Karachi for newcomers: getting around, where to live, and what things cost

The map in one paragraph

Karachi spreads west to east along the coast. Clifton and DHA in the south are the upscale residential and dining zones; Saddar is the old commercial core; Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan-e-Johar are dense middle-class districts; the North (Nazimabad, North Karachi) is older and more affordable.

Getting around

Ride-hailing dominates. The Green Line BRT runs north–south through the centre. Traffic peaks 8–10 am and 5–8 pm.

Utilities

Electricity is supplied by K-Electric, not a WAPDA DISCO, billing and complaints run through KE's app. Water is often tankered in newer schemes; ask before renting.

Costs

A two-bedroom apartment in Gulshan rents for far less than the same in DHA. Solar with KE net metering is popular given load-shedding history.

Explore businesses in Karachi, hospitals, schools, restaurants and services with contact details.