Traveling to Pakistan after 6 years. what do i need to know?

[sully3]

Salam guys

I will be traveling to lahore for the first time in 6 years, alot has changed since my last visit, the media here in the west and the international Pakistani channels show a depressing picture but im sure there is more to Pak then just the general negativity

I just wanted some advice by you guys on the do's and don'ts i should watch out for while my time there.

I wanted advice on how to deal with the airport authorities from entering to exiting Pak. I have herd the custom officials and even the luggage handlers try to get money out people. is there any way to deal with this? And what are the real chargers if i have to pay any.

my second issue was money, my bank HSBC does not have branch in Lahore and i was a bit worried of bringing cash, as i have herd stories about servants and burglars keep a keen eye on people who come from abroad. Is there a safer way to take money with me? maybe a travellers cheque? are they easily cashable in Lahore?

My 3rd worry is im a technology geek, i wanted to take my laptop, ipad iphone etc with me as i use them all they time but have been advised not to use the ipad and iphone on the street or in the car as there is a big problem of phone snatching and gun point robberies. Is it really that bad??

Are there any other issues or problems i should be worried about? If anyone who has been to Lahore recently can share any issue or problem they had and how to deal with them it would be helpful.

Thanks in advance
Sully

[ElRaja]

i went a few years ago so ill answer your questions from my experience

1. yes, i had a horrible experience in lahore with people bribing people to get stuff done, just have your game face on, i remember so many people paid to jump the queue i was in to board the flight i went from the middle of the queue to the end, i just ignored it.

2. i took cash money with me, but i knew where to keep it, just as a tip never keep anything in your wallet when you dont have your wallet with you, i used to keep it in my pocket as much as possible. keep your wallet in an obvious place, and see if it gets moved of touched when you arent there.

3. dont make a target of yourself, you'll be lit like a christmas tree, you may be a tech geek but there is no practical need to have an ipad with u on a street in pak. that doesnt just go for pak, where i grew up in east london every day i knew people mugging phones of people who just had to play with their phones on the street.

[aneeq7]

I would advise you not to have expensive/electronic stuff with you. My cousins friend got murdered just because he didn't wanted to give his 'cheap' Nokia phone to the thief.

Also yeah the stories about those airport waley are true. Happend to me when I went to Pakistan with my mum. We payed them money so they don't check our bags etc. We even had extra weight in our bags and that guy [where you lay your bags] said to us "if you don't want to pay that price, just give me some Pounds." and he let us go.

[Stewie]

Enjoy the load shedding. Haven't been back to Lahore in 4 years and don't plan to go back anytime soon based on what I keep hearing about load shedding

[UP]

1. No experience dealing with Pakistani airport authorities so can't comment. I would advise you to be respectful to them.

2. No experience again.

3. I'm sure you can survive a month without your iPhone/iPad. Just buy a cheap phone when you go to Pakistan and don't show off that you came from abroad. Try to gel with local people by wearing shalwar kameez. Place your laptop in a safe place at home - don't take it outside and possibly lock it somewhere when you are not around. Try to live simple.

Remember don't show off that you are from abroad, it may lead you in big trouble.

Enjoy your trip.

[Zaz]

The best way to deal with airport staff trying to extort money off u is pretend u dont understand them ie no urdu

They ll soon get bored and will move onto the next bakra

About the rest

1)Dont trust anyone u dont know

2)Do not be flash with your money/gadgets

3)Try and blend in as much as possible

Enjoy ur trip!

[aneeq7]

Originally Posted by UP Remember don't show off that you are from abroad, it may lead you in big trouble. Enjoy your trip.

This.

[UP]

You can avert the stress of airport trouble by having your weight in limit and have your travelling papers organized. If everything is fine and within the limit you should face no problems.

Desis tend to be over the line with their excessive weight and, hence the unwanted stress.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by ElRaja i went a few years ago so ill answer your questions from my experience 1. yes, i had a horrible experience in lahore with people bribing people to get stuff done, just have your game face on, i remember so many people paid to jump the queue i was in to board the flight i went from the middle of the queue to the end, i just ignored it. 2. i took cash money with me, but i knew where to keep it, just as a tip never keep anything in your wallet when you dont have your wallet with you, i used to keep it in my pocket as much as possible. keep your wallet in an obvious place, and see if it gets moved of touched when you arent there. 3. dont make a target of yourself, you'll be lit like a christmas tree, you may be a tech geek but there is no practical need to have an ipad with u on a street in pak. that doesnt just go for pak, where i grew up in east london every day i knew people mugging phones of people who just had to play with their phones on the street.

Pretty Much This.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by aneeq7 This.

Could be a problem if you sound like one..

[Mohsin]

When they ask you for a bribe at the airport, just say (really loudly so everyone can hear) 'acha rishwat chahiye...kitna riswat main doun? Aap ko kitni rishwat ki zaroorat hai'...I haven't tried this myself (was too young when I last went Pakistan) but would be interested as you what their reaction would be lol

[sully3]

Thanks for the advice guys

id like if we kept this thread serious rather then making jokes

[Myrmidon]

dont act as if your from abroad and show off and stuff


probably all i can say

also your going to lahore so calm down, its not that bad over there, different story if you were going to balochistan or khyber

[Radiance Of Australis]

What everyone said above.

Don't take your iPad.
iPhone is okay, but don't flash it around even at home or leave it lying around your house.

It's actually not that bad. Plenty of my relatives frequent Lahore and they carry similar gadgets, including iPhone. Main thing is to keep low profile.

[IAJ]

Jou houna hai, woh houna hai.

That you dont live in Pakistan, your potential attackers would already know through neighbours etc.

Show off is not good in any society in my opinion.

Just go there, pretend normal, eat good food help the poor in your area and enjoy your stay and nothing will happen InshaAllah.

But beware of your aunties etc, they will drown you with hugs and kisses. That is allways my biggest worry.

[DoosraTeesra]

I myself haven't been to Pakistan in 7 years. 2004-05 were good times. There hardly used to be load shedding and i think crime rate was low too.

my most important advice to you is don't show off. Have your relatives come pick you up or hire some good taxi. Try to take some flight which don't make you arrive deep in the night. Last Time i went to Lahore via Emirates, Flight arrived at 3:00am and hardly anything was open. It was scary journey from airport to the house.

Take light baggage which doesn't consist of many valuable things. Take your iphone with you also have cheaper phone with you to use outdoors.

[insaaniyat]

^keep on reciting dorood shareef. Insha-Allah u would be just fine. I would be more worried about water, electricity and mosquitos. Take Suitcase full of water with you.

[Shaheerthe2nd]

Don't drink the water there. You'll get sick.

Drink mineral water. Always.

[Black Zero]

use green channel at port

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by insaaniyat ^keep on reciting dorood shareef. Insha-Allah u would be just fine. I would be more worried about water, electricity and mosquitos. Take Suitcase full of water with you.

MashaAllah the best piece of advice! May Allah SWT bless you for this. Dil khush kar diya hai yaar.

[Usman]

Originally Posted by Mohsin When they ask you for a bribe at the airport, just say (really loudly so everyone can hear) 'acha rishwat chahiye...kitna riswat main doun? Aap ko kitni rishwat ki zaroorat hai'...I haven't tried this myself (was too young when I last went Pakistan) but would be interested as you what their reaction would be lol

I wouldn't take this route. I'm sure it's the best way to get the most grief - i.e. open your bags, send you to extreme immigration checks, etc.

In any case, all the other workers and probably the passengers too will be thinking, so what, he wants rishwat so give him some! Lol!!

The only piece of advice I will add is that if you do use a porter, and trust me you will find it next to impossible to stop them helping you, just keep a close eye on your luggage. I've heard stories about porters running away with luggage, although nothing like that has ever happened to me. I know Asian aunties usually carry thousands and thousands of pounds worth of gold with them, so make sure you don't allow the porter to carry that bag.

[Looney]

Ziada hero na banaiN and you will be fine You will actually be surprised how normal everything is in Pakistan , Lahore is a big city so you shouldn`t have too much trouble blending in . Just don`t talk on your cell in the street or if someone , God forbid , tries to rob you , give them your cell and money . It would be a good idea to keep a cheaper Nokia cellphone . Double sim ki sahulat .


Hope you have a safe trip and have fun .

[shehzi]

Wear a Helmet when coming out of airport . ( there can be a Lathi charge anytime)

Wear joggers ( u might need to run anytime)

Do have a mobile which has TORCH in it. (black berrys and iphones WITHOUT torch are useless)

Dont get panic if taxi or rickshaw charge you double because when CNG is not available, rates change

Even if your relatives have Mehran, dont think they are not well off. it COSTS more then 7 lacs. which i assume you dont have a car for this price in UK.

..... BEST OF LUCK ....

Regards,

Shahzad Akbar

[Obeid]

^^

I can't tell whether you're serious or not...

[Badsha]

Originally Posted by Mohsin When they ask you for a bribe at the airport, just say (really loudly so everyone can hear) 'acha rishwat chahiye...kitna riswat main doun? Aap ko kitni rishwat ki zaroorat hai'...I haven't tried this myself (was too young when I last went Pakistan) but would be interested as you what their reaction would be lol

This will be the response


"Oh khair owe shehzade, kee hogaya? bara ochal raha hai. Abhi hisab kitab karte hai"


After that if you have connections with a high Police officer you're free to go but if not, you're in for a heavy bribe payment

The public wont help you.

[humzy]

wear a shalwar kamiz.. Not only does it take the attention off you with the general public but you feel more comfortable yourself as you fit in with people easier. Its also an awsome piece of clothing to wear

[khilari]

If you hear someone yelling "Kaun Bachaye ga Pakistan" say Imran Khan Imran Khan

[ElRaja]

Originally Posted by humzy wear a shalwar kamiz.. Not only does it take the attention off you with the general public but you feel more comfortable yourself as you fit in with people easier. Its also an awsome piece of clothing to wear

i didnt wear a shlawar kameez apart from one or two days i dont think, it doesnt make a difference really, unless you sound foreign, but even if you wear SK you will still stand out if you open your mouth and speak urdu like a foreigner.

im assuming people just thought i was a burger... but i dont really care

[DeadlyVenom]

although its been a few years since I have been Pakistan, my close relatives go once or twice a year to Faisalabad/Lahore/Villages beside Faisalabad and don't take any precautions like you guys are saying and were alhumdulilah fine.

You are acting like Pakistan is a backwater where people haven't seen iphones/ipads?

[0tt0man]

There's nothing to worry about. Take your credit card and obtain cash from any ATM machine.
Just don't flash your gadgets around.

I've been using a smartphone for years and have never experienced snatching or gun-point robbing. I personally haven't had any bad experience regarding Customs at the airport either.

The western media exaggerates a lot. Makes the overall picture look so glum, it's hilarious.

[withlovefrom vizag]

very cheerful thread

[Eagle_Eye]

Originally Posted by DeadlyVenom although its been a few years since I have been Pakistan, my close relatives go once or twice a year to Faisalabad/Lahore/Villages beside Faisalabad and don't take any precautions like you guys are saying and were alhumdulilah fine. You are acting like Pakistan is a backwater where people haven't seen iphones/ipads?

+1

LOL @ the scaremongering in this thread.

Dont overly worry about everything and not enjoy your holiday.

[Saudi]

lol at some people giving him advice as though he were going to Waziristan. Plenty of people carry iPhones/iPads in Lahore. In most of the good localities, nobody will bat an eyelid at such things.

[ElRaja]

Originally Posted by DeadlyVenom although its been a few years since I have been Pakistan, my close relatives go once or twice a year to Faisalabad/Lahore/Villages beside Faisalabad and don't take any precautions like you guys are saying and were alhumdulilah fine. You are acting like Pakistan is a backwater where people haven't seen iphones/ipads?

its different if you go regularly, its different if you go after a long time. if you stand out as a "walaity" people definitely keep an eye on you.

[withlovefrom vizag]

Originally Posted by DeadlyVenom although its been a few years since I have been Pakistan, my close relatives go once or twice a year to Faisalabad/Lahore/Villages beside Faisalabad and don't take any precautions like you guys are saying and were alhumdulilah fine. You are acting like Pakistan is a backwater where people haven't seen iphones/ipads?

Originally Posted by Eagle_Eye +1 LOL @ the scaremongering in this thread. Dont overly worry about everything and not enjoy your holiday.

Originally Posted by Saudi lol at some people giving him advice as though he were going to Waziristan. Plenty of people carry iPhones/iPads in Lahore. In most of the good localities, nobody will bat an eyelid at such things.

+1

they're framing lahore as some central african cities like mogadishu...

[DeadlyVenom]

Originally Posted by ElRaja its different if you go regularly, its different if you go after a long time. if you stand out as a "walaity" people definitely keep an eye on you.

In Lahore?

I dont think anybody will be able to tell. In fact when I went to Lahore last time there were times when I felt really out of place....as if I was 'backward'

I wasn't as cool as I am now back then

[sully3]

Thanks guys, yes i agree with a few that some are making it sound like a totally law less area where no1 has anything...

No1 has really answered my question about taking cash with me? is there any other way? As a muslim i don't use credit cards so that option is out of question !

[PakPrince]

you look desi and no matter how much u live abroad u will look desi still

you are safe from us!

[Saudi]

Originally Posted by PakPrince you look desi and no matter how much u live abroad u will look desi still you are safe from us!

Except for people who talk Urdu in an English accent. You might as well wrap yourself up in a Union Jack if thats the case. Actually I've noticed that Brit-Paks seem to be much better at Punjabi than Urdu(if they do speak both languages that is) I wonder why that is...

[ElRaja]

Originally Posted by DeadlyVenom In Lahore? I dont think anybody will be able to tell. In fact when I went to Lahore last time there were times when I felt really out of place....as if I was 'backward' I wasn't as cool as I am now back then

aap ki coolness ka ka andaza ho gaya hai after u joint the outlawz

i was talking about pindi, not much experience of lahore apart from the airport tbh

Originally Posted by Saudi Except for people who talk Urdu in an English accent. You might as well wrap yourself up in a Union Jack if thats the case. Actually I've noticed that Brit-Paks seem to be much better at Punjabi than Urdu(if they do speak both languages that is) I wonder why that is...

thats cos the parents speak punjabi, i only speak urdu because i was schooled in pak... and because my parents made an effort to talk to me in urdu, which is not necessarily the case in the UK.

[Saudi]

Originally Posted by ElRaja thats cos the parents speak punjabi, i only speak urdu because i was schooled in pak... and because my parents made an effort to talk to me in urdu, which is not necessarily the case in the UK.

Yeah, thats probably why. I've actually had the opposite experience with my parents having been born and raised in the Middle East. My parents are Punjabi but they've always talked to me in Urdu to the point where I can barely speak Punjabi at all. I often get confused for a Karachi wala which is slightly annoying...

[finalfantasy7]

Sully in lahore the Police express thr delight when people reach for thr gun

[ethan hunt]

Originally Posted by sully3 Salam guys I will be traveling to lahore for the first time in 6 years, alot has changed since my last visit, the media here in the west and the international Pakistani channels show a depressing picture but im sure there is more to Pak then just the general negativity I just wanted some advice by you guys on the do's and don'ts i should watch out for while my time there. I wanted advice on how to deal with the airport authorities from entering to exiting Pak. I have herd the custom officials and even the luggage handlers try to get money out people. is there any way to deal with this? And what are the real chargers if i have to pay any. my second issue was money, my bank HSBC does not have branch in Lahore and i was a bit worried of bringing cash, as i have herd stories about servants and burglars keep a keen eye on people who come from abroad. Is there a safer way to take money with me? maybe a travellers cheque? are they easily cashable in Lahore? My 3rd worry is im a technology geek, i wanted to take my laptop, ipad iphone etc with me as i use them all they time but have been advised not to use the ipad and iphone on the street or in the car as there is a big problem of phone snatching and gun point robberies. Is it really that bad?? Are there any other issues or problems i should be worried about? If anyone who has been to Lahore recently can share any issue or problem they had and how to deal with them it would be helpful. Thanks in advance Sully

lol you should not have any problems carrying your i phone , i pad or whatever you want to carry along , we are talking about lahore , an insane number of people own that stuff in lahore , most lahorites are business men and they are all tech savvy and own the latest gadgets and brands , infact carrying your laptops to wifi spots such as coffee shops is pretty popular , so dont worry you should not have any probems .

As for mixing in with the crowd , trust me you wont have a probem , infact if anything you might get a bit of a cultural shock if you are planning to Spend your time in localities such as Cantt , Defence or even uptown gulberg.

Travellers cheques and cash both are ok , the norm in most localities is for the employers to do a background check on their servants and get them registered with the concerned housing authorities so you can ask your relatives to sort that out if it isnt already .

Some of the stuff you can do or should do .

Dine out at cafe aylanto or cosa nostra
A late night dinner on cukoos rooftop .
Since lahore is famous for its food , do check out some of the eateries at the famous MM alam strip.
If looking for a haircut , visit TONY and GUY
Shop at mall of lahore or Xinhua mall for clothes, green valley for groceries and stuff
If you are bored you can go paintballing in defence or racing at X park, if thats your thing .

Lahore is a big city and if you know the right places you wouldnt have to visit the walled city or the localities you are uncomfortable with .

Hope you have a great time in Lahore .If you have any problems , feel free to ask , Lahore is my hometown and I would be more than happy to help out .

[Gotham Cronie]

How long are you going for? There's really no need to take an iPad. You might as well stay home if you want your face glued to a screen at all times.

A laptop and iPhone is understandable. Just keep the laptop in the house and try to not talk as much on the phone in public just because you're English would make you stand out.

In terms of luggage, you'll deal with workers running up to you and grabbing your stuff without even asking you and helping you. I told them No and when somebody did grab them anyway, I told them that they're free to do so, but I'm not paying. When we got outside, I refused to pay. Sounds heartless but that's the only way they'll learn. I felt kind of bad but that went away when my relatives started paying them in Rupees and they said "No, we prefer dollars."

When going back, customs will almost definitely ask for a bribe. If you don't want to pay, make sure you get there early and tell that they're free to open up your luggage and check whatever they want to, but that they have to seal everything back up. After you hold up the line, their supervisor will probably come and tell them to let you pass.

From when I went last time about 3 years back, if I had worn a salwar kameez in public, I would have been the one to stand out.

Have heard several different options to deal with the water problem. None that works 100% from my experience. Boiling water, bottled water, taking a filter with you, etc...

I'm not sure about they money situation.

[tanzeel]

Originally Posted by Myrmidon dont act as if your from abroad and show off and stuff probably all i can say also your going to lahore so calm down, its not that bad over there, different story if you were going to balochistan or khyber

Khyber's not bad. I just got back from a quick trip through small town northern Punjab around two hours back and Khyber compares favorably with those places.

[sully3]

Originally Posted by Gotham Cronie How long are you going for? There's really no need to take an iPad. You might as well stay home if you want your face glued to a screen at all times. A laptop and iPhone is understandable. Just keep the laptop in the house and try to not talk as much on the phone in public just because you're English would make you stand out. In terms of luggage, you'll deal with workers running up to you and grabbing your stuff without even asking you and helping you. I told them No and when somebody did grab them anyway, I told them that they're free to do so, but I'm not paying. When we got outside, I refused to pay. Sounds heartless but that's the only way they'll learn. I felt kind of bad but that went away when my relatives started paying them in Rupees and they said "No, we prefer dollars." When going back, customs will almost definitely ask for a bribe. If you don't want to pay, make sure you get there early and tell that they're free to open up your luggage and check whatever they want to, but that they have to seal everything back up. After you hold up the line, their supervisor will probably come and tell them to let you pass. From when I went last time about 3 years back, if I had worn a salwar kameez in public, I would have been the one to stand out. Have heard several different options to deal with the water problem. None that works 100% from my experience. Boiling water, bottled water, taking a filter with you, etc... I'm not sure about they money situation.

im going for 5 weeks.

i was thinking to take the ipad because the electricity issue and didn't want to be on my fone all the time and then not have electricity to charge it. whereas Ipad is good for browsing on twitter pak passion etc

regarding water i will be drinking mineral water most likely, the relatives have a water dispenser

What you said about customs i will take on board, im not going to be bring back anything like dvds etc so don't know why they will charge me money for anything.

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by sully3 im going for 5 weeks. i was thinking to take the ipad because the electricity issue and didn't want to be on my fone all the time and then not have electricity to charge it. whereas Ipad is good for browsing on twitter pak passion etc regarding water i will be drinking mineral water most likely, the relatives have a water dispenser What you said about customs i will take on board, im not going to be bring back anything like dvds etc so don't know why they will charge me money for anything.

Oh no theyll probably try...i remember trying to bring back cigarettes (for my uncle and WELL below the allowed amount) when i last went Pakistan, and the guy said theres a 'law which prevents women from carrying cigarettes in their luggage lol...therefore 'something' had to be done (it was me my sister and my mum)

[sully3]

Originally Posted by ethan hunt lol you should not have any problems carrying your i phone , i pad or whatever you want to carry along , we are talking about lahore , an insane number of people own that stuff in lahore , most lahorites are business men and they are all tech savvy and own the latest gadgets and brands , infact carrying your laptops to wifi spots such as coffee shops is pretty popular , so dont worry you should not have any probems . As for mixing in with the crowd , trust me you wont have a probem , infact if anything you might get a bit of a cultural shock if you are planning to Spend your time in localities such as Cantt , Defence or even uptown gulberg. Travellers cheques and cash both are ok , the norm in most localities is for the employers to do a background check on their servants and get them registered with the concerned housing authorities so you can ask your relatives to sort that out if it isnt already . Some of the stuff you can do or should do . Dine out at cafe aylanto or cosa nostra A late night dinner on cukoos rooftop . Since lahore is famous for its food , do check out some of the eateries at the famous MM alam strip. If looking for a haircut , visit TONY and GUY Shop at mall of lahore or Xinhua mall for clothes, green valley for groceries and stuff If you are bored you can go paintballing in defence or racing at X park, if thats your thing . Lahore is a big city and if you know the right places you wouldnt have to visit the walled city or the localities you are uncomfortable with . Hope you have a great time in Lahore .If you have any problems , feel free to ask , Lahore is my hometown and I would be more than happy to help out .

Thanks man your post was really helpful

I will be living in defence so that should be good i have herd there are alot of things to do around there

im looking forward to all the food places and a bit of shopping

regarding the restaurants im not really there for the western food as we have it here all the time, im looking forward to going Bandu Khan, Village etc the desi places but i will be a bit worried eating at roadside restaurants even though they taste real good. But one restaurant i went to 6 years ago on my last trip and enjoyed was Zouk, it was pretty good and the people there were nice. is there hip place like that i need to know off?

Also any Sheesha bars you know off that have a good atmosphere. Don't really want to go to a place where a grup of boys and staring at 1 girl.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by sully3 Thanks man your post was really helpful I will be living in defence so that should be good i have herd there are alot of things to do around there im looking forward to all the food places and a bit of shopping regarding the restaurants im not really there for the western food as we it here all the time, im looking forward to going Bandu Khan, Village etc but i will be a bit worried eating at roadside restaurants even though they taste real good. But one restaurant i went to 6 years ago on my last trip and enjoyed was Zouk, it was pretty good and the people there were nice.

If you are living in Defence then you will most probably see many people with iPads/iPhones.

Have you ever been to Bundu Khan before?

Because I love the food there!

[sully3]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy If you are living in Defence then you will most probably see many people with iPads/iPhones. Have you ever been to Bundu Khan before? Because I love the food there!

Yes thats what i ment Bundu Khan, i had it before and the food was fantastic

[Uzi]

Make sure you wear a bomb proof suit at all times.

I would also advise you to stay indoors 24 hrs a day.

[withlovefrom vizag]

Originally Posted by sully3 thanks guys, yes i agree with a few that some are making it sound like a totally law less area where no1 has anything... No1 has really answered my question about taking cash with me? Is there any other way? as a muslim i don't use credit cards so that option is out of question !

why??

[0tt0man]

Originally Posted by sully3 Yes thats what i ment Bundu Khan, i had it before and the food was fantastic

Bundu Khan's "paratha kabab" is their trademark dish.The rest of their food is nothing special in my opinion.

[Gotham Cronie]

Originally Posted by sully3 As a muslim i don't use credit cards so that option is out of question !

? What's wrong with credit cards?

[sully3]

Originally Posted by withlovefrom vizag why??

Originally Posted by Gotham Cronie ? What's wrong with credit cards?

Muslims should not be paying back interest on money


If you guys are taking about debit card then yes i do use them, but in UK credit card is used for buying things and then paying interest back on them.

[sehsan]

Originally Posted by sully3 Muslims should not be paying back interest on money If you guys are taking about debit card then yes i do use them, but in UK credit card is used for buying things and then paying interest back on them.

If you pay whatever money you have spent after the month before their due date, then you dont have to pay any interest.

B/w Just go and have fun in pakistan, My suggestion is " Dont think too much"

Just drink Mineral water and dont eat goolgappay, dahi balay in first 2-3 weeks, other then that you will be absolutely fine.

[nish_mate]

Originally Posted by sully3 Muslims should not be paying back interest on money If you guys are taking about debit card then yes i do use them, but in UK credit card is used for buying things and then paying interest back on them.

Not if you pay up every month in full. Then you not paying any interest, just doing it interest free

[Gotham Cronie]

Originally Posted by sully3 Muslims should not be paying back interest on money

I've been using a credit card to make almost all of my purchases for about 6 years and have yet to pay a single cent in interest.

[Ibad17]

there is nothing wrong in Pakistan. Just come here enjoy your time. Also enjoy a bit of load shedding as it is the most hottest topic in Pakistan nowadays..

[Punisher]

There are HSBC banks in Lahore. I don't know who told you there aren't any. There is even Barclays, RBS so I don't know who's been misinforming you.

[sully3]

Originally Posted by Punisher There are HSBC banks in Lahore. I don't know who told you there aren't any. There is even Barclays, RBS so I don't know who's been misinforming you.

Yes i found this information out today when i rang my bank.
still no use though as they said it will cost me an exchange rate aswell as a transaction fee from taking money out in Pak.

after all the suggestions i have got i think its best i take cash and keep it safe

[Radiance Of Australis]

Honestly if you are going after six years, I'd think you would want to chuck all your gadgets aside and make the most of the trip. But to each their own, I guess.

BTW, I went to Pakistan after nine years last year and I hardly even checked my FB despite the availability of pc, laptops, iPads etc.

[FusedBulb]

Before you leave, open all your luggage and spread it over a bed. Then take out your wallet and put all the cash (or your total planned budget for expense in Pakistan) next to your junk.
.
.
.
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Take half of your luggage and double the amount of your budget.

[lahori]

Originally Posted by sully3 Yes thats what i ment Bundu Khan, i had it before and the food was fantastic

- Do not and I repeat, DO NOT go to the Bundu Khan location in Defence. In fact avoid all the defence restaurants, they pretty much all suck. And yes I'm from Defence so I know.

- The Bundu Khan at fortress stadium is the best.

- Visit MM Alam road, its got many good restaurants.

- On MM Alam Road, go to Mirchi if you prefer really spicy and great tasting bbq. (try their Sikandri tikka)

- On MM Alam Road, try Ziafat, I found it to be on par with the Village. It has tons and tons of different tasty buffet items you will be surprised.

- On MM Alam Road, try Freddies. One of the finest there.

- for street eateries, try the Chapli kababs at R.A bazaar, it's fairly close to defence also.

- Avoid Cosa Nostra. If you must go, only go for the ambience. It is one of those up-scale Italian restaurants where all the snobs and elites go, yet I found their food overpriced and lacking taste-wise.

- for dessert, go to Hot Fuzon. It's awesome.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by lahori - Do not and I repeat, DO NOT go to the Bundu Khan location in Defence. In fact avoid all the defence restaurants, they pretty much all suck. And yes I'm from Defence so I know. - The Bundu Khan at fortress stadium is the best. - Visit MM Alam road, its got many good restaurants. - On MM Alam Road, go to Mirchi if you prefer really spicy and great tasting bbq. (try their Sikandri tikka) - On MM Alam Road, try Ziafat, I found it to be on par with the Village. It has tons and tons of different tasty buffet items you will be surprised. - On MM Alam Road, try Freddies. One of the finest there. - for street eateries, try the Chapli kababs at R.A bazaar, it's fairly close to defence also. - Avoid Cosa Nostra. If you must go, only go for the ambience. It is one of those up-scale Italian restaurants where all the snobs and elites go, yet I found their food overpriced and lacking taste-wise.

I Second That.

[aneeq7]

Originally Posted by Radiance Of Australis Honestly if you are going after six years, I'd think you would want to chuck all your gadgets aside and make the most of the trip. But to each their own, I guess. BTW, I went to Pakistan after nine years last year and I hardly even checked my FB despite the availability of pc, laptops, iPads etc.

Same here. Only went on FB twice in 6 weeks.

[lahori]

by the way, I recently went to Lahore with all the aforementioned gadgets including
- Laptop (2)
- Iphones (2)

However I always left these items at home and used cheap nokia phones for calls and while outside. Avoid carrying too much cash on you.

By the way, foreigner desis can easily be spotted by locals due to the specific hairstyles, clothing and choice of shoes. Try not to make it too obvious otherwise you will be target of shopkeepers trying to sell you goods way over usual price.

[kasoo10]

I just went there after almost 15 years and stayed for about 2 years. Key is that you should keep a low profile, do not show off at all. Very few and trusted people should know that you are from outside.

[Looney]

Originally Posted by Obeid ^^ I can't tell whether you're serious or not...

serious about the last 3 points at least

[Looney]

Originally Posted by humzy wear a shalwar kamiz.. Not only does it take the attention off you with the general public but you feel more comfortable yourself as you fit in with people easier. Its also an awsome piece of clothing to wear

He is going to Lahora not Tora Bora

You simply don`t wear shalwar qameez in cities unless you want everyone to think you are a maulvi sahab

[Looney]

Originally Posted by Punisher There are HSBC banks in Lahore. I don't know who told you there aren't any. There is even Barclays, RBS so I don't know who's been misinforming you.

Come on dude , there are no banks in Pakistan . They even made a tv showw on us and call it Barter Kings .

[0tt0man]

Originally Posted by Looney He is going to Lahora not Tora Bora You simply don`t wear shalwar qameez in cities unless you want everyone to think you are a maulvi sahab

You're a perfect example of the inferiority complex many Pakistanis and Indians suffer from.

[pakistanalltheway]

dont forget your passport and remmeber to bribe the airport officials

[Badsha]

Originally Posted by Looney He is going to Lahora not Tora Bora You simply don`t wear shalwar qameez in cities unless you want everyone to think you are a maulvi sahab

What?!

Simply don't wear shilwaar kamees else you're a molvi?



I must be living in a different Pakistan



On topic, Shilwaar Kameez is not a must to wear. You can wear it if you want and not wear it if you don't want to. In big cities it doesn't matter.

[sully3]

Thanks for the suggestions guys

inshallah i will have a safe and good trip. will keep you guys posted on another thread about what i did and generally my time in pakistan

the name of the thread will be "Sullys pakistan trip diary"

[Prince of Pakistan]

Originally Posted by aneeq7 I would advise you not to have expensive/electronic stuff with you. My cousins friend got murdered just because he didn't wanted to give his 'cheap' Nokia phone to the thief. Also yeah the stories about those airport waley are true. Happend to me when I went to Pakistan with my mum. We payed them money so they don't check our bags etc. We even had extra weight in our bags and that guy [where you lay your bags] said to us "if you don't want to pay that price, just give me some Pounds." and he let us go.

I think islamically it's even wrong to give Rishwat. Can somebody confirm this?

[spinDoc]

good Luck!

you will need it

[Noork85]

Not that serious. U can use ur ipad and iphone without fear of being burgalized. I was just there 6 months ago and my brother and i had our gadgets and successfully stepped out of our houses with them.

Be warned: ipad data is EXTREMELY SLOW and with sme providrs EXTREMELY expensive. Ur ipad will be useless. If u any other device, like an eeepad from asus, u can get paid internet for it easily which has much better speed.

And get ur shots, otherwise you'll have travellers diarrhea!

As for money, r u living alone there? I would suggest u dont, live family and relatives. U can give it to them to safe keep for u.

Other than that, have a safe trip! Hope u enjoy it, its burning hot with no light. ~


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[thelandofthebravepeople]

The Taliban are all over Lahore Airport. They are very good in kidnapping. After they kidnap you, they will take you to Waziristan and then its difficult to say what will happen to you...

They are so good that if Kidnapping was a olympic sport they would win gold.

So be careful and prepare yourself for a trip to waziristan in advance.

[Myrmidon]

haha

ajiz walay yaree