Contact Me – Peace Corps Zambia

Par Avion/Airmail

My Local Address for letters and such:

David N. Berger/PCV
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 71O15O
Mansa, Luapula, Zambia

From the Zambia welcome book for Peace Corps:

“Few countries in the world offer the level of service we consider normal in the U.S. If you bring with you U.S. standards for mail service, you will be in for frustration. Mail takes a minimum of two to four weeks to arrive in Lusaka. Surface mail may take up to five months to be delivered and is highly unlikely to be insurable. Duty fees must be paid on all packages received; the amount depends on the value (or perceived value) of the contents. Though not frequent, some mail may simply not arrive.

We recognize that when we are thousands of miles from our families and friends, communication becomes a very sensitive issue. Advise your family and friends to number their letters and to write “Air Mail” and “Par Avion” on their envelopes. Despite delays, we strongly encourage you to write, perhaps weekly or biweekly. Mail is sporadic and that they should not worry if they don’t receive your letters regularly. As a trainee, you will receive mail at the training center near Lusaka.”

It’s also been noted that writing God is watching, or Jesus Saves helps prevent theft of mail or items.

Agains that’s:

1) Write “Airmail” on the outside of the envelope in several places, this way it does not end up on a boat.
2) Write “Jesus” or “God is Watching” or “Praise the Lord”, whatever floats your boat. This helps according to multiple sources, so just do it.
3) Number your letters so that we’ll know if one gets “lost”.
4) Include your address!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This address will be updated three months after I arrive in Zambia. I’m looking forward to hearing from you all! MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESSES!

Number your letters so that we’ll know if one gets “lost”.

Packages- (Woooo care packages!!!)

USPS Flat Rate Boxes (Priority Mail International):
Small (<4 lbs.)- $13.45
Regular (<20 lbs.)- $43.45
Large (<20 lbs.)- $55.95

Skype: I have a skype account. My access to skype will depend on access to the internet and will be sporadic.

Calls: I should have a phone while I am in Zambia, however I expect international calls to be pricey so this probably won’t be an option.

Texting: In all likelihood this will be the most reliable method of communication (internationally and domestically) and is surprisingly inexpensive.