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!
