Peshawar, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 11/30/13
Personal Experiences from Peshawar, Pakistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is not my first expat experience and I've lived in many cities around the world as a U.S. government employee.
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?
My home base is Washington D.C. The commercial air trip is about a day or so from Washington D.C. to either Qatar, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai. Then the second leg is from any of the aforementioned locations in the Middle East to Islamabad or Peshawar.
3. How long have you lived here?
I've been here for the past 4 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am in Peshawar on a 1-year tour as a U.S. Government employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing is spartan.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The cost of household goods and groceries are moderate.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
A good laptop with wireless capability, a camera, e-books, and movies. Bring special condiments that you might like.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is a Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and an assorted number of local fast food places.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Flies seem everywhere. We have plenty of insect traps in our facility.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We get our packages and letters by official government channels.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. We have a well-equipped gym in our facility. The gym is provided free of charge.
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?
This is a cash economy but we have an ATM machine. Credit cards are used only for online purchases.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
None.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some greetings in the local dialects.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Our facilities are not designed for people with serious disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Use of local trains, buses, and taxis are prohibited.
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?
No automobiles are allowed.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. It is provided free for U.S. employees.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Use of cell phones is very cheap.
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 pets. We do have a mascot - a cat. Our cat is very well fed and unusually large for cats in our area.
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?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual dress.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Security is a critical priority. The host nation needs additional help in extending government control and the rule of law in ungoverned spaces throughout Pakistan.
We are here to help.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical facilities are available in our area.
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?
The air quality is moderate to unhealthy. We do have some good days when the weather cooperates.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is warm in the summer and cool in the winter. There is a substantial amount of rain in November.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No international schools available. This particular tour is unaccompanied.
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?
Unknown.
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?
Barbecues, movies, and holiday parties. Regular trips outside the country.
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?
Not recommended for folks subscribing to alternative lifestyles. Peshawar is an ultra-conservative area.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I've found that living and working in close quarters helps build a special cameraderie among all employees and the local staff.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Our small staff has very frequent social activities like barbecues and movie nights.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
You can buy precious stones, carpets, and antique firearms.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
You save lots of money. Security conditions preclude any touring trips in the city of Peshawar.
10. Can you save money?
I've saved plenty of money.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I would have brought some condiments and lots of maple syrup.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. All of us understand the risk but we do believe that we are doing a job that is both necessary and yet stimulating.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
You can leave behind most of your worldly goods. Mobility is needed if we have to evacuate the area because of security conditions.
4. But don't forget your:
Don't forget to bring your sense of humor and adventure.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Any books pertaining to the region.
7. Do you have any other comments?
I am enjoying my tour in Peshawar.
