Newcomer Guide

Topic 2 of 14

Arrival & the airport

Immigration, first cash, first SIM, first ride

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is modern and reasonably calm. Immigration wants your passport, visa printout, and occasionally a return-ticket or hotel answer — have them ready.

  1. 1Immigration → baggage → customs (green channel if nothing to declare).
  2. 2Withdraw a modest amount from a bank-branded ATM in arrivals, or exchange a little cash — just enough for a day.
  3. 3If official telecom booths are open, a SIM at the airport is legitimate; otherwise wait for a brand store in the city.
  4. 4Book a Careem/Yango from the app rather than accepting offers in the hall.
Ignore anyone who approaches offering 'taxi, taxi' or help with bags for money. Fixed-price booths and app rides exist precisely so you never need them.
The airport is ~30–40 minutes from the F sectors with normal traffic. Agree app-based; if you must take an airport taxi, fix the full price before the bags go in.
Next upSIM & connectivity