Islamabad, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 08/02/15
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?
no--Mexico and Europe
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?
Texas
3. How long have you lived here?
10 months
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The Embassy is moving to group housing-- be advised. Commute is short. It's moldy in the housing--I currently have mold growing on my bathroom ceiling. That said, I do like my house, its pretty spacious. I have a large 4 BR duplex, no yard. A friend's basement flooded twice, and he had major electrical problems. Not a place for the sensitive. Lots of people have really nice yards and houses, some houses aren't so good. Couples and senior people get beautiful homes. The Embassy is pretty responsive on maintenance. Full time guards and concertina wire at your home, of course. You will spend most of your time at the Embassy or at home.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It's worth it to hire a housekeeper who can cook and shop for you. There is a limited commissary at the Embassy, but items are often expired by the time they hit the shelves. On the local economy, lots of nice fruits and vegetables. No decent bread. Cheese is 100 % imported and very expensive, but you can get fresh Australian milk.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
A battery backup/UPS. You cannot get one shipped and they are pricey on the local economy. Thank God for Amazon. I have gotten boxes within 6 days sometimes.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
A few decent restaurants and coffee shops.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
mosquitoes
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Excellent. I have a housekeeper couple almost full time who also cook and shop -- US$400/month, part time gardener US$60/month, dog walker twice per weekday US$190/ month. I had to hire all Christians because of my dogs. Other locals were not able to deal with the (very well behaved) dogs.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy has a decent gym, tennis courts and inexpensive lessons, some exercise classes
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I have bought carpets a few times with credit card. MasterCards work less, bring a Visa card.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Christian services-- Catholic, Mormon, Anglican.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None really.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
yes
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No
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?
Rent a car here for less than US$300 per month or pay for motorpool. I recommend a car.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
yes-- US$75 per month for the fastest they have including an HD converter box which I highly recommend.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked android.
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 quarantine. 2 mediocre vets. I buy human meds at the local pharmacy and treat my pets. All food and litter from Amazon.
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?
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
very limited
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
pretty casual. Women wear local clothing on Fridays some. Most women don't wear dresses and high heels.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
yes
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
decent---all the doctors are trained in the U.S...... everyone suffers from the usual respiratory, cold viruses, stomach bugs.
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?
moderate
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
mostly warm to hot
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large--morale is ok.
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?
eat out in a few areas, parties at one another's homes.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
yes--lots. Incessant leering even if you dress modestly. Religious violence.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
shopping
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Carpets. Lots of people have furniture made. Jewelry and clothes.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
saving money; buying carpets; interesting work
9. Can you save money?
Yes. Lots of overtime.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Its pretty much what I expected.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, it's fine here right now. It worked reasonably well for me. I learned a lot at my job.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Plans whatever they are. The key to a successful tour is good co-workers and a flexible attitude.
4. But don't forget your:
Good attitude and emotional equilibrium. Ability to self-entertain.
5. Do you have any other comments?
This is a huge post and we are rebuilding the entire Embassy compound so there will be jobs and opportunities here for a long time.
