Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) and Nuuk

Location
Kalaallit Nunaat occupies an area of 2,166,086 square kilometers. From top to toe, Kalaallit Nunaat is more than 2,670 km long. The ice cap rises to a height of 3,000 meters. The capital, Nuuk, is situated at the mouth of Nuup Kangerlua, a system of smaller fiords more than 100 km long.

Population
Kalaallit Nunaat = approximately 57,000 people.

Nuuk = approximately 15,000 inhabitants, a number rapidly expanding.

Climate
Nuuk lies 250 km south of the Polar Circle. From the end of May until the beginning of August there is 24 hours of daylight – not sunlight – the sun does disappear for a couple of hours. The area has a lower arctic climate and average temperatures of 7°C in July and minus 7°C in January. Sometimes it can actually snow in June in Nuuk so be prepared to wear layer-upon-layer of clothing in order for you to adjust to the weather of the day – some days you can even wear shorts!

A five day forecast for Nuuk can be found here; http://www.dmi.dk/dmi/byvejr_gl?by=4250

Currency and credit cards

Here you can use only VISA and Dankort. When using a credit card in Kalaallit Nunaat you will only be asked to enter your PIN-code, we do not operate with either debit or credit.

The currency used in Greenland is Danish Kroner. The current exchange rate is (2 March 2010) 548.73 DKK to 100 USD. GrønlandsBANKEN in Nuuk charge 30 DKK for currency exchange.

Souvenir shops usually take US Dollars as well as most credit cards.

Shopping

There are several supermarkets and grocery stores in Nuuk. Supermarkets are open from 9 AM until 8 PM on weekdays - grocery stores a little longer. Here you find practically everything you would expect in any other European or American supermarket, but prices somewhat higher.

There is a large variety of fashion and outdoor shops in Nuuk.

Alcohol can be bought in supermarkets and some grocery stores from 9 AM till 6 PM on weekdays, Saturdays from 9 AM till 1 PM, and no sale on Sundays.

Souvenirs

In souvenir shops you’ll find unique and handmade works of arts made in Greenland. Among these, there are some made of parts from both Polar Bear and Narwhal. These are legal to purchase, but not legal to export, due to CITES-regulations. When buying items made by either Beluga, Minke Whale, Killer Whale or Walrus make sure to acquire a CITES-permit. Additional rules and regulations can be found at http://www.greenland.com/media(2593,1033)/CITES-UK-09.pdf

There should be a good chance of spotting Humpback Whales by the shores of Nuuk during the summer.

Customs

On arrival into Greenland: A full list of tax-free goods that you are allowed to bring into Kalaallit Nunaat can be found at; http://greenland.visahq.com/customs/.

On departing Greenland: Please see the attached pamphlet for details on requirements for CITES export permits. Some considerations are listed below. Feel free to check out further details at the Canada Border Services website at; http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s4

-        Anything made with treated sealskin CAN come in to Canada – in fact, anything from the sea CAN come in to Canada unless it is listed under the Endangered Species Act. This Act includes various whales and their parts and thus this means basically that you must obtain a CITES permit if it is not made from stone, minerals, caribou bones or antler. This permit is available at most stores however you must ask for it.

-        Tax-free exemptions (all gifts must be considered under this listing)

o   $400 for those who have been out of Canada for less than the 7 days, or

o   $750 for those out of Canada for more than 7 days.

-        Alcohol exemptions – 24 beer OR 1.14 litres of booze OR 1.5 litres of wine – these are permitted into Nunavut without a liquor permit but if you bring more due to the length of time outside Canada, then you must have a Nunavut liquor permit to bring it into Iqaluit.

-        Fruits, vegetables and any meats (including processed, canned, etc) CAN NOT be brought into Canada whatsoever.

Electricity

220 Volt is standard and sockets are with European plugs. We advise you to bring your own adapter as they are not likely to be found in many stores.

Time Zone

Kalaallit Nunaat is situated at GMT -3… thus 2 hours ahead of Iqaluit and Ottawa.

For additional info on Nuuk and Kalaallit Nunaat in general please visit;

http://www.greenland.com/content/english/tourist

Transportation

There are regular city buses in Nuuk with a fare of 13 DKK. Taxis can also be obtained by calling (+299) 363 636 and (+299) 321 321.

NB: For people staying at Kujallerpaat, Egmontkollegiet, Centerbokollegiet and Jern & Metal Kollegiet - towels will unfortunately not be available, so please bring your own towels to Nuuk.

Meals – To access your meals, remember to wear your nametag!

Breakfasts

• Staff, interpreters, speakers, and cultural delegates:

  • On June 26^th, breakfast coupons will be provided for use at the Seamen’s Home.

  • From June 27^th to July 3^rd between 7:00am to 10am daily, those staying at Norbo, the College, and student homes will be served breakfast at the USK Community School.

• Delegates and other country contingent members staying at the Seamen’s Home or Hotel Hans Egede will obtain their breakfasts in their hotel accommodations for the duration of their stay.

Lunches

• Cultural delegates

  • Lunch will be served at the USK Community School from June 27^th to July 2^nd between 12:00 noon to 2pm daily. Lunch coupons for use at the Seaman’s Home will be provided for June 26 and July 3^rd only.

• Prior to the GA start on Monday, interpreters and staff will eat with the cultural delegates, and delegates and speakers will be provided with coupons for use at locations in Nuuk.

• From Monday to Thursday, delegates, VIPs, speakers, and interpreters will eat at the buffet lunch at Katuaq. Staff will eat at Katuaq in the staff rooms rather than at the buffet.

Evening Dinners

Upon registration, all official GA participants (delegates, interpreters, cultural participants, and staff) will be provided with coupons and/or funds to use when purchasing their own meals throughout the various restaurants and cafés of Nuuk. Further details will be provided in your registration package.

Additionally, a buffet Farewell Dinner will be provided to all official GA participants on Thursday, July 1^st at Katuaq between 18:00 and 21:00.

Restaurants and Cafés

1. Hereford Beefstouw,

2. Sarfalik,

3. Gertrud Rask,

4. Godthåb Bryghus,

5. Café Esmeralda,

6. Charoen Porn,

7. Seamen’s Home,

8. Café Prego, and

9. Café Chili.

Nuuk has a large variety of restaurants, bars and cafés. Make sure you have a reservation if you prefer a certain restaurant.

Nuuk Seamen’s Home & Hotel

Marinevej 3

Phone: 32 10 29

Email: nuuk[at]soemandshjem[dot]gl

Web: http://www.soemandshjem.gl

A Hereford Beefstouw

Hotel Hans Egede A/S

Phone: (299) 32 42 22

Email: booking[at]hhe[dot]gl

Web: http://www.hhe.gl

Café Chili

Aqqusinersuaq 9

Phone: (299) 32 40 60

Email: info[at]cafechili[dot]gl

Web: http://www.cafechili.gl

Café Prego

Imanaq 30

Phone: (299) 32 95 55

Email: info[at]cafeprego[dot]gl

Web: http://www.cafeprego.gl

Godthaab Bryghus

Hotel Hans Egede A/S

Phone: (299) 34 80 80

Email: info[at]hhe[dot]gl

Hotel Godthaab Restaurant

Aqqusinersuaq 1

Phone: (299) 34 80 42

Email: info[at]godthaab[dot]gl

Restaurant Charoen Porn

Aqqusinersuaq 5

Phone: (299) 32 57 59

Email: info[at]charoenporn[dot]gl

Web: www.charoen_porn.gl

Restaurant Nipisa

Hans Egedesvej 29, 1. sal

Phone: (299) 32 12 10

Restaurant Sarfalik

Hotel Hans Egede A/S

Phone: (299) 34 42 22

Email: booking[at]hhe[dot]gl

Web: http://www.hhe.gl