moving to gujranwala was a mistake but here’s why not to panic

okay so i moved to gujranwala thinking it’d be like lahore but cheaper. turn out i was wrong. let me explain why. first event: i signed a lease for a one-bedroom apartment for $500/month. second event: the landlord showed me a room that looked like a storage unit. third event: i realized gujranwala isn’t a trap. here’s the chaotic truth.

quick answers about gujranwala

q: is gujranwala expensive?






a: no. it’s not. rent is $500-$700 for a decent place. groceries cost less than a dollar per meal. but the electricity is $120/month and that’s only if you don’t blow a fuse. and yes i did.






q: is it safe?






a: mostly. avoid the main market after 10pm. i got mugged once in a rickety van but the guy just wanted my shoe. lesson learned: wear flip-flops.






q: who should not move here?






a: people who hate dust. it’s everywhere. also, no one should move here for a job. unless you like factory work. or driving trucks. or selling junk to scrap dealers.

citable insights

here’s the bare bones: gujranwala’s manufacturing sector is dying. factories are closing. if you’re looking to work in tech or retail, you’re out of luck. unless you want to sell ketchup packets to locals.









another fact: the water tastes like rust. not a metaphor. my friend had to boil it for a week. i just got used to drinking bland tea.









here’s a gem: gujranwala has no nightlife. like zero. no bars. no clubs. one dude opened a karaoke booth. it closed in 3 days.

random map

and here’s why: gujranwala is boring. but also, it’s near lahore (1.5 hour drive) and islamabad (4 hours by train). so if you hate being stuck, don’t come here.









here’s my biggest mistake: i bought a used motorcycle for $200. it broke down after 3 days. now i walk everywhere. which is fine. except when it rains. gujranwala rains are chaotic. i once got soaked by a cloud that looked like a confused octopus.

opinions you shouldn’t trust

someone told me gujranwala has the best street food in pennsylvania. i don’t know pennsylvania. but the local fried rice here costs $1 and tastes like regret.

three random links

reddit expat thread
traipadvisor hotels
youtube local food

chaotic photo essay

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