FAQs about Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan - Revision history

216.185.233.11 at 19:26, 12 April 2009

2009-04-12T19:26:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 12 April 2009
Line 68:		Line 68:
	===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===		===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===

-	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. As the ~~part below recommends however, keep~~ a ~~close eye~~ on ~~it. Your laptop is worth more than half the yearly salary for the average Kyrgyz person~~.	+	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. Laptops can serve as a valuable resource in successfully meeting the needs of your Volunteer assignment and provide a means of watching movies and listening to music; many Volunteers maintain their exercise routine by working out with videos played on their laptops.

	As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.		As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.
Line 74:		Line 74:
	Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.		Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.

-	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it.	+	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it. Your laptop is worth more than half the yearly salary for the average Kyrgyz person.

-	~~====Outdated:====~~	+	The Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring a computer to get personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly increase their risk of becoming victims of crime. Moreover, you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance and service in the Kyrgyz Republic that you would in the United States and any replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also note that gaining Internet access via your laptop is only a remote possibility, many Volunteers don't have adequate telephone lines in their home or workplace. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector, as electrical lapses and surges are common. The Peace Corps is not obligated to provide you a site with Internet connection.
-		+
-	Most Volunteers are at sites that do not have Internet access. However, many businesses and individuals in the capital and in some larger cities and towns have Internet access, and there are a growing number of Internet cafés. Due to the weaker telephone and electrical infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers in rural sites may be limited to sending and receiving e-mail on their occasional visits to the capital or regional hubs. Before leaving the United States, many Volunteers establish free e-mail accounts, which they can access worldwide.	+
-		+
-	Some Volunteers bring laptop computers with them and are happy that they did so. Laptops can serve as a valuable resource in successfully meeting the needs of your Volunteer assignment and provide a means of watching movies and listening to music; many Volunteers maintain their exercise routine by working out with videos 7played on their laptops.	+
-		+
-	~~However, the~~ Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring a computer to get personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly increase their risk of becoming victims of crime. Moreover, you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance and service in the Kyrgyz Republic that you would in the United States and any replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also note that gaining Internet access via your laptop is only a remote ~~possibility—very few~~ Volunteers have adequate telephone lines in their home or workplace. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector, as electrical lapses and surges are common. The Peace Corps is not obligated to provide you a site with Internet connection.	+


	[[Category:Kyrgyzstan]]		[[Category:Kyrgyzstan]]

216.185.233.11 at 19:23, 12 April 2009

2009-04-12T19:23:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:23, 12 April 2009
Line 16:		Line 16:
	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.		The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.

-	~~====~~In Short~~====~~	+	In Short, your laptop will only need an adapter, which is a small piece of metal and plastic designed to plug your computer directly into the wall. Anything else will need a voltage converter to actually change the power to American current. Both of these items are in great quantity here, so don't stress about forgetting them.
-		+
-	~~Your~~ laptop will only need an adapter, which is a small piece of metal and plastic designed to plug your computer directly into the wall. Anything else will need a voltage converter to actually change the power to American current. Both of these items are in great quantity here, so don't stress about forgetting them.	+

	*Hint: If one side of the plug to your appliance is fatter than the other that means you need a voltage converter, if the two plugs are of the same width (like your laptop) then you only need an adapter. However you should always double check that your electronics will work properly before you leave!		*Hint: If one side of the plug to your appliance is fatter than the other that means you need a voltage converter, if the two plugs are of the same width (like your laptop) then you only need an adapter. However you should always double check that your electronics will work properly before you leave!

216.185.233.11 at 19:20, 12 April 2009

2009-04-12T19:20:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:20, 12 April 2009
Line 24:		Line 24:
	===How much money should I bring? ===		===How much money should I bring? ===

		+	Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in the Kyrgyz Republic. They are given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. However, many volunteers feel they actually need to spend more of their own money. If you are placed in a city, want to have a somewhat well rounded diet all year, and ever go to cafes or purchase alcohol, then the 5,000 com (roughly $117) they give you a month, will probably not be enough.

-	~~====Practically Wrong (Origional)====~~	+	That being said, there are enough ATMs here so that you don't have to bring a lot of cash with you. Bringing lots of cash is a really, really bad idea; if you do, its safekeeping is your responsibility. Better to bring your debit card so you can access cash if you need it and never have too much lying around. A small 1% transaction fee usually applies but is tolerable. However, there are many pick pockets on buses and at bazaars in the capitol so keep a close eye on your money!
-	~~Volunteers~~ are ~~expected~~ to ~~live at the same level as the people in the Kyrgyz Republic. They are given~~ a ~~settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. We discourage~~ you ~~from bringing a large amount~~ of ~~your own money~~; if you do, its safekeeping ~~will be~~ your responsibility.	+

-
-	~~====What you should do (New)====~~
-
-	The most blatant and almost malicious fallacy here is the idea that your living allowance should cover your expenses. If you are placed in a city, want to have a somewhat well rounded diet all year, and ever go to cafes or purchase alcohol, then the 5,000 com (roughly $117) they give you a month, is not going to be enough.
-
-	That being said, there are enough ATMs here so that you don't have to bring a lot of cash with you. Bringing lots of cash is a really...really bad idea. Better to bring your debit card so you can access cash if you need it and never have too much lying around. A small 1% transaction fee usually applies but is tolerable. Plus if it gets stolen its just a piece of plastic, and I can almost promise you the pick pocket wont know what to do with it.
-
-
-	~~PS. Lots of pick pockets on buses and at bazaars in the capitol.~~

	===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===		===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===
Line 42:		Line 33:
	Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.		Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.

-	~~====~~Note:~~====~~	+	Note:
-	The only thing ~~they leave~~ out here (and it is kinda important) is that you can take all 48 days of accrued vacation the second your first 6 months are over. Someone who is 18 months into service has just as much vacation time available to him/her as someone only 7 months into service.	+	The only thing left out here (and it is kinda important) is that you can take all 48 days of accrued vacation the second your first 6 months are over. Someone who is 18 months into service has just as much vacation time available to him/her as someone only 7 months into service.

	===Will my belongings be covered by insurance? ===		===Will my belongings be covered by insurance? ===

212.42.96.230: /* When can I take vacation and have people visit me? */

2009-04-11T15:51:38Z

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 11 April 2009
Line 41:		Line 41:

	Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.		Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.
-

	====Note:====		====Note:====

212.42.96.230: /* When can I take vacation and have people visit me? */

2009-04-11T15:47:58Z

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:47, 11 April 2009
Line 40:		Line 40:
	===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===		===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===

-	Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.	+	Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.
		+
		+
		+	====Note:====
		+	The only thing they leave out here (and it is kinda important) is that you can take all 48 days of accrued vacation the second your first 6 months are over. Someone who is 18 months into service has just as much vacation time available to him/her as someone only 7 months into service.

	===Will my belongings be covered by insurance? ===		===Will my belongings be covered by insurance? ===

212.42.96.230: /* How much money should I bring? */

2009-04-11T15:40:37Z

How much money should I bring?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 11 April 2009
Line 24:		Line 24:
	===How much money should I bring? ===		===How much money should I bring? ===

-	Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in the Kyrgyz Republic. They are given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. We discourage you from bringing a large amount of your own money; if you do, its safekeeping will be your responsibility.	+
		+	====Practically Wrong (Origional)====
		+	Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in the Kyrgyz Republic. They are given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. We discourage you from bringing a large amount of your own money; if you do, its safekeeping will be your responsibility.
		+
		+
		+	====What you should do (New)====
		+
		+	The most blatant and almost malicious fallacy here is the idea that your living allowance should cover your expenses. If you are placed in a city, want to have a somewhat well rounded diet all year, and ever go to cafes or purchase alcohol, then the 5,000 com (roughly $117) they give you a month, is not going to be enough.
		+
		+	That being said, there are enough ATMs here so that you don't have to bring a lot of cash with you. Bringing lots of cash is a really...really bad idea. Better to bring your debit card so you can access cash if you need it and never have too much lying around. A small 1% transaction fee usually applies but is tolerable. Plus if it gets stolen its just a piece of plastic, and I can almost promise you the pick pocket wont know what to do with it.
		+
		+
		+	PS. Lots of pick pockets on buses and at bazaars in the capitol.

	===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===		===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===

216.185.233.109 at 15:36, 11 April 2009

2009-04-11T15:36:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 11 April 2009
Line 14:		Line 14:
	===What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? ===		===What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? ===

-	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.	+	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.
		+
		+	====In Short====
		+
		+	Your laptop will only need an adapter, which is a small piece of metal and plastic designed to plug your computer directly into the wall. Anything else will need a voltage converter to actually change the power to American current. Both of these items are in great quantity here, so don't stress about forgetting them.
		+
		+	*Hint: If one side of the plug to your appliance is fatter than the other that means you need a voltage converter, if the two plugs are of the same width (like your laptop) then you only need an adapter. However you should always double check that your electronics will work properly before you leave!

	===How much money should I bring? ===		===How much money should I bring? ===
Line 58:		Line 64:
	===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===		===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===

-	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. ~~Laptops can serve as a valuable resource in successfully meeting~~ the ~~needs of your Volunteer assignment and provide~~ a ~~means of watching movies and listening to music; many Volunteers maintain their exercise routine by working out with videos played~~ on ~~their laptops~~.	+	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. As the part below recommends however, keep a close eye on it. Your laptop is worth more than half the yearly salary for the average Kyrgyz person.

	As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.		As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.
Line 64:		Line 70:
	Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.		Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.

-	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it. ~~Your laptop is worth more than half~~ the ~~yearly salary for~~ the ~~average Kyrgyz person~~.	+	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it.
		+
		+	====Outdated:====
		+
		+	Most Volunteers are at sites that do not have Internet access. However, many businesses and individuals in the capital and in some larger cities and towns have Internet access, and there are a growing number of Internet cafés. Due to the weaker telephone and electrical infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers in rural sites may be limited to sending and receiving e-mail on their occasional visits to the capital or regional hubs. Before leaving the United States, many Volunteers establish free e-mail accounts, which they can access worldwide.
		+
		+	Some Volunteers bring laptop computers with them and are happy that they did so. Laptops can serve as a valuable resource in successfully meeting the needs of your Volunteer assignment and provide a means of watching movies and listening to music; many Volunteers maintain their exercise routine by working out with videos 7played on their laptops.

-	~~The~~ Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring a computer to get personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly increase their risk of becoming victims of crime. Moreover, you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance and service in the Kyrgyz Republic that you would in the United States and any replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also note that gaining Internet access via your laptop is only a remote possibility—very few Volunteers have adequate telephone lines in their home or workplace. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector, as electrical lapses and surges are common. The Peace Corps is not obligated to provide you a site with Internet connection.	+	However, the Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring a computer to get personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly increase their risk of becoming victims of crime. Moreover, you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance and service in the Kyrgyz Republic that you would in the United States and any replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also note that gaining Internet access via your laptop is only a remote possibility—very few Volunteers have adequate telephone lines in their home or workplace. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector, as electrical lapses and surges are common. The Peace Corps is not obligated to provide you a site with Internet connection.


	[[Category:Kyrgyzstan]]		[[Category:Kyrgyzstan]]

216.185.233.109: If something is outdated - please remove it.

2009-04-11T15:33:40Z

If something is outdated - please remove it.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:33, 11 April 2009
Line 14:		Line 14:
	===What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? ===		===What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? ===

-	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.	+	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.
-		+
-	~~====In Short====~~	+
-		+
-	Your laptop will only need an adapter, which is a small piece of metal and plastic designed to plug your computer directly into the wall. Anything else will need a voltage converter to actually change the power to American current. Both of these items are in great quantity here, so don't stress about forgetting them.	+
-		+
-	*Hint: If one side of the plug to your appliance is fatter than the other that means you need a voltage converter, if the two plugs are of the same width (like your laptop) then you only need an adapter.	+

	===How much money should I bring? ===		===How much money should I bring? ===
Line 64:		Line 58:
	===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===		===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===

-	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. As the ~~part below recommends however, keep~~ a ~~close eye~~ on ~~it. Your laptop is worth more than half the yearly salary for the average Kyrgyz person~~.	+	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. Laptops can serve as a valuable resource in successfully meeting the needs of your Volunteer assignment and provide a means of watching movies and listening to music; many Volunteers maintain their exercise routine by working out with videos played on their laptops.

	As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.		As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.
Line 70:		Line 64:
	Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.		Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.

-	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it.	+	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it. Your laptop is worth more than half the yearly salary for the average Kyrgyz person.
-		+
-	~~====Outdated:====~~	+
-		+
-	~~Most Volunteers are at sites that do not have Internet access~~. ~~However, many businesses and individuals in~~ the capital and in some larger cities and towns have Internet access, and there are a growing number of Internet cafés. Due to the weaker telephone and electrical infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers in rural sites may be limited to sending and receiving e-mail on their occasional visits to the capital or regional hubs. Before leaving the United States, many Volunteers establish free e-mail accounts, which they can access worldwide.	+
-		+
-	~~Some Volunteers bring laptop computers with them and are happy that they did so. Laptops can serve as a valuable resource in successfully meeting~~ the ~~needs of your Volunteer assignment and provide a means of watching movies and listening to music; many Volunteers maintain their exercise routine by working out with videos 7played on their laptops~~.	+

-	~~However, the~~ Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring a computer to get personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly increase their risk of becoming victims of crime. Moreover, you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance and service in the Kyrgyz Republic that you would in the United States and any replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also note that gaining Internet access via your laptop is only a remote possibility—very few Volunteers have adequate telephone lines in their home or workplace. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector, as electrical lapses and surges are common. The Peace Corps is not obligated to provide you a site with Internet connection.	+	The Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring a computer to get personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly increase their risk of becoming victims of crime. Moreover, you probably will not find the same level of technical assistance and service in the Kyrgyz Republic that you would in the United States and any replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also note that gaining Internet access via your laptop is only a remote possibility—very few Volunteers have adequate telephone lines in their home or workplace. If you bring a laptop, be sure to buy a high-quality surge protector, as electrical lapses and surges are common. The Peace Corps is not obligated to provide you a site with Internet connection.


	[[Category:Kyrgyzstan]]		[[Category:Kyrgyzstan]]

212.42.96.230: /* What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? */

2009-04-11T15:29:21Z

What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 11 April 2009
Line 14:		Line 14:
	===What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? ===		===What is the electric current in the Kyrgyz Republic? ===

-	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.	+	The Kyrgyz Republic uses 220 volts, 50 cycles, and if you plug a 110-volt (the U.S. standard) appliance or radio into a 220-volt socket, it will be damaged and possibly destroyed. All 110-volt electronics equipment must be plugged into a 220volt to 110-volt wire-wound transformer. Transformers come in sizes from 50 to 2,000 watts and are rated for continuous or intermittent use. Most audio equipment will work with a small 50-watt transformer, but an intermittent-rated transformer may not last a long time with a CD or tape player. For equipment with a heating element, such as a hair dryer, you can probably use a solid-state voltage reducer, which is small and lightweight and has a capacity of 1,600 watts. Some electronics equipment may also work with a voltage reducer. If in doubt, ask the equipment’s manufacturer if you need a transformer or can use a voltage reducer.
		+
		+	====In Short====
		+
		+	Your laptop will only need an adapter, which is a small piece of metal and plastic designed to plug your computer directly into the wall. Anything else will need a voltage converter to actually change the power to American current. Both of these items are in great quantity here, so don't stress about forgetting them.
		+
		+	*Hint: If one side of the plug to your appliance is fatter than the other that means you need a voltage converter, if the two plugs are of the same width (like your laptop) then you only need an adapter.

	===How much money should I bring? ===		===How much money should I bring? ===

212.42.96.230: /* Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer? */

2009-04-11T15:21:35Z

Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 11 April 2009
Line 57:		Line 57:

	===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===		===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?===
		+
		+	Don't arrive with out a notebook. With out a computer you have no way of saving pictures you take with a digital camera, no way to watch movies, no way to work on grants at home, nothing to keep you entertained in the long winter months when the power goes out. In short, bring the laptop, don't even think about it. As the part below recommends however, keep a close eye on it. Your laptop is worth more than half the yearly salary for the average Kyrgyz person.
		+
		+	As for internet access, many places have dial up access through cards which you can buy at Telekom, and any place that gets cell phone coverage is a possible spot for CDMA internet access, if you are tech savvy enough to set it up. Generally any village/city with more than 10,000 people will have internet, it may be slow and expensive but they'll have it.
		+
		+	Don't let your desire to "rough it" cause you to shy away from technology. E-mail is the best way to contact and stay in touch with donor organizations most of whom are very far away from Kyrgyzstan.
		+
		+	Last note on technology: make sure to bring a digital camera too, and same thing goes as with the lap top, keep a VERY close eye on it.
		+
		+	====Outdated:====

	Most Volunteers are at sites that do not have Internet access. However, many businesses and individuals in the capital and in some larger cities and towns have Internet access, and there are a growing number of Internet cafés. Due to the weaker telephone and electrical infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers in rural sites may be limited to sending and receiving e-mail on their occasional visits to the capital or regional hubs. Before leaving the United States, many Volunteers establish free e-mail accounts, which they can access worldwide.		Most Volunteers are at sites that do not have Internet access. However, many businesses and individuals in the capital and in some larger cities and towns have Internet access, and there are a growing number of Internet cafés. Due to the weaker telephone and electrical infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers in rural sites may be limited to sending and receiving e-mail on their occasional visits to the capital or regional hubs. Before leaving the United States, many Volunteers establish free e-mail accounts, which they can access worldwide.