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Late 20s male thinking of mobving to Karachi - advice please!

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HW
  3/24/2008 22:51 EST

Hi there - i am 28 white (not that that really matters) english but have lived all over the place. currently living in Hong Kong. I might move to Karachi for 18 months later this summer and wondered what advice people might give. Specifically, i am interested in the following:

- Are there many younger expats (less then 32ish) living in Karachi?

- Are the recent secutiy issues related to election and other issues really a problem? is this somehting i should be too worried about (kidnapping etc..)


- how am i going to meet people out there? is there a social scene at all in Karachi?/what clubs should i join (sports clubs etc..)

- Do most people rent houses or appartments? - where should i be looking? i will be looking for something up market and reasonably high end.


Thanks very much - i have never lived in the middle east so am really excited about the possibility but just want to make sure i know what i am getting myself in for!

h

PAKGURU
  4/13/2008 11:57 EST

Hello,
As oveall security situation in Karachi, currently not OK, series of accident expected to worst because of current politica situation. Good think is that Expats were not targetted ever. For living you can find both House & Apart but only consider the areas like defence and clifton. These areas normally not disturbed during strikes / riots etc. Regarding other expat definite there are the expat communities but not open! but you can get information from your embassy on arrival they can guide you better. For recreation Karachi has lot of facilities of high class sports clubs etc not difficult to find in Defence or clifton areas

Advise is that keep eyes on security situation. can contact me azhar.pakistan on yahooo.
TC

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fefe76
  5/24/2008 09:29 EST

hi H

well lets see ....Karachi and expats .... u will not see many nowadays but those who u see are either here on business or prob married to Pakistanis

You see a lot of Russians here !

I am sure you will run into some expats in your time here....

clubs are plenty but membership is very expensive and only worth it if you were living here on a more perm basis

however there are nice gyms etc which u can join and places u can go to have some fun (bowling, cinema)

security is an issue but try and blend in, wear local clothes, grow a beard LOL... thats what my hubby did when we lived here for 2 yrs ! (he is an Aussie)
just keep things low key, dont drive too fancy a car, flaunt money, be careful when going to ATMs and money changers etc

what u rent is according to your needs...since there will be one of u it maybe worthwhile just getting a one bedroom apartment

rent is not cheap here esp in the more up-market , safe areas

language barrier is no issue...English is widely spoken even by the people u expect not 2 be able 2 speak it...however when speaking to them keep it basic !

people will always try and rip u off ..... best thing is do your shopping from the bigger supermarkets where everything is priced ....with beggars just wave them off as the minute u open your mouth and they know u r foreign for sure u will be hassled to no end
if u feel u must give money please give it 2 a charitable organistation rather then beggars on the street who are "professionals"

parties and alcohol are in abundance in Karachi as long as u move in the right crowd. there are nice people here but there are also ppl who will try take advantage and use u so just be a tad careful

if there are any other questions feel free 2 ask..... ive lived in Karachi for 13 yrs and know it and the ppl really well !

lol

good luck

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