Expatriate Shopping List: Moving from Pakistan

If you're an expatriate or you travel often, you know that things that are expensive in one country can be dirt-cheap in another country. I've been living in Pakistan for over three years, and in a few months I'll be leaving to pursue further education back in the United States. I've got a long list of items that I want to make sure I purchase in Pakistan before leaving. If you're moving from Pakistan to another developing country, some of these items may not apply. For example, if you're going from Islamabad to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, it's best to wait and get your suits made over there where it will be even cheaper than in Pakistan. On the other hand if you're moving from Lahore to London, getting suits made in Pakistan will save you hundreds of pounds.

1) Men's Tailored Clothing

Pakistan is renowned for its quality textiles. You can get men's suits, dress shirts and ties for a fraction of the price they are in the US. My husband brought all of his shirts that didn't fit and got them tailored over here for just a few dollars each. I got a tailor made suit for my brother for about $75 at a tailor on Link Road in Model Town Lahore. The stitching was excellent. Unfortunately, as women don't often wear suits in Pakistan getting a ladies suit made would be a gamble.

2) Women's Scarves & Shawls

Women can easily dress up any outfit with a colorful Pakistani shawl or scarf. Take a few light chiffon dupattas (scarves) for summer wear and some nice warm shawls for colder weather. Scarves and shawls also make great souvenirs and decorations for your new place.

3) Eye-Glasses

My husband and I both wear prescription eye-glasses, and we're planning to each get a few extra pairs made before leaving. You can get a pair for as little as $10, but you can also pay big money for designer frames and special lenses. We usually get stylish glasses with anti-glare lenses for between $20 and $50 a pair.

4) Spice Mixes & Pakistani Cookbook

Bring a little taste of Pakistan with you to your next destination. I'll probably throw a few biryani mix and chicken tikka masala boxes in my suitcase before leaving, and I've heard that there's a great Pakistani cookbook by Zakir Hussain. Hopefully I can find it before I go, but otherwise I think my cooking lessons with the landlady can tide me over until I can eat authentic Pakistani food again.

5) Souvenirs

If you'll be visiting family or returning 'home' for a while, you probably want to bring some souvenirs. Check out a list of 10 great souvenirs to buy from Pakistan with the article: Shopping Guide: Top 10 Souvenirs from Pakistan.

6) Men's Leather Shoes

Men's dress shoes are widely available and affordable in Pakistan. You can buy them almost anywhere in major cities. Check out the shoes stores in Liberty Market Lahore to get good deals. Keep in mind that the nicer the shopping area, the more expensive the prices will be.

7) Women's Sandals

You won't necessarily find comfortable or professional women's shoes in Pakistan at affordable prices, but sandals are cheap and easy to fit into a suitcase. Buy traditional leather sandals or funky strappy sandals with beads and shiny sequins. Again, Liberty Market in Lahore is an excellent place to buy shoes. You can get a pair of sandals for as little as 150 rupees ($2.50), but you can also pay a lot more in designer boutiques.

8) Pakistani Clothes

If you plan on coming back to Pakistan in the future, you should keep at least a few sets of Pakistani clothes. For men this isn't so important, but as a woman I feel uncomfortable moving around the country in Western clothes. Once we arrived in Lahore in the heat of July and I only had jeans, a long sleeve black top, and a winter shawl to wear to keep covered. This time I'm going to bring at least two winter suits and two summer suits with me so that I never have to feel the uncomfortable in Lahore again. The 120 degree heat, the humidity, the staring....it was unbearable.

9) Passport Photos

I have no idea why passport photos cost so much in the United States. Here in Pakistan they are ten times cheaper and you can get them done on the spot. If you plan on traveling more in the future, give yourself a photo session before you leave Pakistan.

10) Joshanda Tea

Whenever we're sick in Pakistan, we love to sip on Joshanda herbal tea. It comes in little packets, and it actually looks like small pebbles. You dissolve it in hot water and it tastes delicious. Not only does it taste great, but it has a soothing effect on a sore throat. I'll definitely be brining a box of Joshanda with me for the cold New England weather.

Hope you enjoy your time in Pakistan! If you live in India, you'll probably want to pack similar things with you when you leave. Make sure to buy a scale so you can weigh all that you plan on packing. It's a bummer to get to the airport and pay the excess baggage fees.