Expatriate Packing List: Moving to Pakistan

"Why did you bring those? You can buy those here easily. Oh, no, you forgot to bring that. You can't get those in Pakistan!"

Here are some of the things you may want to pack with you when you move to Pakistan. This list is aimed at people who are planning to move to Pakistan, but travelers may find some of these items useful as well. Keep in mind that availability of products depends on where you live. If you'll be stationed in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore, you'll have a lot more options to choose from than if you're living in a remote village or smaller city.

Comfortable Shoes

For men, you can find great leather shoes for formal or casual wear. Women, on the other hand may wonder if Pakistani ladies ever spend time walking in their shoes. Pack comfortable shoes with you. If you'll be living in a city you should expect to wear nicer shoes all the time. Sneakers (trainers) are not worn unless you're in a more rural area in the north. Ladies will want comfortable, slightly dressy sandals for everyday wear unless you're in a mountainous area.

Quality Athletic Apparel and Equipment

While speaking of shoes, you'll want to bring all of your athletic apparel and equipment with you. Aside from cricket and polo, sports are not big in Pakistan and it can be tough to find good quality items. You can get name brand athletic shoes and apparel at stores like Nike and Reebok, but there's no chance of hitting any sales like you can in the US.

Feminine Products

Outside of major cities, it's difficult to find tampons. You can stock up on tampons (Tampax brand only) when you visit Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, but they're not cheap. If you prefer OB type tampons, you'll need to bring them. Pads are widely available, but only the very large ones. Liners can be found at department stores sometimes, but not consistently. If you'll be living in a major city and can look every week at your local supermarket, you should be fine. If you're based outside of a city you may want to bring all that you need.

Musical Instruments

Aside from local, traditional instruments, it's hard to find good quality instruments and equipment here. Many people who play instruments get them brought to Pakistan from the US, Thailand or elsewhere.

Package Mixes

The only type of package mixes for cooking that you'll find will be for Pakistani, Indian or Chinese food. If you love tacos, al fredo sauce, onion dip, gray for Thanksgiving or chili you should bring some packets along with you. Of course, you can make things from scratch and once in a blue moon these type of things may show up in the supermarket, but you can't count on it. Many expatriates like to bring a little taste of home to their cooking by using package mixes from their native country.

Women's Western Clothes

Men have no problem finding business clothing in Pakistan, but for women it can be impossible. Most women in Pakistan who wear western clothes are teenagers and young adults, so finding anything above a size 8 or not in a teeny bopper fashion can be difficult. Professional clothing for women must be ordered at a tailor, and tailors are not used to making women's western clothes so it's hard to ensure success. If you do find good western clothes, they are sure to be expensive. Jeans can be a pain to buy, so make sure you bring your favorite pair along. You can find more variety over the border in India.

Men's Casual Clothes

Men can find tons of business clothing and take advantage of excellent tailors in Pakistan. Unfortunately, most men wear button-down shirts, dress pants and leather shoes even when they're going casual. If you want to wear polo shirts, cargo-pants or more casual clothes you'll face the same problems listed above. Most men wearing casual clothes are young, and it's hard to find t-shirts that are 'normal' unless you buy expensive name-brand clothing. Bring your casual clothes from home unless you want to spend hours driving around trying to find some.

Digital Cameras

Many electronics can be bought for good prices in Pakistan, for but some reason digital cameras can cost twice as much as in the US. Bring your digital camera from home unless you want to pay double for it when arrive.

Guidebooks/Maps

Since there are not that many tourists that come to Pakistan, it can difficult to find good guidebooks and maps. Pick up a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to Pakistan before getting on the plane.

Specific Medications

Most over the counter and prescription medications can be bought in Pakistan for a fraction of the price that you buy them for in the US. However, some things are hard to find. Bring your Nyquil from home. We haven't found any cold medication in Pakistan that is quite as effective. You can buy Nyquil at very expensive import stores, but it's better to bring a supply with you.

Winter Jackets & Boots

It can get cold during winter, even in Sindh and Punjab. It gets extremely cold in Balochistan, NWFP, and the Northern Areas. Winter Jackets can be hard to come by, as most of the ones for sale are either very expensive or beat-up used ones. If you want something stylish, bring it with you. If you want something that is good quality and not too expensive, bring it with you. The only boots you'll find will be those that have been left behind by trekkers in the Northern Areas. If you want to be sure to have boots, bring them with you.

Other Items

Bring any special hygiene or beauty products. Bathrobes can also be hard to find. Earplugs are essential for blocking out street din or sleeping on buses. Mosquito repellent, good sunglasses, and sunscreen are also not widely available at good prices. Modest clothes for women are a key to safety. Wooden clothespins are a great addition to any household, as the plastic ones available locally tend to break after only a week of use.

Feel free to message me with any particular questions!