ARRIVING TO KARACHI

Get In

Jinnah International Airport, is Karachi's largest international and domestic airport. Built by a French company and opened in 1993, it's one of the best airports in South Asia. Facilities include a McDonald's outlet, a Citibank ATM (in Arrivals), hotels and a duty free shop that doesn't sell alcohol. Spotty lighting is a downside. Previously, immigration was a lengthy process, but after rearrangement of counters and the introduction of a green channel in 2006, this is no longer the case.

Get Around

The main ways of getting around in Karachi is through buses, and it is used by the majority of the Karachi population. However, outsiders might be put off by the cramped conditions in the buses, and might prefer traveling in taxis. There are three kinds of taxis in Karachi, Metro, Yellow and Black. The yellow ones are generally thought to be better than the black ones. Although they do charge a greater mark up. The Metros are chains of taxis operated by different private sector companies (i.e. private version of NY's TLC). As in any nation, elements can overcharge "foreigners". Most of the Black and Yellow taxis don't have any meter, so you should first fix the charge and the location with the driver before getting in. The official per kilometer rate is around 7 Rupees but expect to pay around double of that.

There is also the so called "Radio/White Cab" service, which is air conditioned and can be called in at the airport or anywhere in the city. Typical cost for a full day (8 hours, 150 KM) is $25 (USD). White Cab Tel No. 00-92-111-789-786 or within Karachi 111-789-786. Per kilometer rate is 15 Rupees plus Rs. 50 calling charges. A new company, "Metro Cabs" is considered highly efficient, their taxis are usually easily available from the airport, rates are very reasonable. Metro Cab Tel. No. 00-92-21-111-222-787 or within Karachi 111-222-787. Once you get the hang of traveling in Karachi, it becomes a very entertaining experience. You meet new people and get to see really unexpected things. It's not very hard to find a mode of transportation and if you know what you are doing, very easy to get around. The famed words of a great man predicted this once tiny fishing village surrounded by the Arabian Sea would become a queen of cities. The present city of Karachi has risen to high standards, be it with regard to culture, education or comm