Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Travel Guide
Local SIM cards are readily available at Bacha Khan International Airport or at major mobile provider outlets. Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone are providers. Passport and biometric verification are needed for registration. Affordable data packages are common.
Pakistan Post offices cater to domestic and international mail. DHL and FedEx also operate in Peshawar for international courier needs. Urdu is the national language; English is also widely understood, especially in professional settings.
Pronunciation guides can support your efforts.
Beyond greetings, knowing how to ask about prices and bid farewell facilitates daily transactions and departures.
Speak slowly and clearly. Use simple sentences. A smile and polite gestures often overcome language differences, making your interactions more enjoyable.
Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours and holiday schedules to map out your activities effectively.
Generally open from 10 AM to 8-9 PM. Some smaller shops and street vendors open earlier or close later.
Are normally open from 11 AM to 11 PM or later, with many offering late-night service options.
Operate from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, closed during weekends and public holidays.
Banks generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday, with shorter hours on Fridays and Saturdays (often 9 AM to 1 PM). They are closed on Sundays.
Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, Mawlid an-Nabi) and public holidays (Pakistan Day, Independence Day, Quaid-e-Azam Day) lead to reduced services or closures.
During major holidays, services may be limited, some attractions might close, and public areas may see more guests. Organize your trip accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Familiarity with local customs and norms deepens your experience and promotes respectful interactions in Peshawar.
Men typically shake hands with other men. Avoid physical contact with women unless they initiate it. A polite nod or "Assalam-o-Alaikum" is suitable for women. Always use your right hand when greeting, eating, or exchanging items.
Dine with your right hand. Wait for your host or elder to begin eating. Food waste is generally frowned upon. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Always get consent before taking pictures of people.
Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate. Alcohol consumption is illegal for Muslims and generally not seen by non-Muslims in public. Avoid sensitive political or religious discussions with strangers.
Peshawar's society is conservative, with gender segregation in many state-owned and privately-owned spheres. Women may experience different social interactions. Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan and not openly accepted.
Speak slowly and clearly. Use simple sentences. A smile and polite gestures often bridge language differences. Local interactions become more positive with these considerations.
Peshawar's infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is somewhat limited, requiring careful planning.
Overall accessibility infrastructure is limited. Public spaces, older buildings (especially in the Old City), and traditional transport options are often not designed for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, 'Zu Peshawar', stands out as an exception, designed with accessibility features. Some newer, upscale hotels may also offer accessible rooms and facilities.
Specialized services or infrastructure for visually or hearing-impaired travelers are not widely available in Peshawar. Public signage is mainly in Urdu and The english language, with braille or audio guides being rare.
No specific organizations cater to accessible travel for foreign tourists in Peshawar. Travelers with mobility needs should communicate directly with hotels, tour operators, and local guides.
If you have particular accessibility needs, communicate them clearly and in detail to your hotel and any tour operators well before your trip. This helps them make arrangements or advise you on what to expect.
