Islamabad, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 10/05/09
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. Samoa 1 year.
2. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Corporate.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Full range of housing including excellent apartments.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Excellent in Islamabad - everything can be purchased - from foodstuffs to household supplies - including potted plant materials. Some more obscure groceries have to be purchased in the more international supermarkets, but there is a full range.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
There are a small list of things (such as textiles and make-up) which you cannot send. Otherwise, anything. I have sent electrical goods as well as foodstuffs.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
All kinds. It is expensive for some things, but cheaper meals are also available.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None really.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The postal service in Pakistan is very good. Islamabad has excellent post offices which offer courier and standard mail services. Parcels of a high value should be insured, but I have experienced a strong record of delivery, sometimes very quickly.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There is plentiful domestic help and it is not expensive. There are cooks with western experience -- although few can follow recipes directly. Most are willing to learn. There are issues of petty thieving by domestic staff.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. There is also an indoor 50m swimming pool at the sports complex which has ladies-only swimming sessions.
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?
No problems - well secured and cirrus enabled.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. Church of England and Roman Catholic services are available.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes. Newspapers are available daily and are inexpensive. Cable tv is available. Subscription rates vary according to the number of channels taken. Most good quality material is broadcast from India.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, although any attempt is greatly appreciated.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sidewalks do not accommodate wheelchairs, and lifts are not often present.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The Daewoo Express buses are clean, comfortable and secure. The fares are very reasonable, and food and drink items are available on board. Women travelling alone will not be seated next to a male.
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?
Any car right-hand-drive car is okay.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
A wide range of affordable cell phones and plans are available. Jazz is very common and easy to recharge.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is rabies in Pakistan, so did not bring pets.
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?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
With modesty.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Pollution can be moderate depending on weather conditions. Visibility can be very low at times.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Malaria.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
In Islamabad, you need to be mindful of opportunistic threats. But generally, if you are well-dressed and behaving respectfully, and if you are able to use basic Urdu, there will be no issues.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Water needs to be bottled / purified, and all fruits and vegetables must be rinsed in purified water prior to consumption. Available medical care is of international standards. The hospital in Islamabad is excellent.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Monsoonal with cold winters.
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.
2. Morale among expats:
Good.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Most expats use the UN, the Canadian Club, etc., but we chose to socialise more with Pakistanis. We found this very rewarding and enriching.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, Islamabad is a terrific, well planned capital city reminiscent of Canberra. Its proximity to Rawalpindi means that access to the "real" Pakistan is a short drive away.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Pakistan is, like Israel, the only country created since World War II to house a particular religion. There are prejudices against Shi'a Islam, particularly during Ashura, and also against Christianity.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Walking in the Margalla Hills, trips to the Salt Range, the UNESCO Heritgate site at Taxila, the hill stations of Nathiangali, Thandiani, shopping in 'Pindi. Cultural activities through the Asian Studies Group, great bookshops and restaurants. Rawal Lake.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Textiles, jewelry, chinioti wooden furniture.
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, definitely. Pakistanis are very welcoming and keen to engage.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
shorts, capri trousers.
3. But don't forget your:
ipod, stereo system - electronics are expensive in Pakistan.
