UNCLASSIFIED

AID 11/13/23

BSALAMANCA BS

TROSSOVA TR

PROBINSON PR

AID

AMEMBASSY ALMATY

SECSTATE WASHDC

INFO AMEMBASSY TASHKENT

ADM AID

FOR USAID/W (\[newcomer name\]), FOR M/HR/POD-TEAM 2 (SANNA SOLEM)

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: EAID

SUBJECT: WELCOME INFORMATION FROM USAID/CAR FOR \[newcomer name\]

REF: assignment cable

1\. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ASSIGNMENT TO USAID/CENTRAL ASIA REGIONAL
MISSION AS \[position title\] IN TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN. COUNTRY CLEARANCE
WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE UZBEKISTAN COUNTRY OFFICE. THE MISSION'S TEAM
AND THE COMMUNITY EXTENDS A WARM WELCOME TO YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR
ARRIVAL. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH SETTLING-IN
PERIOD. WE ARE PLEASED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO ASSIST
YOU IN PLANNING YOUR MOVE TO TASHKENT. PLEASE READ EACH SECTION
CAREFULLY. THANK YOU.

2\. MS. BETH SALAMANCA, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND MS. TATIANA ROSSOVA,
PERSONNEL SPECIALIST, LOOK FORWARD TO ANSWERING ANY ADMINISTRATIVE OR
LOGISTICAL QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING THE MISSION AND YOUR
SETTLEMENT AT POST PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. THEY CAN BE REACHED AT THE
FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:

MS. BETH SALAMANCA - E-MAIL: BETH <SALAMANCA@EXO@ALMATY> OR INTERNET:
BSALAMANCA@USAID.GOV;

MS. TATIANA ROSSOVA - PERSONNEL OFFICE E-MAIL: <PERSONNEL@EXO@ALMATY> OR
INTERNET: [PER.ALMATY@USAID.GOV](mailto:PER.ALMATY@USAID.GOV)).

IN ADDITION, HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND THE MISSION'S
ORIENTATION AND SETTLING-IN PROGRAM CAN BE FOUND ON A PILOT WEBSITE FOR
NEWCOMERS HTTP://WWW.ZZAPP.ORG/BSALAMAN/NEWCOMER

3\. UZBEK VISA REQUIREMENTS:

A. TO ENSURE YOUR VISA IS ISSUED IN TIME FOR YOUR SCHEDULED DEPARTURE
DATE, YOU SHOULD REQUEST AN ISSUANCE DATE MINIMUM TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE
OF YOUR ACTUAL TRAVEL DATE. PLEASE COORDINATE WITH THE TRAVEL AND
TRANSPORTATION DIVISION, M/AS/TT, IN WASHINGTON (TEL: 800-368-0104)

B. PLEASE DOUBLE-CHECK THE EFFECTIVE DATES ON YOUR VISA BEFORE TRAVELING
TO ENSURE THEY COINCIDE WITH YOUR PLANNED ARRIVAL.

C. Photos for ID cards: You will need a minimum of six black and white
or color photos, 1.34 inch/3.4 cm in size, for your diplomatic identity
card. Accreditation to Uzbekistan is valid for only one year. Uzbek
authorities require four photos for the first year and an additional two
for the following (to be submitted when renewing your accreditation).
The cost of these photos can be claimed on your travel voucher if you
don't get them through the USAID/W. It doesn't hurt to bring another six
or more photos for visas if you plan to travel in the region.

4\. NOTICE OF ARRIVAL: TO FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR ARRIVAL,
PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR FIRM TRAVEL PLANS, INCLUDING FLIGHT NUMBER AND DATE
TO THE MISSION SO THAT YOUR SPONSOR CAN GREET AND ASSIST YOU UPON
ARRIVAL. THE MISSION WILL DESIGNATE YOUR SPONSOR LATER. YOUR SPONSOR
WILL MEET YOU AT THE AIRPORT, CHECK YOUR APARTMENT FOR READINESS AND
HELP YOU ADJUST TO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

5\. USAID EXPEDITER WILL MEET YOU AT THE AIRPORT TO ASSIST YOU WITH
FORMALITIES. TO AVOID ANY INCIDENTS AT THE AIRPORT PLEASE ASK THE
EXPEDITER TO SHOW YOU VALID USG IDENTIFICATION. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT OUR
EXPEDITERS\' FIRST NAMES ARE AS FOLLOWS: ANDREY, OBID, VADIM AND
RAVSHAN. USAID/CAR/TASHKENT OFFICIAL VEHICLES HAVE GREEN DIPLOMATIC
LICENSE PLATES WITH FIRST THREE SIGNS D10 OR D20.

6\. PETS: You may bring pets to Tashkent. There is no quarantine. The
only requirements for importing dogs and cats are documentation for
rabies shots and a health certificate issued within 10 days prior to
arrival at post. THESE REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, SO BE SURE TO
NOTIFY USAID TRAVEL WITH NUMBER AND SIZE OF PETS YOU MAY BRING, WELL IN
ADVANCE. USAID TRAVEL WILL THEN PROVIDE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ON ALL
NECESSARY PAPERWORK NEEDED TO IMPORT YOUR PET. Pet owners should be
aware that vaccines, parasite control medication, kitty litter, and
commercial pet food are hard to obtain locally. These items should be
shipped from the U.S. or Europe.

7\. HOUSING and furnishings:

A. EACH HOUSING UNIT WILL INCLUDE ONE QUEEN SIZE BED FOR THE MASTER
SUITE, TWO TWIN BEDS FOR THE SECOND BEDROOM, AND ONE TWIN BED IN ALL
OTHER OCCUPIED BEDROOMS. THEREFORE, BRING BEDDING (LINENS, SPREADS AND
PILLOWS) ACCORDINGLY. Residences are fully equipped with household
furnishings, a fresh-water distiller, vacuum cleaner, microwave, gas
stove with oven, freezer, refrigerator, washer and dryer. Upon your
arrival, a hospitality kit consisting of an iron, ironing board, shower
curtains and hooks, a minimal amount of linens, bed pillows,
kitchenware, cookware and dishes will be provided until your household
effects (HHE) arrive. Remember, the hospitality kit is very basic, so
make sure to include additional housewares you feel are necessary in
your unaccompanied air baggage (UAB). Oriental carpets (Turkmen, Kazakh,
and some Afghan) are available locally at reasonable prices so bring
along rug liners/pads/skid stoppers if you plan to acquire carpets
locally. Most houses have parquet floors and wallpaper. Be sure to
include BATHROOM ACCESSORIES, ARTWORK, BOOKS, GAMES, VIDEOS, CDS AND
ACCENT PIECES, pictures, photos, and other items to make you feel at
home.

B. JUST A NOTE ABOUT ELECTRONICS. TV, VCR, AND SMALL APPLIANCES
OPERATING ON 220V, 50 CYCLES ARE REASONABLY PRICED AND IN GOOD SUPPLY
HERE IN TASHKENT. USAID/CAR PROVIDES THREE (3) VOLTAGE REGULATORS AND
TRANSFORMERS FOR USE WITH 110V APPLIANCES.

8\. HHE STORAGE: MOST HOUSING UNITS HAVE ADEQUATE BUT LIMITED STORAGE
SPACE. FOR THIS REASON, YOU SHOULD NOT BRING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF HHE TO
TASHKENT.

9\. WHAT TO BRING ON THE PLANE WITH YOU: HAND CARRY EXTRA BANK CHECKS
AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SUCH AS MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL RECORDS,
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION, ETC. BE SURE YOUR LUGGAGE INCLUDES SUFFICIENT
CHANGE OF SEASON CLOTHING AS THERE CAN BE DELAYS IN ARRIVAL OF UAB
AND/OR HHE. WEATHER IN TASHKENT MAY BE EXTREME IN ANY SEASON, THEREFORE,
BRING CLOTHING FOR RAINY AND/OR COLD WEATHER (INCLUDING BOOTS)
REGARDLESS OF WHAT TIME OF YEAR YOU ARRIVE.

10\. WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR UAB AND HHE:

A. Although post makes every effort to have ready your permanent
housing, this is not always possible. Therefore, arrange to pack
separately those items you will need immediately upon arrival into one
or two boxes, easily identifiable from the rest of your shipment. You
will have access to a welcome kit full of routine household items while
you wait for your shipment. Pack comfort items that will cushion your
arrival period. Your TM-4 orders are valid for one year after arrival at
post. Bring detailed packing lists of unaccompanied baggage, HHE, and
consumables shipments. Surface freight can take three to six months to
arrive from the U.S. from date of packing and pickup to date of delivery
in Tashkent. Be sure to ship consumables separately from household
effects.

B. APPLIANCES: You should plan to bring any necessary small appliances
with you (food processor, toaster, grinder, coffee maker, ice-cream
maker, an oven thermometer and a timer, etc.). two or three ADDITIONAL
transformers WILL BE A GOOD IDEA. Dual cycle appliances are highly
recommended, because non-dual and 60-cycle electric clocks, including
those on appliances, do not operate properly on 50 cycles.

C. Entertainment equipment: The local TV system is PAL BG. You may wish
to bring multi-system, dual voltage TVs, VCRs, radios, stereos, etc. You
may also purchase Japanese and Korean TVs and VCRs locally. Some
employees find battery chargers and rechargeable batteries to be useful.
Kamalak cable TV is available locally. As of August 2001, the
installation fee was USD 140; a monthly charge of eight channels is USD
31 (including BBC, Discovery, Cartoon Network, ESPN, Turner Classic
Movies (TCM), Star, Star Plus, and CNN). Many Americans purchase
satellite dishes which are cheaper in the long run than cable TV.
Digital converters that access European television have recently begun
showing up in Tashkent.

11\. SHIPPING INFORMATION FOR HHE:

A. SIZE AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS PER CONTAINER: BOTH 20-FOOT AND 40-FOOT
CONTAINERS MAY BE SENT TO TASHKENT. HHE SHOULD BE PACKED IN LIFT VANS
WITH MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS GEARED TO FIT IN A STANDARD CONTAINER
(APPROXIMATE WIDTH OF 7 FEET, LENGTH OF 8 FEET AND HEIGHT OF 6 FEET).
THE SHIPMENT ALLOWANCE IS SET AT 7,200 LBS. NET WEIGHT, FOR EACH
EMPLOYEE, REGARDLESS OF FAMILY STATUS.

B. TASHKENT IS ONE OF SEVERAL POSTS WHICH AUTHORIZES A SECOND, SEPARATE
AIR SHIPMENT OF 750 LBS. (NET) HHE. THIS 750 LBS. NET WEIGHT WILL BE
SUBTRACTED FROM THE AUTHORIZED HHE SURFACE SHIPMENT.

C. MISSION HAS ARRANGED THROUGH M/AS/TT FOR ALL HHE DEPARTING THE U.S.
TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH MISSION SUPPLIES AND FORWARDED DIRECTLY FROM THE
U.S. DISPATCH AGENCY IN NEW YORK. HHE SHIPMENTS ORIGINATING IN MOST
OTHER OVERSEAS LOCATIONS SHOULD BE ROUTED THROUGH PORT OF DISCHARGE
ANTWERP, BELGIUM AND CONSIGNED TO THE EUROPEAN LOGISTICAL SUPPORT OFFICE
(ELSO). CONSIGNMENT MARKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THESE HHE/POV SHIPMENTS ARE
AS FOLLOWS: AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL (ELSO), NOODERLAAN 147, BUS 12A
2030 ANTWERP, BELGIUM FOR FORWARDING TO:

AMERICAN AMBASSADOR

AMERICAN EMBASSY,

82 CHILANZARSKAYA ST.,

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN (FOR \[name\])

D. DESCRIPTION OF GOODS IN SHIPPING DOCUMENTS FOR HHE AND UAB SHOULD
READ: QUOTE USED PERSONAL EFFECTS UNQUOTE.

E. RECIPIENTS INITIALS, NOT FULL NAME, SHOULD BE ON ALL HHE AND UAB
BOXES.

12\. SHIPPING INFORMATION FOR UAB:

A. AUTHORIZED UAB: WEIGHT ALLOWANCE FOR EMPLOYEES AND THEIR ELIGIBLE
FAMILY MEMBERS AUTHORIZED TO TRAVEL IS GRANTED ACCORDING TO THE
FOLLOWING SCHEDULE BASED ON GROSS POUNDS:

FIRST PERSON TRAVELING - 250 LBS.

SECOND PERSON TRAVELING - 200 LBS.

THIRD PERSON TRAVELING - 150 LBS.

FOURTH OR MORE PERSONS - 100 LBS.

THE UAB WEIGHT ALLOWANCE IS IN ADDITION TO THE HHE SURFACE WEIGHT
ALLOWANCE.

B. UAB SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO PORT OF DISCHARGE, TASHKENT. IN THE
ABSENCE OF A DIRECT FLIGHT TO TASHKENT, UAB SHOULD BE ROUTED TO TRANSIT
EITHER THROUGH AMSTERDAM OR FRANKFURT TO ARRIVE IN ALMATY ABOARD KLM OR
LUFTHANSA AIRLINES AND THEN DELIVERED BY SURFACE TO TASHKENT. MARKING
AND CONSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS ARE:

AMERICAN AMBASSADOR

AMERICAN EMBASSY,

82 CHILANZARSKAYA ST.,

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN (FOR \[name\])

13\. SHIPPING OF YOUR PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLE (POV):

A. SIZE AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS: THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC POST LIMITATIONS.
SHIPPERS OF CONTAINERIZED POVS SHOULD ENSURE THAT VEHICLES ARE PROPERLY
TIED DOWN TO PREVENT DAMAGE ON THE LONG RAIL JOURNEY TO TASHKENT.

B. POST HAS ARRANGED WITH M/AS/TT FOR POVS DEPARTING THE U.S. TO BE
FORWARDED DIRECTLY TO POST FROM THE U.S. DISPATCH AGENCY IN BALTIMORE.
POVS FROM OTHER LOCATIONS SHOULD BE ROUTED THROUGH POST OF DISCHARGE
ANTWERP, BELGIUM AND CONSIGNED TO THE EUROPEAN LOGISTICAL SUPPORT OFFICE
(ELSO).

C. REGARDING DIRECT POV SHIPMENTS TO TASHKENT, THE SAME INSTRUCTIONS
LISTED IN PARAGRAPH 11 (C) APPLY.

D. FOR POVS CONSIGNED TO ELSO FOR FORWARDING TO TASHKENT, THE SAME
MARKING INSTRUCTIONS LISTED IN PARAGRAPH 11 (C) APPLY.

E. BEFORE SHIPPING YOUR VEHICLE, WE SUGGEST HAVING ALL MAJOR COMPONENTS
CHECKED THOROUGHLY BY A MECHANIC. YOUR HHE SHOULD INCLUDE EXTRA TIRES,
OIL/GAS/AIR FILTERS, BELTS, PLUGS AND POINTS.

F. AS CARS WITH GLASS TINTED AFTER PURCHASE ARE OFFICIALLY PROHIBITED
FOR USE IN UZBEKISTAN, IT IS RECOMMENDED YOU BRING VEHICLES WITH CLEAR
GLASS WINDOWS.

G. DIESEL FUEL IS GENERALLY AVAILABLE LOCALLY, BUT IS DIFFICULT TO
OBTAIN OUTSIDE THE CITY. Local gasoline is leaded and usually 76 octane,
although UNLEADED 91-95 octane gas IS AVAILABLE AT SOME GASOLINE
STATIONS IN TASHKENT. The Embassy sells gas and diesel at the warehouse,
usually at higher octane levels.

H. VEHICLE INSURANCE: UZBEKISTAN LAW DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT ALL VEHICLES
BE COVERED BY THIS INSURANCE. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO PURCHASE U.S.
LIABILITY INSURANCE.

I. Now that shipping privately owned vehicles (POVS) to Tashkent is a
well established procedure, many personnel choose to import their own
vehicles, as well as all necessary spare parts and supplies. Shipping
time from the U.S. to post takes three to six months. While some
employees find a four-wheel drive vehicle useful for out-of-town trips
and poor weather conditions, such a car is by no means necessary. Some
employees prefer to buy their privately owned vehicles (POVs) at post.
As of August 2000 a Daewoo Nexia sedan costs USD 7,000-8,000. Note:
Non-diplomatic personnel who purchase vehicles previously imported
duty-free have to pay an average of 135% of the cost of the vehicle in
taxes and duties, depending on the volume of the engine and year of
manufacture. Embassy employees are usually able, nonetheless, to sell
their vehicles at the end of their tours.

14\. CONSUMABLES:

A. Since housing in Tashkent has limited storage space, you may wish to
ship only one half of your consumables allowance to begin with. You can
order the second half of your consumables some time before the end of
your first year when you have a better idea of what you need.

B. Local consumables shopping: Tashkent has a number of small
supermarkets, and new ones always seem to be under construction. Most
offer foods and paper products imported from Russia, Turkey, and other
European countries. Some have frozen food and fresh meat sections.
Selection is usually small and supplies inconsistent. A large selection
of good inexpensive fruits and vegetables are available in Tashkent's
many, year-round outdoor markets, depending on the season, as well as
fresh meat and dairy products. The Embassy Employees Association runs a
small commissary which sells canned vegetables, tuna, cereals, long life
milk, rice, flour, coffee, tea bags, dish washing detergent, cookies,
candies, cake mixes, liquor, soft drinks, juices, pet food, and kitty
litter. Permanently assigned personnel can join for a one-time
refundable fee of USD 200. Payment for purchases is with personal checks
only. The cost of shipping and insurance is reflected in commissary
prices. The commissary experiences delays between shipments. Brands and
selection vary. THEREFORE, A SHIPMENT OF CONSUMABLES IS RECOMMENDED.

C. SHIPMENT OF CONSUMABLES: The following are suggestions for your
consumable shipment to post. Even though many of the items listed below
may be available locally, supplies are erratic, choices are limited,
quality may be inferior, and prices are high. If you prefer a specific
item or brand (especially American name brand), bring it with you to be
on the safe side.

1\) Brand-specific toiletries: Soap, bath oil (the winter climate is
harsh on the skin), lotion, antiperspirants or deodorants, razor blades,
shaving cream, shampoo/ conditioner, hair spray, cosmetics, colognes,
perfumes, sunscreen, pain relievers, cold medicines/decongestants,
laundry and dish-washing detergents, all purpose cleaners, wood floor
care products, leather care products (saddle soap, polish, polishing
cloths, brushes), diapers and all other baby care supplies, feminine
hygiene articles, and other hygiene products. Wet towelettes, especially
for children, are handy here.

2\) Paper/plastic products: paper towels, toilet paper, tissues,
napkins, plates, cups, and plastic flatware. Storage/freezer ziploc
style bags and microwave/freezer plastic containers are very useful as
are aluminum foil, cling wrap, and wax paper.

3\) Food items: Bring some canned fruits and vegetables to get you
through the winter. Also ship all baby food and drinks. Vegetables like
head lettuce, broccoli, celery, and Brussel sprouts are hard to find
locally so you might want to consider bringing seeds to plant them in
the yard. Don't forget a supply of ingredients for your favorite meals.
American-style snacks are starting to show up on store shelves in
Tashkent, but you may want to bring microwave popcorn and granola bars,
as well as holiday items.

4\) Specific suggestions for hard-to-find items:

\--pasta - tortellini, lasagna noodles, shells

\--canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste

\--packaged spices

\--olive oil, sesame oil

\--long-grained rice

\--salad dressing, sauces

\--insect repellent and moth balls/flakes, bug spray

\--diet sodas, club soda, tonic water, and soft drinks other than Coke,
Fanta, and Sprite.

\--wine and liquor

\--canned meats (bacon, ham, and tuna)

\--yeast, baking powder, cream of tartar, baking soda

\--pizza mixes

\--mixes for cookies, cakes, brownies

\--specialty flours

\--baking chocolate and chocolate chips

\--brand-specific breakfast cereals

\--artificial sweeteners

\--powdered/confectionery/fine sugar

\--brown sugar

\--specialty foods and sauces (soy sauce, coconut milk,

curry pastes, dry mushrooms, salsa, etc.)

D. CLIMATIZED TRANSPORTATION FOR CONSUMABLES IS GENERALLY UNAVAILABLE.
TO AVOID CONSUMABLES ARRIVING DAMAGED, EMPLOYEES ARE STRONGLY ADVISED
AGAINST SHIPPING ANY CONSUMABLES PACKAGED IN GLASS THAT WILL BE IN ROUTE
BETWEEN MID-SEPTEMBER AND MID-MARCH. THE MOST RELIABLE MEANS OF
OBTAINING WINTER CONSUMABLES IS THROUGH THE DANISH DUTY FREE SUPPLIER,
PETER JUSTESSEN WHICH ORGANIZES BI-MONTHLY, CLIMATIZED TRUCK SHIPMENTS
TO BISHKEK. THEY OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF FOODSTUFFS, WINES, SPIRITS,
KITCHENWARE, APPLIANCES AND AUDIO AND VISUAL EQUIPMENT. CATALOGUES ARE
AVAILABLE AT POST.

E. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, WE SUGGEST YOU SEND AS MUCH OF YOUR CONSUMABLES AS
POSSIBLE IN YOUR HHE. MANY PEOPLE FIND IT WISE TO USE LESS THAN THE FULL
CONSUMABLES WEIGHT ALLOWANCE AT THE TIME OF INITIAL TRANSFER. THIS
ENSURES THAT A SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPLY CAN BE SHIPPED BEFORE THE START OF
THE SECOND YEAR AT POST.

F. EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO A TWO-YEAR TOUR RECEIVE A CONSUMABLES ALLOWANCE
OF 2500 POUNDS AND MAY SHIP CONSUMABLES UNTIL THE END OF THEIR FIRST
YEAR AT POST. WITH A SIX MONTH TOUR EXTENSION, AN ADDITIONAL 625 POUNDS
OF CONSUMABLES IS PERMITTED. THIS SHIPMENT MUST BE INITIATED WITHIN
THIRTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE BEGINNING OF THE EXTENSION. A SUPPLEMENTARY
SHIPMENT OF 1250 POUNDS IS PERMITTED WITH A ONE YEAR EXTENSION. THIS
SHIPMENT MUST BE INITIATED WITHIN SIXTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE BEGINNING OF
THE TOUR EXTENSION.

15\. Prescription medicines: You will probably want to make arrangements
to bring and/or ship all necessary medications to post. In addition,
establish a means to refill prescriptions via telephone or the Internet.
The following two drug stores in the states will fill prescriptions by
mail: CVS Pharmacy, 2125 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20037, tel:
202-338-6337, fax: 202-625-6621; Morgan Pharmacy, 3001 P St. NW,
Washington, DC 20007, tel: 202-337-4100, fax 202-337-4102.

16\. Mail and telephone service: We get our mail via diplomatic pouch.
First class mail to and from the U.S. can take up to three weeks,
although frequently TDYers returning to the U.S. offer to carry back
personal letters (flat mail) for faster delivery. Outgoing pouches are
sent every Wednesday and mail is received Mondays, Tuesdays and/or
Fridays. Bring along a supply of postage stamps (first class domestic
and international letter stamps, post card stamps, and USD 1.00 stamps
for packages) and envelopes. The Embassy Association now sells
first-class domestic postage stamps. International calling cards do not
work in Uzbekistan but are useful to have when traveling outside of the
CIS. Our pouch address is: (Your Name), Department Of State, 7110
Tashkent Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-7110; the Embassy's telephone:
(998) (71) 120-5450; fax: (998) (71) 120-6335; the USAID/CAR/Tashkent's
telephone: (998) (71) 1206309; fax: (998) (71) 1337656; e-mail: first
letter of your name plus your last name followed by \@usaid.gov (no
spaces).

17\. Money: Post provides accommodation exchange for all USG Americans
and long-term TDY personnel for personal and travelers checks. Currently
the cashier will cash checks up to USD 500.00 per day for permanently
assigned personnel. Since Uzbekistan is almost exclusively a cash-only
economy, please be prepared to make cash payment in full even for large
purchases such as cars. Electronic fund transfers to Tashkent are
possible, but the process is long and expensive. Post recommends that
you carry with you some small bills (ones, fives, and tens), dated 1996
or later and in good condition (no tears, writing, or stamps on the
currency). Keep your U.S. checking account for the direct deposit of
your salary. Very few establishments accept credit cards but they are
still useful to have especially for travel outside of Uzbekistan.

18\. Climate: Tashkent has a continental/high desert climate,
characterized by cold winters (with snow in January and February) and
hot summers. July and August temperatures can range from 95 to 110. For
the most part summers are dry and dusty. November and December are
usually cold and wet.

19\. Clothing: As noted in the section on climate, the weather is
variable. IN GENERAL, BRING A WARDROBE FOR A FULL FOUR SEASONS,
(INCLUDING FOOTWEAR). As in Washington, DC, normal office wear consists
of coat and tie for men, and suit or dress for women. Other functions
may require a conservative suit for men. For women, conservative
cocktail attire is appropriate for most representational occasions.
Loose fitting cotton clothing for the summer and wash-and-wear suits are
highly recommended. Dry cleaning services are available and reliable.
Bring several pairs of comfortable shoes for work/receptions and a pair
of good walking shoes for weekend knocking around/hiking. Loafers or
slip-on style shoes are useful, as the custom here is to remove one's
shoes before entering a house or mosque.

20\. Culture: Tashkent offers several Uzbek- and Russian- language
drama, opera, and ballet theatres. There are a few museums to visit and
shops with Uzbek arts and crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, carpets,
embroideries, brass trays, and other handicrafts and antiques.
Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other cities offer fascinating history
with beautiful monuments and architecture.

21\. Entertainment: Tashkent has a growing number of quality restaurants
with international cuisine, five or six fast food establishments, and
many average restaurants offering Uzbek/Russian dishes. Bars and
discotheques are becoming more popular, as well as Russian movie
theaters. In addition to its nightlife, Tashkent offers sports and other
recreational pursuits. There are three major tennis complexes (classes
for novices can be arranged), a golf club, a bowling club, several
swimming pools, two simple horseback riding facilities, weekend hiking,
winter skiing, and a water park complete with slides. The Hash House
Harriers runners group meets on Sundays. There are many parks around
town with children's rides, slides, and swings. In addition there are a
couple amusement parks.

22\. Out-of-town activities: a variety of sporting activities are
available. Touring and camping are popular. Bring your own equipment.
The local mountains are very beautiful, stark and rugged. The Silk Road
cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva as well as other smaller cities
are definitely worth visiting. Travel agencies can organize bicycling,
white water rafting, skiing, and hiking tours. Almaty, Ashgabat, and
other CIS cities are easily accessible by air. There are also direct
flights from Tashkent to Turkey, Thailand, India, Pakistan, China,
Malaysia, Israel, England, Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy and the
U.S.

23\. ONCE AGAIN, WE WELCOME YOUR ASSIGNMENT TO TASHKENT AND LOOK FORWARD
TO HAVING YOU JOIN THE USAID/CENTRAL ASIA TEAM!  NAPPER