COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TRENKLE AND POPE

UNCLAS HARARE 000063 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA PREL PREF SF ZI SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TRENKLE AND POPE REF: PRETORIA 000284 ¶1. Embassy Harare grants country clearance and warmly welcomes the visit of Timothy Trenkle and Robert Pope for the purpose of attending the IOM Reception and Support Centre during the day of January 30. Post recognizes that travelers do not need Embassy assistance. ¶2. Based on the current economic situation in the country, using a credit card could significantly increase your costs. Hotel payment must be made in U.S. cash or travelers checks. U.S. travelers checks are difficult to use except to pay hotel bills. Personal checks may be cashed at the Embassy cashier only for local currency and at the official exchange rate. Personal checks cannot be cashed at the Embassy for U.S. currency. Post recommends that travelers bring enough U.S. currency to cover anticipated needs in Zimbabwe. ¶3. Post strongly urges leaving Embassy Harare's telephone number with family and business associates before departing for Zimbabwe so that you can be quickly located in the event of an emergency. The Embassy telephone number is 263-4-250-593. Marine Security Guard Post extension is ¶260. ¶4. Several recent visitors transiting Johannesburg to Harare have had items stolen from their luggage at Johannesburg International Airport. Please ensure that your luggage is locked and hand-carry valuable items. ¶5. Malaria is prevalent throughout Zimbabwe, except in Harare. We strongly recommend the use of malaria prophylaxes and adjunctive measures when traveling outside of Harare. ¶6. The exchange rate is currently 2815.00, however this rate is subject to frequent change. ¶7. Road safety/automobile travel: While traveling in vehicles, doors should be kept locked and windows rolled up. Car-jackings are common in Harare, and diplomatic vehicles and personnel are not immune to these attacks by armed thieves. Highway bandits are active on roads leading to border areas. DELL