Lahore Travel Tips Social Conventions: Majority of the population in Pakistan are Muslims, and tourists must respect their customs and beliefs. The common form of greeting is to shake hands and the right hand is used when passing or receiving objects. Common courtesy is expected at all times irrespective of the social standing. The Pakistani society is divided in to many social groups and there are subtle differences in their customs. Business clients are mostly entertained at hotels or restaurants. Smoking is prohibited in some areas. Clothes: Light woollen clothing in winter and cottons in the summer are the ideal attire in Lahore. Informal dress is accepted at most times except when attending business meetings or formal occasions. Women must be well-dressed with arms and legs covered. Revealing clothes are not accepted by the society. Visas: All foreigners entering Pakistan require a valid passport. Tourists from the following countries do not need visa for durations specified below:
* Iceland , Maldives , Singapore , South Korea , Zambia and: for three months
* Hong Kong , Nepal and Western Samoa : for one month * Tonga , Trinidad and Tobago : for unlimited period Pakistan Immigration issues landing permit / transit visa for 30 days at entry points / airports, to tourists and businessmen, at no extra cost. Credit Cards: American Express is the most widely accepted credit card in Lahore. Mastercard and Visa cards can also be used while Diner's club and other cards have more limited usage. Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add 5 -10% service charge to the bill, but tipping (baksheesh in native tongue) is an accepted norm. Health Risks: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required within six days for travellers arriving from endemic zones. Vaccinations against cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and polio are also recommended. The risk of Malaria exists in Pakistan throughout the year and travellers are advised to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. All foreigners staying in Pakistan for over one year require AIDS-free certificate. Business Hours: Office hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with one hour break from Monday to Thursday and two hours on Fridays. Saturday working hours are from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm with no break. Sunday is a holiday. Holidays
January 21: 2005 Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
February 20: Ashoura
March 23: Pakistan Day
April 21: Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
August 14: Independence Day
November 3-5: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
November 9: Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day
December 25: Quaid-e-Azam's Birthday Electricity : 220 V, 50 Hz AC current Note : Pakistan travelling should be done with utmost caution because of the terrorist threats in the country. Do not travel to Waziristan . Areas such as northern and western Baluchistan , Sui area, western North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies (FATA) and border areas, except for the official crossing points, should be avoided by foreigners. British nationals and people from other western countries run a higher risk of being the targets of terrorist attacks. The rail network in Baluchistan should be avoided. |
