Islamabad - Post Report Question and Answers
What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Definitely good quality cheese (is the rarest commodity in Pakistan - one can even find smuggled alcohol - but not cheese, so it is very expensive), wine, beer and spirits. European-style furniture is not available either. - Oct 2023
Nothing, really. DPO is fast and I really never had a situation where either I or my housekeeper couldn’t find something I needed. I put on a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner for 40 people and the only thing I bought outside the local market was a turkey from the commissary (and only because I forgot to order one far enough in advance from the butcher). - Jun 2022
Ship items that you use often and prefer certain brands, especially tolietry items. - Feb 2019
Good chocolate. Organic personal care items. - Jan 2017
Amazon comes so fast that it's better to get here and see what you're actually lacking. You will probably be surprised by what is available. - Sep 2016
Bring everything you need to be entertained at home - movies (there is no Netflix in Pakistan!), books (even though there are decent bookstores in town - Saeed bookbank is the best), video games, whatever. - Sep 2015
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. - Aug 2015
Nothing. - Feb 2014
? Exotic cooking supplies (mainly for Mexican and Thai food) if you must. We felt we found everything we needed.. - Dec 2013
Certain exotic cooking supplies (mainly for Mexican and Thai food). - Mar 2012
Nothing. You can order anything you may need when you get there. If you do not have access to DPO or the embassy commissary, I would strongly suggest mailing stuff like detergent, specific spices, sauces, etc. - May 2011
I shipped an elliptical and a treadmill so I could have a personal gym at my house, and I'm really glad I did. Exercise equipment available at METRO isn't great, and it's expensive. Other items: Black beans, Herbs de provonce, Wheat-Thins. Everything else you can pretty much get in town. - Jan 2010
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. - Oct 2009
Fewer. - Oct 2008
