14. Travel to Somalia

14. Journey to Somalia.

Booqo Soomaaliya.

1. SOMALIA SECURITY.

2. SOMALIA TRAVEL INSURANCE.

3. SOMALIA ENTRY PERMISSION.

4. DAALLO AIRLINES.

Passengers to Somalia.

Somalia travel advise.

Somalia checked-in baggage.

Somalia missing baggage.

Somalia delayed baggage.

How to send cargo to Somalia.

5. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AIRPORT.

Arriving with lots of luggage in Dubai airport.

6. DJIBOUTI AIRPORT.

7. SOMALIA GOVERNMENT AIRPORT CHARGES.

8. SOMALIA HOTELS.

9. SOMALIA CURRENCY.

10. SOMALIA CREDIT CARDS.

11. SOMALIA BANKS.

12. SOMALIA INTERNATIONAL MONEY TRANSFER.

13. SOMALIA INTERNET CAFE, INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONES AND MOBILE TELEPHONES.

14. BOTTLED DRINKING WATER IN SOMALIA.

15. TOILET PAPER IN SOMALIA.

16. SOMALIA SUPER MARKET.

17. SOMALIA MEDICAL FACILITIES.

18. MEDICINE IN SOMALIA.

19. VACCINATIONS IN SOMALIA.

20. MOSQUITO NETS.

21. MOSQUITO REPELLENT.

22. CLOTHING IN SOMALIA.

23. SOMALI FOOD, SOMALIA FOOD.

1. SOMALIA SECURITY.

Sam Voron, a radio ham with the Australian ham call sign VK2BVS and Somalia ham call signs 6O0A and 6O1A has traveled to Somalia 10 times between 1993 to 2007. Sam says when you stay with Somalia radio hams you are in good hands.

The Somalia Amateur Radio Friendship and Emergency Network, SARFEN has a great potential to assist visitors.

2. SOMALIA TRAVEL INSURANCE.

This is a good idea. Travel insurance cover authorised medical evacuation expenses, cancelled ticket costs and other unexpected expenses associated with travel. Ask your travel agent.

3. SOMALIA ENTRY PERMISSION.

As of January 2007 visiting amateur radio operators do not require entry permission at Galkayo airport in Puntland, Somalia if your flight is met by officials from SARFEN or Radio Galkayo. (Check this is still valid before your departure).

4. DAALLO AIRLINES.

Passengers to Somalia.

Daallo airlines fly to many Somalia destinations.

To go to Galkayo book a return ticket from Dubai to Djibouti to Galkayo.

There will be one or two flights a week when you can fly from Dubai to Djibouti and on to Galkayo (Galkacyo) on the same day.

You can book this flight on the Internet and pay when you arrive at the DUBAI AIRPORT TRANSIT TERMINAL TICKET OFFICE located next to the Transfer counters just before you enter the security check into the transit area.

You can book (reserve) your ticket on the Internet- http://www.daallo.com

To book Dubai to Galkayo you make 2 separate bookings.

The first is depart Dubai and arrive in Djibouti.

The second is depart Djibouti to arrive at Galkacyo.

When you make a booking on the Internet, Daallo airlines will E-mail you confirmation of your reservation.

If you do not get an E-mail confirming your reservation from Dubai airlines after a few days then you can telephone their main office Tel- 971-4-2733808, Fax : 971-4-2734464 or their airport office Tel- 971-4-2994485, FAX: 971-4-2994486

Booking the Daallo flight on the Internet and paying for that ticket when arriving in Dubai airport is an excellent service.

If you want to stay longer or leave earlier then you can change your departure date at the Daallo airline office in Galkayo.

Somalia travel advise.

Carry bottled water at all times including the Dubai to Somalia flight.

Frequent drinking during aircraft take off and landing will avoid ear aches.

Water will relax you during hot conditions.

Carry a roll of toilet paper.

Somalia checked-in baggage.

On the flight to Dubai put the destination as Dubai on all your baggage.

Make sure the destination/name tag on the outside of each bag cannot fall off.

Also write your name, address and destination inside each bag.

Remove outside baggage tags and labels left over from previous flights.

In the Dubai airport transit area you will not have access to your checked-in baggage.

When you arrive or pay for the ticket in the Dubai airport transit ticket office show your baggage ticket numbers and the Daallo staff will organise for your baggage to be moved from the airport storage area to the plane.

Daallo will replace the destination tags on your baggage with Galkayo or whatever is your new destination.

In Djibouti passengers wait in the transit area for different aircraft that take them to different destinations in Somalia.

If your bags are marked Djibouti they will not be transferred to your connecting Somalia flight. It is important that your final destination be clearly marked on your bags.

Somalia missing baggage.

To avoid losing baggage between Dubai and Somalia-

1. In Dubai or on the flight to Dubai put 2 name tags on each bag.

On both tags write your name and the words- Dubai, Djibouti to GALKAYO, SOMALIA securely.

This is in case the destination tag falls off.

2. In Dubai see that the destination tag being put on the baggage by airport staff is to the correct town in Somalia and cannot accidentally be pulled off.

If you are waiting in Dubai transit you will not see this but might be able to check when you arrive in Djibouti.

3. In Djibouti watch for your baggage when it is brought in front of the terminal building and visually see that it has the correct destination tag.

4. If your bags are marked Djibouti they will not be transferred to your connecting Somalia flight. It is important that your final destination be clearly marked on your bags. In this case your bag will be stored in the Djibouti unclaimed baggage room and will be sent back to Dubai if it is not claimed after a few days.

5. Dubai will then send baggage that is unclaimed after a few days back to where it came from. If you came on Korea airline through Seoul then your baggage will be stored in Seoul until your return.

6. During landings between Djibouti and your destination in Somalia look and see that your baggage is not accidentally being off loaded.

7. When you arrive at your final destination check that all baggage has arrived and immediately report any missing baggage to the local airline office in Galkayo or where you are. This will allow staff to contact all destinations to get your missing luggage before it is sent back as unclaimed.

Somalia delayed baggage.

If the Daallo flight is full Daallo airlines might deliver some of your luggage on another flight.

If you only plan to stay 1 or 2 weeks then-

1. Contact the Daallo Manager to tell him your visit is a short one and ask if all your luggage in Dubai and Djibouti can be put on the SAME flight WITH YOU to Somalia. You could ALSO tell the Daallo staff as soon as you arrive in Dubai and when you arrive in Djibouti

2. Send your luggage (BEFORE you leave home) as Cargo to Somalia where a Ham can keep it safe for your arrival.

3. You can telephone, e-mail or fax the Daallo airlines manager.

4. Make a list of your luggage-

(a). Put a number on each luggage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc

(b). A description of the luggage type (black 1 metre long bag, red 1 metre square cardboard box etc), (c). Weight in kg and

(d). Size in cm. (Length, Height, Depth)

(d). Content. (antenna, etc)

You can put a coloured rope (RED or other bright colour on each luggage) so it is easily seen.

How to send cargo to Somalia.

You can send items to Somalia through Daallo airlines Cargo department in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at lower cost. See the Daallo airline website http://www.daallo.com

5. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AIRPORT.

You can arrive 48 hours before your flight and sleep on the transit terminal chairs for free. (There is also a hotel in the transit area).

The airport has toilets with showers, Internet, 24 hour duty free shops and every kind of foods.

When you arrive at Dubai airport go towards Transit to find-

1. The Ticket office to pay for your Internet booked Daallo air ticket and

2. Transfer counters (Transfer desks) to have your arriving aircraft baggage transferred to your connecting flight.

The ticket office and transfer counters are located outside the entrance to the Transit area security check.

To stay in Transit have an e-mail confirmation of your Daallo connecting flight in case that ticket cannot be issued to you by the ticket office if no Daallo staff are contactable.

There are times (maybe 5 hours before your flight departs) when you may need to walk out of the Transit area through the security check point-

1. When the airport Ticket office says came back later because Daallo airlines are not yet contactable. When the flight is confirmed then the ticket office will accept payment.

2. When the Transfer counter says Daallo airline staff are not yet on duty so please come back later to have your checked-in baggage transferred to the departing aircraft and to collect your aircraft boarding pass.

Aircraft checked-in luggage is in the good hands of Dubai airport security while you wait for your Daallo airline ticket to be issued and they wait for the instruction for your arrived aircraft baggage to be transfered to your connecting flight.

Arriving with lots of luggage in Dubai airport.

If you arrive in Dubai with lots of luggage and you need to quickly get to a Daallo connecting flight then a Porter can help you.

When you collect your baggage ask Airline or Airport staff to telephone or page for one or more Porters to come to your location.

The Porter can help you and your luggage get through customs and immigration and to the departure terminal Daallo airline counter.

You might pay the Porter something at the end of this work.

6. DJIBOUTI AIRPORT.

On arrival in Djibouti go to the transit room and wait a few hours for the connecting plane to Galkayo.

Passengers on the flight from Dubai will look after you.

7. SOMALIA GOVERNMENT AIRPORT CHARGES.

The Puntland State Government Airport has an airport arrival and departure tax of $US20.

An additional $US20 is paid on arrival by non Somali citizens for the issue of a visa.

8. SOMALIA HOTELS.

You can arrange to be met at the airport by a licensed Somalia Radio Amateur. They can show you a variety of hotels and houses so you can decide which one is best for you.

9. SOMALIA CURRENCY.

USA dollars are exchanged for local Somali shillings.

There are many money exchangers in Somalia.

When converting your currency to USA dollars check each one is in excellent condition without even the smallest tear because those are not accepted in Somalia.

Somalia money that has a tear is also not accepted.

Exchange rates in Somalia change daily.

Generally $US1 is equal to 16,000 to 18,000 Somalia Shillings.

10. SOMALIA CREDIT CARDS.

No credit cards.

11. SOMALIA BANKS.

Many exist. Dahabshiil is a money transfer company with banking services, including savings and cheque accounts to individuals, businesses and international organisations in Somalia. It has 200 branches in Somalia and agents overseas. http://www.dahabshiil.com

12. SOMALIA INTERNATIONAL MONEY TRANSFER.

Money transfer is available everywhere.

These are person to person (not bank to bank) money transfer services in and out of Somalia to most countries including Australia, Canada, USA and some European countries.

To avoid delays it is best to bring with you all the funds you require in USA dollars.

13. SOMALIA INTERNET CAFE, INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONES AND MOBILE TELEPHONES.

Is available in the major towns and cities. Small villages use a 2-way HF radio to provide service within Somalia.

14. BOTTLED DRINKING WATER IN SOMALIA.

Is available everywhere.

Carry bottled water at all times.

Frequent drinking will relax you in hot conditions.

15. TOILET PAPER or tissue paper in Somalia.

Is available in major towns like Galkayo. Tissues can also be obtained for the same purpose.

16. SOMALIA SUPER MARKET.

Is available in major towns like Galkayo.

17. SOMALIA MEDICAL FACILITIES.

Skilled doctors are in Galkayo. They can suggest air evacuation if facilities locally are not sufficient to treat a critical condition.

Hospitals and Dentists are also available.

18. MEDICINE IN SOMALIA.

Bring your own personal medical supplies.

Some medicines such as Dilantin is not available in Somalia.

Carry bandages, antiseptic cream and headache tablets.

These will often help people you work with and children who need help.

19. VACCINATIONS IN SOMALIA.

Take anti malarial and any other medication or vaccinations that your medical travel doctor advises.

Make sure you note if any medicines are known to interact with each other or with any of your known medical conditions.

The Anti malarial Doxycycline- one 100mg capsule daily immediately after breakfast is effective if your doctor decides to prescribe it. It is taken 2 days before arrival and 1 week after departing Somalia. Doxycycline is available in Galkayo. Check expiry date. Discard any capsules that appear heat effected.

Yellow fever is not found in Somalia but that vaccine is valid for 10 years so it might be useful in your future travels if you want to have it.

20. MOSQUITO NETS

Is usually available in major towns like Galkayo.

21. MOSQUITO REPELLENT.

"Roll on" Mosquito repellent is not available. Buy them overseas. Put mosquito repellent on your face, ears, nose, hands, arms and legs if needed when talking on your amateur radio transceiver at night.

22. CLOTHING IN SOMALIA.

You can buy local cloths or arrive dressed as follows-

Male clothing in Somalia.

Dress very lightly to stay cool.

Short pants are only used by children.

Jeans and long sleeve shirts are OK.

In the day there are no mosquitos and shirt sleeves can be shortened when you are not in the Sun.

Wear a hat, no singlet, no socks and use thongs to keep yourself cool.

Female clothing in Somalia.

Dress very lightly to stay cool.

No short pants except for children.

Long skirts and long sleeve shirts are OK.

A head scarf covering all the hair is normal and a white one will keep you cool.

Wear no socks and use thongs to keep yourself cool.

23. SOMALIA FOOD.

Feel free to make special requests and to demonstrate in the kitchen how you would like your food prepared.

Breakfast 7am.

1. Cut to small lengths Goat liver (finished by 7.30am) with onions, tomato, green peppers and potato all fried or Goat meat or specially ordered eggs.

2. Pan cakes ("Angela") or bread roll.

3. Porridge with milk

Lunch 12 midday.

1. Camel Steak or Goat meat with vegetables or specially ordered eggs.

2. Rice with or without spices and raisins.

3. Banana.

4. Water melon

Dinner 6pm.

1. Tuna fish from the tin fried with onions and vegetables.

2. Goat or Camel meat or specially ordered eggs.

3. Boiled beans.

4. Bread roll.

Travel to Somalia.

Go to Somalia by transit through connecting flights in Djibouti airport, Republic of Djibouti.

Djibouti Ambouli international airport can be reached directly via Paris, France or Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Italian and Australian amateur radio holiday visitors have travelled to Somalia through transit in Djibouti via Dubai international airport.

In 2007 Filip ON4TA, 6O0A travelled on the Daallo airlines twice weekly connecting flight leaving from London Gatwick airport (LGW) with stop-over in Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport, to Djibouti (JIB) Ambouli international airport.

Filip booked a ticket all the way to Galkayo (GLK) on the European flight reservation system. The IATA carrier code for Daallo airlines is D3.

Filip says if Daallo airlines are not on their computer then ask the staff to enter D3 Daallo so that the carrier and its scheduled destinations become available.

Check with Daallo airlines and your travel agent.

In 2009 Daallo airlines advised that online booking is coming. Check them online.

Djibouti Ambouli international airport.

Republic of Djibouti flag in front.

Photo- Filip ON4TA, 6O0A shows the aircraft used by Daallo for the European flight.

April 2007.

Radio Free Somalia (Free for all to use), known now as Radio Galkayo.

Galkayo, Somalia 1997.

Photo VK4ZD, VK6ZX, 6O0X

Radio Galkayo antenna as seen on the main road in Galkayo, Somalia in 1997.

Since 1993 the Australian donated short wave broadcast station and the amateur radio club operated inside the same room and used the same equipment in the Galkayo Police station compound.

In 2009 the antenna is still seen but the radio station was moved to its own building in Central Galkayo in 2000.

In 2009 the 7 to 30 MHz Log periodic directional antenna fitted with a 4 kW balun still remains on top the 30 metre tower because it was too large to move.

The Rotary Club of Boulder, Western Australia and the Australian Government funded the antenna and upgraded the radio stations equipment.

It was installed in 1994 by two Australian volunteers, Abdikarim Nur Mohamed (call sign 6O0W) from Melbourne and Sam Voron (call sign VK2BVS, 6O0A) from Sydney.

Today this antenna is a landmark of Galkayo.

Bill Main (call signs VK4ZD, VK6ZX, 6O0X) and Diane Main (call signs VK4KYL, VK6YL, 6O0YL) of Queensland, Australia visited Somalia in April 1997 when they took this photo.

Bill Main first met Sam Voron and Abdikarim Nur Mohamed "on the air" in 1993.

Bill heard on his ham radio that Sam donated equipment and with the help of Abdikarim had established Radio Free Somalia (free for everyone to use).

Bill was an official in the Rotary Club of Boulder, Western Australia.

Both Bill and his wife Diane are radio amateurs and as they listened to the Somalia amateur radio students talking they became interested to help so they told Rotary how they could help Somalia.

The Ham radio conversations between Somalia, Australia and the world created the friendships that brought assistance to Somalia over the years when the Somalia government had collapsed.

Today in 2009 when national reconciliation is vital for peace, the amateur radio spirit of HAM (Helping All Mankind and Womankind) continues to play its part to bring all the people of Somalia together.

The 1993 location of Radio Galkayo was in the Galkayo Police compound.

The Radio station was in the western corner room next to the tower.

North is to the right 250 km to Garowe and 700 km to Bosasso.

South is the the left 700 km to Mogadishu.

Galkayo, Somalia October 2007.

West Galkayo.

Antenna towers in Galkayo, Somalia.

Australian made amateur radio directional worldwide antenna that was left at the police station because it was too large to move to the new Radio Galkayo site.

Behind are 2 other towers used by private Somalia mobile phone companies.

Galkayo, Somalia October 2007.