World Race Country Guides Posts
Latvia
Latvia
Safety
U.S. State Department | Latvia
Threats
- Each winter, several people in Latvia sustain serious injuries from falling icicles. Pay careful attention to sidewalks that are blocked by rope or tape and be cautious of work crews clearing ice and snow from building rooftops.
- Harassment of foreigners, ethnic minorities, and homosexuals has also occurred in Latvia.
- The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse snatching, pick pocketing, and mugging, especially during the summer tourism season.
Safety in Latvia
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 Latvia
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Don’t go to the Infectious Ward Center unless you think you have malaria. Also when you do go for a possible case of maleria be prepared to stay at the hospital for 1-3 days. (Time may vary depending on if the “doctor” is there.)
Visa Info
Visa Info in Latvia
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
- Lat; Riga Airport, Bank of Latvia, lots of ATMs around
Currency Info in Latvia
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- It’s actually the Euro currently. No longer the lat. You can get ATM’s everywhere. The Euro is way better than the dollar fyi.
Communication
Communication in Latvia
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
- Tele 2;put the SIM-card into the phoneturn the phone onenter PIN 1 code (from the card)„Tele2†appears on the screenSIM-card activates with first outgoing call, call length must be at least 10 seconds. With first outgoing call please choose „network languageâ€after 10 minutes your new SIM-card is ready to accept incoming calls and SMS’s.Cell reception all over the country, internet service at Adventistu Baznica in Liepaja and can be found at local restaurants.The country code is: 371
Transportation
- From Estonia:
- From Romania:
- From Ukraine:
- From Moldova:
- etc
- City bus, long distance bus, Pastor’s car, walked; It costs .40-.50 Lat to ride the tram in the city.
Transportation in Latvia
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
- BUS all the way while within the country! Even if you are stationed there and have to go to Lithuania or Estonia, heck we went to poland on a couple of days off via bus.Highly suggest using ECOlines. They have free wifi on the bus, along with mini tv’s at times, and hot chocolate dispensers. They are the company our squad used the most. Reasonably priced.
Culture
Cultural Norms
- Latvians tend to be polite, formal, and reserved during initial meetings.
- Periods of silence are to be expected during conversations and it’s best to avoid interrupting someone while they are speaking.
- It is best to convey a sense of calm and avoid overly loud voices and displays of emotion like anger or frustration in public. It’s best not to take it personally if people are reserved in the beginning; they usually warm up after time.
- Latvians tend to value their personal space. The appropriate amount of personal space tends to be an arm’s length or more with strangers and usually a bit less with friends and family.
- There tends to very little to no touching during conversations.
- The younger generation tends to be more open and a brush of shoulder/hand is okay. It is common to see women/girls walk hand in hand on the street. This is also common for young couples.
- Pointing with a single finger is considered rude. It’s best to use the whole hand.
Culture in Latvia
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Latvia
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
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
Ambulance – 113
Fire – 112
Police – 112
US Embassy Information
Embassy of the United States of America
1 Samnera Velsa St.
Riga, LV-1510 Latvia
The U.S. Embassy is located across from the shopping mall SPICE between Kalnciema and Lielirbes street. Entrance to the Consular Section is on S.Velsa (formerly Remtes) street.
City buses Nr. 53, 22, 32, and 43, as well as minibuses Nr. 236 and 242 have stops within a walking distance from the embassy.
Canadian Embassy Information
20/22 Baznicas Street
6th floor Riga, LV-1010
Latvia
Tel.: (+371) 6781-3945
Fax: (+371) 6781-3960
Email: riga@international.gc.ca
British Embassy Information
5, J. Alunana Street
Riga LV-1010
Tel.: (+371) 6777 4700
Fax: (+370) 6777 4707
Additional Info in Albania
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Laos
Laos
Safety
- Motorcycles are the main way of transportation here in most places in Laos.
- If you are going to be driving one, please make sure to always check and see if everything functions properly before driving it.
Safety in Laos
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
- Locals we met told us Laos is considered a very safe country and that the crime rate is very low because the police take crime very seriously.
Health
Health in Laos
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
Visa Info
Visa Info in Laos
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- We had to pay an extra $1 per person because we crossed on Saturday for the weekend rate and also had to pay another $1 per person for the visa because we got to the border after 4pm so the staff was working overtime.Other travelers were also having to pay this extra $1 for the visa.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Laos
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
-
- Most places will take Baht, USD, or Kip.
- Kip is still the preferred money though and if you use Baht or USD you will probably get Kip in return.
- There are exchange places and ATM’s everywhere in the major cities.
Communication
Communication in Laos
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Transportation
- Took an overnight bus from the border to Luang Prabang, which is a tourist town.
- 13 hour bus ride, only stopped one time at a rest stop so take that into account
- 170,000 Kip per person, which is about $21.
- Travel agencies are all around so it is easy to find bus times and routes at those places. It is easier to book through a travel agency then at a bus station because they will also hire tuk-tuk’s to take you and your bags to the bus station.
Transportation in Laos
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
- Traveling from Chiang Mai to Pakse, Laos:We took the bus from the Arcade bus station in Chiang Mai to Ubon Ratchatani which was about 14 hours and then bought the tickets on an international bus straight to Pakse ~3 hours and got a tuk-tuk to our hostel from there.*International buses are easy and quick because you are crossing the border with a public bus company which includes locals so it goes very smoothly. They help you through the whole process.
Culture
Culture in Laos
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Laos
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
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 Laos
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Kenya
Kenya
Safety
Crime and Threats
-
Kenya has a very high crime rate that is compounded by the fact that police forces are widely ineffective and corrupt. The situation is particularly severe in urban areas, especially Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. Armed robberies, muggings, home invasions, sexual assault and petty theft occur frequently, and most street crimes involve multiple armed assailants.
-
Criminals often target foreigners, who are perceived to be relatively affluent. U.S. and other foreign nationals have been the victims of assault and robbery. Foreigners should avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash or expensive electronic items.
-
The number of carjackings throughout the country has increased significantly in recent years. Carjackings occur on roads and highways in both urban and rural areas, particularly after dark and on routes with roads on which fast travel is difficult. Robbers frequently wear the uniform of Kenya’s traffic police.
-
Foreigners and tour groups are common targets, especially in areas where government forces do not have control, such as near the borders with Uganda and Somalia as well as roads leading to Mombasa. Highway banditry is common in much of North Eastern province, significant portions of Eastern province, and the northern part of Rift Valley province — areas that are remote and largely unpopulated.
-
Highway banditry is common in much of North Eastern Province, Eastern Province, the northern part of Coast Province, and the northern part of the Rift Valley Province. These areas are remote and sparsely populated. Incidents also occur occasionally on Kenya’s main highways, particularly after dark.
-
There have been reports of armed banditry in or near many of Kenya’s national parks and game reserves, particularly the Samburu, Leshaba, and Masai Mara game reserves. In response, the Kenya Wildlife Service and police have taken some steps to strengthen security in the affected areas, but the problem has not been eliminated. Travelers who do not use the services of reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Camping alone is always risky.
Safety in Kenya
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
- Areas affected: Present in all areas (including game parks) <2,500 m (<8,202 ft). None in Nairobi.
- Estimated risk: Moderate
- Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Kenya and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region
- Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
- Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweats
- Headache
- Body Aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
*The medicines used to prevent malaria can be very effective when used properly, but none of them are 100% effective.
- Areas Affected: All of Kenya
- 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
- Principal
Coptic Hospital
Ngong Road
PO Box 21570
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 202725856
Mariakani Cottage Hospital
PO Box 12535
Mchumbi Road, South B
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 20559261
Nairobi Equator Hospital
PO Box 962
Nairobi West Shopping Centre, Bukani Road
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 20604720
Parklands Ambulatory Surgical Center
3rd Parklands Avenue
PO Box 61777
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 203748767
The Karen Hospital
Langata Road Karen
PO Box 74240
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 206613000
The Nairobi Hospital
Argings-Kodhek Road
PO Box 30026
Nairobi, Kenya
+254 202845000
Health in Kenya
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Visa Info
U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Kenya
Visas for US Citizens are $50.
Visa Info in Kenya
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Currency Info
Currency Info in Kenya
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Communication
Communication in Kenya
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
Easy Coach is the best way to travel in Kenya and one of the cheapest. The office is in central Nairobi. You have to book the tickets at the office and make sure you have everyone’s names and passport numbers.
Transportation in Kenya
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
- Comments
Culture
-
Greeting: A firm handshake is the most common form of greeting. During introductions, men should wait for women to extend their hands. Kenyans tend to avoid eye conduct during formal introductions as a sign of respect. Kenyans are extremely polite; foreigners should return this courtesy in kind in order to gain respect.
-
Hand Gestures: Never use the left hand for greetings, giving gifts or eating. It is considered rude to directly point at someone.
- Pictures: Foreigners should ask for permission before taking pictures of people.
- Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is expected; 10 percent is the norm.
Christians in Africa don’t drink, so be respectful of your Kenyan brothers and sisters.
Culture in Kenya
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Kenya
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Additional Info
Additional Info in Kenya
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Jordan
Jordan
Safety
Safety in Jordan
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 Jordan
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
Visa Info
Visa Info in Jordan
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
Currency Info in Jordan
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
Communication
Communication in Jordan
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 Jordan
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 Jordan
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Jordan
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
Additional Info
Additional Info in Jordan
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Safety
Safety in Kazakhstan
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 Kazakhstan
Any special health concerns?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Visa Info
Visa Info in Kazakhstan
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Currency Info
Currency Info in Kazakhstan
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Communication
Communication in Kazakhstan
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 Kazakhstan
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
-
- Download: 2GIS app. It is an offline maps app that provides bus line info. It’s much better than maps.me in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
We took fairy from Azerbaijan and arrived to desolate Aktau port at 1:00am. No sims or atm available. Exchanged EC to pay for taxi. Fellow passengers and customs staff called taxis and dropped us at hotel Merey (marked on maps.me).
Bought train tickets followin morning (couldn’t by online because went sure when we’d arrive). 
- Download: 2GIS app. It is an offline maps app that provides bus line info. It’s much better than maps.me in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Culture
Culture in Kazakhstan
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Kazakhstan
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
- Comments
Additional Info
Additional Info in Kazakhstan
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
People’s Opinions
- We had a mini debrief in the capital Nur-Sultan (also know as Astana). We stayed at Hostelland. Very clean, nice bathrooms – I recommend! We had our all squad meetings outside. They also have a small kitchen area that could work if you go in the winter time.
Note, their card reader did not accept our chip-less cards. I recommend pulling all the logistics money needed prior to arrival. ATMs are about a 30 minute walk away.
If you are arriving from the airport, I recommend asking Hostelland to set up shuttles. We got ripped off by taxis upon arrival.