World Race Country Guides

Hungary

Safety

• Be especially careful in train stations and crowded tourist areas. You should avoid demonstrations and political rallies. In recent years a few demonstrations have turned violent, and authorities have used riot police and water cannons to control crowds.
• Do not walk alone at night; keep your belongings secure at all times. Passports, cash, and credit cards are favorite targets of thieves.

Safety in Hungary
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. comment

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Hungary

Health in Hungary
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1. Comments

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Hungary

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

People’s Opinions

1. Comments

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. Comments

Communication

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

People’s Opinions

1. Comments

Transportation

Transportation in Hungary
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 arrived in Budapest by plane and had to get to Serbia from there for month 1 of ministry. The best option that we found was a company called Fudeks. They picked us up at the airport and dropped us off at the ministry site. The bus was extremely nice with reclining seats, tables, and foot rests. The only downfall was the price. If you can pay a little extra I would highly recommend this option!
   

Culture

• Touching: Unless you are family or on a very familiar level with a friend, it is uncommon to touch any part of someone’s body when speaking to them regardless of the sex.
• Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is perfectly acceptable and considered a sign of honesty and respect for the person you are speaking with.
• Gestures: Pointing a finger is considered rude. If you need to point something out, flick the finger quickly drawing it back to you.

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

People’s Opinions

1. Comments
   

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Hungary

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. Comments
   

Additional Info

United States Embassy (Budapest)
After-hours emergency hotline #: (36-1) 475-4400
Business-hours emergency hotline #: (36-1) 475-4164
SECURITY PLAN
Hungary
Non-Emergency contact #: (36-1) 475-4164
Email: acs.budapest@state.gov
Web: http://hungary.usembassy.gov/service.html
Embassy Address: American Citizen Services, U.S. Embassy Szabadság tér 12. H-1054 Budapest, Hungary

Canada Embassy (Budapest) – Embassy for citizens is located in Hungary.
Contact #: +36 1 392-3360
Email: bpest@international.gc.ca
Web: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/hungary-hongrie/index.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
Embassy Address:
1027 Budapest
Ganz St 12-14
Budapest, Hungary

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

Honduras

Safety

• The current criminal activity in Honduras is high and rising. According to authorities, violent crime has grown significantly over the course of 2009-2010, especially in San Pedro Sula, which ranked as the second most violent city in the world in 2009.
• Foreigners have increasingly been targeted in criminal activity, and several U.S. citizens have been murdered in Tegucigalpa and surrounding areas.
• Street crime, such as theft and armed robbery, is the principal concern for travelers in most urban areas.
• San Pedro Sula has the highest crime rate in the country, while Tegucigalpa follows shortly behind.
• Copan, the Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate; however, thefts, break-ins, assaults and murders occur in these locations as well.
• Carjackings have been a particular problem; four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles are the preferred targets.
• Reports indicate that thieves and pickpockets target travelers as they enter and depart airports and hotels.
• Teams should be cautious while walking the streets, where two-man motorcycle teams or armed robbers in private vehicles often target pedestrians for robbery.

Safety in Honduras
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. When you are in public places, refrain from traveling in large groups with lots of visible bags and electronics. Travel in groups of three during the day and four at night with one male in all groups. Always be aware of who is around you. They are aware of us, we need to be aware of them, especially on public transportation.
   

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Honduras

Malaria

• Areas affected: Present throughout the country at altitudes below 1000 m (3,281 ft) and in Roatán and other Bay Islands. None in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.
• Estimated risk: Moderate
• Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Atovaquone/ proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine
• 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.

Dengue Fever

• Areas Affected: All of Honduras
• 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 Honduras
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

1. No Comment

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Honduras

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

People’s Opinions

1. $3 Exit fee.

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. Honduran Lempira – about 1 USD to 20 Lemps.  
2. Lempira, we had our squad leaders collect money and exchange it at the border

Communication

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

People’s Opinions

1. Tigo.  Make sure you recharge on your triple credit day to get best value (day is based on phone number so ask your host which day is your triple day)
2. Tigo. Phone cards were bought by Tony, our contact, because it is very easy to get ripped off in Honduras if you are not a local. Minutes can be bought at the Tigo store in CIty Mall.

Transportation

Transportation in Honduras
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 decided to take a new bus line called the Diana. It broke down right outside of the station. After the new bus arrived it wasn’t to bad, but the people were rude. I wouldn’t suggest this line.
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.

   http://www.ticabus.com/esp/

Culture

• Communication: Be aware that the acceptable distance for Hondurans is closer
  than that of most North Americans. Prepare your reaction in advance if/when a local
  goes beyond your personal space. He/she might feel offended if you back off at
  once. As in every culture, your gestures, body language, and facial expression
  communicate volumes of information so listen and pay attention to you environment.
• Greeting: Give a firm handshake when greeting a man and less firm when greeting

  a woman. Establishing eye contact in an inviting way is important.

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

People’s Opinions

1. Be careful how you are speaking in public. There are more people that understand english than you think. Be wise and think about what you are saying in public.
   

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Honduras

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. If you are looking for something fun to do with your team on an off day you should head to La Ceiba to Omega tours. We went white water rafting which also included a place to stay for free. There was hiking trails, a pool, good food, and just about anything you need for a great off day. Very affordable and the staff speaks English!
   

Additional Info

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

Haiti

Safety

• The primary security concern for travelers to Haiti is crime.
• Petty theft is endemic throughout the country, and incidents of violent crime — including armed robbery, homicide, sexual assault and kidnapping are becoming increasingly common.
• It is important to exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country.
• Keep valuables well hidden, ensure possessions are not left in parked vehicles, use private transportation, alternate your travel routes, and keep doors and windows in homes and vehicles closed and locked.
• You should avoid all night-time travel due to poor road conditions and increased criminal activity after dark.
• Remain alert for suspicious onlookers when entering and exiting banks, as criminals often watch and subsequently attack bank customers.
• Criminal perpetrators often operate in groups of two to four individuals, and may occasionally be confrontational and gratuitously violent.
• Criminals sometimes will seriously injure or kill those who resist their attempts to commit crime.
• Exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security procedures frequently.
• While in Haiti, you must be particularly alert when arriving from overseas at the Portau- Prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers for later assaults and robberies.
• Avoid using public transportation, including “tap-taps” (private transportation used for commercial purposes). Instead, arrange for someone you know to meet you at the airport.
• You should ALWAYS decline requests for people to carry items for you.

Safety in Haiti
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. In Mirebalias at Grace so Amazing, we were able to walk to the coffee shop and back or to the river and back alone after a week or so. All of the people we ran into on the streets were very nice. We felt safe here the whole time.
   
2. We felt very safe at Supply and Multiply! We had awesome guards who guarded the gate all night and all day! They let the children come in very rarely and we’re very respectable of our space!
3. We were blessed to stay at Mission of Hope, a very safe, guarded, yet spacious compound. While out in the villages, we were partnered with MOH interns, village champions, and translators. Belongings are kept behind keypad doors but if you go out into the villages, make sure you take everything off of the bus (just incase). Overall, it’s safe and secure.

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Haiti

Malaria

• Areas affected: All (including Port Labadee)
• Estimated risk: Moderate
• Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Atovaquone/ proguanil, chloroquine, 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.


Dengue Fever

• Areas Affected: All of Haiti
• 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

Chickungunya 

• Areas Affected: All of Haiti
• Estimated Risk: Moderate
• Symptoms:
  • Sharp fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
• Treatment: Seek care from a medical professional. No cure or vaccine available, treatment is centered around relieving symptoms (fever reducing medication, fluids, and rest)
• Mosquito borne illness prevention:
  • Eliminate standing water where mosquitos breed
  • Use insect repellent with deet
  • Use mosquito nets properly
  • Strenghten your immune system by taking vitamin C, D, and Zinc daily
  • Seek medical care and report illnesses to leaders to aid in the prevention of spreading illnesses to others

Health in Haiti
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Haiti

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

People’s Opinions

1. When you get off the place in Port Au Prince, you will fill out a visa form and it cost $10USD.

Currency Info

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

People’s Opinions

1. Haitian Gouds is the currency but some things may be marked or sold in Haitian Dollars which is 5 Gouds= 1 Haitian Dollar.

Communication

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

People’s Opinions

1. In Mirebalias we used Digicel which was the best option for data since Wifi wasn’t a great option. You can pick a SIM card up at a vendor on the side of the road for 100 Gouds.
2. Supply and Multiply did not have wifi at the compound but they were kind enough to give us transportation to a resort once a week to get wifi! They really rocked my socks!
   

Transportation

Transportation in Haiti
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

• Greeting: When you meet someone for the first time, if you ask him where he comes from, he will quickly reply that he comes from the North, Cap-Haïtien; the South, Jacmel, Port-au-Prince; the Artibonite, Gonaïves, or St-Marc.
• Communication: Avoid subjects about politics or the condition of the country. Hygiene and poor sanitation in the city are also very delicate subjects. You can show that you have a sense of humor, as long as it relates to the behavior or feelings of the person with whom you are speaking.

Culture in Haiti
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 | Haiti

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

Tips

People’s Opinions

1. If you are with Supply and Multiply take advantage of walking through the market everyday. Get to know the vendors, maybe you’ll make some good deals on things!
   
2. Always travel with at least 2 other people.

Additional Info

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