World Race Guide

Colombia

Safety

Safety in Colombia

What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

1. Cartagena: Cartagena is safe. I would suggest going around with a local the first time you venture out. Taxis are safer than buses but you shouldn’t shy away from taking a bus. When you take a bus the vendors try to hand you what they are selling so politely say no gracias and keep your hands in your lap. Beaches were safe, when we went in the water.. have one person stay behind and keep an eye on your belongings. We were in every night by 10pm.
2. Cartagena: Cartagena is safe. I would suggest going around with a local the first time you venture out. Taxis are safer than buses but you shouldn’t shy away from taking a bus. When you take a bus the vendors try to hand you what they are selling so politely say no gracias and keep your hands in your lap. Beaches were safe, when we went in the water.. have one person stay behind and keep an eye on your belongings. We were in every night by 10pm.
3. Bogota (Buena Vista) – We never went anywhere without an escort from the church and we didn’t have any safety issues. The public buses get really crowded, so be smart about what you bring and watch your bags. We visited lots of schools and were reminded to be mindful of our bags around the kids, but we didn’t have any problems. We were told the water was potable, but filtered it all month with our WR filters per Adventures recommendation.
4. Bogotá (Santa Cecelia) -a local has accompanied us everywhere for safety reasons(even on our off days). Use common sense when out for ministry and recreation, and don’t make yourself a target.
5. Bogota! We had an escort from the Buena Vista church every where we went. Remain vigilant about your bags on public transport, but we were fortunate not to have any safety issues this month.
6. Two girls had things stolen on the bus ride to Bogota: a computer and a backpack. My team is in Cartagena and one teammate had his backpack stolen at the soccer field with his water bottle, Bible and journal. One teammate had a necklace ripped off her neck while walking down the middle of the street in our neighborhood. You need to be aware of your surroundings and not carry anything unnecessary with you. Money belts are a good idea, zipper pockets/hidden pockets, etc.

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Colombia

Health in Colombia
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1. There is a hospital in Boca Grande that we went to and did not have to pay anything for a consultation but take a local as they wanted to charge $75 and no one spoke English.
2. There’s a clinic at the bottom of the mountain, about 10 minutes from Buena Vista church. It cost one of our members $55.000 for a consultation at this clinic, which also included an analysis for a stool sample. I paid $45.000 for an x-ray of my foot at the lab.Our hosts have said that the water is clean, but at the Buena Vista church we used the filters for water. That said, I drank sink water often and had no problems.
3. We have had to go the clinic twice for different reasons. There is a really nice clinic and pharmacies close to Alex’s house (Cartagena), about a 20 minute walk. $7 for the clinic fee to be seen.

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Colombia

Visa Info in Colombia
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:

People’s Opinions

1. No visa needed for US citizens. Canadians have a visa…check the cost before hand.
2. Canadians must pay $80 reciprocity entry fee.

Currency Info

Currency Info in Colombia
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?

People’s Opinions

1. Mall Plaza el Castillo has a ton of ATM’s. There are also ATM’s in old town.
2. There were no ATM’s in or around San Francisco but there are numerous ones in Old Town. The Mega Tienda up the street allows for credit card purchases which is convenient as purchasing food and water can turn into a daily affair.
   
3. The currency is the peso also use the $ when referring to pesos. We had trouble finding ATM’s so if you fid a working one I would takeout as mush as you need for the month.
   
4. It’s not just Schwaub cards that have been denied. I’ve been lucky to find one working ATM for me. If one doesn’t work for you, go onto the next one.
   
5. If you have a Schwab Card, be prepared for it to be denied and have a back up option. There are ATMs dispersed pretty well throughout the city, but several of us have had our transactions denied, just keep trying different ATMs.
   

Communication

Communication in Colombia
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

1. Good cell reception with Claro everywhere.
2. Buena Vista church has Wifi. Cell reception was great, though I know the Santa Cecilia church had issues with reception. We all used Claro chips.
3. d town has many cool cafes with wi-fi. You will love old town.

Transportation

Transportation in colombia
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

1. Took a bus from Cartagena to Medellin. Caratagena’s bus station is on the east side of the city, 30-45 min taxi ride from the airport. When we arrived at the station, our taxi driver directed us to a contact he had with Rapido Ochoa bus lines. The initial price per person was 136,000 COP but we easily negotiated down to 100,000 because our group had 8 persons. The bus was clean, comfortable, well air conditioned, had a restroom in the back, and even played two movies on its drop down screens. It took about 14 hours to reach Medellin. Be prepared, the bus drivers drive aggressively and will constantly pass semis and cargo trucks on the narrow two lane road. A large portion of the drive is over the mountains, which is when the drivers are most gutsy to pass slower moving vehicles on hair-pin curves.
2. Some good long distance transport companies are Expreso Brasilia and Copetran.
   
3. Cartagena: A cab costs about 10 or 12 mil to go to Old Town or Boca Grande. It is very difficult to get back to San Francisco however as most taxis are scared of the area. Alex has numerous friends that we used including one who drives a 15 passenger van. This was very useful to and from places for two teams on an off day. The cost was roughly 30 mil one way to Old Town.
   
4. Transmilenio is what we typically used. To get down off the mountain you’ll take a free bus to the main interchange platform where you’ll pay about $3800 (round trip) to hop on a TransMilenio bus. It’s like a subway system, so you can change routes and buses several times on the same ride card. We always gave money to our hosts to put on their ride cards (and paid for their transportation too, we try and be cognizant of the fact that they are giving their time to show us their city). The buses were always clean and seemed safe, though a bit crowded at times because there had recently been conductor strikes.We caught taxis, with our ministry contact, several times. They’re clearly marked with registration plaques and meters. It would be about $4000 to descend down the mountain from Buena Vista to the Union Colombia school (near the bridge on the main road).We took a Flota (smaller bus) out to a small town called Sopo on our off day, and that cost $8000 round trip. Safe and clean.
   
5. Cartagena with Alex Rocha- you will take Colectivos (Jeeps) for local transportation about 50cents per person, walk, or use one of his friends to take you in a taxi or van. he will help you arrange transportation for safety.

Culture

Culture in Colombia
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

1. We were served cow stomach today. Our hosts were excited to be preparing it for us, so just be cognizant that at times you may be eating portions of meat you’re not accustomed to but that they have gone above & beyond to prepare for us.Other points to be aware of: Buena Vista members generally don’t really dance, celebrate Halloween, and they don’t consume alcohol. They also generally only listen to worship music, they’re OK with secular music, but I’d suggest mindfulness with large groups of children around.
2. Loud music is playing everyday in the neighborhood. So get ready for birthday parties and dance parties daily. Alex and his family and friends are wonderful! They will answer any question you have about the culture and by their example you will get to learn so much about the Colombian culture. Alex is a tour guide, so he can teach you so many things.

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Colombia

Shipping / Mailing in Colombia
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?

People’s Opinions

1. There are two DHL’s in Cartagena. One is located about 2 miles from the youth center and the other is in Boca Grande.

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. Hotel Belmonte in Ipiales – if you cross the border from or to Ecuador, they are the bomb. They treated us very well and are close to our budget. However they speak almost no English.
2. Buena Vista: There are some good hammock trees out in the backyard, just ask Pastor or Pastora to open the door in the sanctuary.
3. Cartagena- you can do laundry at Alex’s house, but you have to be creative in finding places to hang it up to dry. Make sure Merci helps you with the machine otherwise you will have water all over the floor.

Additional Info

Additional Info in Colombia
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?

1. Bring lots of children’s games/ideas/songs/skits. The children of San Francisco will steal your heart and they are always looking to learn something new.
2. The Buena Vista community is one huge family and loved us so well. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by love and start brainstorming early on ways to love them well and give back. Insist on helping them clean the kitchen and the sanctuary on Fridays.
   If you ask, they’ll also teach you how to make empanadas on Sundays in the kitchen and Arepas at the Pastora’s house. ENJOY!
3. Off day activities: Cartagena is beautiful! Beaches, history, street venders with yummy food! Make the most of this beautiful city and the Rocha family. Bless this family and community any way you can!

China

Safety

• Although the overall crime rate is low in China compared to most Western countries,

  reports indicate that crime rates have increased across the board in in recent years, from serious violent assault to petty theft.

• Petty theft is by far the most common type of occurrences, accounting for over 80 percent of all crimes according to regional surveys conducted outside of China.Crimes against property — which includes petty theft, burglary, robbery and vandalism — are common in large urban areas such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.
• Pickpockets target tourists at sightseeing destinations, airports, markets, and stores. Make sure you guard your wallet and passport, as most incidents tend to involve items kept in back pockets, backpacks, or bags/purses swung over a shoulder or set down in a vehicle, restaurant, or shop.
• It is advised that the traveler make photocopies of their passport and bio-data pages on the Chinese visa to keep in a secure location in the event they lose their passport and have to apply for a replacement
•  Con artists targeting visitors are also common in popular tourist sites. A common scam involves younger Chinese “English students,” often women or a couple, offering a local tour and an invitation to tea at a nearby restaurant. When the bill comes, the restaurant owners force victims to pay an exorbitant bill before they can leave the premises.
• Taxi drivers, especially at airports, sometimes target arriving travelers, refusing to use the meter or claiming they are a limousine and can charge higher fares. Always have the name of your destination written in Chinese to show the driver, and get a receipt when you arrive at your destination. It is a good practice to keep valuables such as purses, camera bags, and computer cases next to you or in your lap rather than in a less-accessible area of the taxi. Ask the driver to remove the bags from the trunk before you get out of the taxi so he cannot drive away with your luggage.
• Counterfeit currency is a significant concern in China. Cab drivers and businesses have given many people, not just tourists, counterfeit currency. Carrying small bills or using exact change, particularly in taxis, can help protect you.
• There have been cases of people receiving counterfeit bills from free-standing ATMs. Use only ATMs at financial institutions or those recommended by your hotel.
• U.S. citizens have been detained and expelled for distributing religious literature. Chinese customs authorities have enforced strict regulations concerning the importation of religious literature, including Bibles. If you bring religious literature with you, it should be a “reasonable amount” for your personal use only. If you attempt to bring larger quantities, the literature will likely be confiscated and you may be fined, detained, or deported.
• Western citizens have reported that the government monitors their private communications, including conversations with other people, email and Internet activity, telephone calls, etc. Such intrusions even occur in seemingly private settings such as hotel rooms. Authorities may use informants, such as visitor-employed taxi drivers / interpreters, hotel staff and guards, to report on the activities of foreigners.
• Visitors should refrain from discussing politics and/or religion, and criticizing the government, as these are very sensitive topics. Police officers may detain and subsequently deport anyone who does discuss these topics.
•  Swarms of beggars, including children, operate in many Chinese cities, especially in the hotel and restaurant districts, and are known to aggressively solicit money from tourists. Visitors should avoid beggars due to the risk of petty crime.
• Visitors should employ the services of a local guide, who can also act as an interpreter, for all outings. Although most guides act as government informants, they will inhibit interference from security officials.

Safety in China
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

1. No comment
   

Health

CDC Travelers Health | China

Malaria

• Areas affected: Rural parts of Anhui, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hainan, and Yunnan provinces. Rare cases occur in other rural parts of the country below 1,500 m (4,921 ft) between May–December. None in urban areas. Some major river cruises may go through malaria endemic areas in Anhui and Hubei provinces.
• Estimated risk: Low
• *Chloroquine and mefloquine are NOT effective antimalarial drugs in China and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region
• Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Along China-Burma border in the western part of Yunnan province: Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycyline;
  Hainan and other parts of Yunnan province: Atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine;
  Anhui, Guizhou, Henan, and Hubei provinces: Atovaquone/proguanil, chloroquine, doxycyline, mefloquine, or primaquine;
  All other areas with malaria including river cruises that pass through malaria-endemic provinces: Mosquito avoidance
• Symptoms
  Fever
  Chills
  Sweats
  Headache
  Body Aches
  Nausea and vomiting
  Fatigue

Dengue Fever

• Areas Affected: Almost completely absent in China
• Symptoms

Principal

• • High fever and at least two of the following
  • Severe headache
  • Severe eye pain (behind eyes)
  • Join pain
  • Muscle and/or bone pain
  • Rash
  • Mild bleeding manifestation (e.g.nose or gum bleed, or easy bruising)
  • Low white cell count

Severe warning signs (IMMEDIATELY go to an emergency room if the following appear)

Severe abdominal pain or persistant 

Red spots or patches on the skin

Bleeding from nose or gums

Vomiting blood

Health in China
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1.  It is very dry here and the air quality is poor. Stay hydrated, one of my team mates experienced a sore throat and cold symptoms
   

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | China

Visa Info in China
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:

People’s Opinions

1. As coaches, just completed the Visa process in the Hong Kong airport. Several agencies offer the service, all of which are located in Arrival Hall A near the Starbucks. Visas were 2000 Hong Kong dollars each plus service charges. Our total cost as a pair of coaches was $534 USD.
2. Chinese Visas purchased in Hong Kong
   • $200 USD for Americans• $115 USD for Mexicans
3. http://www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk/Get your visas in Hong Kong through Forever Bright travel agency if you can. We Struggled for three months trying to get our squad Chinese visas while we were in Africa, then got them within 24 hours through this agency once we got to Hong Kong.The website/place itself may seem slightly sketchy at first, but trust me, its reliable and is the way you should go!

Currency Info

Lek

Currency Info in Albania
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?

People’s Opinions

1. 125 lek = 1 USD
2. Albanian Lek. Approximate 102 lek = 1 USD
3. Do not change money with men on the streets in Tirana. There are dozens of currency exchange places around the city and they will have the exchange rates posted. Iliria is a good one to use. Banks are also a good option. Look for signs that say “Valute” or “Kembej”.

Communication

Communication in China
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

1. We are in Kunming right now and it is very hard to get sim cards we have to have locals buy them for us and they are limited in the amount they can buy. So make sure you buy them at the airport or train stations they will sell to foreigners they cost 150 CYN so they are expensive, but they have to be bought.

Transportation

China Travel Service – http://www.ctshk.com/english/index.htm

• Useful for it’s transportation information

Travel China Guide – http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/

• Information on cities, trains and buses. Information on public transit can be found under the cities section.

Transportation in China
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

1.  a great website for understanding the train system is seat61.com that gives you a lot of information all about train travel in China and chinahighlights.com will give you the train times and information and you can even book tickets online which is more expensive so booking at the train station is the best option.

Culture

1. Appearance: Dress conservatively and neatly if at all possible. The “punk” and/or “grunge” look is not that popular over here and won’t usually help you make friends. Look clean and as well-dressed as possible, and you’ll likely fit in a little better.
2. Meals: Never leave your chopsticks sticking straight up out of a bowl of rice, don’t blow your nose at the table (go outside), its ok to place bones (chicken, mutton) on the table or toss them on the floor, always fight to the pay the bill even though if your invited out to eat by new friends you WILL NOT when the battle.
3.  Staring: You will be stared at A LOT… just get used to it. Stare back if you want. Smile. Take pictures. Play the part of the goofy tourist because that’s how you’ll be seen most of the time. After a while you’ll just be able to ignore it and go about whatever you are doing.
   
4. Scams: You will be lied to and/or cheated out of money. Double check your change, bargain hard when you shop (go for at least 50% off the original price). Don’t go with people or give money to “bus drivers” hanging around in front of or outside the bus stations UNLESS your contact tells you about it previously.
   
5. Drinking Water: Chinese people do not drink water straight from the tap, and you should not either, even in cities. All hotels (and even boats!) provide either a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant) or a kettle you can use to do it yourself. Generally, tap water is safe to drink after boiling. Purified drinking water in bottls is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥1 is normal for a small bottle, but it will be more in some places. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken.
   
6. Tipping: is not necessary or advised. No tip is needed for taxi drivers and most restaurants. Leaving a few coins in most restaurants, you will likely be chased by staff to give you back the money you ‘forgot’ to take. In some cases, a fee regarded as tipping in America is actually a fixed fee, such as a RMb1 fee for doorman allowing you into a building at a late hour.
   
7.  Religion: Symbols that look like backwards Swastikas have been widely used in Buddhist temples since 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like India, it does not represent Nazism!
   
8.  Religion: Symbols that look like backwards Swastikas have been widely used in Buddhist temples since 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like India, it does not represent Nazism!
   
9. Lines: In China, the instinct of large numbers of people with a common goal (a bus seat, a train ticket, purchasing a SIM card, ordering a Big Mac, etc) is to form a surging mass; however, queuing has been heavily promoted over recent years and forming a line is far more common these days.
   
10. Pollution: Pollution is a serious problem in China, and can make travel unpleasant for everyone, especially if you have allergies, skin conditions, or chest, eye, nose and throat problems. According to the World Bank, China has 20 of the world’s 30 most-polluted cities and, by some measures, Beijing is the world’s most polluted city.
    
11. Litter: Casual disposal of litter is also an issue. Throughout China it is common to see fields and trees festooned with plastic bags, and trash is thrown carelessly on the street.
    
12. Noise: The Chinese are also generally much more tolerant of high decibels than most foreigners. The Chinese government long ago launched an anti–noise-pollution campaign and, as a result, numerous cities have banned the use of car horns within the city. Yet screeching hawkers, yelling mobile phone users, roof-lifting karaoke parlors and highdecibel background noise can all make China a deafening experience.
    
13.  Media: The Chinese government is known to have strong hands on any media. Books, magazines and CDs can be confiscated if the content is considered inappropriate, although custom usually doesn’t bother to take your English books away, if there aren’t any explicit photos depicting politics of China.
    
14. Toilets: The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald’s will have a western toilet. Carry your own tissue paper as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafes.  Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems.

Culture in China
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

1. No comment
   

Shipping / Mailing

Shipping / Mailing in China
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. No Comments

Additional Info

Emergency Contact Numbers
Ambulance 999/120 (Beijing, Shanghai)
Fire 119
Police 110

Embassy and Consulate Information

United States Embassy (Beijing)
Emergency #: (+86) 10-8531-4000
Non-emergency #: (+86) 10-8562 9998
Email: AmCitBeijing@state.gov
Web: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/
The Embassy is located at No. 55 An Jia Lou

United States Consulate (Chengdu)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 28-8558-3992
Email: ACSchengdu@state.gov
Web: http://chengdu.usembassy-china.org.cn/
The Consulate is located at 4 Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanl

United States Consulate (Shanghai)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 21-3217 4650 ext. 2102
Email: ShanghaiACS@state.gov
Web: http://shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/
The Consulate is located on the 8th floor of the Westgate Mall, 1038 West
Nanjing Road

United States Consulate (Wuhan)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 27-8555-7791
Email: chenz@state.gov
Web: http://wuhan.usembassy-china.org.cn/
The Consulate is located at the New World International Trade Tower 1, 568
Jianshe Avenue

United States Consulate (Guangzhou)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 20-8121-8000
Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov
Web: http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/
The Consulate is located at #1 South Shamian Street Shamian Island 200S1

United States Consulate (Shenyang)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 24-2322-1198
Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov
Web: http://shenyang.usembassy-china.org.cn/
The Consulate is located at 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District

Canadian Embassy (Beijing)
Emergency #: (+613) 996-8885 (Collect Call)
Non-emergency #:(+86) 10-5139-4000
Email: beijing-cs@international.gc.ca
Web: http://china.gc.ca
The Embassy is located at 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie Chao Yang District

Canadian Consulate (Hong Kong)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 852-3719-4700
Email: hkong@international.gc.ca
Web: http://hongkong.gc.ca
The Consulate is located on the 12th to 14th Floor of One Exchange Square
Central Hong Kong SAR

Canadian Consulate (Chongqing)
Non-emergency #:(+86) 23-6373-8007
Email: chong@international.gc.ca
Web: http://china.gc.ca
The Consulate is located at Suite 1705, Metropolitan Tower Wu Yi Lu, Yu
Zhong District

Canadian Consulate (Shanghai)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 21-3279-2800
Email: shngi@international.gc.ca
Web: http://china.gc.ca
The Consulate is located at 604, West Tower 1376 Nanjing Road (West)

Canadian Consulate (Guangzhou)
Non-emergency (+86) 20-8611-6100
Email: ganzug@international.gc.ca
Web: http://china.gc.ca
The Consulate is located at Suite 801, China Hotel Office Tower Liu Hua Lu

British Embassy (Beijing)
Emergency #: (+86) 10-5192-4000
Non-emergency #: (+86) 10-5192-4000
Email: consular.beijing@fco.gov.uk
Web: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en
The Embassy is located at 11 Guang Hua Lu Jian Guo Men Wai

British Consulate (Chongqing)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 23-6369-1500
Web: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en
The Consulate is located at Suite 2801, Metropolitan Tower, 68 Zourong
Road, Yu Zhong District

British Consulate (Guangzhou)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 20-8314-3000
Web: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en
The Consulate is located on the 2nd Floor of the Guangdong International
Hotel 339 Huanshi Dong Lu

British Consulate (Shanghai)
Non-emergency #: (+86) 21-3279-2000
Web: http://ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en
The Consulate is located at Suite 301, Shanghai Centre 1376 Nan Jing Xi Lu

Additional Info in China
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?

Chile

Safety

Albania

Safety

• Pick-pocketing – In public places wear purses and shoulder bags across the chest, keep a hand on your wallet, and keep an eye on teammates’ backpacks

• Large, public demonstrations occur frequently in Albania, although the majority of demonstrations are peaceful. Because of the possibility of violence, we urge U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations.

Safety in Albania
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

1. I was with a team in Kombinat, an area of the city of Tirana. We did have an incident of being harassed by a man who clearly did not like us Americans helping at the church we stayed at. Be aware at all times and watch out for pick-pocketers. Did have a few incidents of kids grabbing on and reaching for pockets and straps of backpacks.
   

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Albania

Health in Albania
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1. If you need to go to the doctor in Tirana there is a clinic that works a lot with missionaries and they speak great English. Cost of an appointment ranges from 7USD to 25USD.Address: ABC Health Foundation
   Rruga “Qemal Stafa” Nr., TiraneClinic: +355(0)42234105
   Mail: healthcenter@abchealth.org
   Web: www.abchealth.org
   
2. My team was doing Unsung Heroes in the city of Pogradec when one of our team mates needed to go to the doctor. A contact connected us with a Christian doctor in the area who speaks great English. The cost up front was only 15 USD and there is a pharmacy around the corner where you can fill any prescriptions.Dr. Klajdi Vampa Clinic: +069 235 01 01 
   Address: Sheshi “Gjimnazi” 
   Pall. Reja 
   Prane Teatrit te Kukullave 
   Pogradec

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Albania

Visa Info in Albania
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:

People’s Opinions

1. US Citizens can enter Albania with no visa and can now stay for up to 12 months without a residence permit.

Currency Info

Lek

Currency Info in Albania
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?

People’s Opinions

1. 125 lek = 1 USD
2. Albanian Lek. Approximate 102 lek = 1 USD
3. Do not change money with men on the streets in Tirana. There are dozens of currency exchange places around the city and they will have the exchange rates posted. Iliria is a good one to use. Banks are also a good option. Look for signs that say “Valute” or “Kembej”.

Communication

Communication in Albania
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

1. We purchased Vodafone sim cards in the airport upon arriving in Tirana. We were told we would be getting 1200 minutes for about 5 USD. That didn’t happen. Everyone ran out of minutes fairly quickly, even though we triple checked with the Vodafone vendors about the details of our sims. I would recommend NOT purchasing sim cards in the airport. You can purchase them in many different places in Tirana and other cities in Albania.
   
2. The local missions community has a group contract with Vodafone that is very cheap. It also gives you free calling to anyone else on the plan and free SMS to all of the numebrs on the plan (about 2000 numbers – pastors, missionaries and church members throughout Albania). You can get the sim cards via the AEP office, just talk to Ornela about it.Also, I have traveled all over Albania and have found very few places where I did nto have great signal on Vodafone.The country code for Albania is +355Albania has 4 cell providers, Vodafone, AMC, Eagle Mobile, and Plus. Vodafone and AMC are the two largest. If the mobile number starts with 069, it is a Vodafone number, AMC numbers start with 068, Eagle Mobile is 067, and Plus is 066.

Transportation

Transportation in Albania
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

1. We had a group of about 30 people traveling from Romania to Albania. We contacted elite travel group and scheduled transportation from a specific pick up spot in Romania to a specific drop off spot at our debrief location in Albania. We paid $1850 euro for a 50 person bus. The cost does not change depending on number of persons, but is one set rate for the limit of 50 people (rate depends on mileage). There is space on bottom for big packs and up top compartments for small packs. They are very flexible with providing transportation within the Balkans area. Drivers did not speak much English. Safe and reliable travel option!Email: arted.ziu@etg.al (Name: Arted Ziu)
2. From Albania to Macedonia:
   I had a group of 36 or so that my logistics partner and I had to get from Tirana to Skopje.I asked an Albanian friend who worked at the church where we did ministry and he brought me to his Christian friend Sed who is a travel agent. He speaks a little English. I also just sent him the passport numbers and names. Then the bus just picked us up at our church (so I had the TL’s meet us at the church morning of) at the Church of the Nazarene, Kombinat.It was 20 euro per person or 720 euros total or in lek, 975.His email: sedikasli@gmail.com
3. Travel within Tirana is cheapest on the city buses. Taxis (registered taxis will have a yellow license plate) are readily available and are reasonably priced. 400 lek should get you to most places within the Unaza (the ring road). It is always good to ask the driver the price before getting in. A taxi from the airport into Tirana will cost approximately 25 Euros.Traveling from Tirana to outlying cities used to have two main options: Furgons (small minivans up to 8 seats) or buses (could be anywhere from 10 to 50 seats). Furgons were recently outlawed so buses will be the preferred way to travel. Trains are unreliable, antiquated, and should probably be avoided.

Culture

• Interactions: When speaking to someone, the acceptable distance is similar to a North-American distance, and avoid touching someone when speaking to him/her. Maintain eye contact without staring.

• Dress: It is important to have a neat appearance.

• Emotions: Public displays of anger and loud expressions of emotions are not welcome. In public, you can shake hands, nod your head, wave your hand, or hug a close acquaintance.

Culture in Albania
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

1. It is very common to see Albanians walking around holding hands or linking arms with members of hte same sex. This is just a cultural thing, it is not an indication of homosexuality. Albanians are warm people and will usually greet you with a handshake, and, once acquainted with you, a kiss (or air kiss) on each cheek starting with the left cheek.Women will usually dress nice to go out of the house and will rarely leave the house without lipstick.You will get invited to have a “coffee” – this can be anything that is available at any of the myriad coffee bars around.Family ties are very strong. It is very rare for a young person to openly defy their parents or older relatives, especially in the village settings. Particulalry in the north of Albania there is almost a tribal mentality. The extended family is called the “fis” (pronounced “feece”) and people are fiercely loyal to their fis.There are still active blood feuds in the north. Families involved in a blood feud (or “under blood”) will keep their male members in hiding. It is estimated that some 300 families are under blood at this time. Any male member of a family in a blood feud is a target if they are out in public. As long as they stay in their homes they are safe. Outsiders are safe from danger, although I would not recommend going out in public with someone who is involved in a blood feud.
   

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Albania

Shipping / Mailing in Albania
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. Use discretion when taking clothing to a laundry mat. Some of our team sent their clothes to a cleaners and had to pay $8 (USD) a person. (They had originally been told a lower price.) Some of their clothes also came back shrunk. It would probably be best to do laundry where your contact suggests and not to try to find a place on your own.
   

Additional Info

Additional Info in Albania
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?