Travel in Sel Appa

This article is about the current 2024 edition. For the 2007 edition, see Travel in Sel Appa/2007 edition.

Sel Appa is a large country of over 1.3 billion inhabitants. It is located on the continent of Sel Appa, along with MassPwnage, Comunisticturkeys, and De Jewish Mafia. It is a quite diverse nation molding all walks of life together. With a history going back more than four millennia, Sel Appa today is quite modernised and enjoys a prosperous economy. Being a powerful and wealthy nation, it has a mixture of densely-populated urban areas with wide areas of low population and incredible natural beauty.

Regions

Regions of Sel Appa

While generally separated into French and English areas, Sel Appas thirty-five provinces can be roughly divided into about seven regions, each with a unique culture and vibe. These are: French, Central, West, Fizroe, Western Coast, South (New Provinces), and we are also including the Russian region despite its recent secession.

French

While not the most prominent, the French region is an integral part of Sel Appa and its culture. Framed by a small mountain range, the French provinces of Côte Lamantin, Val-de-Serpents, Fleuves-d'Or, Loiseauc, and Montargile offer a unique departure from the rest of the nation, while still being Sel Appa. The area is coursed by many "rivières" and "fleuves", making it probably the most picturesque part of Sel Appa. While the coast is warm in the summer, the mountains provide enjoyable ski opportunities in the winter.

Central

The core of Sel Appa is centered on the largest province of Reddingham and capital, Nemnenait, but also includes Thurmann, Annex, Nire. These Anglophone provinces, particularly Reddingham, have a rich history as part of Sel Appa. Here you will find rolling hills and the best farmland, the breadbasket of Sel Appa, as it were. Much of the wealth is here, altho concentrated in Reddingham and Nemnenait.

West

Western Sel Appa forms a culture of its own, with Anila and Anvorbuod leading the way, but joined by Hannaj and Iobahr. Anila is famously home to Sel Appas Second City, Anila City. Anvorbuod is known for its highly capitalistic and rebellious bent. Historically a rogue province, they have settled down as of late. Hannaj forms the second peninsula that protects Fizroe Bay, while Iobahr connects West to Central. The Western region is highly coastal, but temperate.

Fizroe

Fizroe Island is a unique region as the heart of monarchism. The Bay itself is massive and a key trade route, protected from storms and hostiles by the twin peninsula. While the tides can prove interesting to navigate, overall it is safe. One might also place at least the bay coast areas of Hannaj and Lamantin here, as they are tied to the overall bay system.

Western Coast

As one ventures down the western coast, they find themselves in T'lopiq, Fellitshire, and South Fellitshire, which exhibit a warmer, but not quite tropical climate. Formerly the frontier of the nation, the coast has a more relaxed pace of life that befits being away from the northern hubbub. Off the coast of Fellitshire is the notorious Fellitshire Maelstrom, a particularly rough patch of water formed by the collision of cool waters from the north

South (New Provinces)

Discovered and integrated in the mid 2000s, these provinces have their own culture separate from the rest of Sel Appa. Natives is set on a plateau. Province is the most famous for producing top tier footballers despite being somewhat poor. The region also includes Datooi, Thikket, Phork, Hangshai, Thingpao, and Pukapuka. The south is a thick jungle environment with a distinctly tropical climate.

Russian

Finally, the Russian former region of Sel Appa, which recently seceded after years of political turmoil, still merits inclusion. It consists of the provinces of Assila, Ikkin, Priat, Mosekstag, Alokinstag, Uralenstag, Ilrak, Kupryk, Eniarku, Gorastag, and Yulvanyin. Somewhat isolated from the rest of the nation, being on a high mountainous plateau. Winter sports dominate here, and it relies heavily on tourism and resource trade. Relations remain cool with the rest of Sel Appa, but this is not likely to impact the adventurous traveller.

Understand

Units of measure

Sel Appa uses the metric system after converting from traditional units in the mid 20th century. The only remnant of the historical system is the currency, which still is pegged to a pound of copper.

Holidays

Sel Appa has ten major holidays, which are celebrated nationwide for the most part, even if unseasonable in the tropical south. These are usually government, school, and bank holidays, except Midwinter Nights, which only sees closures on the first and last day, except schools remain closed the entire period.

• New Years — 20 March (equinox)
• Sel Appa Day — 1 April (anniversary of the Founding of the Republic)
• Workers Day — 1 May (formerly Socialist Day)
• Midsummer — 20 or 21 June (solstice festival with picnics, barbecues, and parties)
• Jour de français — 14 July (celebration of French culture)
• First Harvest — 22 or 23 September (equinox and celebrating the early harvests)
• Harvest — 1 November (celebrating the completion of the harvest period and thanksgiving)
• Midwinter Nights — 21 or 22 December to 1 January (starts winter solstice and continues to the first of January, winter solstice festival with markets, fun activities, lights, bonfires, gifts, etc)
• Civil Rights Day — 15 January
• Election Day — 1 March (unless an early election is called)

Talk

English and French are the two official languages of Sel Appa. The constitution accords both equal status and protection, however the national government tends to use English, and French provinces use French. All government services and materials must accommodate both. Sel Appans are almost universally fluent in both, but will exclusively speak English in English areas and French in French areas. Bilingualism goes back decades, so even older people will know both. Often, third and fourth languages are learned in school, such as Mandarin, Hebrew, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Greek, Latin, and more.

Mandarin is prevalent in Chinatowns and somewhat more common in southern Sel Appa, reflecting the influence of neighboring MassPwnage.

Get in

A visa is required for all visitors except:

• citizens of De Jewish Mafia, Comunisticturkeys, MassPwnage, or Eniarku
• attendees of sporting events
• some other cases

Such visitors will be granted 60 day renewable entry permits.

You may apply for a visa directly from Sel Appa, or with your nearest Sel Appan embassy or consulate. A visa lasts 90 days and can be renewed at a police station. A temporary identification card will be given when approved. Renewal must be completed before expiration and usually takes a few hours. There is no longer a grace period after expiration, meaning you can be arrested and deported if found with an expired visa.

Transit

Transit visas are provided, but must be approved in advance. They usually last 24 hours and confine you to the airport. In an emergency, an emergency visa may be granted.

Customs

Customs is fairly straightforward and honesty is your best policy. Contraband, such as drugs and alcohol, must be declared. Religious use is generally exempted, unless the agent finds the claim absurd. Medicinal use simply needs a marked container and prescription. Interpretation has a wide latitude, but an ounce of cannabis will be laughed at. However, unlike most countries, you can legally store most contraband at the border until your departure. It must be sealed and registered with customs, and a fee charged. Historically, it was possible to have your contraband delivered to another port, if different from entry, however that program was eliminated during budget cuts in the 2010s. If this option does not work, customs agents will dispose of your contraband without a fuss. Anything smuggled into Sel Appa after this is strictly punished, and will likely result in deportation.

Animals and agricultural products are generally permitted, but may result in additional questioning. Endangered or sacred animal products (eg. turtles) are absolutely forbidden and will be seized and destroyed. Artifacts and treasures are generally permitted if proof of purchase or ownership can be provided.

Transport of arms and explosives is legal, but must be declared and registered. A visitors carry permit may be issued. Transport of money is not really restricted, but agents have the right to refuse entry to someone who appears to be a mule.

By plane

The major two international airports are Nemnenait and Anila City, however there are others. Air Sel Appa and Turtle Airlines are the two major international and domestic carriers, however some low-cost airlines have sprung up. Many foreign airlines also serve both airports.

By train

Train service enters Sel Appa from all of its neighbors, with Eniarku having the most connections, reflecting their former incorporation.

By bus

Bus service is available from all of Sel Appas neighbors, but is less common than trains.

By boat

Cruise ships and liners make port all over Sel Appa.

Get around

As a modern, industrialized country, Sel Appa is easy to get around. There are numerous options such as flying, using mass transit, as well as private and personal options. Sel Appa is known for its excellent top tier public transit options, so there is no need to rent a car in most circumstances.

By plane

You have most likely entered Sel Appa by air, and thus, are also likely to have onward flights from one of the only two international hubs: Nemnenait and Anila City. While there is a push from the industry to add more options as capacity is stretched, these have yet to be approved as of publication. From these two cities, you can fly to most major cities and provincial capitals using Air Sel Appa or Turtle Airlines. There is also a low cost carrier, Shell, as well as a few smaller regionals that also serve minor airports that may not have transit access. Fares are reasonable due to the competition from the excellent high speed train system. As it is, most Sel Appans prefer the train, but for longer distances, one often takes to the air.

Air Sel Appa and Turtle Airlines are fairly comparable and highly competitive. Both offer a full range of routes and amenities. Air Sel Appa is the original flag carrier and traditional with the older crowd, but Turtle Airlines popped up and offered a compelling alternative. ASA, as it is known, presents a full-bodied service, whereas TA is more modern and customizable. ASA offers First and Standard class options for seating. First class will have more comfort, service, and legroom, but standard class is nothing to be snuffed at. This does lead to TA being a bit cheaper on the back end, where they offer Premier, Business, and Economy classes. Turtle Airlines evolved to fill the business and younger traveler niche more, and emphasizes their options to both. Premier could be said to be even better than First class on ASA, whereas Business is more straightforward and geared to business travelers. Economy class is exactly what you would expect. For baggage, all seats include a personal item and a carryon, except for some TA flights, which only allow a personal item for free or may require gate checking some carryons. ASAs First and TAs Premier, both include two checked bags. TA Business class sometimes includes a checked bag, but is focused on business travelers only doing carryon. Often, agents will upgrade Business class passengers to one free checked bag if asked. ASA Standard class and TA Economy class both charge for any checked bags. Mileage program statuses may change these situations.

Food is provided on the few domestic flights that are over six hours to all passengers. For flights three to six hours, food is provided to First, Premier, Business passengers. Standard class passengers sometimes receive a food service on flights over four hours, which is inconsistent, but will be noted when booked. ASA has tried to maintain their traditional service as best they can. Economy passengers with Turtle Airlines can, of course, purchase a meal as an addon. All passengers receive a drink and snack for any flight over an hour. Of course, alcohol is not served on board since it is illegal in Sel Appa.

Finally, Shell is in a league of its own. You get a seat, a personal item, and a water bottle if you ask nicely. Anything else is an upcharge. This means that if you travel light, it is very cheap and affordable. Shell will get you from A to B. While opinions of the airline are mixed, they beat out the majors in on-time performance, and focus on point to point service. It is rare you will have a layover with Shell because a direct flight will inevitably be cheaper. Customer service is notoriously bad, but the flight attendants often outrate the majors. Shells model is "we get you there, anything else is your problem" as a travel magazine once remarked, but they remain immensely popular among budget travelers. To the point that other attempts to start a low cost carrier have all failed one after another.

By train

The most popular way to get around Sel Appa is by train. Fast, affordable, and efficient. It is a wonder Sel Appa even has a domestic air industry. Almost every town and city of note will have a train station, and the major cities will have several. There are numerous options: commuter and local rail connecting small towns and suburbs to cities, intercity rail that offers more service at a slower speed, and Sel Appas world renowned and unique high speed rail system. All rail systems are government run: nationally, provincially, or by a city. Fizroe Island is the only province without rail, and Natives Province is somewhat limited.

Commuter and local rail are essentially the same thing. Commuter rail focuses on getting people in and out of cities, whereas local rail connects in the off peak and to smaller towns. As a traveler, you will only encounter this if you venture out of the major cities. These lines offer Standard 2x2, 2x3, or 3x3 seats along with Business class 1x1 and 1x2 seats, which varies by province and city. There are no amenities on these lines.

Intercity rail is run provincially and nationally, depending on the route, and often in partnership. This can be treated as somewhat local, but not as local as local rail above. It is focused on travel between major cities, but does make stops along the way. The same Standard and Business classes are offered, but longer routes will have a snack car and/or a dining car. Business seats include a snack and drink and/or meal(s), depending on route and length. Longer and overnight routes will offer Sleeper cars as well, which also include meal service. Intercity rail is all over Sel Appa, but travels at a slower rate than high speed rail, and consequently is cheaper.

And last, but not least, the prestige of Sel Appa: high speed rail. It is FAST, and by fast, we really do mean fast. Sel Appan high speed service is faster than almost any on the planet, has few stations, and in fact, does not stop until the terminus. Sel Appa has developed a technology that is bewildering and terrifying to many experiencing it for the first time. While the trains do serve many cities between terminii, they dont stop at them. Instead, they slow down to about 80-100kph and dock with a boarding train, where passengers are quickly taken on or discharged. The choreography is spectacular and truly a sight to see. Safety is paramount in this complex system, but it works. This saves hours over the course of a journey. Once onboard, the same Standard and Business classes are joined by First, which goes above and beyond with comfort and service. There is no sleeper option, as it isnt needed. High speed rail is the least subsidized of the three categories, and so, is the most expensive.

By bus

Bus travel is an option and offers more service points than rail. It is also common for smaller towns and villages to only have bus service. Fizroe Island only has bus service with no trains, and Natives Province similarly is limited and mostly relies on buses. Lines will be at least hourly, and usually more often. In fact, its much more common for halfhourly buses, even in less served areas. A ticket will get you an unreserved seat. Buses are mostly government run, but there are some private lines as well. The private lines offer a more comfortable experience, and long journeys will have a meal and beverage option. Buses are somewhat more affordable than their rail competitors, but not by terribly much. Buses fill in where trains cannot, but operate on a similar model: commuter and local buses connecting cities to their satellites, and intercity coaches venturing beyond that. As indicated, buses are generally operated by cities, towns, and provinces. There is no national bus service; those going between provinces are funded by those provinces. Unlike private vehicles, buses can travel on "Commercial Roads", so are fast, efficient, and comfortable, yet affordable.

By boat

Sel Appa is not without water-based transit, which in some cases, is necessary. If you are traveling to Fizroe Island, you will be travelling by air or by ferry. Ferries to the Island have a wide variety of options and frequent service. There are also ferries connecting the Hannaj and Lamantin Peninsulae, and all over Fizroe Bay. Additionally, ferries sail along coastal ports offering a unique option for travellers. Slow as they are, many Sel Appans do take the coastal ferries. Ferries are public where necessitated (Fizroe and the Bay) and usually private otherwise. Amenities range wildly from mere seats to cabins of many classes. Food is usually provided, whether a small snackbar on short journeys to full service restaurants on longer excursions. Casinos and entertainment venues are also on board the longer hauls. Additionally, there are coastal cruise lines which offer an upper tier experience with a full gamut of diversions.

By car

We dont recommend renting a car, hiring a car, or otherwise traveling by car, but you can if you feel it makes sense for you. There are a few rental agencies at most airports and strewn about cities, but can be rare outside of that. The rental agency will process a driving permit for you if you are licensed elsewhere, otherwise you will need to apply at a police station. You can also hire a private driver service, at great expense. The reason we advise against this is because Sel Appa makes it deliberately inconvenient. Public roads outside of cities and towns are poorly maintained, even the highways. Sel Appa has a separate "Commercial Road" system only available to trucking and buses, which is fully maintained. This is not to say you will be traveling on gravel, but it is often rough. Highways between cities are also heavily tolled. In the end, it all proves to be unnecessarily expensive.

By foot

Walking is a popular activity in Sel Appa, and it is not uncommon to go on walking vacations between cities. Many people will backpack 30 to 50km a day on a long adventure between cities they havent seen. Its possible to walk between cities and towns yourself, but it will of course limit how far you can go. Nonetheless, it is an exceptional way to see the countryside and get some exercise. There are walking tours that cater to exactly this market, with groups hoofing it from place to place, lodging at hotels or campgrounds. Walking infrastructure is well maintained where it can be, and right of way exists in most places.

By bicycle

As with walking, cycling is a common activity, and naturally advances beyond that which one can walk. There are an inordinate amount of cycling paths across the country and it is a fantastic way to see it all. Cycling meshes well with other forms of transportation, allowing a seamless journey wherever you need to go.

Buy

Sel Appa is a cash-centric society, but electronic payments can be made by card in some outlets. Some electronic payment services are accepted, but this is sporadic.

Money

Sel Appas currency is the Sel Appan pound (symbol: £, code: SAP) and is pegged to the price of a pound of copper, and divided into 100 pence. The coin denominations are: 1p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2. Cash is denominated in £5, £10, £20, £50, £100, and £500 (rare).

Tipping

Gratuity is generally included in bills. Bellhops, deliverymen, housekeeping, and the like should usually be tipped a pound or two per day or use.

Bargaining

Most small shops will welcome bargaining and often give you a deal. Some corporate chains may allow salespeople to make deals on big ticket items.

Currency exchange

Avoid the airport exchanges due to bad rates and high fees. Cash machines tend to offer the best rates if you have a card. Otherwise, you can exchange currencies at banks and exchange offices. Rates vary based on how well known a country is.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted in major chains and most cities, but Sel Appa is a very cash centered society. You may find establishments refusing cards or charging a fee.

Taxes

Value Added Tax of 15% is applied to most goods and services and included in the sales price. Certain categories of essential items are exempt. Provincial and local governments may not charge a VAT. There is no VAT refund program for tourists.

Stay safe

To call emergency services, enter 999 on any phone. Police are in every city and town, either provincially or locally administered. The uniform is standardised nationally, except in French provinces, which have a different standard. They are trained to high standards and behavior strictly regulated. In smaller towns, there will usually be one station. In larger towns and cities, there are multiple. Denser neighborhoods often have small posts on a corner, marked with blue lights. Officers conduct foot, cycle, and vehicle patrols. You cant travel far in a city without encountering one. However, they are always friendly and willing to assist with emergency needs, directions, advice, and local recommendations. They are among the best sources of finding top eateries. While ubiquitous, one could not say they are overwhelming. They are there to deter crime before it happens and be ready to assist where needed.

An officer may greet you while patrolling a less busy area with a pleasant "good morning, good afternoon, or good evening (bonjour or bonsoir in French). You can return the salutation or otherwise acknowledge him, and is advisable in later hours in less busy areas. This is part of active crime deterrence and proven very effective. It is rare, but you may be asked for identification. If you cant produce your visa, the officer will be happy to escort you home to retrieve it. If you are far from your lodging, you may be warned or detained and brought back to the post or station to be identified. This is not an arrest, however resisting or escaping is a crime and will result in arrest. Once identified, you will be released with a reminder to keep your ID on you. You can be fined £25, but this is rare.

Crime is quite low in Sel Appa. Some run-down areas of cities may have issues, as well as some rural areas that have a roughness to them. Organized crime is somewhat embedded in major cities, often smuggling contraband, but this will rarely impact a tourist. If you are the victim of a crime, call 999 or locate a nearby officer.

It is legal to carry a firearm, even as a tourist. You will be registered at customs and issued a permit. Citizens are licensed to carry. In cities, open carry is rare and taboo. In rural areas, it can be quite common.

The use of drugs and alcohol is strictly forbidden except for religious and medical purposes. Behind closed doors, enforcement is extremely rare. However, this means public consumption will receive notice very quickly. Both exceptions are fairly loose, but drugs and alcohol cannot be purchased at a store nor are there bars. Religions that use alcohol will provide it to members, and do not sell to the public. However, criminal organizations do operate speakeasies with smuggled or locally produced alcohol. Given these are unregulated, there are no safety standards. Patronising these as a tourist can get you arrested and deported. Enforcement is sporadic with raids occurring infrequently, reflecting Sel Appas quiet tolerance of its unsociable behaviors.

Respect

Sel Appa is somewhat an outlier in being economically left, but socially conservative yet secular. One might think they were in a theocracy going by the attitudes of Sel Appans who frown upon drug and alcohol use, prostitution, abortion, and homosexuality. All are illegal, officially. Alcohol and drugs are permitted for private religious purposes, but public use is illegal and despised. It is generally advised to homosexual travelers to be discreet. Public displays of affection are broadly taboo, but behind closed doors, citizens arent nosy.

However, in recent years as stable Liberal Party leadership opened Sel Appa up, values have loosened. National law enforcement ceased to regulate drugs and alcohol beyond importation, and deprioritised anti-homosexuality laws. Provincial governments vary in enforcement. Historically, arrest and deportation were possible. In the 2020s, police generally tell violators to knock it off. In rural and working class areas, vigilantes are known to enforce their views, albeit more bluster than action. In more modern, urban areas, there is a more quiet tolerance.

Sel Appans are an open and welcoming people who love all cultures, no surprise given the diversity within. Racism is rare, but not illegal. Hate speech is not restricted, however racist comments might get dirty looks at a minimum. Christianity and Islam are both illegal, but only in public practice; private worship is private.

Environmentalism has a deep current in Sel Appa, across the populace, almost a national religion. Desecrating nature is illegal and harshly punished. Recycling is mandatory nationwide, and one will more readily find recycling and reuse bins than trash.

Politics can be sensitive with the recent Russian secession being very divisive, and other subnational movements with various levels of influence. Anvorbuod separatism has tempered out, but residents there consider themselves different. The monarchy, recently abolished, still has supporters, especially on Fizroe Island and around the Bay. Republican sentiments are generally unwelcome.

Go next

• Saint Elmo Isle — a sovereign protectorate of Sel Appa off the coast. For centuries, the Isle has provided a navy while Sel Appa provided land defense and foreign representation.
• Eniarku — To the east, formerly part of Sel Appa, the Russian region seceded in 2024.
• De Jewish Mafia — To the east, an Orthodox Jewish theocracy neighboring Sel Appa. Very reclusive and it is believed only welcoming to Jews.
• MassPwnage — To the south, a large Chinese nation.
• Comunisticturkeys — To the east, a Russian and Spanish communist nation.