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Islamabad

Preparing your trip to Islamabad: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

Shah Faisal Mosque 1. In general, the capital of Pakistan is quite a safe city, but it is still better not to take valuables when heading to local markets and shops. Don’t leave your belongings unattended because there can be thieves in public places.
2. Try to escape very crowded places. As it was mentioned above, Islamabad is a relatively safe city compared to other cities in Pakistan. However, safety should always be the number one priority.
3. As Pakistan is a Muslim country (this is even written in the country’s constitution), it is better to refrain from drinking alcohol during Islamic holidays. Don’t forget to follow local rules. This is particularly true about the behavior of men and women. For example, it is better if females do not walk alone without a guide or a man, especially in the evening and away from the city center. This rule doesn’t apply to men, except for the second part of the recommendation. Even for men, it is better not to appear in remote areas alone in the evening.
4. Local rules regarding alcohol in public places are quite strict. It is allowed to consume alcohol only in some sports bars and in hotels. Local people disapprove even of the situations when some tourist is holding a bottle with alcohol in hands. In order not to make locals worried, simply do not hold alcohol in a way that the bottle is visible to others. It is better to put it in a bag.
5. In order to be able to drink alcohol, even tourists need to obtain special permission. It is informally called “non-Muslim declaration”. The thing is, Muslim people are prohibited to consume alcohol by the law. Christians can drink alcohol in Islamabad, but only if they have the declaration. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
6. When getting acquainted with a local, let them decide if they want to shake hands or no. As a rule, local people greet each other with “Assalam Alaikum”. The rule applies to both men and women. This happens because the social class of a local person is also an important factor that is taken into consideration. Don’t forget that local people use only their right hand for a handshake. According to Islam, the left hand is considered impure. Stretching the left hand for a handshake might offend a local person.
7. It is very comfortable to navigate in the city using a taxi or a car (own or rented one). Taxi price goes up in the evening. This is particularly true about the Jinnah Super district. Don’t forget to negotiate the price of a taxi ride with the driver in advance.
Residents of the capital of Pakistan are friendly and tender-hearted people. These qualities are always revealed in the way they treat tourists – locals are always ready to help tourists … Open
8. Such transport as metro is also very comfortable. It is easy to reach different parts of Islamabad by metro. There are Wi-Fi hotspots and a quality air conditioning system that is irreplaceable in scorching heat.
9. Vacationers can rent a car or a car with a driver. Many hotels offer this service to their clients.
10. Tips for any service are welcome, but they are not obligatory.
11. It is prohibited to take pictures or record videos of military objects, people on duty, and police stations. If you are not sure whether it is allowed to take pictures, it is better to ask locals first.
12. The most popular souvenirs and gifts that travelers prefer to bring from Islamabad are the following: salt lamps, jewelry, carpets, silk garments, ceramics, and handmade chess.
Islamabad - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

What to visit being in Islamabad - unique sights

Faisal Mosque

From the series “Top Largest and Famous Mosques Worldwide”
Before the building was organized an international competition in which architects from 17 countries submitted 43 proposals. Design of Vedat Dalokay was chosen as the most extraordinary and symbolic. The unusual building looked quite harmonious and unusual. Enter to the mosque you can through the inner yard that is decorated with a small artificial pond and marvellous fountains. The most beautiful marble types, delicate mosaics and calligraphic patterns were used for the inner decoration. The best masters from Pakistan did their best to decorate this mosque. … Read further

City tours, excursions and tickets in Islamabad and surroundings

Pakistan: travelling advices

3. The crime rate is not too high in the country. But you should not carry large amounts of cash with you. The police and the army have great authority. Your documents can be checked both on the street and on the road. Therefore, you should always have your passport and visa with you. You need to be ready to present them at the first request of the authorities. You should never get into an argument.
4. Hand washing occurs before and after a meal. Pakistanis are famous for their hospitality. However, you will offend the host if you do not finish the meal. Meals are served even in a restaurant on the floor. You should not throw away half-eaten food. Even the crumbs are put in a separate package.
5. The main population of the country is Muslim with certain rules of etiquette, personal hygiene, and communication. You cannot extend your left hand when meeting. It is strictly forbidden to touch food with this hand. The left hand is considered unclean. Pakistanis pray several times a day. You cannot pass in front of a person who has bowed down to read a prayer. The soles of your feet should not be pointed at the person you are talking to. This rule also applies to the method of storing shoes. It is put in a certain way when entering a house or mosque. The women's half of the house is a closed area. You can't go on it. You can greet in European style by shaking only your right hand. You should not make excessive gestures. Touching other people is not allowed. It is forbidden to touch a stranger, especially a child's head. The head is considered the receptacle of the soul.
6. Pakistan is a country with strict mores. There are certain rules for tourists here. Clothing should be as closed as possible. Open and short dresses and shorts are not allowed for women. A handkerchief or long scarf is a mandatory element. However, Pakistanis are extremely polite and welcoming to foreigners who observe their traditions and treat them with respect. … Open
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Islamabad

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Photos of Islamabad

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Tips for the cities around Islamabad

Travelling to Islamabad - advices and tips. What should be provisioned in advance, the rules you might want to follow, and the things you better avoid doing in Islamabad. We help you to make your trip smooth and easy, with no unexpected surprises.
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