World Race Guide Posts
Madagascar
Madagascar
Safety
Safety in Madagascar
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
- 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
Health in Madagascar
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Visa Info
Visa Info in Madagascar
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- It cost us $27 per person to enter into Madagascar from the airport. They accepted USD.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Madagascar
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Communication
Communication in Madagascar
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
- Do not expect great wifi anywhere. We found a couple of places (Banana Split), but it was pretty rare and did not work great.
Transportation
Transportation in Madagascar
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
- Our ministry host paid for busses to pick up our squad from the airport (we had all squad month). The rest of the time we would walk, take public busses, and taxi’s. The cheapest taxi’s were vans. People are pretty small in this country and expect to fit five or six people across an isle of a school bus. They use wooden boards to create middle seats. Also, they don’t seem too concerned about pollution which made a lot of us feel sick being in Tana. If you don’t get in fast enough, they will leave some of you behind. Be careful sitting by windows, people will take your things/grab you from the outside. And the roads are pretty bad, so it takes quite a while to get anywhere- especially when there is traffic!
Culture
Culture in Madagascar
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- This is a very beat around the bush culture. From something as small as if my shorts were appropriate to avoiding telling us that the restaurant we chose was associated with sex trafficking, it will take everything for them to say what they need to. They also do not make plans for the future. Discussing anything too far in advance was hard for the people we ministered to.
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Madagascar
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
People’s Opinions
- Some of my teammates tried to mail souvenirs home on our second to last day. They used DHL, but it’s very corrupt and they had to go back the next day to pick it up. If you can, do not send things from any of their mailing systems.
Tips
People’s Opinions
- 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 Madagascar
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
People’s Opinions
- Madagascar is a very spiritually heavy country. Pray hard every day, before and after ministry. Pray before you sleep. If you’re in constant prayer it will make all the difference.
Namibia
Namibia
Safety
Safety in Namibia
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
Health
Health in Namibia
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
Visa Info
Visa Info in Namibia
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
Currency Info in Namibia
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
Communication
Communication in Namibia
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Transportation
Transportation in Namibia
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
Culture
Culture in Namibia
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Namibia
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
Additional Info
Additional Info in Namibia
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Lithuania
Lithuania
Safety
Safety in Lithuania
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
Health
Health in Lithuania
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
Visa Info
Visa Info in Lithuania
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
- Lita; banks or local exchange places.
Currency Info in Lithuania
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
Communication
Communication in Lithuania
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Transportation
- City bus, 1.25-2.50 Lita pp; walk
Transportation in Lithuania
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
Culture
- Be respectful of elders and aware of surroundings.
- Culture is filled with athiests and Catholics, so be mindful of that when encountering others and sharing the Gospel.
Culture in Lithuania
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- 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
Shipping / Mailing in Lithuania
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
Additional Info
Additional Info in Lithuania
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
- im just doing the requirement for trainman
Macedonia
Macedonia
Safety
Safety in Macedonia
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
- Comments
Health
Health in Macedonia
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Visa Info
Visa Info in Macedonia
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- US Citizens do not need visas to enter Macedonia.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Macedonia
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- The note that we will add affects all locations in FYROM/Macedonia. The currency in FYROM is the Macedonian Dinar. You can exchange foreign currency such as dollars or euros into dinar, or you can get dinar out of the ATMs there. The problem is no one outside FYROM will exchange the dinar back to another currency. So it’s important to take out only as much as you think you will spend, and do not expect to change it into the next local currency after you cross the border. Some places will allow you to change it back while you are still in country, but not every place, and certainly not another country.
Communication
Communication in Macedonia
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Transportation
Transportation in Macedonia
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
- 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
Culture
Culture in Macedonia
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- Hey everyone! Team Nuria has been here doing Unsung Heroes so we had lots of time to sit and talk to others. We sat and spoke with a man regarding sharing the gospel to Youth in Macedonia. He informed us it was “illegal” to share the gospel to a minor without parental consent. If you are planning something here ( i.e. sports events or concerts, etc) it is important that if you are going to share the gospel of Jesus Christ that you have permission beforehand. He says you can get into much trouble here if you do not follow those rules. Just a heads up! 🙂
- Macedonia is an inclusive culture. It is considered rude to have a private conversation while in a group or to make selective invitations for future plans if others are present.
- Be aware that eye contact with the opposite sex is perceived as romantic interest. If you feel that someone is picking up a lovers vibe from you or vice versa be sure to set a clear boundary so there is no confusion.Women should dress modestly. This is only an issue in the summer, but remember why you’re here.Also, it is customary for whomever invites (to coffee, dinner, drinks, etc.) to pay for the bill.
- Lose the title “Christian.” The majority of residents identify as Christian. However it is religion, not relationship. So the most important thing, more than words, is showing them who Jesus is. In evangelism make questions more relational than religious. The people need to see Jesus in YOUR life to understand the difference.
- A general knowledge of the relationship/conflict/history between Albanians and Macedonians is needed.
- Ethnic Albanians are most likely to be Muslims while ethnic Slavs will be more likely to be “christian” – could be Orthodox or Evangelical. In recent years there has been periodic conflict between ethnic Albanians and Slavs so be sensitive.If you cross from Macedonia into Greece, be aware that the Greeks refer to Macedonia as FYROM and will get pretty irritated if you call it Macedonia. They have been blocking Macedonia’s entry into NATO for years all because of the name issue.
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Macedonia
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
People’s Opinions
- We have been told it is not a good idea to send mail from Macedonia. One man said the mail never ends up getting where it was suppose to go. So just to play it safe, don’t sent any mail from Macedonia.
Tips
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Additional Info
Additional Info in Macedonia
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Lesotho
Lesotho
Safety
Safety in Lesotho
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
- Don’t walk around at night and travel in groups of 2 or more. Overall, the malls are Westernized and feel very safe. Would recommend keeping electronics concealed and only taking out small quantities of money at a time (ATMs are easily accessible). Use best judgement on outskirts of town.
Health
Health in Lesotho
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Lesotho has the world’s second highest HIV/AIDS rate.
Visa Info
Visa Info in Lesotho
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
Currency Info in Lesotho
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- Loti ($1 USD = M 14 as of August 2016)Vendors will often accept Rand (South African dollar) as well which has the same exchange rate. ATMs are through Bank of Lesotho and Ned Bank. Both are reliable; however, if you try to withdrawal towards the end of the month, be forewarned that the lines are extremely long due to Besotho pay-day.
Communication
Communication in Lesotho
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Transportation
Transportation in Lesotho
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
- We took a private bus from Magic Charters from Durban where debrief was into Masseru. They waited for all of us to get through the border and then drove us to the Masseru Mall. The only issue was that they didn’t accept an EFT so we had to pull out all of the cash for the bus and deposit into their bank account at Standard in Durban. The bus drivers were extremely nice and took great care of us!
- Beware of certain bus companies out of South Africa on your travel into Lesotho. We went through South Africa Coach Charters, and they made us book a hotel and pay R200 to each driver for food in order to take us into Maseru. They made no mention of this in advance, and we had to scramble to take care of it or else they would not take us to our destination. SACC also tried to force us to change their booking to a different city after the drivers had their hotel booked, and overall they were rude and unhelpful. Future tours was recommended to us as a more trustworthy bus company to take to Lesotho.
- Public transport or walking is the best way to go. Taxi’s can be referred to as “4+1” and 15 passenger vans are called “busses”. You should not pay more than M 26 for a full taxi if staying within Maseru (M 6.5 per person). If traveling long distances, you can hire a “bus” (we paid M 1,300 for 13 people to travel from Maseru to Semonkong and back). Other forms of long distance transportation include the Intercape (www.intercape.co.za) or Aranza Coaches (coachchartersa.co.ca).
Culture
Culture in Lesotho
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- There are villages throughout Lesotho, each with their own chief. The chief knows who lives within his village which is how social workers often find the birth parent/parents of abandoned children. In order to adopt in Lesotho you must have permission from your chief to add another person to the village. Culturally, Basotho are very hospitable and operate on “Africa time”. If offered something to eat by a Basotho, it is respectful to accept, even if you do not have the intent of eating/finishing what was offered. Do not use words like silly or crazy – Both are taken literally and as insult.
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Lesotho
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
- Pronounced LI-SOO-TOO, the language is Sesotho (SE-SOO-TOO) and the people are called Basotho (BA-SOO-TOO) or Masotho (MA-SOO-TOO). Some helpful words are;Hello – Lumela (DU-MEL-A)…to a woman – Lumela *Me (DU-MEL-A MAE)…to a man – Lumela *Ntate (DU-MEL-A N-DAT-TE)…to a girl – Lumela *Aussi (DU-MEL-A OW-SI)…to a boy – Lumela *Aboote (DU-MEL-A A-BOOT-E)*Plural put “BO” in front of the word = Bo Me (BON-ME)Prayer – TapelloHow are you – U phela joang (O PEL-A J-WONG)I am fine – Kea phela hanke (K PEL-A HAN-KE)Thank you – Kea leboha (K-A-LA-BO-HA or CALI-BO-HA)
Additional Info
Additional Info in Lesotho
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Safety
Safety in Kyrgyzstan
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
- Our ministry host asked us to be in after dark. Trips to the local grocery store, only one block away, were frequent after dark. We simply followed the recommendation of the host: girl and guy pairing (theives respect couples apparently) or 3+ people in a group at night.
- Nights – In Bishkek, we were requested to be home by 9:00pm to keep things safe near our home, but we were living on a street known to be full of alcoholics. If you are in the main part of the city, different story in a group. In Karakol, we were asked to stay in groups of 5 at night.Carry Passport copies in case of being stopped by the police trying to get a little bribe or something. Did not happen to us, but we were advised to do so.Be careful carrying valuables outside your packs in public, but that should be the same every country.
Health
Health in Kyrgyzstan
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Water needs to be filtered or boiled. Don’t eat street food unless your host is certain it’s okay. The food goes bad very easily on the Bishkek streets. All of the drinks in the Gatorade tubs are pretty much all okay to drink. Good healthy food is easy to find at all of the stores well under budget.
Visa Info
Visa Info in Kyrgyzstan
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- You just get a stamp when you cross the border. No worries.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Kyrgyzstan
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- Most reliable ATMs and Banks for AIM cards are Kyrgyz Investement and Credit Bank
- Exchange rate was around 68-70 Kyrgyz com (pronounced som) per 1 USD. Exchange pretty much anywhere, probably wise to do so soon after you cross the border or when you meet your host.Countries around this one get fairly upset when you give them large bills for small payments, but Kyrgyzstan does not for the most part. Still, I would say do your best to break large bills ASAP if possible.
Communication
Communication in Kyrgyzstan
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
- Wifi was pretty accessible throughout the city at coffee shops and both our host home and ministry site of Kamkorduk, working with Campus Crusade. Our host gave us two cell phones with sim cards as well, which we used fairly often just for texting them.
Transportation
Transportation in Kyrgyzstan
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
- -Private bus from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bishkek. Flew from Bishkek to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. -download 2GIS app for local transit (works offline and includes bus system info).
- We used a taxi from Almaty, Kazakhstan to the border, then another taxi from the border to Bishkek. Taxis were moderate in price. Nothing crazy.
Culture
Culture in Kyrgyzstan
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- 1. Respect the bread! Don’t throw it away, don’t brush crumbs onto the floor, don’t flip it upside down and leave leftovers right side up on trash cans outside. Bread is a symbol of God’s provision and should never be wasted. 2. Always take your shoes off when you enter someone’s home. 3. Don’t blow your nose in public!! 4. Be very careful of drinking alcohol in public, don’t risk dishonoring your host or your reflection of Christ. 5. Dress modestly and appropriately. Men keep yourself trimmed and clean, women cover your shoulders, legs above the knees, chest and midrift. 6. Keep your voices low when in public. They definitely do not appreciate the loud American persona, and it can also be a safety concern as we draw a lot of attention to ourselves. 7. Do not step on a tablecloth on the floor. This is very serious, step over the tablecloth. 8. Time is also very crucial, (appropriate that it has come up for our squad!) As we do better to honor timiliness with eachother, this will be a big way to honor the people we meet along the way as well.
- Read Justin’s notes for typical cultural norms.In Bishkek, Guys can we shirts, shorts, tank tops, hats, pretty much everything but really short gym shorts – you know, chubbies and the 3″ inseam type. I really enjoyed how relaxed Bishkek was.Women’s have a lot of options too. Pants, shorts, v-neck shirts. I recommend wearing something to cover your butt if you wear yoga pants… however, ask your host for guidance as they may be inappropriate in classroom and teaching settings.
- Men, always shake hands with every other man in the room when you enter, no matter what’s going on. This is an important and proper manner of showing respect. We were asked multiple times to remember to do so.Ladies, nothing specific.Keep your voices low when in public. They do not appreciate loudness (especially from Americans) and this has also been expressed as a safety concern.DO NOT STEP ON A TABLE CLOTH ON THE FLOOR IF IT’S BEING USED FOR FOOD. This has ended relationships between ministries and families. Also, respect the bread. Don’t toss it or leave it on the table upside down or anything. Weird, I know.
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Kyrgyzstan
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Additional Info
Additional Info in Kyrgyzstan
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Lebanon
Lebanon
Safety
Safety in Lebanon
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
Health
Health in Lebanon
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
Visa Info
Visa Info in Lebanon
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
Currency Info in Lebanon
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
Communication
Communication in Lebanon
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
- You can easily find WiFi or hotspots anywhere in the city of Beirut! So even if you are going to the grocery store and need to call an Uber you can typically find a cafe with WiFi or ask someone for a hotspot! Also you should go to Aaliyah’s Books cafe or Haven for Artist if you need WiFi! Both are great places!
Transportation
Transportation in Lebanon
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
Culture
Culture in Lebanon
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Lebanon
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
Additional Info
Additional Info in Lebanon
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Kosovo
Kosovo
Safety
Safety in Kosovo
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
- Our Team felt super safe walking around in the capital city Pristine. And we felt pretty safe walking around in the village of Brod. Though it is more of a traditional place and it’s always safe to not be walking alone as much as you can because of the cafes/coffee shops that are majority men. But in general it’s very safe in Kosovo.
- Our team felt very safe while in Kosovo. There were no concerns/issues within the country.
- Kosovo is generally pretty safe. The society here is very traditional, women are expected to be quiet and passive, so when the men see women who are very confident in their identity and independent, it can be very “attractive”. Men can often stare at you, or get a little too close when interacting. For many cultural reasons, it was advised by our contact for women to interact with women, and men to interact with men. Remember to buddy-up when walking and keep your purse close!
Health
Health in Kosovo
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- No Visa needed. Passport only.
- There was no visa necessary.
- No visa is needed. They simply stamp your passport at the border
Visa Info
Visa Info in Kosovo
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- US Citizens can enter Albania with no visa and can now stay for up to 12 months without a residence permit.
- My team and I are in Mitroviça and it seems to be difficult to find a COVID test online for this city. A local friend took our teammate to a nearby hospital to get his rapid test when he was sick! Here is a photo from his bill with some info.
- There were no health concerns in Kosovo.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Kosovo
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- The currency is Euro. You can find a lot of ATMs in Prishtine, and be aware that not a lot of small shops will take your big bills. (€50+) Overall ATMs can be easily found in Kosovo.
- The currency was Euro. There are several ATM’s to exchange money close by where you are staying.
- They use the Euro. We exchanged money in the airport in Tirana before we traveled to Kosovo but I’m sure you can exchange at a bank as well.
Communication
Communication in Kosovo
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
- You can find wifi anywhere you go, our initial purchase of the SIM card was €20 for 20 days but when we got to the village area not sur it’s the mountains or what it drained the phones minutes and data really fast. So we have to recharge it. It could use your entire communication budget depending on the size of your team.
- Yes we had cell reception and internet. There was internet in the church and in the apartment we stayed in. There were also many coffee shops within walking distance that had wifi as well! We purchased SIM cards in the square of Kosovo (city) it costed us about $5 for SIM cards (per card) and then we added more minutes as we went throughout the month.
Transportation
Transportation in Kosovo
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
- Taking a marshrutka (minibus) is the cheapest and the biggest local transportation system here. Unless you want to go to the capital city there’s big buses available as well. But transportation system in Kosovo is very easy. And of course taxi, but make sure the price is settled before getting into a taxi.
- Our team traveled from Serbia to Kosovo. It was somewhat challenging but we took a taxi from the Serbia airport to the bus station in Serbia. Then we rode on a bus from there into Kosovo. It was about $20 per person from the bus ride in Serbia to get to Kosovo. Be aware though that the SIM card from Serbia does not work to make calls to Kosovo. There was wifi/internet at one coffee shop in the Serbia bus station but it wasn’t very effective. Therefore, it would be wise to make plans as early as possible with a bus ride to Kosovo.
- We took a mini bus from Tirana, Albania directly to the town of Gjilan, but there is also a larger bus that goes from Tirana to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo.If you need to travel between Pristina and Gjilan (and vice versa) you can take a bus or “taxi” for 2/euros per person. The taxis are just drivers who stand near the bus station and with their normal (not marked Taxi) cars. We have used them with the help of Kosovaars. They’re legitimate but you should never pay more than 2 euros/person to go between Pristina and Gjilan.
Culture
Culture in Kosovo
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- The culture in Kosovo is 98% Muslims and Serbs 2%. Currently Serbia and Kosovo are not at the greatest terms. When witnessing our doing local outreach, many people will say that they are Muslim but not know much about the Islamic faith. Ask the ministry host to explain the history of Kosovo, he does a great job at clarifying any questions you may have. Serbia also does not accepted Kosovo’s independence so there may be issues if you try to cross a border directly from Kosovo into Serbia. Just be mindful of where you are and what you say when crossing borders.
- Kosovo has two main people groups – Albanians (98% – Muslims) and Serbs (2% – primarily Orthodox) – and htey have been fighting since the 15th century. During the war in 1999 “Christian” Serbs killed and mutilated Albanians, sometimes carving crosses into the bodies. They also painted crosses on the homes they burned. The cross is not a symbol of good for ethnic Albanians. Asking an Albanian if they want to become a Christian is equivalent to asking them to become Serbs and will not go over well. Ask your ministry host what terminology they use and stick with that. In fairness, when the Albanians got their chance, there were also atrocities committed by them against the Serbs. Serbia has never accepted Kosovo’s independence so there may be issues if you try to cross a border directly from Kosovo into Serbia.
- Kosovo is a very male-dominated society, so women walking the streets confident and independent is something they’re not very used to. Too much interaction between genders can cause a lot of cultural conflict and confusion, so our contact urged us to try and have women only minister to women and men minister to men. This may seem oppressive coming from an American culture, but it’s something that is very important to them and can save you from a lot of misunderstandings. People of the same gender are often very touchy-feely, so don’t be surprised if people wrap their arms around you and give you a big kiss on the cheek or hold your hand/arm as you walk after getting to know you. They do the traditional “hug while pressing your cheeks together and switch sides” thing as you get to know people better, can range from one cheek-press to three. Whenever anybody enters a room or leaves, they give a handshake to everybody in the room – this is not necessary, but shows respect for the culture.
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Kosovo
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
People’s Opinions
- There was a place to ship items (postcards, letters, etc.) It is near the church. If you ask the host and they will be able to help you out! There is also a souvenir shop near the church that has postcards to purchase.
Tips
People’s Opinions
- As far as lodging our team stayed in an apartment with 6 beds, a kitchen, a dining room and a living room, it was amazing! Really invest in the people and ministries, there are many! We worked with children, youth, women (mercy ministries), at a warehouse, did local outreach and evangelism and much more! It was an amazing month, you will really enjoy it! The host and the people you will work with in the church are AMAZING too!
Additional Info
Additional Info in Kosovo
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
People’s Opinions
- Overall learn to experience the culture while gaining a understanding of the gospel in different perspectives, and sharing it in a different way than you always box it as how to share the gospel.