Misc. Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

• Valid U. S. Passport with expiration date after December 31, 2007 
• Visa - Not required for Romania or Czech Republic
• Visa - Required for Moldova (We will assist you with obtaining this)

• Telephone
• International direct dialing service is available throughout Romania and Moldova.  Most public telephones require the use of a calling/telephone card.  Your host will carry an international cell phone for emergency contacts.
• Information on receiving or making emergency calls will be sent to you prior to the trip.

• Bringing gifts
• Staff do not expect gifts – they appreciate your interest and support; for them, that is enough.
• If you want to bring something, staff appreciate receiving basic educational and craft items for the children such as crayons, pencils, modeling clay, coloring books, simple puzzles, beads, etc. 
• Cash gifts can also be given to staff to purchase specific items for specific children.  A gift of $50 to $100 will purchase a lot of clothes!
• Always give a staff person the items for the children; they know best which child or group home needs the items. 

• Language
• Don’t worry … Europeans are much better at foreign languages than most Americans!  Staff speak very good English.
• There will ALWAYS be an English-speaking person with you!

• Tap water
• One simple rule … don’t drink it!  Staff will have bottled water in your rooms.  If you stop for gasoline or to eat, you will have the opportunity to purchase small bottles for daytime use.

• Food
• Breakfast consists of strong coffee, tea, juice, yogurt, bread, meats and cheeses.  Soup is a staple at lunch.  Most restaurants have English menus, and staff will assist you in making selections.  Be sure to try different things; you will enjoy them! 
• Everyone has lunch and dinner together, always joined by staff.

• Currency
• Romanian currency (the lei – pronounced “lay”) is confusing – very large amounts convert to small amounts of U.S. money (e.g., 33,000 old lei [ROL] =  $1.00; 33 new lei [RON] = $1.00).   Both currency denominations and bills still exist!
• Moldovan currency (also the lei) has a current conversion rate of $1.00 = 13.5 lei.
• The best way to get currency is at an ATM.  Staff will assist you in getting the right amount for your needs. 
• If you want to bring U.S. currency, make sure you obtain crisp, new $20 bills.  Old bills, or bills with marks on them, will not be accepted.

• Tipping
• A maximum of 10% is customary at a good restaurant. 

• Charge cards
• You will have a couple of opportunities to shop, and most shops accept Visa and MasterCard.  Other credit cards are not as easy to use. 
• Some vendors/restaurants may claim that your card is not being accepted.  In short, most would prefer cash. 

• Customs & etiquette
• Romanians and Moldovans are friendly and open to foreigners. 
• Older people appreciate old-fashioned politeness, and it is respectful to use “Mr.” or “Mrs.” when using the name of a person you’ve just met.
• Handshaking is the most common form of greeting, although you might just get a kiss on both cheeks!
• It is common to linger after a meal.
• When visiting in a private home, it is customary to bring a small gift – flowers, wine, etc.  Chocolates should only be given to a woman. 
• All gifts should be wrapped, but will probably not be opened in your presence.
• Punctuality is expected, even though life is lived at a fairly relaxed pace. 

• Safety
• Take customary steps to safeguard your valuables
• Be aware of pickpockets in large cities

Just have fun and enjoy yourself, the children, staff, and the sights and sounds of Romania and Moldova!