[governance] Nairobi on the ground advice for IGF goers

Sun Sep 25 14:40:21 EDT 2011

Great to have you Sala and so glad to know that everything went on smoothly. You rest tonight. Once again, welcome to Kenya.

Rgds
Grace

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If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World!

Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:36:22 +1200
From: salanieta.tamanikaiwaimaro at gmail.com
To: gpaque at gmail.com
CC: governance at lists.cpsr.org; mariliamaciel at gmail.com; fouadbajwa at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [governance] Nairobi on the ground advice for IGF goers

Dear All,

Warm smily Jumbo! Thanks to all your helpful hints, I had a seamless entry and did not have to pay for visa fees and advised them that my country was on the "no visa required" list and also your letter Grace helped them to identify that I was here for the IGF.

If anything, I experienced a most pleasant hospitality from the Customs, Immigration and the warm Kenyan hospitality from those at the IG desk. Thank you to the organisers because I know you had a huge role in ensuring the seamlessness of our journey.

For me, it took me around 30 hours in total flight time to get here from Fiji. I followed all the tips and even got a $2US Sim Card from Bon Voyage shop outside the Airport. 

Best Regards,
Sala

On Sun, Sep 25, 2011 at 11:20 PM, Ginger Paque <gpaque at gmail.com> wrote:

I have had the same experience as Marilia, (cannot exchange my dollars)... I would just add: Orange sim cards are available and reasonable, I suggest you keep an eye out and consider picking one up. Apparently there will be a booth in the UN lobby starting tomorrow.

Cheers, Ginger
Ginger (Virginia) Paque

Diplo Foundation
www.diplomacy.edu/ig
VirginiaP at diplomacy.edu

Join the Diplo community IG discussions: www.diplointernetgovernance.org

On 24 September 2011 10:33, Marilia Maciel <mariliamaciel at gmail.com> wrote:

Hello,

Just arrived as well.
There was no problem in getting the visa. Most of the foreigners seem to do it. 
Just make sure you bring new US dollars (the ones with large faces) to pay for the visa. You also cannot exchange older US dollars anywhere at the airport.

Luggage has been sent directly to Nairobi, despite our connection flight in Johanesburg. But it is always good to check, as we received contradictory information.

There is a desk from at IGF at the lobby of the airport, but there was no useful information I could get there. The lady from the IGF desk told me I should pay 300 to the city center. but we could not find any taxi (official or not) that would take us for less than 1.200. Either the lady is misinformed or they are all agreeing prices between them.

Most of ATMs were not working, but there is one if you walk right, along the sidewalk of the airport.

Ask for a map upon arrival, especially if you staying at the city center. They will explain the safest areas.

That's all for now.

Best,
Marília

On Fri, Sep 23, 2011 at 9:20 AM, Salanieta T. Tamanikaiwaimaro <salanieta.tamanikaiwaimaro at gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Fouad. This is very useful.

Sala

On Fri, Sep 23, 2011 at 10:19 AM, Fouad Bajwa <fouadbajwa at gmail.com> wrote:

Dear IGF goers!

My friends and colleagues that have already reached Nairobi are
already sharing some good amounts of information!

Those that have already visited the venue share that UN Center, UNON
is out of the center of Nairobi, but it is not as far as some of the
distances mentioned on the host country website
<http://igf.or.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=30>
under the Accommodation section.

As I was also taking information about the distances from the website
and asking around but it seems it may be shorter than the idea I was
getting. Here's a map showing where UNON is <http://g.co/maps/tkqfd>
Distance from most of the downtown hotels  is 5-8km.

Taxi should cost less that KSH1,000 (ask before you get in, and you
can haggle a bit.)  In rush hour it can take a long time to travel
even the short distance. No rush hour, 15-20 minutes. The UNON main
entrance is opposite the US Embassy, but taxi drivers know this.

My colleage says that one should come and get their badge as soon as
they can because shuttles don't operate until the IGF starts. One can
expect to pay less that KSH1000 (but probably less, 600-800 depending
on where from).

So far the comments are that people should get their badges early,
over the weekend or as soon as they arrive after the 23rd.  That taxis
from most hotels should not be too expensive, and out of rush-hour
(e.g. 10am) will be quite quick.

Always tell the taxi driver if they ask for 30 USD (this has happened
with me last year during the ICANN meeting) or more that you will pay
only 600 or 800 depending on where you are as your local friend told
you this and you should be fine!!!

If you are already there, do share some advice or suggestions!!!

It would be nice if our members share where they are staying and what
they are paying per night!!!

--
Regards.
--------------------------
Fouad Bajwa
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-- 

Sala

" Perfect Stillness in the midst of the noise".

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Sala

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