Lajes Field

Important Documents to Hand Carry

Copies of PCS Orders, Military records, medical/dental records, Marriage certificates, immunization records, if applicable. Also, hand carry HHG inventory/TMO paperwork, vehicle shipment, and any receipts or information needed to complete a travel voucher. All individuals must bring their valid stateside driver's license to get their Portuguese license.  All personnel will reside in the local economy during their tour.  There is no on-base housing but there is a small lodging operation.

Dining

A Non-Appropriated Fund Food Facility and a small commissary are the dining options on base.  Please check www.lajesfss.com for current hours of operation and menus.

Passports and Visas

It is recommended that you purchase a tourist passport (blue cover) to use when flying out of Lajes on leave. This can take several weeks to arrive, so plan accordingly. Members are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand.

Lajes Field is a dependent restricted tour.  However, some personnel decide to bring family at their own expense.  More information about bringing dependents to Lajes Field is available at www.lajesfss.com 

Cost of Living

The local currency is the EURO. The rate changes each business day, and you will receive a cost-of-living allowance for the difference in buying items on the local economy.

On Base Transportation

There is no shuttle bus service on base. POVs can be purchased, and manual transmission is the most common, although some automatic vehicles are available. The price can depend on when the Portuguese inspection expires. Renting a vehicle can be expensive and the base gas station does not sell diesel fuel.  You can ship a vehicle to Lajes Field – check with TMO on the restrictions. Vehicles must pass a local vehicle inspection. This may require you to install a fog light on your vehicle.

Banking Facilities

There are no banking facilities at Lajes Field, but there is a cashier's cage at the Top of The Rock Commons (TORC) where you can cash checks and do a money exchange for EUROS.

Communications

American Cell Phone carriers may not have reception in the Azores so members should ask their carrier to suspend their account for the duration of their tour. If the phone is ‘unlocked,' an inexpensive SIM card can be purchased locally to continue using the phone. Pay-as-you-go cell phones are also available for purchase.

Electricity

Voltage in the work place is 110 volts and off-base apartments mostly use 220 volts/50Hz. Frequency-dependent equipment will be affected. Please check with your sponsor if you have questions. Some electronics, such as televisions, computers, etc., will work fine if they are dual voltage. You can also use a transformer. However, be aware that a transformer pulls the full power even when nothing is plugged into the transformer. Do not plug U.S. electronics into the local electric sockets using just an adapter or it could be damaged.

Restricted Weight Allowance/p>

Lajes Field has a restricted weight allowance but government furniture is available. Contact your nearest TMO for weight allowances and your sponsor for more information on items that can be borrowed from TMO until your shipment arrives. Beds, dressers, couches, tables & chairs, etc. are available. M&FRC also has dish kits to loan out.

Medical Needs

Medical assistance is offered through two Independent Duty Medical Technicians (IDMTs). Most medical and dental services are arranged with off-base providers. Due to the limited medical care available, individuals with unusual medical problems or who are on special medications should check with their overseas clearance section before departure.