Travel tips for Pakistan - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Pakistan is hardly a safe country due to the political situation. You should not visit Waziristan, North and West of Balochistan, and the border regions. You will need a special permit to visit the upper Sindh and the Peshawar area. Azad Jammu and Kashmir are open only partially.

2. You should avoid large crowds, various meetings, and demonstrations when visit the country. You should also avoid government agencies. Some areas of the country are poorly controlled by the central government. It is better to travel through them with permission from the local authorities.

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.

7. It is forbidden to drink alcohol on the streets. You may be taken to a police station for failing to comply with this law. You can order alcohol only in elite hotel restaurants. Smoking in public places is not allowed. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. Pakistani carpets are very popular with tourists. You should ask the seller for a receipt when purchasing them. It is forbidden to export a handmade product from the country without payment confirmation.

9. Pakistan is popular among mountaineers. There are several dozen peaks more than 7000 meters high here. There are open areas, restricted areas, and closed areas. You need to hire a local guide and get permission from the Ministry of tourism to climb in a restricted area.

10. You should not go to see the iconic sights on a weekend. Sunday is a time of pilgrimage for the locals.

11. It is impossible to get the camera in the mosques. It is strictly forbidden to photograph local residents without their permission. You can also not take photos of military installations, military, and police.

12. You should not leave a tip in hotels. Enterprising Pakistanis include it in the living expenses. It is customary to round the bill up or leave a small tip in the restaurant. Muslim laws prohibit additional payment in rural areas. But the owners of the house will be very happy with a small souvenir.

13. You should take documents and visas with you when you exit the hotel. There are a lot of patrols, which involved checking documents on the streets. The authorities have broad powers. It is not recommended to enter into disputes with them.

14. Special permission is required to visit certain attractions and tourist routes. You should take care of getting it in advance.

15. Residents understand and speak English well in the central cities of Pakistan. You should learn a few common Urdu phrases to visit markets and local restaurants.

16. The Holy month of Ramadan is a bad time to visit the country. All small stores and shopping centers are closed at this time. Cafes and restaurants are also closed. The local population spends time in prayer.