Gujranwala Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Major mobile providers include Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone, offering good coverage.

Steps

Purchase at airports or official service centers.
Passport, visa copy, and biometric verification are required.
Local SIMs offer economical data and call packages.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is can be found in most hotels, upscale cafes, and some restaurants.

Connectivity

Consider a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi.
Quality and speed of Wi-Fi can vary.
Excellent 4G/LTE coverage via Airalo eSIMs.

Postal Services

Pakistan Post offices are available for sending mail and parcels.

Shipping Needs

Local and mail to other countries.
International courier services like DHL and FedEx operate locally.
These services cater to urgent or important shipments.

Language Barriers & Translation

Urdu is the official language, with Punjabi widely spoken in Gujranwala.

Language Support

English finds understanding with hotel staff and educated individuals.
Google Translate (download Urdu pack) proves beneficial.
Rosetta Stone aids language learning.

Important Phrases

Everyday Greetings

Hello: Assalam-o-Alaikum (Ah-sah-lam-o-ah-lay-kum)
Thank you: Shukriya (Shuk-ree-yah)
Please: Meherbani (Meh-her-ba-nee)
Yes: Jee haan (Jee hahn)

Common Inquiries

No: Jee nahin (Jee nah-heen)
How much?: Kitnay ka hai? (Kit-nay ka hai?)
Water: Pani (Paa-nee)
Delicious: Mazaydar (Ma-zay-dar)

Connected Travel

Local SIM cards offer value for data and calls. This tool aids navigation, communication, and on-the-go information access.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigating daily operations in the city.

Shops & Markets

Generally open from 10 AM to 9-10 PM. Markets operate from early morning until late evening.

Restaurants

Typically open from 11 IN the morning to 23:00 or later, with some Dhabas operating 24/7.

Government Offices

Usually 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday.

Banking & ATMs

Banks typically open from 9 o'clock AM to 5 PM, Monday-Saturday.

Financial Access

Some banks close earlier on Saturday.
ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
ATMs generally operate 24/7.

Religious & Public Holidays

Islamic holidays involve closures for many businesses, banks, and government offices.

Major Closures

Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, Milad un Nabi.
Federal Holidays: Pakistan Day, Independence Day.
Transport can become very busy during these periods.

Seasonal Adjustments

Heat & Ramadan

Few seasonal closures, but reduced hours during extreme summer heat.
During Ramadan, many restaurants open only in the evening.
Plan activities in the area of these times.

Holiday Transport

Expect busy transport over the main holidays.
Book travel tickets in advance.
Plan for potential delays.

Daily Rhythm

Gujranwala's business hours mirror local life; consider holiday schedules and Ramadan adjustments.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interactions foster a memorable visit.

Greeting Customs

"Assalam-o-Alaikum" is the universal greeting.

Practices

Handshakes are common between men.
Women may not shake hands with men; a polite verbal greeting suffices.
Always use your right hand for greetings, eating, and handling money.

Appropriate Attire

Modest clothing projects respect for local culture.

Public Dress

Covering shoulders and legs is appropriate.
Especially important in public spaces and religious sites.
Consider local preferences for clothing styles.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Eat with your right hand, especially when sharing food.

Food Manners

Avoid food waste.
Tipping for service finds appreciation.
(5-10% in restaurants, smaller amounts for other staff).

Photography Permissions

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children.

Respectful Snaps

Be discreet when taking photos.
Avoid photographing military installations or security checkpoints.
Respect requests to not be photographed.

Cultural Sensitivities

Public Behavior

Avoid public displays of affection.
Do not openly criticize religion or government.
Public alcohol consumption is illegal and highly taboo.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender segregation is common in public spaces.
Homosexuality is illegal and on a cultural level stigmatized.
Discretion for same-sex couples is paramount.

Religious Site Etiquette

Entry & Dress

Remove shoes before entering mosques or shrines.
Women cover their heads before entering.
Dress modestly; shoulders and legs covered.

Conduct

Maintain silence and respect during prayers.
Avoid walking in front of praying individuals.
Observe local religious practices.

Cultural Connection

Modest dress and basic greetings cultivate positive exchanges, building connections with Punjabi hospitality.

Accessibility Information

Travel considerations for mobility challenges.

Infrastructure Overview

Gujranwala's infrastructure generally lacks wheelchair accessibility.

Mobility Hurdles

Bumpy sidewalks.
A lack of ramps.
Crowded places are common challenges.

Accessible Transport

Few attractions are specifically designed for accessibility.

Travel Options

Ride-sharing services (Careem) with specific vehicle types may prove suitable.
Support for boarding might still be required.
Hiring a private car with a driver offers comfort and flexibility.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

No specific services are generally available for tourists with visual or hearing impairments.

Support Services

Reliance concerning personal assistance is required.
Local guides can offer valuable aid.
Pre-planning with local contacts proves beneficial.

Accessibility Resources

Limited information is available for foreign travelers regarding accessibility in Gujranwala.

Planning Tools

Thorough research aids preparation.
Pre-planning with local contacts supports assessing suitability.
Arranging assistance ahead of time is beneficial.

Preparing for Your Visit

Communication

Local SIM cards are a highly beneficial tool.

Airalo eSIMs for connectivity.

Customs

Modest clothing and basic greetings encourage good interactions.

Rosetta Stone for language basics.

Transport

Private car with a driver offers comfort and flexibility for mobility challenges.

Explore transport options with GetYourGuide.

Prepared Journeys

Equipping oneself with practical knowledge supports movement through Gujranwala effectively, focusing on the cultural richness of the city.

Gujranwala Travel Tips