The medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is technically and hygienically inadequate to a large extent. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who intend to enter within six days of stay or transit in the infected areas designated by the WHO. Children under six months are exempt if the mother was vaccinated against yellow fever before birth (certificate required). Also exempt are transit passengers in Pakistan who do not exit the airport. [2] Local outbreaks of cholera are to be expected across the country. Since the effectiveness of a vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] Cases of poliomyelitis and typhoid occur. Travelers with a stay of more than four weeks must be able to produce a vaccination against poliomyelitis, which must not be older than 12 months, upon departure. If you stay in Pakistan for less than four weeks, you may have to catch up on the polio vaccination when you leave the country. Pakistan can prevent unvaccinated people (polio) from leaving the country. Travelers should check and, if necessary, refresh their typhoid vaccinations. [4] There is a risk of malaria all year round in all parts of the country below 2000 m. The more dangerous type of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is said to be chloroquine-resistant.
Food and drink
Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Outside of urban areas, milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Process dry and canned milk only with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Eating raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Typhus occurs sporadically in the north and west. The fever is caused by clothes lice. To protect yourself, you should practice regular body and clothing hygiene. Vaccination should only be considered in rare cases. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a problem in the country and a great danger for everyone who takes risks of infection: sexual contacts, unclean syringes or needles and blood transfusions can pose a significant life-threatening risk. There is an increased risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis from June to January, especially in rural and suburban areas along the Indian border and in the central deltas. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by whiteflies, occurs nationwide. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. There is an increased risk of rabies nationwide. Transmission occurs mainly through stray dogs. Cats, forest animals and bats are also carriers. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays.
bird flu
In December 2007, WHO first confirmed infection with the H5N1 virus in a man who died in a Peshawar hospital. The disease was detected in poultry a long time ago. The Federal Foreign Office published the following information on bird flu in a leaflet: – Travel to affected countries is currently considered harmless – However, contact with live or dead poultry should be avoided. – No visits to bird or poultry markets. – Bringing bird products (including feathers) from affected countries into the EU is prohibited. – According to the current state of knowledge, the consumption of poultry meat or eggs is harmless if they are well cooked. – Refrain from keeping ornamental birds when staying in the affected regions. A vaccine that is effective against bird flu is not currently available.
Health certificate
For long-term stays, a negative HIV test in English is required to apply for a visa or upon entry.
Money
Currency
1 Pakistani rupee = 100 paise (not in circulation). Currency code: PR, PKR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 PR. Coins come in denominations of 5, 2, and 1 PR.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Mastercard are only accepted in large cities in hotels and in a few supermarkets and shops. Details from the card issuer.
ATMs
Bank cards With a credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in large cities. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in major cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Traveler’s checks
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in Pakistan in large cities at a few banks (e.g. Summit Bank) and exchange offices (e.g. Riaz Exchange Company).
Bank opening hours
Generally Mon-Thu and Sat 09.00-13.30, Fri 09.00-12.30.
Foreign exchange regulations
The export of the national currency is limited to 3,000 PR, when leaving for India it is limited to 500 PR. Unlimited import of foreign currency. Export of foreign currency up to a maximum value of US$ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
US dollars are recommended. Exchange receipts should be retained. When exchanging, the passport is usually to be shown. Banks and bureaux de change in major cities also exchange euros for local currency. Re-exchange is only allowed up to 500 rupees.
