student visa, or business visa. You may also need to provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement, and a valid passport. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and a police clearance certificate," remarked one member in Pakistan.

What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Pakistan?

We asked people in Pakistan if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Pakistan. It is important to dress modestly, especially for women, and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to respect religious customs, such as not eating pork or drinking alcohol in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public, as this can be seen as a sign of disrespect," explained one person living in Pakistan.

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What are healthcare services like in Pakistan?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Pakistan, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Pakistan are provided by both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Pakistan. The quality of public healthcare varies from region to region, with some areas having better access to medical facilities than others. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Pakistan can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. In addition, many expats opt to use private healthcare services, which are often of a higher quality than public healthcare," said one member in Pakistan.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Pakistan?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Pakistan often appreciate the country's rich culture and history, as well as its friendly and welcoming people. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and infrastructure to be a challenge. Additionally, the country's security situation can be a concern for some," wrote one digital nomad living in Pakistan.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Lahore, Pakistan
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William Russell
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