ask locals

Create meetup in Karachichevron_right

fmd_good anywhere in Karachi

Select a place on the map to change the location.

schedule Time

I want to meet

Verified required?

/

bar_chart Trends in Karachi

Loading
#karachi #dabeli #seafood #museum #beach #thali #travel #nightlife #shopping #food
Image
feli

Opening a bank account in Karachi 2026 for visitors

fmd_goodToran Hotel · #bank #karachi #saddar
I'll be staying near Toran Hotel on my first trip to Karachi and need to sort out money before I arrive. Can a foreign visitor open a local bank account in 2026, or am I better off relying on internat… I'll be staying near Toran Hotel on my first trip to Karachi and need to sort out money before I arrive. Can a foreign visitor open a local bank account in 2026, or am I better off relying on international cards and a Wise transfer? I'd also like to know which ATMs around Saddar actually accept foreign cards.
arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply 10 ios_share Share ·
Image annalenestorch ·

opening a local account as a visitor is doable but u need a local sponsor and a lot of paperwork, so maybe not worth it for one trip

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share
Image rahelbaeue… ·

fair point on the sponsor thing. from what i looked up you also need a CNIC or at least an NICOP, so a plain tourist visa won't cut it. one trip def not worth the hassle.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share
Image sabrina ·

Some banks will take a passport plus a Pakistani reference instead, but it varies branch to branch so call ahead.

arrow_drop_up 21 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share

Image leni ·

Worth adding that even a six month business visa route still needs the bank's own reference check, so one trip really isn't the move.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share

Image rahelbaeue… ·

Sponsor needs to be a resident with a verified income source

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share

Image rahelbaeuerle ·

wise is prob easiest, ATM hunting in Saddar gets old fast tbh.

arrow_drop_up 0 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share
Image annalenest… ·

the hbl branch on m.a. jinnah rd has a proper intl atm, less of a gamble than the random ones

arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share

Image sylvelinma… ·

yeah agreed, most of teh small shops there only take cash anyway so don't count on cards

arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share
Image rahelbaeue… ·

Cash is still king at the Empress Market stalls and most places on Zaibunnisa Street, so keep small notes handy.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share

Image sabrina ·

honestly for a two week trip it's not even close. Wise card works at the big chains like Alfalah and Standard Chartered, and the smaller streetside machines are where you get burned. just carry enough cash for the first day or two until your transfer lands.

arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share

Image
liobasomme…

Late night safety near Toran Veg Restaurant 2026

fmd_goodToran Veg Restaurant · #safety #streets #karachi
I'm visiting Karachi soon and staying fairly close to Toran Veg Restaurant. Which streets around there are okay to walk after dark and which ones should I avoid? I'd probably be out around 10 or 11pm. I'm visiting Karachi soon and staying fairly close to Toran Veg Restaurant. Which streets around there are okay to walk after dark and which ones should I avoid? I'd probably be out around 10 or 11pm.
arrow_drop_up 1 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply 1 ios_share Share ·
Image anny ·

idk toran specifically but that whole area around it is pretty busy till late so 10 or 11 should be fine on the main roads, just stick to lit streets & avoid the empty side lanes behind the market. honestly the bigger thing is traffic not crime, cars dont slow down for pedestrians. grab a rickshaw if ur going more than a few blocks tbh

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down
chat_bubble Reply ios_share