Car Rental In Greece
US Department Of State Post Report
The Athens area now is home for more than 40% of Greece’s 11 million people. The number of vehicles in the greater Athens area has increased dramatically over the past 20 years and now totals over 1 million. Roads are narrow and often lined with parked cars. Heavy traffic flows in and out of the city from early morning until after midnight are typical and, indeed, have gotten worse with numerous Olympics-related construction projects. This causes noisy and irritating driving. In an effort to control the pollution problems in Athens, driving is restricted in the central area every day, except Sundays, holidays, and the month of August. Only public transportation, motorcycles, and vehicles with diplomatic license plates are exempt from these restrictions. For security reasons, no Mission employees use diplomatic plates on their cars, but those having diplomatic status are issued a special card, which can be presented to the authorities if stopped when driving in the restricted area ... [Read More]
US State Department Road Safety Overseas
U.S. Department of State [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
It is best to bring your own multi-system TV, VCR, radio, and stereo since all the Macedonian channels broadcast in color in the European system (Pal/Secam). Multi-system TVs are not readily available locally; however European TVs can be purchased almost everywhere. Small satellite dishes are also readily available. A cable TV system is in its initial phase here, and is available with 5 English channels: CNN, a sports channel, a music channel, the Cartoon Network/TNT, and a movie channel (mostly English movies with subtitles in Macedonian). One can also purchase an AFN decoder through the Camp Able Sentry PX which provides 6 channels in English. Cost is around $600 for the decoder purchase. Installation of the required satellite dish is additional. An American TV with VCR can be used with a transformer to play computer games and VHS/NTSC tapes. Video movies in VHS/PAL/Secam system are very popular and readily available in Macedonia. Unfortunately, the Embassy recommends that personnel ... [Read More]
Portugal
U.S. Department of State [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
AERA, CLO, and the Marine Security Guard Detachment work together to organize holiday gatherings for the Embassy community and friends. The annual Marine Birthday Ball is one of the highlights of the fall season, followed by the International Women’s Club (IWC) Charity Bazaar in early December. Opportunities abound to devote time to charity. Many institutions for orphans and handicapped welcome volunteeres. There are two English-speaking international clubs for women, the above-mentioned IWC, and the Women’s Network, made up chiefly of working women in Sofia. Official Functions Nature of FunctionsLast Updated: 12/2/2003 11:36 AM In Sofia, there ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Notes For Travelers Getting to the PostLast Updated: 9/30/2003 9:53 AM The recommended routing between the U.S. and Tirana is via Zurich or Vienna. Transiting Rome or Milan is also a possibility although the Embassy cautions that Alitalia often uses small planes to fly the Rome-to-Tirana route and travelers sometimes arrive without their luggage. The airport servicing Tirana is located 45–60 minutes out of town in Rinas. For travelers arriving via automobile, ferry service is available from Bari, Ancona, and Trieste in Italy to Durresi, Albania. Drivers must have the European “green card” insurance, as well as a valid U.S. driver’s license or international license to drive in the E.U. [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Leased housing is scattered throughout the city with several units set on a hill within 6 miles of the Embassy. These homes include two sets of triplexes, several duplexes and/or stand-alone units. They are fully furnished and have yards, three bedrooms, three baths, a den, living room, dining room and kitchen. Bath colors tend to be a light chocolate tile with white tubs, sinks, toilets, and bidets. Otherwise colors are neutral and built-in closets and cabinets provide plenty of storage. Where necessary, wardrobes are provided. Leased apartments in the city or elsewhere may be smaller with two bedrooms, two baths, but have the same furnishings and amenities as the homes. Each unit has its own washer, dryer, freezer and water distiller. FurnishingsLast Updated: 2/28/2003 6:00 PM& ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
In the late 19th century, the city spread out onto the flat area between the hills and river. Since WWII extensive high-rise construction has occurred in "New Zagreb" (Novi Zagreb) across the Sava to the south. SecurityLast Updated: 3/2/2004 3:51 AM There are no specific terrorist threats against Americans in Croatia. The city is considered safe by U.S. standards. Despite the low crime rate, the RSO recommends that travelers adhere to standard precautions to protect themselves. Burglaries of Embassy residences are infrequent, averaging about two per year. Residents should use all of the locks and external lights provided to deter burglary. During lengthy absences from Post, employees should make arrangements for housesitte ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Gasoline and diesel are available throughout the country and the Pakistani Government fixes the price. Octane ratings lower than in the U.S. allow low-compression, six-cylinder engines to run better. Regular gasoline averages 80- octane, and super gasoline averages 87 octane. Occasionally, 100-octane gasoline is available. Regular gasoline lacks additives that make U.S. gasoline more efficient in high-compression engines. Presently, the price of "super" gasoline is about 81˘ per liter, and diesel prices are about 44˘ per liter off post. All employees may purchase tax-free gasoline or diesel from the GSO gas station using chits for sale through the Embassy cashier or Commissary. The present cost of duty-free "super" gasoline at the GSO gas station is about 45˘ per liter; diesel presently costs about 34˘ per liter. Local TransportationLast Updated: & ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Spacious gardens surround the villa, and there is a patio shaded by olive trees that is used for summer receptions. The villa also has a swimming pool. The entrance to the house is through the foyer that leads to a large reception hall floored in marble. To the rear is a terrace overlooking the garden; beneath the terrace is the pool house with the dressing rooms, bathrooms, and a kitchenette. To the right of the entry foyer is a smaller living room furnished with Maltese antique furniture. Next to it is the main living room (with a fireplace) with high ceilings and moldings reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance period, also furnished with Maltese antique furniture. The dining room can easily accommodate 24 people. If needed, the main table when extended can seat 18 people. For informal and family dining, there is a small round table in a bay window nook that can seat six. The kitchen off the dining room is fully equipped. The main floor of the residence has three bedrooms, each with ... [Read More]
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