Getting to Karachi: What to Bring

Health Items:

Insect Repellent - Sawyer "Controlled Release Deet Formula" can be purchased at sporting goods stores in the States and is in a squeeze bottle. It's made up of 20% Deet, which is a good Deet level.

Other items may include:

• Pepto tablets or Immodium
• Pepcid AC or Tums
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Tylenol or Ibuprofin
• Dramamine
• Sudafed, Benadryl or some sort of antihistamine
• Small tissue/Kleenex packs
• Rubbing alcohol swabs or some sort of antiseptic Wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Basic first aid items such as Band-Aids and latex gloves
• Thermometer
• Cough drops

Clothing:

Men:

Slacks and polo/golf type shirts are suitable as casual wear. Long sleeve dress shirts with ties are worn by businessmen and professionals. One or two pairs of jeans are okay, though they'll be hotter than slacks. Shoe information below.

Women:

Women are encouraged to wear pants and a long loose fitting shirt (not tucked in). The longer the shirt, the better the choice! Short sleeves are fine. Sleeveless is not recommended. Women will have the option to purchase the local dress here, shalwar qameez, baggy pants worn under a dress that goes to the knees, with a scarf. These outfits cost anywhere from $10-$30. (Many men here wear a version of the shalwar qameez, with baggy pants under a long shirt, but not in business settings.)

Shoes:

A good pair of comfortable sandals is recommended as footwear. Men may want to wear a comfortable pair of loafers or dress shoes. Tennis shoes are also an option, though most locals only wear tennis shoes for exercising. The main idea is to wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, that are comfortable and that are easy to slip on and off when going in and out of homes.

Electricity:

The voltage used in Karachi is 220. If you bring any electrical appliances (hair dryer, electric razor, etc.), you will need to bring a converter and adapter. Karachi does experience load shedding, or power outages, frequently.