Welcome to Karachi
Karachi is Pakistan’s largest, busiest, and most diversified city, crammed with vibrant streets, unique architecture, and vivid markets and bazaars. There are plenty of places to unwind in Karachi, from sun-drenched beaches to trendy waterfront eateries. Explore the best ways how to get around Karachi as a tourist!
Top things to see and do in Karachi
- Shop for shoes, garments, handicrafts, and other items in the 100-year-old shops and stalls of Bohri market.
- Stroll or take a camel ride along the shimmering sands of Clifton Beach, stopping for chai and grilled corn along the way.
- Count the mirrored tiles of the remarkable Defence Housing Authority Mosque (Masjid-e-Tooba), which claims to be the world’s largest single-dome mosque.
- From September to November, hire a boat and a guide to go turtle spotting along the Karachi coastline.
- The National Museum of Pakistan showcases Pakistan’s fascinating history from the Stone Age to the present day.
Getting Around in Karachi
Bus System
The cheapest way to get to Karachi is to take the bus. However, they are dangerous because of irresponsible driving and overcrowding. Although not recommended, bus riding may provide insight into the inhabitants’ daily lives, traditions, and cultures. Travel at your own risk.
Taxis
The best method to go around Karachi using public transport is to ride a cab. However, before you begin the taxi ride, make sure that the cab meter is operational, and if not, negotiate the fee for the location in advance. Yellow cabs are well-known in Karachi, but you may also rent huge black and yellow taxis with more seating and luggage capacity for somewhat reduced prices.
Car Rental
If you feel comfortable driving around Karachi, renting a car is the best option. Driving a car in Karachi is a risky proposition due to the roads and traffic. Essentials such as stopping at signals and situating your vehicle for turns are not often followed. However, the safety and independence that come with driving a rental car are unique. The best option is to hire a car and driver.
Railways
Pakistan Railways operates a rail network that connects almost every part of Pakistan. Karachi is home to two major railway stations: Karachi City Station and Karachi Cantonment Station. Tourists can visit Pakistani cities including Multan, Quetta, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Currently, ride-hailing applications offer the most economical, safest, and practical means of transportation within cities.
Careem
Careem offers the best selection of cars, skilled drivers, and first-rate customer support. Just select your preferred automobile type, decide how much you want to pay for your ride, and relax. Three methods are available for booking Careem cars: 1. The Careem app. 2. The Careem website 3. The Careem Helpline.
Careem provides four distinct driving experiences. Here is a fare estimate for each type of car. To book a car, go to these categories:
- Taxi (everyday cab)
- Go (economy class)
- Go+ (more comfortable than Go)
- Business (premium class)
Uber
One of the most well-known ride-hailing services, Uber, is accessible in Karachi.
Communication in Karachi
If you want to make an international call to Karachi, use Pakistan’s international dialing number +92, followed by the Karachi area code 21. Next, insert the local number. When calling a mobile number from outside Pakistan, insert +92 3, followed by the number.
Contacting individuals via the internet is simple because every corner of Karachi’s streets is home to a plethora of cyber cafes that provide enough internet speed at reasonable prices. Mobile phones can also connect to the Internet via GPRS. Mobilink, Telenor, and Zong are the top service providers for GPRS/EDGE. Karachi’s top five mobile phone operators are Mobilink, Warid Telecom, Telenor, Ufone, and Zong (China Mobile). Wireless internet is also widely available in Pakistan, with Wi-Fi hotspots at hotels, malls, cafes/restaurants, and commercial districts.
