‘Fixers’ can be found everywhere. Most people with some English have the idea that they are of invaluable use to visitors, but they may not have the necessary contacts in a specific field or an awareness of different needs. In fact many learned their English in Pakistan while living in the refugee camps and don’t know their own country and culture. It is therefore better to get a referral from an expatriate.

A secretary in a small NGO receives U$100 per month, while in large NGOs a secretary’s salary can be US$200 and upwards per month. Some translators get between US$25 and US$50 per day. In early 2002 the UNDP suggested that a code of conduct including set salaries should be voluntarily accepted in order to curb the labour and housing prices that were spiralling out of control because of the flood of media and donors. To date however nothing has been done. Check with established NGOs to find out an acceptable wage.