Islamabad, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 08/28/15
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?
Nope. Several other cities - all over.
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?
Pacific Northwest. Travel takes 30 hours, with connections in LA and Seattle. Etihad and Emirates have Dubai/Abu Dhabi to LAX direct flights. 16.5 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Money, money, money. Also, when else would you ever get to live here?
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Fair warning: they are moving people into group homes, so have fun living "The Real World" Islamabad. Fortunately I arrived before that trend, so I live in a gorgeous 4-bedroom house at the end of a quiet street with only my spouse and our two cats. I do live pretty far out, so it takes 20-30 minutes to get to/from work, depending on traffic.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
We purchase all of our groceries for the week for $50 (including fresh veggies and dry goods) for two people. We make breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most fast food is $2-$6 per plate. Pretty much all restaurants deliver.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Minimal: some 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?
Don't use any. This is another thing driven by peer pressure. We hold multiple events at our home, both official and unofficial, and do not use domestic help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The US Embassy's gym is sufficient. Snobs can pay to go to Serena, so they can sit by the pool and feel important or classy.
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 used ATMs all over the city with no issues.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Minimal.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yup again. There are no services for individuals with disabilities. Most places don't even have ramps.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
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 can rent a car for $250 a week.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I dont know. It is paid for by our section.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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.
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?
Nope. Spouses are required to work at the embassy in order to live in Pakistan. Only menial jobs are available, and while your talent is being wasted you will be told over and over again that you should be grateful to even have a job. Interesting duties are unionized by FSOs. Supervisors are not interested in professional development of EFMs.
The couple of decent jobs at the embassy are held for people whose spouse will threaten to curtail if they are not given their choice. So good jobs are given to people who have no more to offer than empty threats. The competant spouses refuse to take another job with an embassy after this post. They further disenfranchise EFMs by having HR collect their time and attendance instead of including them in the section where they work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Modest. Business.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It's a pretty dangerous place. We have had several lockdowns. Right now is a period of freedom. but several locations are off limits.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
I stopped going to the health unit after being repeatedly asked for stool samples instead of being treated for my problem. I have not been to the health unit in over a year.
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.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot most of the year, but it gets pretty cool in the winter.
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?
You will find the biggest bunch of whiners you have ever met.
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, happy hours, and dinners out.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Singles struggle because this post is very isolating. If your only desire is to occupy your desk for 14 hours a day, then this is the place for you! Extra long work hours are largely a result of peer pressure. Couples at post together do better than couples apart --- there is rampant cheating.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, as long as you remain under the radar. Pakistani men are very touchy with each other, so being normally affectionate with a partner in public (short of kissing) would probably not be noticed.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yup.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Paying off my student loans. Decent food. Lots of travel.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Rugs, furniture, and jewelry
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Money.
9. Can you save money?
Tons, if you are not an idiot about it.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How terrible the EFM positions are.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Probably.
