Is Karachi Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Karachi is the largest city and financial capital of Pakistan, as well as the largest port of the nation.

It is also the capital of the province of Sindh.

The pace of life is completely different in Karachi than in other cities of Pakistan: everything is more hectic, hurried, and the residents are far more liberal than in the rest of Pakistan.

Aside from chaotic events that take place now and then, Karachi is a good place to live in – perhaps even the best place to live in Pakistan if you want to indulge yourself in a variety of foods, cultures, societies, etc.

Warnings & Dangers in Karachi

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

With poverty crushing the city, it is no wonder that Karachi isn't the safest city for travelers, as both petty and violent crimes took over the streets. Be extremely careful if you're planning on visiting Karachi.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Public transport is in very bad condition. Rickshaws are the best form of public transport here. If at all possible, arrange with the people you're staying with to pick you up from the airport.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Petty street crime is a serious issue in Karachi and tourists are strongly advised against carrying valuables with them while on the streets: passports, bank cards, bags, jewelry, laptops, mobile phones, iPads and anything else you can think of is of extreme value to any pickpocket in Karachi, since there is a large black market for all of these items, especially for passports whether forged or stolen.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, Karachi is susceptible to a couple of them that have hit in the past, like earthquakes, floods, and droughts. Monitor the situation and follow the advice from the authorities.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime rates are also high in Karachi, and this includes armed robbery, robbery, carjacking, kidnappings, home invasion, and even murder. These are all common, especially in major urban areas though the situation is getting better and better.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Karachi. The biggest threat comes from Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan, which is an umbrella organization of groups based in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. TTP carry out attacks throughout Pakistan, and the attacks are usually carried out using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including suicide attacks.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are scammers in Karachi trying to take advantage of tourists, and the situation with scams is similar as in any other country. Be wary when handling money and of anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

As a woman in Karachi, you should be smart and careful, especially at night, obviously avoid big crowds or masses of people and you should be just fine.

So... How Safe Is Karachi Really?

The law and order situation has improved significantly and one can see so many positive things happening in the town.

Street crime in Karachi is somewhat expected from a big city, but this one known for its high crime rates.

With more than 25 million population, crimes cannot be eliminated, but the rate of crime has reduced significantly after recent operations.

Mugging, snatching, getting robbed is common.

Mobile phones, gold jewelry, motorbikes, etc are on the hit list for street crime experts.

Despite all these problems, life here is very much possible, but one needs to be extra cautious.

One thing important to note here is that Karachi is a huge city and it’s also ever-expanding.

Problems that exist in one part of the city may not exist in another.

However, the biggest issue for foreigners in Karachi, when it comes to safety, is that this country – as well as the city – has suffered from several bomb attacks during the last couple of years, and they were aimed against security forces, so-called western institutions.

Tourists are also strongly advised against visiting political gatherings, as – though it’s a country filled with friendly people – these gatherings might escalate into a protest that can turn violent and in some cases deadly.

How Does Karachi Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do need a visa to enter Karachi. Some travelers can get a visa on arrival if traveling as part of a group tour, or for business. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your stay in Pakistan. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Pakistani embassy for further information.

Currency

The Pakistani rupee is the official currency in Karachi. There are ATMs in the city and they accept foreign credit cards. Top-end establishments accept credit cards, but you are advised to bring cash with you.

Weather

Karachi has a desert climate. There is virtually no rainfall during the year in Karachi. The summers here are hot, oppressive, arid, and windy; the winters are short, comfortable, and dry; and it is mostly clear year-round!

Airports

Jinnah International Airport is the largest and busiest international airport in Karachi and all of Pakistan. It is located right in the city!

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Karachi, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Karachi Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Pakistan - Safety by City