Islamabad, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 04/01/14
Personal Experiences from Islamabad, Pakistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is our fourth expat experience, our first in a "dangerous" place.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. It was a 25 hour journey with a layover in Doha.
3. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
My wife works for the US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Our commute is 10 minutes even with the security stops. Some people drive up to 30 minutes.
But we are supposedly moving onto the compound in about a year so this is probably moot.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cheap. Cheaper still if you have your housekeeper do the shopping.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
I know there is a Hardee's but I haven't been.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I've heard of people having problems with ants and mosquitoes but I haven't had that problem. There are these really cute yellow wasps that cause intense pain if they sting you.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Depending on how often you want them, you can get someone for between US$100 and $250 a week. There is plenty of help available.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a gym on compound and I know there are some gyms in the city. Also, there is a group of men who beat tires as a workout. I don't know why they hate tires so much.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
It's a cash-based society. We get cash on the Enclave and use it when we go into town.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Little is necessary beyond your common phrases.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
We get out so rarely that I don't think it matters. The compound is pretty good for anyone, though a bit hilly.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
U.S. employees aren't allowed to take them.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You're going to be dinged by locals driving. I'd just buy or rent a cheap car while you're here. It's not leaving here in good shape.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The internet is fast enough although skype isn't always great here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No. There are a couple of vets - and one isn't bad.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
As a spouse of a U.S. Embassy employee, I am only allowed to work on the Embassy. And the spouses here call themselves "the sub-humans" because of the way we are treated by management. The attitude seems to be "We let you come here with your spouse. What else do you want?"
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are a couple of opportunities to work with local kids and, of course, you can create your own opportunities.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
On the Embassy, you'll see western business dress. Outside, it's mostly salwar kameezes.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
We have probably 15 armed guards within 50 yards of our house including a machine gun nest. We've been on lockdown about 2 weeks total over the last year.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Everyone gets stomach issues here. Everyone. Just try to be careful where you eat and get to the med unit when you need it.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Fine in the winter/spring, less than good in the summer.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It actually gets fairly cool in December-February. But it gets ridiculously hot starting in May and lasting through October.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large and not bad.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
House parties. Game nights.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for couples but no kids allowed. And your spouse can only come if s/he can get a job.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I know two guys who are dating men on the local scene. But I think it's pretty hush-hush.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Of course there are.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We've made some good friends here - with such limited movement, you really have to depend on each other for entertainment.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
When we're allowed, it's great to hike the Margalla Hills. It's rarely allowed.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The food is greasy but good. You should save a good bit of money. The weather is great from November until April. The people are generally very nice.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How poor the job opportunities are for EFMs. I would have spent a year away from my wife had I known. It would have been easier.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
If I were able to find a real job, yes. If not, no. My wife feels the same way - it's not worth the daily pain.
3. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Office Space.
4. Do you have any other comments?
As with anywhere else, a lot seems to depend on where you land. Certain sections seem quite happy while others, unfortunately, are not.
