Kabul, Afghanistan Report of what it's like to live there - 03/19/08
Personal Experiences from Kabul, Afghanistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I've also lived in the Near East, South and Central Asia.
2. How long have you lived here?
One year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work for the U.S. Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
DC-Kuwait-Dubai- Kabul. At least 24 hours or more.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Compound housing - we walk to work.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very slim, order from the internet or bring everything.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Liquids laundry soup, baking goods, snacks, toliet paper, books, hobby equipment, sport equipment, soccer ball, tennis racket, balls.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Take out Mexican, Indian, Pizza.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap, but it can be a pain; they go through your stuff.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are fine on the military bases; they spit out dollars or euros.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Sometimes on military compounds.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Satelite TV.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Almost none, depends on your employment in country.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Both sides.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Too dangerous.
3. 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?
Cannot bring a automobile and you would not want to.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Very good, if you live on a compound.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring a phone and get a local sim card.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
VOIP or internet.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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 is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Depends on on your job. Cargo pants, polo, boots or can be more dressy for official meetings. No need for high heels or dresses!
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Very unhealthy (fecal matter in the air).
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Everyone has a gun, vehicle and suicide bombs are increasing over the last few months.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Where to start?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Long dry summers and short cold winters.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Kids are not allowed; it's not good for children.
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
A few hundred depending on where you live in the country.
2. Morale among expats:
Varies; depends on how long you have been here. First when you arrive it's great, near the end it's very low and if all your friends left before you.
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?
Hanging out with friends, watching movies, playing Wii, playing soccer or going to the bazaar.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families are not allowed. Older couples seem to manage well but it's a test on any relationship. For singles it is hit or miss.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Does not appear to be very good.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Have not heard of any.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Watching movies, hanging out.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Rugs, lapis.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, as long you limit your internet shopping.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, because it was a means to an end and I met some wonderful people who will be life long friends.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Poor attitude, negative people, and the thought you are going to travel the whole country.
3. But don't forget your:
Understanding and a flexible attitude and lots of smiles! Being nice is not a crime!
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Kite Runner, Swallows of Kabul.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Kite Runner, Swallows of Kabul.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Take all your breaks out of here. It is good for moral for everyone to take their leaves. Living on a compound is tough and can be similar to middle school gossip.
