How I Doubled My Income by Driving Internationally

Introduction

If you are a professional driver in Global thinking about taking your skills to the European market, you are not alone. A few years ago, I was in the same place: skilled, hardworking, and hitting a ceiling on pay and career growth in my home market. Then I made a decision that changed everything. I relocated to Romania, joined a logistics company with international routes, and within 12 months I more than doubled my monthly take-home pay. Along the way, I learned how to navigate EU regulations, convert my licenses, master the digital tachograph, and build a comfortable life in a country that offers EU-level opportunities with a lower cost of living.

This is my story and a complete guide rolled into one. I will show you why Romania is a smart base for international drivers, how the job market works, what legal steps you must take as a non-EU citizen, and the certifications that open doors to better contracts. I will also break down real salary figures in RON and EUR, the cost of living in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, and the practical steps to relocate successfully. Whether you want long-haul trucking across the EU, regional routes, delivery services, or passenger transport, you will find actionable steps to follow.

Why Romania?

Romania is one of Europe's fastest-evolving logistics hubs. It sits at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, with highways connecting to Hungary, Bulgaria, and further west into Austria and Germany. The country is part of the EU, and Romanian carriers operate across the Schengen area and beyond. For a professional driver from outside the EU, Romania offers a practical, affordable, and highly connected entry point to European road transport.

Here is why Romania stands out:

• EU membership and market access: Romanian transport companies run frequent cross-border loads to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Poland, and the Baltics. Joining a Romanian fleet can place you on high-paying international routes.
• Lower cost of living: Compared to Western EU countries, Romania's living costs are significantly lower, particularly housing and everyday expenses. That means more of your earnings stay in your pocket.
• High driver demand: Romania has a persistent shortage of skilled CE and D category drivers. Companies actively hire qualified drivers from outside the EU and support the work-permit process.
• Fast-moving logistics sector: With hubs around Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Arad, and the Black Sea port of Constanta, you can find opportunities in full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), refrigerated transport, ADR hazardous goods, and passenger coach services.
• Quality of life: You get EU healthcare standards, reputable private medical options, safe cities, and a growing expat community. English is widely used in the logistics sector, and you can pick up Romanian quickly with daily practice.

In short, Romania offers a unique blend: EU-level jobs with a cost base that lets you save aggressively.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transport and logistics landscape is diverse. Your route to higher income will depend on your license category, readiness to work international routes, and willingness to gain extra certifications like ADR. Here are the most relevant roles for international drivers.

International trucking (C and CE)

• International long-haul (Romania to Western EU): These roles offer the highest earning potential for drivers. You will often be on multi-week rotations driving across Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Poland.
• Regional cross-border (Romania to Hungary/Bulgaria/Serbia): Shorter trips, more frequent home time, still better pay than purely domestic routes.
• Trailer types: Curtain-sider, box, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker (ADR).
• Typical employers: DSV Romania, DB Schenker, Kuehne+Nagel, Aquila Part Prod Com, Girteka Logistics (operates in the region), Blue River Logistics, International Alexander, and many medium-sized Romanian fleets based in Arad, Timisoara, Cluj, and Bucharest suburbs.

Domestic trucking

• Distribution for retail and FMCG: Serving warehouse-to-store routes for chains like Kaufland, Lidl, Carrefour, and Mega Image.
• Industrial supply chains: Automotive and electronics around Timisoara, Arad, and Cluj-Napoca.
• Pay is lower than international, but schedules can be more predictable and family-friendly.

Last-mile delivery and courier

• Light commercial vehicles (B category) for companies like Fan Courier, Sameday, and Cargus.
• City-based routes, early starts, and bonuses tied to delivery metrics.
• Good entry point while you convert higher license categories.

Bus and coach driving (D category)

• Urban bus operators: STB in Bucharest, CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, and CTP Iasi regularly recruit. These roles offer stability and benefits.
• Intercity and international coach: Private operators and FlixBus partner companies offer longer-distance routes, sometimes multilingual service requirements.
• Pay can be solid, especially for international coach routes, and schedules can be more structured than trucking.

Specialized niches

• ADR hazardous goods: Fuel tankers, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. ADR-trained drivers earn higher rates and have more leverage in contract negotiations.
• Refrigerated transport: Requires careful temperature monitoring. Often pays slightly more than standard dry freight.
• Oversized and special transport: Demanding roles that require extra permits and escort coordination. Premium pay with experienced firms.

Where the jobs are

• Bucharest-Ilfov: Biggest concentration of logistics hubs, distribution centers, and courier operations. Easy access to the A1 and A2 motorways.
• Timisoara and Arad: Western gateways to Hungary and the rest of the EU. Many carriers base their fleets here to minimize border crossing times.
• Cluj-Napoca: Strong technology and manufacturing base driving freight needs; active courier market.
• Iasi: Growing eastern hub with connections toward Moldova and Ukraine, and solid domestic distribution networks.
• Constanta: Maritime logistics and container transport via the Black Sea port.

Legal Requirements for Global Citizens

As a non-EU citizen, you will need a work permit and a long-stay visa for employment to legally work as a driver in Romania. The process is employer-driven and standardized, and reputable companies will guide you through each step.

Work authorization pathway

1. Secure a job offer: Your Romanian employer initiates the work-permit application. They must show the position requires your skills and that you meet the qualifications.
2. Employer applies for the work permit (aviz de angajare): Filed with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Processing typically takes 30 to 45 calendar days, but timelines can vary.
3. Long-stay employment visa (D/AM): Once the work permit is approved, you apply for the D/AM visa at the Romanian consulate in your country or region. Processing is usually 10 to 20 days.
4. Enter Romania and obtain residence (single permit): Within 30 days of entry, apply for the residence permit with IGI. The single permit covers both residency and the right to work, usually granted for up to one year (renewable).

Documents you will likely need

• Valid passport with sufficient validity (at least 6 to 12 months ahead).
• Work contract or job offer.
• Approved work permit copy.
• Proof of qualifications: driving licenses, CPC, ADR certificates, and translations as required.
• Criminal record certificate from your home country.
• Medical certificate confirming fitness for work.
• Proof of accommodation in Romania (rental contract or employer-provided housing confirmation).
• Recent passport-sized photos.
• Application forms and government fee receipts.

Important: Always confirm document lists with your employer and the Romanian consulate, as requirements can change and additional documents may be required depending on your country of origin.

Family relocation

• Family reunification is possible after you obtain your residence permit, subject to conditions on income and housing.
• Spouses and minor children can apply for residence permits; processing times vary.

Compliance once in Romania

• Carry your residence permit and passport when crossing borders.
• Inform IGI if you change your address.
• Keep copies of your employment contract, insurance, and any training certificates in your records.

Certification and License Recognition

Your license and professional certification status will determine how quickly you can start and how much you can earn. Romania follows EU rules on driver licensing and CPC.

License categories overview

• B: Passenger cars and small vans up to 3.5 tons.
• C: Trucks over 3.5 tons.
• CE: Trucks with trailers (articulated combinations).
• D: Passenger buses.

Recognizing non-EU licenses

• Private driving: A non-EU license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be used for private driving for a limited period after arrival, typically up to 90 days. This does not allow professional driving.
• Professional driving: To work as a professional driver, you must hold an EU-recognized license and CPC. If your license is from a non-EU country, you will likely need to exchange it if reciprocity exists or obtain a Romanian license by passing theory and practical exams. Your employer can advise which path applies based on your country.
• Medical and psychological exams: Mandatory for professional drivers. You will complete these at accredited clinics in Romania.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

• Initial qualification: If you do not already hold EU CPC, you must complete the initial qualification for your category (C/CE or D). The program is typically 140 to 280 hours including theory and practical modules.
• Periodic training: Every 5 years, professional drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training to keep their CPC valid.
• Code 95: Once you hold CPC, your license will carry the Code 95 mark, indicating EU professional competence.
• Providers: Authorized training centers across Romania, often coordinated by Autoritatea Rutiera Romana (ARR) and approved schools.

Digital tachograph card

• Issued by ARR in Romania. You need a driver card to legally operate EU tachograph-equipped vehicles.
• Requirements: Identity documents, residence permit, Romanian address, passport-sized photo, and application fee.
• Use: Records driving times, breaks, and rest periods, in line with EU Regulation 561/2006 and 165/2014.

ADR (hazardous goods) certification

• Basic ADR: Covers most packaged dangerous goods. Training plus an exam at an authorized center.
• Tanks and classes: Additional modules for tankers and specific hazard classes.
• Renewal: Typically every 5 years with refresher training.
• Benefit: ADR-certified drivers earn more and access premium contracts.

Romanian road transport rules you must know

• EU Regulation 561/2006: Driving and rest times.
• EU Directive 2002/15/EC: Working time of mobile workers.
• National enforcement: Romanian authorities (ISCTR) and police enforce these rules; fines can be steep if you breach rest times or misuse the tachograph.
• Right-hand traffic: Romania drives on the right side of the road.
• Winter regulations: Winter tires are mandatory when roads are snow or ice covered; chains are advisable in mountainous regions.

Salary and Benefits

Your income depends on route type, employer size, certifications, and rotation schedule. The good news is that international routes pay very competitively compared to many non-EU markets. For quick reference, 1 EUR is approximately 5 RON.

International trucking (CE)

• Net pay per month including per diems: 1,800 to 2,700 EUR (9,000 to 13,500 RON).
• Highly experienced CE drivers with ADR on demanding Western EU routes can reach 2,800 to 3,200 EUR net in strong months.
• Structure: Base salary plus per diem for days spent outside Romania. Per diems are tax-advantaged under Romanian law within limits, which boosts take-home pay.

Example month on a 6-weeks-on/2-weeks-off rotation:

• Base salary: 3,000 to 4,500 RON net (600 to 900 EUR, depends on employer policy).
• Per diems: 60 to 90 EUR per day abroad. At 22 days, that is 1,320 to 1,980 EUR.
• Bonuses: 100 to 300 EUR for fuel efficiency, no incidents, and on-time delivery.
• Total net: Around 2,100 to 3,000 EUR for a strong month.

Domestic trucking (C/CE)

• Net pay: 4,500 to 7,500 RON (900 to 1,500 EUR) depending on miles, overtime, and night shifts.
• Fewer per diems but steadier home time.

Bus and coach (D)

• City bus drivers: 4,000 to 7,000 RON net (800 to 1,400 EUR), with overtime and night-shift premiums.
• Intercity/international coach: 1,200 to 1,800 EUR net depending on routes and language skills.

Delivery and courier (B)

• Net pay: 3,500 to 6,000 RON (700 to 1,200 EUR) plus performance bonuses.
• Good stepping stone while you finalize CE or D category and CPC.

Benefits and extras

• Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): Common benefit, worth 20 to 40 RON per working day.
• Accommodation on the road: Employers provide sleeper cabs or arrange hotels for coaches and certain routes.
• Health insurance: National health insurance contributions; many employers offer private medical packages.
• Paid leave: Typically 20 to 24 working days per year.
• Training support: Some companies co-fund ADR, CPC periodic training, and language lessons.

How I doubled my income

In my previous market, I was earning the equivalent of roughly 900 EUR per month with long hours and little room for growth. After relocating to Romania, converting my licenses, and joining an international CE fleet with ADR, my average net income rose to between 2,100 and 2,600 EUR per month depending on the rotation. Because living costs in Romania are lower than in Western Europe, I saved more than half my monthly income while renting a comfortable apartment in Timisoara. The combination of EU per diems and Romania's cost of living made the jump possible.

Cost of Living in Romania

Romania's cost of living is one of its strongest advantages. Your savings can grow quickly when you base in a Romanian city and drive international routes.

Housing (monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment)

• Bucharest: 400 to 700 EUR in well-connected districts; 300 to 500 EUR in outer areas.
• Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 650 EUR depending on proximity to the center.
• Timisoara: 300 to 550 EUR, often with modern buildings near business hubs.
• Iasi: 300 to 500 EUR in central or student areas.

Tips:

• Negotiate 12-month leases for better rates.
• Ask employers if they offer driver accommodation near depots.
• Shared housing can cut costs to 200 to 350 EUR per person in most cities.

Utilities and connectivity

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, trash): 80 to 150 EUR per month depending on season and apartment size.
• Internet: 7 to 15 EUR for fiber broadband; Romania has excellent internet speeds.
• Mobile phone: 5 to 15 EUR for generous data plans.

Transportation

• Public transport pass: 15 to 20 EUR in most cities; about 15 to 20 EUR for Bucharest monthly pass when using standard lines.
• Fuel: Fluctuates, often around 1.4 to 1.6 EUR per liter for diesel.
• Taxi and ride-sharing: Affordable for occasional use.

Groceries and dining

• Groceries for one person: 150 to 250 EUR per month with careful shopping at Lidl, Kaufland, or Profi.
• Eating out: 6 to 10 EUR for a simple meal; 25 to 40 EUR for two at a mid-range restaurant.

Health and insurance

• Family doctor and basic services are covered by public contributions.
• Private health packages start around 15 to 50 EUR per month depending on coverage.

Realistic monthly budget for a single driver based in Timisoara

• Rent: 400 EUR
• Utilities and internet: 120 EUR
• Groceries: 200 EUR
• Transport and phone: 40 EUR
• Leisure and miscellaneous: 100 EUR
• Total: Approximately 860 EUR

If you are earning 2,100 to 2,700 EUR net on international routes, saving 1,200 to 1,800 EUR per month is achievable.

Cultural Integration

Romanian colleagues are generally friendly, direct, and respectful of professionalism. A few cultural basics will help you integrate quickly.

Language tips

• Romanian is a Romance language with similarities to Italian and Spanish. Learning basic phrases goes a long way.

• Useful phrases:

  • Buna ziua - Good day
  • Buna dimineata - Good morning
  • Multumesc - Thank you
  • Va rog - Please
  • Unde este depozitul? - Where is the warehouse?
  • Documente de transport - Transport documents
  • Semnatura - Signature
  • Ma numesc... - My name is...

• Many dispatchers and managers speak English, especially in international fleets. Still, carrying a bilingual glossary for logistics terms helps.

Workplace culture

• Punctuality matters: Arrive on time for loading slots and briefings.
• Communication: Keep your dispatcher informed about delays, incidents, or border issues.
• Documentation: Neat paperwork and accurate tachograph handling build trust quickly.
• Safety first: Romanian employers value adherence to EU safety and rest rules. Refuse unsafe instructions politely and document issues.

Everyday life

• Banking: Open a local bank account for salary payments. Bring your residence permit and passport.
• SIM card: Easy to buy with ID. Competitive data plans.
• Shopping: Discount supermarkets and fresh markets will be your best friends for saving.
• Social: Join expat and driver groups on social media for advice and deals on rentals and vehicles.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Here is a step-by-step plan based on my journey and what I have seen work for other drivers.

1. Assess your qualifications

   • List your current license categories, experience, and any ADR or CPC certifications.
   • Gather proof of employment history and safe driving records. Translations to English or Romanian may be required.

2. Choose your target role

   • CE international trucking if you want to maximize earnings.
   • D category bus if you prefer structured schedules and city-based stability.
   • Courier or B category delivery as a transitional role while you upgrade licenses.

3. Shortlist employers

   • Focus on companies with established immigration support and training programs.
   • Check reviews in driver forums and social media groups.
   • Prepare a CV emphasizing kilometers driven, vehicle types, route types, tachograph experience, and incident-free records.

4. Apply and interview

   • Highlight EU regulation knowledge: driving and rest times, tachograph handling, load securing.
   • Ask about per diem structure, rotation schedule, training support, and accommodation.

5. Secure the job offer

   • Ensure the contract is clear on base pay, per diem, overtime, rest time compliance, and who pays for permits and training.

6. Employer applies for the work permit

   • Provide requested documents quickly: passport, criminal record, medical certificate, proof of qualification, CV, and photos.

7. Apply for the D/AM long-stay employment visa

   • Submit your work permit, contract, and supporting documents to the Romanian consulate.
   • Keep copies of everything.

8. Arrange housing in Romania

   • Book a short-term rental for your first month near your employer's base or depot.
   • Use agency sites and ask your employer or other drivers for recommendations.

9. Enter Romania and apply for residence (single permit)

   • Book your IGI appointment as soon as you arrive.
   • Bring contract, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, photos, and application forms.

10. Medical and psychological exams

    • Complete mandatory professional driver checks at an accredited Romanian clinic.

11. License exchange or testing

    • If your country has reciprocity with Romania, exchange your license for a Romanian one for the same categories.
    • If not, enroll with a licensed driving school for category C/CE or D theory and practical exams.

12. CPC and tachograph card

    • Enroll in initial or periodic CPC as required to obtain Code 95.
    • Apply for your ARR driver tachograph card.

13. ADR certification (optional but recommended)

    • Start with Basic ADR, then add Tanks if relevant to your target employer.

14. Onboarding and familiarization

    • Learn your company's route planning tools, loading procedures, cross-border documents, and emergency protocols.

15. Start driving and track your earnings

    • Keep clean, organized records. Monitor your per diem days and ensure correct payroll processing.

Timeline expectation: From job offer to first day on the road, 8 to 14 weeks is typical, depending on permit processing and any required training.

Success Tips From Other Expat Drivers

• Use winter to your advantage: Fewer drivers accept mountain routes in the cold season. With proper training and equipment, you can secure better rotations.
• Invest in ADR early: Basic ADR can boost your earnings by 10 to 20 percent and increase job security.
• Learn Romanian logistics terms: Even basic skills reduce loading delays and build rapport with warehouse staff.
• Master the tachograph: Keep meticulous compliance with EU Regulation 561/2006. Never let pressure push you into violations.
• Carry a document folder: Passport, residence card, driver card, CPC proof, ADR certificate, vehicle papers, and insurance. Border delays shrink when you are impeccably organized.
• Plan toll devices: If you drive into Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Poland, or Germany, understand each country's toll device requirements before crossing. Your dispatcher can pre-register your truck.
• Save aggressively: Because living costs are low, build a 3- to 6-month emergency fund quickly. It gives you leverage in negotiating assignments.
• Network: Join Romanian driver groups and attend training days. Good relationships with dispatch often lead to better loads.

Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them

Driving on the right side

• If you come from a left-hand traffic country, practice in low-traffic areas and take a confidence-building session with a local instructor.
• Positioning: Keep your lane discipline, especially when turning left across traffic. Use mirrors constantly.

Winter driving

• Tires: Ensure winter tires when roads are snowy or icy. Use chains in mountain passes when conditions require.
• Equipment: Carry de-icer, scraper, warm clothing, gloves, boots, a shovel, and emergency rations.
• Techniques: Gentle acceleration, longer stopping distances, and lower gear on descents.

Toll and vignette systems

• Romania: E-rovinieta is required for national roads. Some bridges and motorways have additional fees.
• Neighboring countries: HU-GO (Hungary), ASFINAG GO-Box (Austria), DarsGo (Slovenia), e-TOLL (Poland), and toll networks in Germany (Toll Collect). Your employer will usually handle device registration, but drivers must ensure balances and devices are active before entering tolled networks.

EU working time directives

• Driving time: Max 9 hours per day (twice per week you may extend to 10 hours). Max 56 hours per week, and 90 hours in two consecutive weeks.
• Breaks: 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving (can split 15 + 30 minutes).
• Rest: Daily rest 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests). Weekly rest 45 hours (can be reduced with compensation).
• Always use your tachograph correctly and keep your charts or digital records on hand.

Case Study: My Route From Newcomer To International CE Driver

To make this real, here is how my first year looked:

• Month 1: Arrived in Timisoara, completed residence permit, medical checks, and enrolled for periodic CPC. Cost: about 400 EUR total for fees and medicals. Rented a studio for 420 EUR.
• Month 2: Applied for tachograph driver card through ARR and shadowed a senior driver on domestic routes. Practiced winter mountain driving techniques.
• Month 3: Started international rotations to Hungary and Austria. Net income: about 1,900 EUR.
• Month 4-5: Extended runs to Germany and Italy. Daily per diems increased. Net: 2,200 to 2,400 EUR.
• Month 6: Completed ADR Basic. Company assigned me to more complex loads. Net: 2,500+ EUR.
• Months 7-12: Stable rotations, upgraded to refrigerated trailer. Average net: 2,400 to 2,700 EUR depending on days abroad and bonuses.

Key learning: The combination of EU per diems, ADR, and international routes is what pushed my income beyond double my previous earnings, while Romania's living costs allowed aggressive savings.

Conclusion and Call To Action

Romania is one of the smartest pathways into the EU transport market for professional drivers from Global. The country offers high demand for CE and D category drivers, a legal framework that welcomes skilled workers, and access to international routes that pay well. With realistic salaries of 1,800 to 2,700 EUR net for international trucking and a cost of living that lets you save, you can transform your financial future.

If you are serious about doubling your income, start today:

• Update your CV with your driving categories, kilometers, and achievements.
• Shortlist Romanian employers that operate international fleets.
• Prepare your documents for the work permit and D/AM visa.
• Plan your CPC, tachograph card, and ADR training path.

Take the first step. The road to higher earnings runs through Romania's logistics hubs, and there is an open seat waiting for a skilled driver like you.

FAQ

1) Can I start working immediately with my non-EU license?

Not as a professional driver. For private driving, a non-EU license with an IDP may be valid for up to 90 days after entry. To work professionally, you must hold an EU-recognized license and CPC (Code 95). Depending on your country, you may be able to exchange your license or you may need to pass Romanian theory and practical exams to obtain category C/CE or D.

2) How long does the work-permit and visa process take?

Allow 8 to 14 weeks from job offer to first day on the road. The employer's work-permit application typically takes 30 to 45 days, the D/AM visa 10 to 20 days, and the residence permit another few weeks after arrival. Delays can occur, so keep documents ready and respond quickly to any requests.

3) What are realistic net salaries for international CE drivers?

Most international CE drivers in Romania report net monthly earnings between 1,800 and 2,700 EUR, including per diems. With ADR certification and premium routes, you can reach or exceed 3,000 EUR in strong months. Pay depends on route mix, days abroad, bonus schemes, and employer policies.

4) Do I need to speak Romanian to get hired?

Many international fleets hire drivers who speak basic English or another EU language. However, learning Romanian logistics terms will make your work smoother at depots and borders. Over 6 to 12 months, you can become comfortable with everyday Romanian.

5) What is the cost of CPC and ADR in Romania?

Costs vary by provider and region. Periodic CPC (35 hours) can range from 150 to 300 EUR. Initial CPC is more expensive due to longer training hours. Basic ADR typically ranges from 150 to 250 EUR, and ADR Tanks adds more. Employers often co-fund or reimburse these costs.

6) Will my employer provide accommodation?

While on the road, yes, you will have a sleeper cab or hotel arrangements for coach routes. For your base city, some employers offer shared housing options or stipends, but most drivers rent their own apartments. Always ask during the interview.

7) What are the main winter driving rules in Romania?

Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow or ice. Chains are recommended in mountainous regions and may be required by authorities in severe weather. Carry winter gear and drive with increased caution: lower speeds, longer distances, and gentle braking.

8) How are tolls handled for international routes?

Your employer typically registers and manages the necessary toll devices and accounts for each country (e.g., HU-GO in Hungary, GO-Box in Austria, DarsGo in Slovenia, e-TOLL in Poland, Toll Collect in Germany). As a driver, you must ensure the devices are active and funded before entering the network and report any malfunctions immediately.

9) What are typical rotation schedules for international drivers?

Common rotations include 4 weeks on/1 week off or 6 weeks on/2 weeks off. Some companies offer 2 weeks on/1 week off for regional routes. Rotation balance affects income since per diems are tied to days abroad.

10) Is Romania safe for expats?

Yes. Romania is considered safe, with low violent crime rates in major cities. As in any country, maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially at highway rest areas, and secure your cab and documents.

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This guide shares my personal experience and the most current practices employers and drivers report. Always confirm requirements and costs with your chosen employer, Romanian authorities, and training providers before you travel.