Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TIRANA179
2009-03-24 08:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tirana
Cable title:  

WELCOME TO ALBANIA

Tags:  APER AFIN AL 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0005
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTI #0179/01 0830854
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240854Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7976
UNCLAS TIRANA 000179 


Note - PII Data Removed

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER AFIN AL
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO ALBANIA

Ref: STATE 26645

UNCLAS TIRANA 000179


Note - PII Data Removed

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER AFIN AL
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO ALBANIA

Ref: STATE 26645


1. WELCOME

Congratulations on your assignment to Tirana, Albania. The American
Embassy community of Tirana welcomes you in advance and looks
forward to your arrival. We are confident that you will find Tirana
and the Embassy a rewarding place to live and work. To help us keep
in touch with you while you are traveling between assignments,
please provide the A/Management Officer, Lisa Ficek, with your
Agency and personal email address, phone numbers and mailing address
so we can keep you informed of sponsors and other events here.
Please keep us up-to-date on your travel plans including: date,
time, flight number, airline, the number of persons, any pets
accompanying you and approximate amount of luggage you are carrying
so a large enough vehicle is provided. To assist you in planning
your transfer, we offer the following information. For additional
information, please visit Embassy Tirana's Intranet webpage at
http://tirana.state.gov/


2. INDEX


1. Welcome

2. Index

3. Housing

4. Household Furnishings

5. Electrical and Electronic Equipment

6. Internet and Television Broadcasting

7. Hospitality kits

8. Clothing Considerations

9. Vehicles

10. Health

11. Currency

12. Recreation

13. General Shopping

14. Pets

15. Mail/Pouch

16. Transferring Email Accounts

17. General Shipping Instructions

18. Shipping instructions for HHE and Consumables

19. Shipping Instructions for UAB

20. Passports and Visas

21. Sponsorship Program

22. Additional Information

23. Management Section Contacts


3. HOUSING

Embassy furnished housing is split between the Rilindja Ridge
Housing compound, a U.S. Government-owned housing compound of
duplexes located on the outskirts of downtown Tirana, and apartments
or villas in the downtown area. The latter are conveniently located
near shops, restaurants, dance clubs, museums and movie theaters.
Villas in town are generally large and spacious with ceramic and
wood parquet floors. Most villas and apartments lack closets, so
wardrobes are provided. Yards around villas tend to be small and
parking often limited to one vehicle in the villa's walled compound.
The walled housing compound, which looks like suburban America, has
a playground, fitness center, tennis court and a swimming pool.
Almost all housing, whether government-owned or leased, is located
within five miles of the chancery, and many apartments are within

easy walking distance to the Embassy.

Because of the frequent utility outages in Albania, Embassy
residences are equipped with generators and reserve water tanks.
These backup systems help ensure that heat, cooling, light, water
and security alarms work 24/7. A note of caution, electrical surges
and brownouts do occur and occupants should bring surge protectors
and UPS for their computers and entertainment systems.

The Interagency Housing Board assigns all housing. Please email the
GSO with information on your family size and composition, pets, and
any health related problems or concerns, (such as allergies,
difficulty managing stairs, etc.). Your input will assist the GSO
and housing board in trying to match officers' housing requests with
dwellings.


4. HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS

Most homes include U.S. Government provided American furniture for
living room, dining room, and bedrooms and the following appliances
- refrigerator, oven/stove, washer, dryer, microwave, vacuum
cleaner, and in some cases dishwasher and ceiling fans. In some
apartment/villas, the landlords provide some furniture and
appliances. AFN decoders are provided for most houses, please check
with your agency. Employees with large collections of books or
bric-a-brac may want to bring their own bookcases. Contact the
General Services Office IVG 970-3369 or email FicekLL@State.gov if
you have questions about the furnishings in your assigned residence.
Please note that Tirana is a limited shipment post. Post does not
have storage facilities for employees' personal effects.


5. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Albania uses 220 volt, 50-cycle electricity. State Personnel

receive two transformers. Employees of other agencies should check
with their agency at post. Remember that a transformer changes the
voltage but not the cycles and cycles may control clock speeds for
alarm clocks, microwave ovens, answering machines, etc. Some 110
volt 60 HZ equipment with timers may not function properly. If you
plan to operate a lot of 110v equipment, you should consider
bringing additional transformers or be prepared to purchase them
locally. If you plan to ship a computer, it is recommended that you
also ship a 220-volt UPS and surge protector. Albania experiences
severe power fluctuations and disruptions, especially during the
winter months. You may also purchase an UPS locally for prices
higher than those in the U.S.


6. COMMUNICATION - INTERNET, TV AND RADIO

Residential dial-up Internet service, available locally, tends to be
slow, but personal e-mail, on-line banking, and shopping are
possible. Several Internet providers offer "high-speed" connections
(DSL). Prices for these services vary depending upon your needs and
the availability of coverage within your neighborhood. Employees
assigned to Ridge Housing may request access to a high-speed
Internet line for which they will be billed. Please note that
residential Internet service is a personal contractual
responsibility of the employee. The Embassy has two common use
Internet terminals in the CLO office that officers and their
families may use at any time.

Albanian TV operates on the PAL system. Some employees have
purchased and installed personal satellite TV systems including
decoder, satellite dish, and connecting cables. A local antenna,
which costs around 20.00 USD, can receive several Albanian channels.
Tirana also has several radio stations that play a mix of oldies and
today's hits.


7. HOSPITALITY KITS

A hospitality kit will be provided until your airfreight arrives.
This kit contains basic household items such as linens, pots and
pans, kitchen utensils, plates, glasses, flatware, shower curtain,
ironing board and iron. The hospitality kit should be returned
clean soon after you receive your airfreight. Therefore, be sure to
include all of these basic items in your airfreight. Upon request,
GSO can provide a more detailed list of recommended items to include
in your airfreight.


8. CLOTHING CONSIDERATIONS

Pack a sufficient range of clothing in your suitcase and UAB to
cover the potential for cooler weather in the fall and winter
months. Depending on shipping dates from your previous post, HHE can
take several months to arrive. Tirana enjoys four seasons but they
are generally mild. Summer temperatures can reach the low 100s at
midday, winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night.


9. VEHICLES

There are no restrictions on the type of personally owned vehicle
(POV) you can import into Albania. The Government of Albania permits
an employee with diplomatic status to import duty-free or purchase
locally tax-free one vehicle. When a spouse accompanies an employee
with diplomatic status, the spouse can import duty free or buy
locally tax-free a vehicle, which will be registered under the
spouse's name. If you ship a vehicle to post, you must bring the
original title to register the vehicle. "E-titles" are not accepted,
unless a notary from the state where the vehicle title was issued
notarizes the E-title. The Albanian Government will not accept an
E-title notarized by the Embassy's consular section. If you need
additional information with respect to shipping, registering, and
operating a POV in Tirana, please contact the General Services
Officer.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and must be obtained
through a local insurance firm before your vehicle can be
registered. Information on third-party liability insurance
companies is available in the Customs and Shipping Office once you
arrive at Post. Most employees purchase collision and comprehension
coverage in the United States. One such company that provides
service overseas is Clements (www.clements.com). There may be other
insurance companies that provide comparable services. Be sure your
policy includes transit to Post as well as in-country coverage.


10. HEALTH

Post's on-site Medical Officer is Jill Barnes, Foreign Service
Health Practitioner. Post's Regional Medical Officer and Regional
Psychiatrist are located in Vienna. Local health care services are
poor. If you are a member of ICASS and have a medical clearance, you
are eligible for care in the Health Unit. It is strongly recommended
that you bring a good supply of your frequently used
over-the-counter and prescription drugs and vitamins. Aerosols or
liquid that are medically related are the only such items that may
be shipped in the pouch. Very few over-the-counter drugs common to
the U.S. are available in Tirana. The following immunizations are
strongly recommended: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, diphtheria, and
typhoid. Tick Bourne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is recommended for

those who plan to spend a lot of time outside in grassy/wooded
areas. Dental services are available but with varying degrees of
capabilities and equipment. We strongly recommend you complete your
dental care before coming to post. Due to the dust in the summer
months, Tirana is a high-risk area for allergy and asthma patients.
If you already suffer from respiratory illnesses, be prepared to
cope with the increased discomfort.

We strongly suggest you review your private health insurance plan
before arrival to ensure it is appropriate for the overseas
environment. Bring copies of your insurance claim forms and card,
your most recent medical clearance form (DS-823) and your
immunization record. Have all your contact numbers and addresses
readily available in case the need arises. If you have prescription
coverage and regular prescription needs, please carefully review
that aspect of your insurance coverage prior to your departure.


11. Currency

Tirana is a cash based economy. It is possible to change U.S.
Dollars to the Albanian Lek five days a week at the American Bank of
Albania branch located on Embassy grounds. Electronic cash machines
(ATM) are widely available in Tirana; one is located on the Embassy
grounds. Shops, airlines, restaurants and most hotels generally do
not accept credit cards.


12. RECREATION

The American Embassy Recreation Association (AERA) plans fun events
and manages a fitness center and swimming pool, both located on the
Embassy housing compound. The AERA does not operate or plan to open
a commissary. There are limited recreational facilities available
in Tirana - the city operates a couple of public swimming pools and
the Ambassador's residence has a tennis court. Opera and classical
concerts are popular here, but performances are limited. A number
of dance clubs offer live music entertainment. The beaches, which
are an hour or two drive from Tirana, can be crowded but do offer a
weekend getaway. Many Americans participate in the Hash House
Harriers' weekly run/walk events.


13. GENERAL SHOPPING

Availability of food items in Albania is improving. Most processed
food items are imported from Italy and Greece. Many American foods
are not available and of those for sale, your favorite brand may be
hard to find. Many officers order consumables through a military
commissary and ELSO after their arrival at Post. Good quality
produce is available in the many outdoor farmers' markets scattered
throughout the city, though local fruits and vegetables are
available in season. Local shops carry a wide variety of products,
but it is suggested that you bring sufficient shoes and clothing
with you because selections and styles are limited and quality
varies.


14. PETS

Dogs and cats are not subject to quarantine, but should have all
shots up-to-date at least 30 days prior to departure. An
international health certificate showing rabies and distemper
vaccinations is not required but is recommended. If you plan to ship
exotic pets please check with the GSO. Grocery stores stock basic
dog and cat food and many also carry some European brands of kitty
litter. Please indicate to GSO whether or not you intend to bring a
pet to post and confirm your pet status in your subsequent arrival
cables. There are at least two English-speaking veterinarians in
Tirana.


15. MAIL/POUCH

Diplomatic Pouch for personal mail services is available to Mission
employees. Usage restrictions are described below. The embassy
pouch address is:

Your Name>
9510 Tirana Place
Dulles, VA 20189-9510

Mail being sent to Tirana from the U.S. by pouch is subject to size
and weight restrictions and is received twice a week. Parcels may
not exceed 17 inches X 18 inches X 30 inches in any dimension and
must not weigh more than 45 pounds. A Xerox size paper box or the
largest box currently on sale by the USPS is the biggest size box
the pouch system will accept. Prohibited items include liquids
(other than pharmaceuticals),aerosols, alcoholic beverages,
perishable items, ammunition and other things not allowed in the
USPS. Pouches are routinely x-rayed and boxes returned to sender if
they contain prohibited items.

Outgoing mail is restricted to a package the size of video cassette
tape and flat envelopes, not to exceed two pounds. An exception is
that merchandise delivered through the pouch may be returned to the
vendor. Allow at least two weeks, three weeks to be safe, for
delivery of a letter to the U.S. through the diplomatic pouch.

It is against regulations to ship all or part of your HHE, UAB and

consumables via the pouch. Abuse of pouch privileges could result
in an employee receiving a bill for the cost of the airfreight of
those items.


16. TRANSFERRING EMAIL ACCOUNTS

Holders of Department OpenNet and ClassNet e-mail accounts should
consult 06 STATE 131394 for specific instructions on how to prepare
and handle the transfer of existing accounts to Tirana. US Embassy
Tirana uses Active Directory with Exchange 2003; please provide this
information to the system administrators of your most recent post.
In an effort to ensure that users do not experience long delays in
reclaiming e-mail accounts upon transfer, a departing employee
should contact the Systems Administrator (Class and Unclass) for
account transfer procedures. Good communication and prompt action
on your part will ensure that the e-mail directory remains clean and
accurate and that you will not experience a long delay in reclaiming
your e-mail accounts upon reporting to duty.


17. GENERAL SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

All personal effects shipments (UAB, HHE, POV and Consumables)
should be timed to arrive after the employee's arrival to post.
Personal effects shipments cannot be cleared through customs in
advance of employee's arrival. Shipping documents, copies of all
inventories, airway bills, and bills-of-lading should be faxed at
the earliest opportunity to American Embassy Tirana 355-4-232-222.
Send the original to attn.: GSO Shipping, Department of State, 9510
Tirana Place, Washington D.C. 20521-9510 or by courier to GSO
Shipping, American Embassy Tirana, Rruga Elbasanit 103, Tirana,
Albania. Please put employee's complete name on all papers.
Additional copies should be hand-carried by employee.


18. SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR HHE AND CONSUMABLES


A. There is no limitation on size or weight of shipping containers.
For Department of State personnel your HHE shipment is limited to
7,200 lbs. per employee and the consumable shipment is limited to
2,500 Lbs. If you are assigned to another agency please verify your
allowances with your agency.

B. HHE should be routed through port of discharge Antwerp, Belgium,
for - ELSO. Military shipping routes vary.

C. Marking instructions: Name of employee, American Embassy Tirana,
Albania
For forwarding to:

American Embassy
Tirana
Rruga e Elbasanit, 103
Tirana, Albania
(Employee's first, middle, and last name)


D. HHE should be always routed through ELSO, Antwerp.

E. Consignee to be designated on ocean bill-of-lading: ELSO Antwerp


19. SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR UAB


A. For Department of State personnel, your UAB shipment is limited
to: 250 lbs. for the first person traveling, 200 lbs. for the second
person traveling, 150 lbs. for the third person traveling and 100
lbs. for each additional person traveling.

B. Marking instructions to be placed on containers:
(Employee's first, middle and last name)
U.S. Embassy Tirana / office symbol
Rruga e Elbasanit, 103
Tirana, Albania

C. UAB should be routed to Tirana International Airport (Rinas).


20. PASSPORTS AND VISAS

American Officials assigned to the U.S. Mission to Albania and their
family members must obtain Albanian diplomatic entry visas from an
Albanian Mission abroad prior to coming to Albania. Failure to
obtain a diplomatic entry visa before arriving in Albania will cause
long delays in obtaining diplomatic identification cards and
clearing household effects and personal vehicles through Customs.

You should visit the Management Office on the first workday after
your arrival to complete forms for your diplomatic identification
card and obtain the arrival check-in sheet. This sheet includes the
offices that will assist you in smoothly settling into Tirana.
Please hand-carry the following items to post:


1. Minimum of six ID photos, size 1" x 1", for each member of your
family.

2. All documents (inventories, GBL, AWB, etc.) concerning your HHE,
UAB, vehicle, and consumable shipments.

3. Your State Department ID Badge


21. SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

We have an active sponsorship program to assist you in your
transition to Albania. The Community Liaison Officer will contact
you with information on your sponsor, life in Albania and the
diplomatic community. Your sponsor and/or your section will meet

you at the airport and introduce you to your new surroundings.


22. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The CLO will send you additional information via e-mail. After
reading this cable, the CLO material and the Post Report, if you
have questions please contact the appropriate person on the
management team below, your sponsor, or your future supervisor. We
wish you a warm welcome to Tirana.


23. MANAGEMENT SECTION CONTACTS

U.S. Embassy Tirana - Switchboard
tel: 355-4-224-7285)
fax: 355-4-223-2222

Local Address:
Rruga e Elbasanit 103
Tirana, Albania

A/Management Officer/GSO: Lisa Ficek
email: FicekLL@State.gov
tel: 355-4-247-285, ext. 3369
IVG: 970-3369
cell phone: 355-068-206-8203

Shipping: Agron Brahja
email: brahjaa@state.gov
tel: 355-4-224-7285, ext 3188
IVG: 970-3188
cell phone: 355-068-405-1221

CLO: Nora Zajazi
email: CLOtirana@state.gov
tel: 355-4-224-7285, ext 3072
IVG: 970-3072
cell phone: 355-068-602-3357

IMO: Randal Meyers
email: meyersr@state.gov
tel: 355-4-224-7285, ext 3040
IVG: 970-3040
cell phone: 355-068-403-9089

Health: Jill Barnes
tel: 355-4-224-7285, ext 3549
IVG: 970-3549
cell phone: 355-068-602-3356

WITHERS