Karachi, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 05/01/25
Personal Experiences from Karachi, Pakistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I have had over 20 years of experience working and living as an expat in several countries in Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
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?
Washington, DC. It's 1-2 days of flying. The easiest route is DC to Doha and then on to Karachi. Karachi is somewhat isolated usually requiring a connection in UAE or Qatar, but there are direct flights to Istanbul and Thailand.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2024
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing for U.S. diplomats is all on compound in nice modern apartments. Five minute commute to work!
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and household supplies are very inexpensive compared to the United States. Given security restrictions it is more of a project to go to multiple stores to get all the products you might want, but you can find excellent produce, decent quality chicken and beef, a huge selection of spices, and many other imported products.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bringing good quality chocolate or any pork products in your luggage is something many expats do.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is a wide range of good quality restaurants, including delivery services. From Chinese food to European food and excellent Pakistani cuisine.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not in the diplomatic housing.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. It takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks to receive items shipped from the United States.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is very affordable and most people have at least a housekeeper. For expats that live in the city, it is common to also have a cook and a gardener. The latter two aren't needed in diplomatic housing.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
With security restrictions and poor air quality, these are not really options. People exercise in the gym or use the outdoor fitness facilities like the tennis courts.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The consulate has a nice gym and several sports facilities including a pool and tennis courts.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can use credit cards sometimes, but there are often restrictions on the amount you can charge, so it's always better to have cash on hand. It is mostly a cash economy.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few churches.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most people in Karachi who are middle or upper class speak English well.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Buildings are not generally accessible and there are no sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are not safe if you are an expat. If you live in the city, it would be better to have a car and driver. At the U.S. diplomatic mission there are motor pool services you are required to use.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is generally reliable and affordable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I kept Google Fi and also got a local SIM. Google Fi doesn't work that well here, but it's great to have when you leave the country for holiday.
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?
This would be a challenge. Veterinary services are not very high quality.
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?
I work at the diplomatic mission. Other expats I know work at the international schools, multinational corporations, or for NGOs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Pakistanis dress more conservatively and more formally than Americans.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a dangerous city with high crime rates and terrorist activity.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air quality is terrible. Most people suffer from gastrointestinal illnesses and there is exposure to dengue, malaria, and typhoid.
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?
Air quality is terrible and it has a big impact on your life.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
If you have breathing problems or allergies, this could be a challenging environment with the pollution. If you have food allergies, you might want to cook more at home because asking for restaurants and cooks to change the menu might not result in actual removal of the ingredients you are allergic to.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Nothing particular that I've noticed. In the diplomatic community, some people can feel isolated and get a bit of cabin fever, socializing so often with people you work with and being separated from family. This can create some psychological distress in some people.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Karachi is always hot. Winter is just less hot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are a few international schools: British and American.
2. 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?
There are preschools and they are affordable.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The expat community in Karachi is small. There are a few European missions, Japan, Korea, Turkey, a few SE Asian countries present.
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?
Karachi is a very social city. Pakistanis are very warm and hospitable. It is very easy to receive invitations to people's homes and home entertainment is very common. Golf is also popular and there are many people who enjoy that here.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For U.S. diplomats this is only a post for singles or couples. Both can thrive. This really depends on the individual. For expats outside of the diplomatic community, this would be a good post for families. Pakistan is very family-oriented.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It's very easy to make friends with Pakistanis.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
This could be an uncomfortable and dangerous place for LGBT expats.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are challenges with prejudice and sexism. It is a conservative society overall.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Karachi as a city has a lot to offer from nice restaurants to art galleries and museums. It's a very international city and many people in Karachi are very cosmopolitan.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Golfing, Mohatta Palace, check out the many private art galleries, nice textiles and handicrafts, good local music.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Furniture is high quality and affordable. There are a lot of artists selling their work at galleries. Carpets are a favorite item too.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Friendly locals, good food, interesting and complicated country with a rich culture.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I didn't know how social Pakistanis were and that Karachi is a night city. People in Karachi stay out late. Dinners can start at 10 pm.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, definitely. Karachi has been a great city to live in and I've enjoyed my time here.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes, shorts, and short dresses.
4. But don't forget your:
sunglasses, conservative clothing, and golf clubs.
5. Do you have any other comments?
Karachi is underrated. It's a great city to live in and has been one of my favorite assignments.
