World Race Guide

Guyana

Safety

Safety in Guyana
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 Guyana
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

Visa Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. You do not need a visa for Guyana if you are a US citizen.

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. They currency is called the Guyanese Dollar. The only ATMs that will accept foreign credit cards are the Scotiabank ones as of Oct. 2016. There are only 3 cities with Scotiabanks so make sure you plan accordingly.

Communication

Communication in Guyana
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 bought Digicel SIM cards right outside of the airport for $20 (and we paid with USD). The country code is +592.

Transportation

Transportation in Guyana
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. To get between cities, it’s best to hire a van. Danny (Daniel Mahabir) is your man: +592 625 6861. No matter where you are or where you need to go, he’ll figure out how to get you there.
2. We flew into Chedi Jagan International Airport and took 3 busses (15 passenger vans) for 31 people to Georgetown for roughly $9.50 per person. We got a missionary discount because we found this contact through a church.Sinel: 592-680-5820
   

Culture

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

People’s Opinions

1. There is a large Hindu and Muslim presence here.

   Locals speak a mixture of English and English Creole, and the accents are very thick Caribbean.
   

Shipping / Mailing

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

People’s Opinions

1. There is a DHL office in Georgetown and in Corriverton. You can bring your packages in to the office.

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. When walking out of the airport, they will pull the luggage tag off of your pack, so make sure it’s visible and don’t get rid of it yourself.
   

Additional Info

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

Guatemala

Safety

•  Crime, much of it violent, is a very serious and growing concern in Guatemala.
   
•  Street crime — including petty theft, pickpocketing and mugging — is the primary
  concern for travelers.
   
•  Armed carjackings are also a serious problem that continue to increase in urban
  areas. The surge in criminal activity has forced the government to deploy the military
  to assist the police in fighting crime.
   
•  Foreigners have been the victims of criminal activity in most areas of Guatemala,
  including tourist areas, national parks and private residences.
   
•  Other attacks on foreigners have taken place near the southern city of Zacapa and
  around the popular Lake Atitlan, and near the tourist village of Panajachel. The U.S.
  Embassy has repeatedly issued warnings regarding the criminal threat in the areas
  surrounding Panajachel.
   
•  The Peten region, which is remote and has limited road networks, is considered a
  highly dangerous region of Guatemala. The area that includes the Sierra de
  Lacandon and Laguna del Tigre National Parks, located on the northwestern border
  near Mexico, is considered the most dangerous.

Safety in Guatemala
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. Antigua is a generally safe location at this time. They do have issues with pick pocketing. Two of our women had their purses sliced open sneakily in markets and on busses, so always carry cross body purses in front of you or on your lap in crowded locations. Our host asked that women always travel in groups of 3 or more and men accompany women when possible. He also asked us to stay on our property after dark, which is a gated community. He is a very cautious host (thankfully!), and I think in larger groups we would be ok at night in Antigua, but out of respect for him and a commitment to safety, we have stuck to his rule of always being home at sunset!

2. Always travel in groups of two or more during the day and three or more at night. When travelling in Antigua make sure you are traveling in groups of three or more during the day with at least one male and four or more at night with at least one male.

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Guatemala

Malaria

• Areas affected: Rural areas only at altitudes below 1,500 m (4,921 ft). None in Guatemala City, Antigua, or Lake Atitlán
• Estimated risk: Moderate
• Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Atovaquone/ proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine
• Symptoms
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sweats
  • Headache
  • Body Aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue

Dengue Fever

• Areas Affected: All of Guatemala
• 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 vomiting
  • Red spots or patches on the skin
  • Bleeding from nose or gums
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Drowsiness or irritability
  • Pale, cold, or clammy skin
  • Difficulty breathing

Health in Guatemala
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1. As stated above, Malaria meds are unnecessary for us as we are in Antigua and the surrounding area. Our host has been very intentional about reminding us to wear bug spray, as Dengue Fever has been going around the area. We have been diligent with our bug spray & that is highly advised!

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Guatemala

Visa Info in Guatemala
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

Quatemalan Quetzal. You can exchange and most banks. Get a better rate if withdrawn directly from an ATM though.

A decent exchange rate with the guys at the border between Mexico and Guatemala.
Banks in Panajachel are able to give large cash deposits with your bank card and passport. Many ATM’s do not give large amounts.

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

People’s Opinions

1. When pulling out large sums of money for lodging expenses and weekly food money, we always went to a banker who didn’t charge a withdraw fee, rather than using an ATM which can have a hefty withdraw fee. Also, avoid riding chicken busses with large lump sums of money. See if your host would be willing to drive you to and from the bank if possible when large withdraws are necessary.
2. Quetzal. There are places at the airport. but we found a better rate in the town where we had our ministry, Santa Cruz del Quiche. You can exchange at banks but you must have your passport on you. They will not accept copies.

Communication

Communication in Guatemala
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 used Claro SIM cards, which are reloadable for minutes on what seems like every corner in Antigua & the surrounding areas. Be aware of how much you are paying per minute when you reload your phone- The main grocery store (La Bodegona) charges 2Q per minute, which is a rip off. Smaller tiendas charge 1-1.5Q per minute. We made the mistake of paying 2Q per minute at the grocer. Don’t do it!
2. Claro. Sim cards were purchased at a gas station on our way to Santa Cruz. Each sim card was 15Q.

Transportation

Transportation in Guatemala
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. http://www.ticabus.com/esp/
2. We used the TICA bus to get our squad from country to country within Central America. Generally cost around $25 USD per person. Really nice bus, similar to a Greyhound bus in the States. Easy to work with, just be prepared with everyone’s passport info when you go to make your reservation. If you offer to pay a little extra, they can take you exactly where you need to go – instead of just dropping you off at a port in the nearest city from where you need to go. WARNING: They will try to scam you sometimes. Stick to your guns. They last minute tried to get us to pay an extra “visa fee” at the border which they made up for themselves to make more profit off of us. As logistics, we just got of the bus and took care of the visas ourselves. They also set up an additional form of transportation for our squad to get to the actual city we needed to get to, and those people tried to scam us into giving them more money. Stick to the original amount you agreed to when the reservation was made.

Culture

• Punctuality: Although most Guatemalans pay little attention to punctuality in daily
  living, it is expected from foreigners.

• Greeting: Shaking hands is the customary greeting in business settings for both men and women in Guatemala (the handshake is usually less firm than in the US). Women may shake hands, alternatively patting one another on the left arm instead and air-kissing on both cheeks. In casual settings, people may greet each other with a hug and kiss, but foreigners are not expected to do this. At parties, everyone is introduced individually.
• Eye Contact: Guatemalans often cast their eyes downward during conversation as a

  sign of respect — especially when a man is addressing a female stranger.

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

People’s Opinions

1. Always attempt to learn the language. If you start a conversation in their language they will be much more willing to help you and appreciate the effort
   

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Guatemala

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. Comments

Additional Info

We had our squad and leadership retreat at Lake Atitlan and it was extremely beautiful and we all had a lot of fun.  Highly recommended location for retreats.

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

People’s Opinions

1. I’m coming for you Guatemala!
   

Greece

Safety

Safety in Greece
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 Greece
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

Visa Info

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

People’s Opinions

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

Communication

Communication in Greece
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 Greece
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 Greece
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

Shipping / Mailing

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

Additional Info

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

Ghana

Safety

Safety in Ghana
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 Ghana
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

Visa Info

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

People’s Opinions

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

Communication

Communication in Ghana
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 Ghana
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 Ghana
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

Shipping / Mailing

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

Additional Info

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

Georgia

Safety

Safety in Georgia
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 | Georgia

Health in Albania
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1. Drank tap water, no issues.

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Georgia

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

People’s Opinions

1. No Visa needed. if you have $4,000 to put in a Georgian bank and a Georgian friend, you could get your Georgian residency in a week. 😀

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. Currency: GEL Lari. exchange widely available in Tblisi, digital signs state exchange rates.

Communication

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

People’s Opinions

1. Cell service for talk, text, and data is very inexpensive. We used a company called “Magti.” They have stores all over Tbilisi. If at all possible, purchase SIM cards outside of the airport (very expensive). Actually, if you wanted to go throughout the month by strictly using data for calls, messages, and regular internet access, then that’s completely feasible (I would recommend this). If you have a smartphone with virtually any carrier besides AT&T (this goes for any country, including the US) your phone is considered “unlocked.” This means that you can take out your carrier’s original SIM (don’t lose this btw) and use a SIM from a carrier of the country you’re in. If you do have a phone with AT&T a few hoops need to be jumped through before you can use an international SIM. If your phone’s hardware (not the contract) is completely paid off you can simply go to AT&T’s website, log in to your phone’s account and request an unlock. Data is EXTREMELY cheap in Georgia. You can also use the mobile hotspot on your phone for your team, as well. SIM card (hardware): 3 Lari ($1.20) 2 Gigs Data: 7 Lari ($2.80) 4 Gigs Data: 10 Lari ($4.00) 6 Gigs Data: 15 Lari ($6.00) 8 Gigs Data: 20 Lari ($8.00) Unlimited: 30 Lari ($12.00)

Transportation

Transportation in Georgia
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. Metro pic

2. TRANSPORT * Train tickets are available online here www.tkt.ge http://www.railway.ge/?web=0&action=0&lang=eng * Regular buses to Davit Gareji cave monasteries (25 lari both ways) https://www.facebook.com/gareji.line/?fref=ts * Regular comfortable buses to Batumihttp://geometro.ge/en/home * Transfer buses to Kutaisi airport http://www.georgianbus.com/?lang=_eng * Cheap local taxi services with set prices that charge about 20 lari to the airport from the city center and are reliable: 1) +995 322 200 200, 2) +995 322 60 60 60 (caution, not all of the operators speak English so sometimes you may need help from a local to book a car). * Taxi apps for smartphones that could be found at Google store are Taxi Maxim, Yandex Taxi and Taxify.

3. Easiest navigation is Metro (picture attached). Second easiest is City bus. Yellow van/buses are more difficult to navigate, expect to use google translate or a local to confirm stops and route.Useful app includes: TTC Tblisi Transport Company.Metro runs until 1 AM. Buses run until 11:00 PMPurchase metro card (approx 0.80 USD) at metro station and load card. Able to use same card for bus and metro. Can use exact change or metro card on bus.Stand on public transportation to allow elderly to sit.

Culture

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

People’s Opinions

1. Georgians are very proud of their wine. Having meals together and toasting are valued. Appearance is somewhat important and everyone keeps their shoes clean. Let those who are older than you sit on the bus or metro if there are no other seats available. * I recommend taking the walking tour in Tbilisi for details about the history and culture from a local. (Just google for starting location and give a small donation to the guide.)

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Georgia

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. Comments
   

Additional Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. * Online tickets for cultural events (opera, theatres, cinemas) https://biletebi.ge/  www.tkt.ge
2. If in Tblisi, take a walking tour to get your bearings and learn about the culture of Georgia. Tours are free, but you should tip generously. Here is the link to the tour company that we used.https://www.facebook.com/TbilisiHackFreeTours/

French Guiana

Safety

Safety in French Guiana
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 French Guiana
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

Visa Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. No visas are required.

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. The currency used is Euros. We didn’t have trouble finding ATMs that worked with our credit cards.

Communication

Communication in French Guiana
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 French Guiana
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. Mana to Cayenne taxi driver: Gavin (Antony) , 0694-925-5670, gospel4all@hotmail.fr

Culture

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

People’s Opinions

Shipping / Mailing

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

Additional Info

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