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Romania Travel Tips

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

I had no idea what to expect when I first visited Romania. Beyond the stereotypical vampire myths and legends of Transylvania, I knew shockingly little about the country.

What I found on arrival was a budget-friendly destination brimming with hearty food, amazing natural landscapes, and a fraction of the tourists found elsewhere in Europe .

The country has a long (and turbulent) history stretching back thousands of years. It was annexed by numerous powers over the centuries, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Holy Roman Empire, Hungary, and the Soviets (who left a particularly dark stain on the country’s history).

While Romania used to be far off the beaten path, in recent years, the country’s tourism numbers have been increasing. That said, it’s still relatively undiscovered compared to countries in Western and Central Europe and its charming historic cities with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture is both affordable and rarely crowded.

I love Romania to bits and I strongly, strongly encourage you to take the country slowly and spend extra time here. It’s a massive country perfect for road-tripping, hiking, and history buffs.

This travel guide to Romania can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Romania

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in romania.

1. Explore Brasov

Located in the historical region of Transylvania and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is one of the best-preserved cities in Romania. Due to its location in the center of the country, the city has long been a hub for commercial and cultural activities (it was even the birthplace of Romania’s national anthem). Today, the city is best known to travelers as the launching pad for trips to “Dracula’s castle” (which isn’t actually his castle but is still a fun one to visit). There’s a bit of everything here, including great hiking nearby, a beautiful historic center, and charming medieval streets. The city also offers a wide variety of food, from local Romanian fare to tasty international dishes. Stay awhile and really soak in this cultural capital.

2. Wander Bucharest

Bucharest boasts a healthy mix of Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts buildings and communist-style concrete blocks. By European standards, it’s a relatively young city, and in recent years has become a tech hub for local and European startups as well as digital nomads. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites, shopping centers, and architectural sights to check out here. Some of the main sights include the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, the ethnographic Village Museum, Revolution Square, and the Ceausescu Mansion.

3. Trek the Fagaras Mountains

The Fagaras Mountains are the highest mountains in the Southern Carpathians and one of the most popular places in the country to go hiking. You can go on an awesome multi-day trekking experience that takes you along the main ridge of the Fagaras. The route is one of the longest and most continuous high-mountain traverses in Europe. Hikers can trek over Moldoveanu, Negoiu, and Vista Mare — three of Romania’s highest peaks that all tower over 2,500 meters (approximately 8,300 feet).

4. Visit Sibiu

Visiting Sibiu is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Located in the historical region of Transylvania, the city was the capital of the region at various points throughout history. Cobblestone streets, ancient town squares, castle walls, and historic buildings — this city has everything you want in an old European city but without the crowds found elsewhere. It has a wonderful medieval charm, beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, excellent food, and lots of green space. Don’t miss the Brukenthal Museum, the Citadel, and the unique Baroque eyebrow dormers that earned the city the nickname “The City with Eyes.”

5. See the painted monasteries in Bucovina

These Romanian Orthodox monasteries in the northeastern edge of the country are striking in that they have their exterior walls painted with elaborate 15th- and 16th-century frescoes featuring saints, prophets, Jesus, and other religious scenes. The walls are a masterpiece of Byzantine art and a pilgrimage destination for Romanian Orthodox believers. Eight of the monasteries have been designated a collective UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

Other Things to See and Do in Romania

1. see the alexandru borza botanic gardens.

Located in Cluj-Napoca , this massive botanical garden features rolling green hills, an observation tower, a rose garden, and even a Japanese garden. Founded in 1872, the garden is home to over 10,000 plants and spans 35 acres. There are greenhouses, ponds, and a wide variety of regional gardens with plants from all around the world. Admission is 15 RON per person (RON when the greenhouses are closed).

2. Get a cultural immersion in Maramures

This medieval region of Romania is one of my favorites. The traditional culture here is thriving and there is an interesting blend of local music, hand-made wooden structures, and colorful textiles to experience. Each village has a large wooden church and intricate wooden gates that are hand-carved (woodworking is a tradition here that goes back centuries). There are unique cemeteries as well, stemming from their belief that the afterlife is a beginning, not an end. For example, instead of solemn words on stone tombstones, there are blue wooden crosses with funny verses about the deceased. Don’t miss the Memorial Museum to the Victims of Communism & to the Resistance and the Elie Wiesel Memorial House (Wiesel was a famous Romanian-American who wrote the book Night about his experiences during the Holocaust.).

3. Hike at Mount Tampa

Towering above Brasov, this mountain is great for a quick hike if you’re looking to get a view overlooking the city. The mountain also has a large sign similar to the white “Hollywood” sign in Los Angeles . While the hike is pretty easy and takes less than an hour (the mountain is just 1,000 meters/3,280 feet high), there is also a cable car you can ride to the summit for 18 RON (round trip).

4. Visit the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

This cathedral in Bucharest was completed in 1659 and still has all of its original interior paintings and icons, in addition to some beautiful frescoes (most of the frescoes are reconstructions). The exterior façade was designed in the Brancovenesc style and the interior is lavishly ornate, spacious, and colorful. The acapella choir is particularly impressive to listen to. Admission is free but dress conservatively as this is a place of ongoing worship.

5. See the wildlife in Northern Dobruja

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the county, this region is home to over 400 species of birds as well as lots of wildlife. It’s a hilly expanse with over a dozen lakes, and more to be found just over the border in Bulgaria . It’s one of the best regions to explore by car as you can hop from town to town. Be sure to spend some time in the coastal city of Constanta, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania (it was founded in 600 BCE).

6. Visit the Danube Delta

Flowing over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from its source in Germany , this is Europe’s second-largest and best-preserved delta (the Volga is the largest). The Danube stretches through 10 countries — more than any other river in the world — before draining into the Black Sea via Romania (and Ukraine ). The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a great nature preserve to explore if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. You can hike around the coastline or take a boat tour along the water for a better view. While the hiking is free, expect to pay around 210-300 RON for a full-day boat tour that includes lunch. A half-day tour without lunch is about 110-150 RON.

7. Celebrate Hora de la Prislop

Held every August, this festival is a celebration that brings together Transylvania, Moldova , and Maramures. Known more commonly as the Dance at Prislop, there is lots of traditional dancing and singing, beautiful costumes, parading, and awesome feasting. Dating back to the 1730s, the festival is a celebration of local and traditional culture and one not to be missed if you’re in the area. The festival is held in the remote Prislop Pass in the north of the country, where up to 50,000 people gather each year.

8. Hunt for Dracula in Sighisoara

Founded during the 12th century, this town is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. One of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, there are many towers, ornate churches, and burgher houses (traditional houses from the Middle Ages and Renaissance) to see throughout the colorful cobbled streets. This is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula). Be sure to climb the clock tower for sweeping views of the city. Other highlights include the History Museum, the guild towers (part of the city’s historic defenses), and the Scholar’s Stairway (a 17th-century staircase that was used by schoolchildren).

9. Visit Peles Castle

Constructed for King Carol I in the 1870s as a getaway spot, this castle (which looks more like an elaborate palace or manor house) is lavishly decorated and serves as a great reminder of the luxurious lives these rulers enjoyed. It was also the first castle in Europe to have electricity. After touring the elaborate grounds and gardens you can head inside to look at the art and antique collection, which includes over 4,000 arms and armor. A visit to the ground floor of the castle costs 50 RON, a tour including the first floor costs 100 RON, and a tour of the ground, first, and the second floor costs 150 RON. The temporary exhibitions are free. Guided day trips from Bucharest cost around 100 RON and include Bran Castle.

10. Tour a salt mine

Salina Turda is a salt mine in Turda that has been converted into a subterranean museum. The mine dates back to antiquity and was used throughout the Middle Ages. Learn how the workers got the salt to the surface and how laborious the process was. There’s a small underground lake at the bottom where you can rent a boat and paddle around and there are also games like bowling and mini-golf and even a Ferris wheel! It’s a good place to visit with kids. There is also a spa if you want to treat yourself to some natural remedies. Admission is 50 RON on weekdays and 60 RON on weekends. Skip-the-line tickets (including a guide and ride from Bucharest) cost 500 RON.

11. Explore Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is pleasant university town located in Romania’s northwest and a big stopping point for people coming east from Hungary (it’s a hub for cheap flights too). The city dates back centuries, and there are a lot of historical churches, museums, and ruins (especially on Cetatuia hill) to visit. Because of the university here, there are a lot of affordable restaurants and a very happening nightlife in the city. I really liked the days I spent here. While not as historic and medieval as many of Romania’s other cities, if you’re looking for a city with a cool atmosphere in Romania, this place is it.

12. Explore Hoia Forest

This infamous forest has been the site of numerous ghost and UFO sightings over the centuries (as well as other paranormal activities). In fact, it’s often considered the creepiest forest in the world. Here, trees are warped and bent in unsettling ways that science hasn’t been able to explain. Take a stroll through the woods during the day for free (lots of locals walk and jog here) or do a guided night tour to learn about the unsettling paranormal events that have occurred here! Night tours cost 250-475 RON per person.

13. Unwind at Balea Lake

Located 90 minutes from Sibiu, Balea Lake makes for a worthwhile day trip from the city. Part of the Fagaras Mountains (often called the “Transylvanian Alps”), many people come here to hike or to ski during the winter (there is even an ice hotel built here in the winter). There are marked trails if you want to hike, offering both five-hour and nine-hour routes to some of the nearby summits. Located about an hour from the city, you can take a bus here for around 90 RON.

  For more information on specific cities in Romania, check out these guides:

• Brasov Travel Guide
• Cluj-Napoca Travel Guide
• Sibiu Travel Guide

Romania Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a 4-8-bed hostel dorm costs about 50-70 RON per night. A private room in a hostel costs at least 130 RON per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also have self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food. Most hostels in the country don’t include free breakfast.

A budget hotel costs around 150-175 RON per night. You can find rooms cheaper, however, you’ll have to share a bathroom with other guests. Free Wi-Fi is common and many hotels also include a simple free breakfast as well.

Airbnb is available throughout the country with private rooms starting around 90 RON per night, while entire homes/apartments cost around 130-175 RON.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is possible around the country, though stick to dedicated campgrounds. Wild camping is legal, but theft is a bit common so it’s much safer to camp in designated areas. It costs 25-40 RON per night for a basic tent plot.

Food – Romanian cuisine is hearty, influenced by nearby Hungary and other Eastern European neighbors. Stews and sausages are common staples, with garlic sausage being especially popular. Sour soup, lamb, meatballs, and meat pies are other popular traditional meals. Wine is the drink of choice here as Romania is one of the largest wine producers in the world.

Most cheap (yet filling) restaurant meals (such as schnitzel with mashed potatoes and salad) cost around 25-45 RON for dinner, and 10-20 RON for breakfast. Soup is a good option for saving money as it costs around 17-25 RON and is pretty hearty (it also typically comes with a side of bread).

At a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal costs around 80 RON. A burger or pasta dish is 35-40 RON while seafood or steak dishes typically cost 75-130 RON. A six-course tasting menu starts at 110 RON.

Fast food is around 6-9 RON for a burger or hot dog, while a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 30-40 RON. Takeaway sandwiches are around 20 RON.

A domestic beer out at a restaurant or bar costs around 8-10 RON, a glass of local wine is 7-18 RON while a bottle is 60-100 RON, and cocktails start at 20-35 RON. A cappuccino/latte is around 10-12 RON, a tea is 10 RON, and a bottle of water is 5-8 RON.

In tourist destinations like Brasov or Sighisoara, expect prices to be a little higher (but not too much).

If you buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay about 140-190 RON per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. Save money by shopping at local markets or small roadside stands, which usually have the cheapest and freshest products. There are also several discount supermarkets in Romania, like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.

Backpacking Romania Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 140 RON per day, you can stay in a hostel, cook all of your meals, use local transportation to get around, take slow trains between cities, and do mostly free activities like hiking and free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 265 RON per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks out at the bar, take the occasional taxi, take buses or rideshares between cities, and do more paid activities such as museum and castle visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 440 RON or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in RON.

Romania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Romania is already a very affordable country to visit. You’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here. You really have to go out of your way to do so. But, if you want some ways to lower your costs, here are ways to save money in the country:

• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay but who can introduce you to all the great places to see and share their insider tips and advice. It’s a great community to be a part of.
• Eat lunch out – Although the food in Romania is inexpensive in general, you can save more money by cooking your own dinners and eating your lunches out. A lunch menu in Romania typically consists of three courses (soup, main, dessert), and can cost as little as 30 RON.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While buses might be cheaper, this is more fun and usually faster.
• Shop at discount grocers – If you’re going to cook or are just grabbing a snack, save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.
• Stay at Balkan Backpacker Hostels – There are hostels all around Romania that are a part of the Balkan Backpacker network. Book directly with these hostels and tell them you’re aware of the network to get 10% off your stay.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking in Romania is safe and quite common. It’s not the fastest way to get around but it works if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you have a sign and that you trust your gut when accepting rides. It’s a great way to connect with locals while also saving money.
• Take the train – The trains in Romania are slow, but they are the cheapest way to get around. If you’re not in a hurry, take the train. There are some night trains around the country as well if you’re going long distances.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic. I suggest a LifeStraw since their bottles have a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Romania

Romania has tons of budget-friendly hostels. Here are of my favorite places to stay in Romania:

• JugendStube (Brasov)
• Sleep Inn Hostel (Bucharest)
• PanGeea (Sibiu)
• Burg Hostel (Sighisoara)

How to Get Around Romania

Public Transportation – Buses and trams in most towns cost as little as 2 RON for a single journey, though the vehicles are often crowded and in varying states of disrepair. In Bucharest, the metro is 3 RON, though a day-pass is only 8 RON making it a much better deal. Weekly metro passes are 30 RON, which is worthwhile if you’re going to be using public transportation often (week passes are also available for the buses and trams but prices vary depending on your route).

In Brasov and Cluj, for comparison, a single-ticket ride on the public bus is 2-2.50 RON while a day pass is 12-14 RON.

Flights – Flying around Romania is an option if you’re in a hurry. You can often find great deals if you plan ahead. From Bucharest, you can reach pretty much any airport in the country for under 400 RON.

Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara, for example, can be done for under 170 RON one-way. Ryanair, Wizz, and Blue Air (the Romanian low-cost carrier) are the three airlines to check for the lowest prices.

Bus – Buses connect all the major cities in the country, though since Romania is a large country, the journeys can be quite long. For example, the journey from Bucharest to Cluj costs around 100 RON and takes 9 hours. The journey from Bucharest to Brasov takes around 4 hours and costs 50-65 RON.

Contrary to most countries, the trains here are a cheaper option in many cases. If you’re on a budget, be sure to compare bus and train prices.

Train – Trains in Romania are a slow (but reliable) way of getting around. There are 3 different kinds of trains: InterCity (IC), InterRegional (IR), and Regional (R). The InterRegional trains are the fastest and nicest and likely the ones you’ll be using to travel from city to city.

Standard seats (second class) are usually quite comfortable and adequate for even long journeys. Wi-Fi and catering are not available so bring your own entertainment and food if you have a long journey.

As for prices, the 9-hour journey from Bucharest to Timisoara is around 100 RON while the trip from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca takes about the same amount of time and costs a little less at 90 RON.

Rideshare – Uber is available in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Timisoara, and Iasi. It’s the cheapest option if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to take public transit as the taxis in Romania charge an arm and a leg.

For longer distances, use BlaBlaCar. It’s a great (and safe) ridesharing service for intercity travels. Just download the app, make a profile, and search for rides.

Car – Car rentals are about 70 RON per day for a multi-day rental. Always be sure to lock your rental car when leaving, as rentals are targeted for theft more often than local vehicles. Drivers need to be at least 21.

For the best rental car prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Romania is very easy. Just make sure you make it clear to the driver that you are hitchhiking, as some drivers will demand payment if it’s not made clear. For more information about hitchhiking in Romania, use Hitchwiki .

When to Go to Romania

The best (and most popular) time to visit Romania is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs around 30°C (86°F) during this time. These are the busiest months of the year for tourism, though it’s only noticeable in destinations like Brasov or Sibiu where tourism is the main draw. But even then, the crowds are much smaller than in Western Europe.

The shoulder seasons (late April-May and September-October) are great times to visit as well. You’ll beat the crowds and have much milder temperatures, which are perfect for anyone looking to head into the hills for some hiking. There’s more rain in the spring, but there are also stunning autumn colors in the fall which makes for a beautiful backdrop to your trip (especially if you’re traveling through Transylvania).

Winter in Romania can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Snow is common though not abundant, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. While cities like Sighisoara and Brasov look quite charming in the winter, Bucharest has a much grimmer atmosphere due to the influence of Soviet architecture and their reliance on gray, bland concrete. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you have a specific desire to enjoy the cold and quiet cities.

How to Stay Safe in Romania

Romania is a very safe country and crime against tourists here is rare. It’s a safe destination for solo travelers.

That said, petty theft can still occur so always keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Theft is most common when riding crowded city buses and trams (mostly in Bucharest) so take extra precautions when riding.

Additionally, take some extra precautions when renting a car. While the roads are safe, rental cars are targeted for theft more than local cars, so take precautions and lock your vehicle when you’re not using it. When booking, make sure your insurance covers theft.

While scams are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable exploring on their own, though the standard precautions apply (don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.). As in any city, never leave your drink unattended when out at the bar and never walk home alone if intoxicated.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Romania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Romania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Romania and continue planning your trip:

The Cost of Traveling Far Eastern Europe

Finding More Than Dracula in Romania

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

A practical, up-to date travel guide

2024 travel guide for first time visitors in romania.

If you're planning to visit Romania in 2024 for the first time (or returning!) and are looking for a complete, up to date travel guide with essential advice and practical Romania travel tips to plan your holiday - this article is for you.

As locals we'll tell you the most important things to know about visiting Romania, up to date info about our country and the best way to plan an amazing holiday here! But first - is Romania worth visiting?

In short - YES! For the long answer - in this post we've linked to many of our articles about Romania's tourist attractions, best things to do, natural beauty, local culture and traditions.

So if you need help with planning your trip don't hesitate to contact us - that's what we're here for! We have a network of 50 best guides all over the country and created authentic Romanian experiences and trips you won't find anywhere else :)

This travel guide was last updated in January 2024. So, let's get started:

Table of contents

Quick facts about Romania

• 1. Entry requirements & visa

2. Romanian currency, exchange houses and card payments

3. is romania cheap to visit tourist budget and holiday costs, 4. romanian geography and natural attractions, 5. getting here. public transportation in romania, 6. weather. best time to visit romania, 7. medical emergencies, 8. is romania safe to visit, 9. where to stay in romania. hotels and guesthouses, 10. romanian people and society, 11. romania travel tips no one will tell you about, 12. romania means much more than dracula castle..., 13. open your mind and heart to romanian people.

The Lower Town of Sibiu

Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is the 9th largest European country by surface with a very rich and diverse geography as you'll soon find out. It ranks 6th by population (approx. 19 mil) composed of 85% Romanians and other ethnic minorities such as Hungarians, Germans, Italian, Turks or rroma.

Romania is a NATO member since 2004 and part of the European Union since 2007. The local time in Romania is Eastern European Time (EET) +02:00 GMT

Our country is made up of 3 historical regions: Wallachia (South), Transylvania (North-West) and Moldova (North-East). The capital of Romania is Bucharest with approx. 2,2 mil. The next major cities are Cluj-Napoca and Iasi, the unofficial capitals of Transylvania and Moldova.

There are many reasons why it's worth visiting Romania. Main attractions and tourist destinations include:

• lots of famous castles starting with the famous Bran Castle, Corvin Castle or the ex-royal residence Peles Castle built by King Carol I, and 140 more!
• interesting UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 400-year old Wooden Churches of Maramures, the 500-year old Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, the 700-year old Sighisoara Citadel or the 2,000 year old ruins of Dacian Fortresses
• incredible nature with great hiking opportunities in the wild Carpathian Mountains which earned our country the title of Europe's last wilderness reserve or relaxation at the sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast
• eclectic sights mixing communist landmarks such as the huge Palace of Parliament ) with historic sites and medieval cities such as Brasov, Sibiu and Targu Mures in the center of the country
• unique sights such as the impressive underground Turda Salt Mine , the haunted Hoia Baciu forest or the thrilling Transfagarasan Highway
• the miracle that is the Danube Delta - 3rd best preserved biosphere in the world and home to over 300 species of birds

Top attractions in Romania Tours

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• the famous South-East Transylvania with its main attractions: Saxon villages and fortified churches, castles, medieval towns
• the traditional Maramures region (upper North-West) with its Wooden Churches and folk costumes
• the spiritual Bucovina region (upper North-East) with its 500-year-old Painted Churches and egg-painting traditions

If you want an authentic experience of Romanian countryside you'll need at least 2 full days in any of these regions and to travel by car.

Romanian history is like Game of Thrones but without the fantasy part: at the intersection of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Russian (later Soviet) empires, our history is full of twists and turns in the middle ages. We were always caught between the wars, domination and power plays of foreign power (hence the many castles in Romania and historical sites!).

Our history is a testimony of our nation's resilience, cultural identity and goal to unite the three historical regions into one independent state which happened only in 1918.

Castles, Fortresses & Historic Tours

As for Romanian culture and people, you'll see Romanians are very friendly and hospitable who love enjoying life, food and socialising. Our Latin blood and cultural affinity for Western Europe lifestyle mixes with a Balkan vibe and Eastern traditional values inspired by our Christian Orthodox religion. The best Romanian movies do a great job of showing this.

Although there are some prejudices and misconceptions about our country and people, those who've visited our country were pleasantly surprised and impressed by what it can offer - and we hope you'll be too! And if you're wondering who are some famous people from Romania - you might be surprised!

Now, on to the practical stuff with things to know and the latest information about visiting Romania:

1. Entry requirements & visa

Entering Romania is quite easy as visa requirements for tourism or short stays under 90 days are relaxed. On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website you'll find lists of countries for which a visa is or not required.

Besides having a valid passport (or ID if you're from the European Union), for other travel documents needed also check the conditions of entry .

Besides European Union nationals, citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Australia Singapore, don't need a visa when they enter Romania if planning to stay under 90 days. Make sure to double check entry requirements on your own too.

Holders of a Schengen visa with multiple entries (and slots still available and valid!) are not required to apply for a Romanian visa for entry.

You can apply for a visa online on the Ministry's (only) official website .

The Romanian currency is RON or informally called Lei. It comes in plastic, almost indestructible notes of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500. There are also some smaller-don’t-matter coins.

Although some prices in Romania may be displayed in Euro using Euros for cash payments is NOT accepted and if someone offers you an ‘in-house’ exchange rate - you should check official rates before accepting.

• 1 Euro is about 5 Lei and 1 USD is about 4,6 Lei - check official exchange rates published by the Romanian National Bank here )

Paying by card is very safe and widespread in Romania in all shops, restaurants, hotels or tourist attractions. But not in taxis, farmers market or artisan fares where you need to have cash. Debit cards issued by VISA, MasterCard and Maestro are widely accepted everywhere, but American Express cards may not always work. If you're using credit cards from a non-EU bank, make sure it's authorised for international payments.

Bucharest Street Food Tour: Farmers' Markets & Hidden Streets

Start from: University Square

When travelling in the country or in the mountains cash is king so always have Lei with you and plan your budget ahead. Some guesthouses or restaurants in the countryside don't accept card payments, especially credit cards, so ask in advance.

There are plenty of ATMs in Romania (bancomat) to withdraw money from. The most common banks with safe & secure ATMs are BCR, BRD or Banca Transilvania. For fees, check with your local bank. In the countryside or mountainous areas it's harder to find ATMs but every village or small town should have one near the city hall.

What currency to bring when travelling to Romania: Euros, US dollars, UK pounds or Swiss francs are the easiest to convert anywhere. When you arrive don’t use exchange offices located in airports for more than 20 € / $ / £ for taxi fare as they usually have very bad rates aimed at unsuspecting tourists. You'll find lots of exchange bureaus (casa de schimb) in Romania, easily recognisable by their yellow or white street boards indicating rates offered.

• Pro tip: rates at exchange bureaus are usually better than at banks and 90% of them don't charge any fees

View over Brasov, one of the best preserved medieval towns

Up until 2020, Romania used to be known as a cheap destination but this changed in the last 3 years... why?

The hospitality and tourist sector were strongly affected after two hard years of Covid-19 and a low 2022 caused by the invasion of Ukraine war-scare.

Many guides had to get regular jobs while small operators and guesthouses lowered their value-for-money ratio and/or closed shop. Meanwhile, the 'surviving' businesses and guides raised their prices to keep up with demand and rising costs.

• We have a network of 50+ guides and partners all over the country, so we witnessed the disaster firsthand while trying to stay alive. Since 2017 our mission has been to support local communities by including their services in our tours. So if you book a tour with us you'll directly help small businesses and people in Romania!

The wider European economic context (energy crisis, inflation) coupled with higher local taxes meant everything got more expensive in Romania by 20-30%.

The good news (ironically!) is prices increased all over Europe - and the world too, since the global economy is not doing great. So on a relative scale Romania is still cheaper to visit compared with most European countries if you plan your holiday well or go off-the-beaten path. Key info:

• generally, the value-for-money you get in Romania for tourist activities (e.g. guided tours, wine tastings, fine dining, SPA etc) is very good
• prices in major cities where the main attractions for tourists are ( Bucharest , Cluj-Napoca , Brasov and Sibiu ) or on the Black Sea Coast are higher compared to other ones, but on the flipside they have lots of choices for every budget, so shop around!
• in small towns and villages, prices for meals and accommodation are on average 20-30% lower

A reasonable budget per day if you're planning to travel to Romania is between 30-60 Euro for accommodation, meals and small expenses. In restaurants a main course is around 25-50 Lei (5-10 Euro), soups around 10-20 Lei (2-4 Euro), soft drinks start from 1,5 Euro while alcohol from 2 Euro. Entrance fees to tourist attractions range between 4-15 Euro

For a better idea of how expensive Romania is, for a 3-day city break in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca budget around 200 - 350 Euro in total for 2 people (excl. flights and guided tours) with generous meals and drinks included, tickets and local transport. A 7-day guided tour starts from 2,000 Euro per person for 2 people, depending on hotels, activities and itinerary.

3-Day BEST of Transylvania Tour: Brasov, Sighisoara, Bran & Viscri

Start from: Bucharest

Tipping in Romania is very common and usually expected. Service fees or coperto is not included when going out in restaurants (unless expressly mentioned!) and a 7-10% tip on top of the bill is common. If you’re really happy with the service you can go up to 15%.

Tips for small, personal services (body care & cosmetics, hotel concierge, drivers, etc.) are also welcomed. Tipping tour guides is also common on average 10-15% of the tour price. And if the guide doesn't say anything (because they're usually uncomfortable asking!) - just do what feels right to you.

This is Transfagarasan Road one of Romania's top attractions

Romania has been blessed with a rich and diverse geography with lots of natural attractions which makes it one of the most beautiful countries:

• the Black Sea coast with fine sandy beaches
• the Danube River creates the Danube Delta with vast waterways and lakes
• picturesque hills and old-growth forests in Transylvania
• the wild, impressive Carpathian Mountains (also known as Transylvanian Alps)

Check our selection of hiking tours with licensed guides

Going as high as 2,544m (at Moldoveanu, the highest peak) the Romanian Carpathians and their foothills take up almost 45% of our land surface.

With over 100 peaks over 2.300m altitude, lots of trails for all difficulty levels offering incredible natural landscapes and a wildlife population that earned us the title of Europe's last wilderness reserve - this is a great place for your next hiking holiday. Our article on best hiking trails in Romania will tell you more.

7-Day Peaks of Romania [Shared Group Trip]

Start from: Brasov

In terms of natural attractions, besides the many national parks (Piatra Craiului, Bucegi, Apuseni being the most famous), I would also mention the Muddy Volcanoes , the Romanian Sphinx or the 7 stairs canyon.

The simplest and most convenient way to travel to Romania is to fly here. Besides the main airport (Bucharest Otopeni), there are 9 airports in big cities served by low cost airlines (Wizz Air and Ryan Air mostly) with flights to over 100 destinations in Europe. This is because there are close to 4 million Romanians living abroad so there's a lot of commuting. If you plan well and in advance, you can find tickets as cheap as 60 Euro round-trip.

• Local tip: check our guide on Bucharest airport so you have a 'soft landing' here :)

Besides a Southeastern Europe and Romania road trip, you can also get here using direct trains from Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia or Thessaloniki. We prepared an article on travelling to Romania with additional information on this topic.

2-Day Transylvania Bike Trails Tour: Viscri & Saxon Villages

Public transport in Romania is a little more challenging. Unfortunately road and railway infrastructure is underdeveloped. There are few highways and mostly one-lane roads which are heavy with traffic (including trucks) so driving 100 km by car can take 2h. And though there are lots of train stations in the whole country, because tracks are old trains go slow (average of 80 km/h). At least they're cheap!

For short distances (>200 km) a car, train or bus is a good choice. For medium or long distances (over 300 km) you should consider breaking your itinerary or catching an internal flight (eg. from Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara). Visitors to Romania are well advised to have travel insurance before getting here. Our guide on public transportation in Romania will have more info on this.

Romania has a temperate continental climate which used to be codename for standard weather. But in the last 10 years the effects of climate change are starting to show. We wrote a bigger article on the best time to visit Romania describing the weather and with visiting tips for each season.

In short, for sightseeing trips come anytime April - October when the weather is fair, warm and days are longer. Peak season for holidays is 1 Aug - 15 September so if you're planning to travel to Romania then, make sure to book everything in advance!

The best time to go hiking and for outdoor activities in general is from late Spring to mid October but this depends on where you're going. For example, in mountains at altitudes of over 2,000m (eg. Fagaras, Retezat or Bucegi) there can still be snow until late June and weather is unpredictable. High season for hiking is Aug-Sept when there's less rain and fair weather.

Transfagarasan Road & Hiking Day Trip in Fagaras Mts

For wildlife tours - we follow nature's rhythm. Animals - especially brown bears - are active from late Spring to late Autumn, depending on how warm and cold it is. The best time to visit with the highest chances of seeing wild animals is during Summer, but these trips usually have complex logistics, go into remote areas and are in high demand - so book them in advance!

3-Day Hiking & Wildlife Trip at an Eco-Luxury Private Cabin in Fagaras Mts

Start from: Rucar, Arges county

• Local tip: our personal favorite time to visit Romania is Autumn: starting from early September a superb array of gold, orange and brown will cover the vast Carpathian woodlands

The best time to visit the Danube Delta is April - October when nature at its best: lush vegetation in full bloom, birds nesting or playing around and lots of fish.

4-Day Danube Delta: Birds, Letea Village & Lakes [Group Trip]

Start from: Tulcea

Compared to other countries, the peak holiday season by the Black Sea Coast is shorter, typically from 15 July - 30 August. Winter in Romania is quite cold, but not humid. In mountainous areas there's lots of snowfall, but less so in the plains. The Romanian ski resorts come alive during the winter months of Jan-Feb but you can also take a cable car ride outside the season.

the UNESCO World Heritage site Ruins of Dacian Citadels

In Romania the emergency number is 112 and an operator will ask if you want to talk to the police, fire or medical services.

There are no particular health concerns you should be aware about. No special insects or food issues around here either. As vegetation is very diverse and rich, those with pollen allergies should be prepared.

Museum of Communism: A Time-Capsule of Ordinary Lives

As regards medical services most hospitals are public and state-owned so they will take care of any walk-ins or emergencies - and settle insurance matters after. But you still need travel insurance, even if from a foreign issuer, whether you travel to Romania or anywhere else in the world.

Unfortunately healthcare in Romania is severely underdeveloped and understaffed so better lower your expectations of what a hospital should look like and how you should be treated. But medical staff is usually kind and will do their best to help you.

There are plenty of pharmacies in all urban areas and you can easily get the usual over-the-counter pills for colds, aches, indigestions or bruises.

Finally, we highly recommend you have a travel insurance. For citizens of the European Union countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which offers health coverage EU-wide is a good option.

Is Romania a safe travel destination? Yes! There are NO terror attacks, violent protests or civil disturbances here. We have very strict firearm regulations - so no crazy people with guns either.

So is Romania safe for travellers? Yup, and even though you may have heard or read scary stories about traveling in the Balkans, just do what you normally do when in 'tourist mode:' don’t look for trouble, beware of pickpockets or suspicious people, ignore drunkards and people pushing their services to tourists (like taxi drivers in North Train Station), be careful at night and don't disrespect people, traditions or clearly stated rules.

This applies to female and solo travelers as well.

Cluj-Napoca Food Tour: Food Markets, Regional Dishes and Coffee Culture

Start from: Cluj-Napoca

We wrote an extensive article with Romania safety travel advice that will answer everything.

You may have heard stories about the rroma ethnic minority (improperly called gypsy) and how they're usually involved in small thefts, cons and begging. While their reputation might be bad, not all are like that. Most of the time you will see them as beggars, even using their children for money - but don't get fooled and give them anything as you're only perpetuating the cycle and not really helping them.

On our tours in Transylvania we take people to typical Rroma villages to find out about their culture and lifestyle in an authentic way firsthand.

Tour of Transylvania's Countryside: Sighisoara Citadel & Fortified Villages

Romania offers lots of accommodation choices for all budgets, requirements or styles. All of them are listed on either Booking.com or AirBnB .

In the most visited cities you'll find a large selection of hostels, hotel rooms and boutique guesthouses. Lots of apart-hotels too. It's best to book them before you travel to Romania as walk-ins are rarely a good idea.

The Wine Tradition of Romania: Premium Wine Tasting in Dealu Mare

The other tourist cities are not that big so even if you're not staying in the "old town" or "union square" area (usually the city centre and most crowded areas), it will probably be a 5-15 min walk away. Besides walking, I personally like to keep my healthy routines while traveling and found some easy travel workouts to do.

When visiting the traditional tourist regions of Romania (Transylvania, Maramures, Bukovina, Danube Delta) accommodation usually means a family-owned guesthouse offering bed and breakfast in a small village. These are called pensiune or casa - no hotels or restaurants here. Most of them offer a private rooms with en-suite WC and half board we suggest you take it since there are likely few alternatives to eat out. For hiking trips villages at the base of the mountains usually have lots of guesthouses. But sometimes the hiking trails begin a little further away so you'll need a car or guide to get there. When going deeper in the mountains you'll have at most 1-2 choices to stay in, usually mountain cabins or chalets. Romania's hiking infrastructure is not well developed and hut-to-hut hiking is not possible for this reason.

1 or 2 Day Hiking Trip in Bucegi Mountains: Sphinx, Babele, Omu Peak

Start from: Bucharest OR Brasov

Due to their very limited accommodation options and very high demand, we highly recommend you book your hiking trips in advance (min 2-3 weeks).

There are many good reasons to explore the Romanian countryside (the best place for culture trips), and here's another one: to stay in the many charming, authentic or luxury guesthouses. In recent years locals bought and restored old boyar (aristocrat) manors, traditional village houses (like King Charles did in Viscri), built modern eco-luxury villas, or converted large old farmhouses into agro-tourism cottages straight out of a fairy tale. See some inspiration here and make your trip to Romania memorable!

2-days of Agro-Tourism in Transylvania at a Local Farm

Start from: Cobor or Brasov

Traditional folk singers in Maramures

Romanian people and society is generally conservative and adheres to traditional values, especially older generations who grew up in the 45 years of Romanian communist regime .

Spending quality family time and having good relationships is important in our society. There are lots of destinations and facilities for this, which is why you should consider a holiday with the kids in Romania .

85% of the population is Christian Orthodox so major religious holidays like Easter or Romanian Christmas are celebrated through public holidays (when all tourist attractions are closed by the way).

Religion plays an important role in our society, especially in rural areas where people dress up and go to church every Sunday. There are lots of historic churches valuable for small communities where priests enjoy great influence. But beyond their religious function, Romanian churches are worth visiting because they are a unique place to discover authentic Romanian culture and folk traditions. Romanians, though being the majority of population in these parts, were historically persecuted (especially in Transylvania) for our faith, language and culture by foreign rulers. So churches were the only safe havens and community spaces Romanians had.

5-Day Complete Tour of Traditional Maramures & Bucovina

But Millennials and younger generations are very liberal, open-minded, friendly, tech-savvy and influenced by Western lifestyle and values. Most, if not all, young people speak English, are very eager to help foreign visitors have a good time in Romania and will quickly teach you Romanian words to get around.

• Pro tip: Romanians like to complain about politics, the economy and time in traffic, and love talking about sports, Romanian food and where to go when traveling to Romania – so pick any of these topics to start a conversation :)

Go on a brown bear watching tour in Transylvania

As a frequent traveler myself, I spend A LOT of time doing online research to see what are the most popular places to visit and interesting things to do in a new place. I compare tours, prices, check public transportation, read forums, travel blogs, Instagram - the usual!

But this becomes confusing and stressful when planning to visit Romania because of outdated, incomplete or vague info. There's no official travel portal or assistance from Romanian tourist authorities. Tour operators compete on prices on Viator and similar websites - not on value or authentic experiences.

That's why I started this website in 2017 and partnered with the best and friendliest people. We want you to have a great experience and a memorable holiday when you travel to Romania and here's our advice on how to do that:

• first, read about the major tourist cities , best places to visit and things to do in Romania and make a list with "must see" and "nice to see"
• second, look at the map of Romania to see where they're located and understand the logistics and limitations of getting around Romania and on Google Maps
• third, decide the basics like how many days you have for your holiday, what's your budget and what are the best places to start or end your trip
• fourth, beware that most tourists who travel to Romania underestimate how big the country is and want to do / visit too much in too little time! For example, if you want to visit a traditional region like Maramures or Bucovina where tourist sights are spread in the surrounding areas, you'll need 2-3 days on top of the time needed to get there by car; the same if you want to visit the Danube Delta which can be done only by boat!
• finally, think about what kind of holiday do you want in Romania? to visit as much as you can and go from one place to another? to go hiking and see wildlife? to experience traditional village life through slow travel (the best way)? Romania has much to offer but because it's quite big and traveling is slow - you can't have it all!

Once you're clear on the above, here's how we can help you:

• a a do-it-yourself holiday: book places to stay on your own, use public transportation to get around and book day trips from different cities (more time + energy + hassle for you, but cheaper and we can give you a disccount)
• we prepare a fully guided private trip for you with as much as you want, within your budget, using our best guides, expertise and local connections (a couple of emails/calls with us, no stress for you, and an amazing value-for-money holiday)
• if you need help deciding or making a plan - we know everything about tourism in Romania and are happy to help - just contact us

Important: because Romania is such an underrated and undiscovered tourist destination, tourist numbers are very low so 90% of tours in Romania are private except for city tours and a few day trips to the main attractions such as Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Sighisoara Citadel or Transfagarasan Road. All our hiking tours are private too because we don't combine people with different hiking experience and fitness level.

In 2024 we run 2 shared, small-group tours with fixed departures in the Summer so check them out:

8-Day Exclusive Romanian Experience [Shared Group]

Romania is very popular thanks to Count Dracula touristy stories surrounding the famous Bran Castle known by its touristy name Dracula's Castle.

But there's so much more to do here other than visiting Bran Castle thanks to a fictional Hollywood character loosely connected to our history. Even though most tourists visit Romania looking for Dracula legends , once they're here, find out about the other main attractions and meet locals - surprise and wonder sets in!

The capital city Bucharest is a bustling city of contrasts. Though rough on the edges it is by far the most diverse and attractive for tourists. The main tourist cities of Brasov and Sibiu are famous for their Old Town with medieval architecture. But Cluj Napoca, Timisoara , Oradea or Iasi have their own stories to tell. But Romanian culture and spirit is best experienced when traveling in rural areas - perhaps on horse drawn carts . The ageing locals who preserved the traditional, authentic Romanian village life have done so by keeping a low profile, away from civilisation and busy "modern" life.

Day Trip to Traditional Mountain Villages: Magura & Pestera

The charm of Transylvania that made the UK's King Charles fall in love with Romania and buy village houses here can't be experienced on a touristy day trip from the capital to Brasov and Dracula Castle.

• `Local tip:`we created the first volunteer trip in Romania that combines tourist activities (hiking and wildlife watching) with hands-on environmental work at a typical rural farm, a tree nursery and for wildlife conservation. This will be a great experience for conscious travelers

6-Day Volunteer Trip: Farm Life, Tree Nursery & Wildlife Conservation

You need to go deeper into rural areas with a tour guide who has the connections to show you around, meet locals, enjoy Romanian cuisine with home-grown food and experience their way of life firsthand. You need to slow down - which is rare in the fast-paced world of today - and a ride on horse-drawn carts will help with that :)

Transylvania Tours and Trips

Sadly, time is passing for our elders. Many Romanian villages have been abandoned and lost their ways since younger generations moved to larger cities. And if you add Romania's underdeveloped tourism and public transport infrastructure in the mix, then you'll see why our honest and friendly recommendation for the best way to experience Romania is to hire a local guide. Here are 3 reasons why:

• first, for a decent price you'll have less stress with planning and driving (not easy!), and you'll actually understand what you're visiting instead of just taking a picture! besides learning about our history and culture, our guides have connections to locals, lesser known places and sights you wouldn't be able to find on your own, especially in rural areas
• second, since 2017 we at Romanian Friend personally built a network of 50+ guides and partners all over the country; our guides are licensed and specialised in certain travel types (culture, hiking, wildlife, etc.) or regions, and deliver exceptional services so you get great value-for-money when visiting Romania; we've welcomed over 10,000 travelers on our tours and are proud of our reviews
• finally, we created tours that support responsible, inclusive and eco-friendly travel so if you travel to Romania and book with us, your visit will directly benefit local people and communities; this is our mission

Day Trip: Village Life in Sibiu Countryside

Start from: Sibiu

Our guides will organise home-hosted meals for you

Final tip: if you visit Romania, spend some time to get to know locals. Romanians are very hospitable, thoughtful and warm people. They enjoy having guests and will treat you like family, feed you till you drop (literally!), bring out their best wine or tuica and generally go out of their way to make sure you have a great time. In our guide to Romanian cuisine we explain how so much of our culture and social life is connected to food, hospitality and enjoying meals together.

But so much hospitality and friendliness towards strangers might seem too much at first, or even make you feel uncomfortable. But this is just how Romanians are and an integral part of our culture: family, friends and community play a big role in Romanian life - even if Bram Stoker never mentioned this in his Dracula novel! If you have the chance, go to any Romanian festival and you'll see what I mean :)

Abandon any pre-conceptions about Romania and open your heart and mind while you're here, explore the country and meet locals. Let them show you what a beautiful country we have. Despite the uncertainties of travel, Romania will still surprise you, I'm sure of it. Why?

Because I've heard this so many times from our clients: Wow, I never thought Romania has so much to offer!

So that's it - I hope this will make it easy for you to travel to Romania and have a memorable holiday! I started Romanian Friend as a one-stop-shop to promote my country and its people, so you'll find everything you need on this website.

And if there's something missing, you have a question or need help with planning - just contact us - happy to help!

Your Romanian Friend (and founder)

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Local insights from Romania

4 times a year we prepare a newsletter with local stories, places and our special insights about Romanian culture and local life that will inspire you to visit our country and have an authentic local experience. Would you like to get it?

#romanianfriend

7 unmissable things to do in Romania

Feb 19, 2022 • 4 min read

The lush region of Maramureş is host to numerous Unesco-listed sites © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

Situated in the southeastern corner of Europe, on the shores of the Black Sea, Romania has so far largely missed out on the global tourism boom. Tenuous associations with Bram Stoker’s fictional Dracula have long lured travellers to Transylvania , but much of the rest of the country, with its beautiful mountains and river valleys, rustic villages, and vibrant cities, has only recently begun to attract visitors. Before word gets out, here are seven exciting experiences awaiting you in Romania.  

Gawk at immense Bran Castle

Bran Castle is often associated in the public eye with Dracula, and this wouldn’t be an article on Romania without a nod toward the infamous count, but the only bloodthirsty nobleman who ever stayed here was probably Romania’s own Vlad Țepeș  (aka Vlad the Impaler), a 15th Wallachian prince who was famed for spiking the heads of his Turkish adversaries. But Bran doesn’t need Dracula to induce awe. The castle’s enormous mass of turrets and castellations, all looking over a foggy, desolate mountain pass, pretty much recalls every horror film ever made. 

Admire the painted monasteries

The Unesco-protected, 15th-century painted monasteries of Bucovina show off not just Romania’s enduring devotion to its Latin-flavoured Orthodox tradition, but also superb artistry and craftsmanship. The elaborate frescoes adorning both the interiors and exteriors of the half-dozen or so churches were largely inspired by the Moldavian prince and hero, Stephen the Great (Ştefan cel Mare). The frescoes illustrate everything from biblical stories to the 15th-century siege of Constantinople. The dizzying matrix of colours and intricate detail, like at the stunning Voroneţ Monastery , blend effortlessly with remote natural surroundings.  

Step back in time in Maramureş

A visit to Maramureş in far northern Romania, above Transylvania, is like a trip back to a simpler, more rustic, more rural past. Isolated villages, separated from one another by vast, rolling fields and forested hillsides, cluster around stark wooden churches with weather-beaten, Gothic-style steeples. The region is home to several Unesco-listed churches, including at Bârsana , Budeşti , Deseşti , Ieud and Surdeşti . Stay for the weekend to see the villagers don their traditional Sunday dress. 

See the Saxon splendour of Transylvania

Around 800 years ago, the Hungarian kings invited Saxon Germans to settle hilly Transylvania as a way of protecting the region from encroachment by the Ottoman Turks. That Saxon legacy lives on in the form of beautifully preserved cities like Braşov , Sighişoara and Sibiu , the latter of which still occasionally refers to itself by the German ‘Hermannstadt’. Admire the architectural heritage at Sighişoara’s Citadel fortress or Braşov’s Black Church . Don’t pass up the chance to see the pretty Saxon villages, straight out of a Grimms’ fairy tale, at Biertan and Viscri. 

Boat or bird-watch on the Danube Delta

After meandering more than 2800km across the European continent, the powerful Danube River pours into the Black Sea in the northeastern corner of Romania. The Danube Delta is a vast protected wetland of water lilies and reeds, pushing up through the river’s countless tributaries. Visit the Central Eco-Tourism Museum of the Danube Delta in the port of Tulcea to see the varied flora and fauna that call the delta home. Ibis Tours runs regular birding outings, with chances to glimpse species like the white-tailed eagle, bee-eater, great white egret and the roller. 

Hike the Carpathians

The vast Carpathian mountain chain runs down the centre of the country, separating the historic provinces of Transylvania and Moldavia, and creating a far-reaching Romanian rooftop that feels on some days as if you’re gazing out over the entire country. Trekking is the best way to experience this riveting landscape of peaks, forests and pastureland. The Retezat Mountains of southwestern Transylvania, part of the Retezat National Park , sport some 80 glacial lakes and several peaks that push upwards of 2000m. 

Be wowed by Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament

The year 2019 marked 30 years since dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was deposed in a popular revolt, but his memory lives on in the form of a gigantic palace that rivals in size both the Pentagon and the Taj Mahal. The sheer scale of the building serves as a testament to the folly of dictatorship, though the elaborate interiors, in room after room after room, showcase the quality of Romanian materials and workmanship. After touring the building, repair to one of the energetic capital ’s dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Getting to and around Romania

The majority of international flights arrive at Bucharest’s  Henri Coandă International Airport . Several other cities have international airports that service mostly domestic routes, but also have flights to select European cities. Most international trains access the country via Budapest and onward to Braşov and Bucharest. Once inside Romania, an extensive bus and train network links major cities and towns.

You might also like:

Inside the campaign to create a ‘Yellowstone of Europe’ Top Bucharest festivals to plan a trip around 10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania

This article was first published December 2019 and updated February 2022

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Visitor information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 6.7 On foot and by bicycle
• 7.1.1 Train types
• 7.1.2 Getting tickets
• 7.1.3 Tourist railways
• 7.2.1 Tolls
• 7.2.2 Types of roads
• 7.4 By taxi
• 7.5 By plane
• 7.6 By thumb
• 7.7 On foot and navigation
• 8.1 Cities and castles
• 8.2 Natural attractions
• 8.3 Countryside and monasteries
• 8.4 Itineraries
• 10.3 Transactions
• 10.4 Tipping
• 10.5 Supermarkets and convenience stores
• 10.6 The countryside fair
• 12.3 Spirits
• 16.1 Emergency phone numbers
• 16.2 Petty crime
• 16.3 Animals
• 16.4 Corruption
• 17.1 Health care
• 19.1 Mobile phones
• 19.2 Internet access
• 19.3 Cable TV

Romania ( Romanian : România ) is a country of great natural beauty and diversity and a rich cultural heritage, including a variety of ethnic, linguistic, and confessional groups. Romania enchants visitors with its scenic mountain landscapes and unspoilt rural areas, but also with its historic cities and busy capital. There has been significant development, especially since it joined the European Union in 2007. Still, it may surprise some of its visitors who are used to western Europe. It has six cultural and one natural UNESCO world heritage sites .

Romania is a large country which can sometimes be shocking with contrasts: some cities are truly modern, while some villages can seem to have been brought back from the past. While it has significant cultural similarities with other Balkan states, it is regarded as unique due to its strong Latin heritage, reflected in every part of Romanian society from its culture to its language. Things for which Romania is famous include: the Carpathian mountains, wine, medieval fortresses, Dacia cars, Dracula, stuffed cabbage leaves ( sarmale ), the Black Sea, sunflower fields, painted monasteries and the Danube Delta.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 44.4325 26.103889 1 Bucharest ( București ) — the capital of Romania, in which megalomanic monuments, including "House of the People", built during Ceaușescu's reign, overlook medieval neighbourhoods
• 45.666667 25.616667 2 Brașov — located in south-eastern Transylvania, its main attractions are the well kept medieval downtown, the nearby luxury resort of Poiana Brașov and the proximity to the Râșnov fortress and the Bran Castle.
• 46.766667 23.583333 3 Cluj-Napoca — the largest town in Transylvania, a major economic centre and also a very youthful city, as it has one of the largest universities in Europe.
• 44.166667 28.633333 4 Constanța — Romania's main Black Sea port and one of the major commercial hubs in the region. The northernmost district, Mamaia , is one of the best Black Sea resorts.
• 47.156944 27.590278 5 Iași — the second largest Romanian city, it was the capital of the Moldavian principality until 1861 and then briefly capital of Romania. Today it remains one of the major economic and cultural centres in the country.
• 45.792778 24.151944 6 Sibiu — one of the most beautiful cities in the region, it has the best preserved historical sites in the country, numerous museums and exhibitions, proximity to the stunning Făgăraș mountains, for which reasons it became the 2007 European Capital of Culture.
• 46.216944 24.791111 7 Sighișoara — the city's downtown area, the Sighișoara Citadel, is the last inhabited medieval citadel in Europe and one of the best preserved.
• 47.651389 26.255556 8 Suceava — the main city in Bukovina and the medieval capital of Moldavia; it can be used as starting point for visiting the Painted Monasteries of the region.
• 45.759722 21.23 9 Timișoara — the largest town in the Banat region, one of the most prosperous and modernised cities in Romania; it was here that the 1989 Romanian anti-communist revolution began.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Ski resorts of 45.35 25.551389 2 Sinaia , 45.504444 25.578333 3 Predeal , 45.597222 25.551944 4 Poiana Brașov , 44.878611 22.414167 5 Băile Herculane
• 45.5 24.25 6 Transylvanian Alps within the Carpathian Mountains
• 47.778333 25.712778 7 Painted Monasteries
• 45.083333 29.5 14 Danube Delta

Understand [ edit ]

With a Black Sea coast to the east, it is bordered by Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, Hungary to the northwest, Moldova to the northeast and Ukraine in both the north and the east. While its southern regions are usually seen as part of Southeastern Europe (Balkans), Transylvania , its largest region, is in Central Europe.

The country is enjoying better standards since the Communist periods, with foreign investment on the rise. It is even considered to be the one of the fastest developing countries in the world due to its rapid GDP growth year by year and infrastructure improvements.

History [ edit ]

The area between the Southern Carpathians and Danube had been inhabited since the dawn of mankind. The human remains found in Peștera cu Oase ("The Cave with Bones"), radiocarbon dated as being from circa 40,000 years ago, represent the oldest known Homo sapiens in Europe

In ancient times the territory of present-day Romania was inhabited mainly by Dacian tribes, which were a remarkable, although not very well known, culture. The Dacian kingdom reached the height of its power in the 1st century BC, when their king Burebista ruled from his power base in the Carpathian Mountains over a vast territory stretching from Central Europe to the Black Sea. The intriguing network of fortifications and shrines built around the Dacian capital Sarmisegetuza , in today's south-western Transylvania, has been relatively well preserved through the ages and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site .

In 106 AD, after two fiercely fought wars, the Dacians led by king Decebalus were defeated by the Roman legions under Emperor Trajan and most of their homeland became part of the Roman Empire under the name "Dacia Felix".

Being very rich in natural resources (especially gold), the region prospered under the Roman administration: cities developed rapidly, important roads were built and people from all over the Empire settled here. That's why, although Roman rule lasted only 169 years (106-275 AD), a population with a distinctive Latin culture, character and language emerged.

In the Early Middle Ages Hungarians began to settle in the area today known as Transylvania, which would eventually become part of the Kingdom of Hungary , and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire . Germans also settled in that area (in several waves) and in Banat, some coming as early as the 12th century. In order to protect themselves from the frequent Tartar and Turkish invasions they set about building fortified cities and castles, many of which remain standing. South and east of the Carpathians the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia were created in the 14th century. Starting with the 15th century, they (and for a while Transylvania too) fell under the domination of the Ottoman Empire .

For a short period in 1600, Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazu) ruled over all three principalities, thus briefly becoming the de facto ruler of a unified Romania. His union fell apart a short while later.

A Romanian national revival movement started in Transylvania in the late 1700s and swept across the Carpathians, inspiring the 1859 union of Moldavia and Wallachia, thus creating the prototype of a modern Romania. In 1918-1919 Transylvania and Eastern Moldavia (present-day Republic of Moldova ) were united with Romania.

In 1940, after losing part of its territory (Eastern Moldavia and northern Bukovina) to the USSR as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Romania joined the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. 855,000 Romanian soldiers, airmen and sailors fought all the way to Stalingrad and Caucasus Mountains and then retreated alongside the German Army while suffering more than 30% casualties. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. From August 1944 until 9 May 1945, two Romanian armies, 540,000 strong, fought on the side of the Allies against the Axis powers and liberated parts of Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Austria while suffering over 160,000 casualties. Except for Germany, Romanian armed forces exceeded all other combined Axis military on the Soviet front, and became the fourth largest Allied European contributor after the August 1944 armistice was signed (after USSR, USA and Great Britain).

The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. Between 1947 and 1965, Romania was led by Gheorghiu Gheorghiu-Dej, who had a pro-Soviet stance throughout most of his administration. In 1965, he was succeeded by Nicolae Ceaușescu who was less enthusiastic towards the Soviet Union and maintained a more neutral foreign and domestic policy than his predecessor; but his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. Ceaușescu was overthrown and executed in late 1989.

Former Communists, regrouped around the Front of National Salvation and later the Romanian Party for Social Democracy, dominated the government until the 1996 elections, when they were swept from power by a fractious coalition of centrist parties, the Democratic Convention of Romania (DCR). After failed reforms and internal infighting the DCR lost the elections in favour of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Both groups attempted to amend ties with Hungary, which were deeply fractured in the 1980s, when Ceaușescu either encouraged the large Hungarian community to leave the country or exiled them outright (5,000 Hungarians left Romania per year).

When the economic, social and political development is concerned, Romania is doing well in comparison to its neighbours, but it still has some ways to go to reach that level of development that is enjoyed by Western Europeans. Romania is the fastest developing economy in Europe, rapidly reforming itself and modernising, in contrast to other countries that are either in stagnation or have very little GDP rise.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Romania Tourism

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of Romania is Romanian . Romanian is not a Slavic language but a member of the Romance language family; thus, it is closely related to Spanish, Italian, French, Catalan, and Portuguese. It shouldn't be hard for speakers of these languages to pick up Romanian; however, it is a cakewalk for Italian speakers, as Romanian is most closely related to Italian.

Romanian is considered to be the toughest Romance language to master, due in large part to its highly complicated grammar — three grammatical genders, five grammatical cases, numerous verb tenses, and there are more exceptions than rules in Romanian!

Hungarian is the largest minority language in the country. Approximately 6% of Romanians can speak Hungarian fluently and you're likely to find a Hungarian speaker in Transylvania . Counties where Hungarian is widely spoken, and where ethnic Hungarians are a majority, include Harghita , Covasna , and Mureș .

German is spoken by Transylvanian Saxons and Banat Swabians, two minority groups in the country. Ethnic Germans flocked to Romania during the 1930s and they were at one point the largest ethnic minority group in Romania. Now they are one of the smallest ethnic groups in the country.

Turkish is spoken mainly by the Turkish minority. They comprise 0.1% of the population and live in the eastern parts of the country. You're likely to find a Turkish speaker in Constanța .

French has been widely studied in Romania and it is believed that a quarter of the population has studied the language. Its use has largely been supplanted by English.

Russian was taught in school during the communist era, so some older people may speak Russian (although it was not obligatory to learn). However, due to the history of Soviet domination, Romanians generally do not take kindly to being addressed in Russian, so you should ask in Romanian if the person speaks Russian before proceeding.

English is now the most widely spoken foreign language in Romania. However, only a small minority are actually fluent in it; most people working in tourism will be able to speak good English, but do not assume that other people can. The younger generations of Romanians who grew up after the fall of communism have a decent command of the language.

Get in [ edit ]

Getting to Romania is easy from nearly all parts of the world: it is served by an array of transport types and companies.

Romania has borders with the following countries: Ukraine , Bulgaria , Serbia , Moldova , and Hungary .

Entry requirements [ edit ]

As of 31 March 2024, Romania is partially in the Schengen zone. Travelers in possession of a Schengen visa can enter by air for by sea from a fellow Schengen country without visa checks; those entering by land however will still be required to provide a visa.

Citizens of Canada , Japan and the United States are permitted to work in Romania without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90-day visa-free stay. However this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other countries.

If you do need to obtain a visa from outside your own country, try obtaining it from somewhere else beside Budapest, where it can take 3–4 days. From Ljubljana the process can sometimes be done in a day because they are not as busy. If you have a valid Schengen visa or a residence permit in any Schengen country, it may be accepted in lieu of a Romanian visa but it is recommended that you get a multiple-entry visa (if possible) if you plan to sandwich a trip to Romania between two Schengen countries - make sure you mention your visit to Romania (see Travelling around the Schengen area for more information).

By plane [ edit ]

Romania has become increasingly attractive for low cost carriers with 17 civilian airports, 12 of which are served by scheduled international flights.

The major international airports are:

• Henri Coandă (Otopeni) Airport ( OTP  IATA ), Bucharest – The largest and busiest airport. It has flights to nearly all the major cities in Europe, to a few Middle Eastern capitals, to all other Romanian cities, but no direct flights to the USA .
• Cluj International Airport ( CLJ  IATA ), Cluj-Napoca – The largest airport in Transylvania , served by a number of flights from various European destinations. It is one of the many hubs of low-cost Wizz Air. Lufthansa also serves the airport.
• Iași International Airport ( IAS  IATA ), Serving Iași . A good air connection with the visitors focused on Moldavia and Southern Bukovina .
• Traian Vuia International Airport ( TSR  IATA ), Serving Timișoara . It is an entry point for the Western part of the country ( Banat and Crișana ).

Other minor international airports are:

• Stefan cel Mare International Airport ( SCV  IATA ), Suceava
• Sibiu International Airport ( SBZ  IATA ), Sibiu
• Târgu Mureș International Airport ( TGM  IATA ), Târgu Mureș
• George Enescu International Airport ( BCM  IATA ), Bacău
• Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport ( CND  IATA ), Constanța

The domestic airports (some with very few international connections) are:

• Oradea International Airport ( OMR  IATA ), Oradea
• Maramures International Airport ( BAY  IATA ), Baia Mare
• Satu Mare International Airport ( SUJ  IATA ), Satu Mare

The most important airlines serving Romania:

• TAROM – The Romanian flag carrier, based in Bucharest Otopeni.
• WizzAir – A Hungarian budget airline offering countless flights.
• Ryanair – It operates many flights.

By train [ edit ]

Romania is relatively well connected with the European rail network. There are daily international trains to Munich , Venice , Vienna , Budapest , Zagreb , Belgrade , Sofia , Istanbul , Chișinău , Kyiv , and Moscow . But due to the poor quality of rail infrastructure in the region, train travel on long distances takes considerable time.

Nonetheless, trains are the ideal way of reaching cities in western and central Romania such as Brasov , Sighisoara , Oradea or Cluj-Napoca coming from Central Europe .

International trains to Romania include the (relatively high standard) EuroCity trains and night trains. Romania is part of the Eurail pass offer.

A cheap way of traveling to or from Romania might be the Balkan Flexipass .

By bus [ edit ]

Even though Romania has not been traditionally seen as a 'bus country', buses are becoming a more and more popular way to reach the country from abroad, especially from the Balkans and the former USSR , but also from Western Europe, e.g. Germany and Switzerland. Even though trains are still the most popular way of getting to Romania from Central Europe, due to good service, train services to the Balkans and former USSR are of a considerably poorer quality and are less frequent (mainly because railway infrastructure in these countries is a lot poorer than Romania's infrastructure). For this reason, a slew of private bus operators (like reNNen.ro , VioTur.ro , Zgr.ro , claudiutravel.ro , Waltrans , Grandtour.ro or Royal-tour.ro ) now provide quicker and more comfortable coach services to and from cities such as Chișinău , Kyiv , Odesa , Sofia , and Istanbul .

A general rule of the thumb on whether you should use bus or train is this: if trains are available just as frequently, and at around the same price, and take around the same amount of time, then definitely use them. Otherwise, consider the buses.

For all information about buses in Romania and online reservations and tickets (i.e. timetables and prices) you can use Autogari.ro ("Autogari" is the Romanian word for bus-stations). They accept also payment with credit card.

By boat [ edit ]

Cruises on Danube are available, very expensive though, starting from Passau or Vienna and having a final destination in the Danube Delta. These cruises will stop in every major port along the road, in Austria , Hungary , Serbia , and Romania . Once in the Delta, you can travel by rapid boats or fisherman's boats on endless channels to watch huge colonies of pelicans, cranes or small migratory birds. You can enjoy a local dish, fishermen's borsch, prepared using different species of fish, but take care, they use the Danube's river water!

It is the only way to travel around the Danube Delta, and the only way to get to the city of Sulina.

There are ferries across the Danube from Bulgaria in several ports: from Bechet to Oryahovo (daily) and from Zimnicea to Svishtov (only on weekends). From Calafat to Vidin there is now a traffic bridge, easily accessible by car.

There are reportedly (but not confirmed) ferry connections over the Black Sea from Varna in Bulgaria to Constanța . The ferry service between Odesa and Constanța is no longer operating at this time.

By car [ edit ]

You can easily drive into Romania coming from countries in the West, but when coming from the East you will have to drive through Moldova and you may experience troubles there. There is not a direct border crossing between Ukraine and Romania in the south-eastern corner of Romanian Moldavia ( Reni / Galati ), you must go via Giurgiulesti, which is in Moldova (a small stretch of about 500 m). Moldovan border control officers may ask times for money (ecological tax, road tax...). Coming from the north (Ukraine), can also be time-consuming, times can vary from one to more than five hours.

The road infrastructure is fairly modest compared to Western and Central Europe. There are few motorways and only in the south of the country. The upside to this is that most European roads, which you will mostly be travelling on are well maintained and are denominated with an E followed by a number (e.g. E63), are scenic roads and cross some spectacular scenery of mountains, valleys and forests. The roads especially in Transylvania are built on top of the old medieval routes and there is always something to stop for and visit on your way. Drivers are confronted with a lot of roundabouts, both in towns and outside. The rule for them is straightforward: cars already inside the roundabout have priority, those outside must wait.

On the roads linking Romania to its western borders take particular care as traffic is heavy and most roads have one, or at most two, lanes each way, and on some parts are unlit.

On foot and by bicycle [ edit ]

On the Ukrainian-Romanian border there is only one point where one can cross on foot: Solotvino - Sighetu Marmației . The bridge over the Tisa is old and one could say a point of tourist interest.

Get around [ edit ]

Getting around Romania is relatively inefficient for the great distances that have to be covered in this country (this is after all, the second-largest country in Central Europe, after Poland ). The transport infrastructure has been improving quite significantly, even though roads remain a weak point. There are three operational highways, that connect Bucharest to the seaside and to the cities of Pitești and Ploiești, respectively, and several others under construction. Train travel, however, has improved dramatically. Several upgrade projects are underway for several railway tracks, which makes rail traffic on those lines a bit slow for the time being.

Romania has a very dense rail network that reaches practically every town and a sizable number of villages. Although some modernisation is taking place, this network isn't in a very good condition, with low speeds and limited train frequency on many routes. Nonetheless trains remain the best option for long distance travel.

Most trains are run by the state carrier, Căile Ferate Române, abbreviated as (SN)CFR . Many secondary lines are operated exclusively by private companies: Regio Călători , Regional and Transferoviar .

Trains generally run without major delays, except on lines where there are repair works or during anomalous weather (heavy snow storms in winter, heat waves or floods in summer).

Train types [ edit ]

Three major types of trains are available: Regio , InterRegio , and Intercity . The last two types provide reasonable conditions but Regio trains are best avoided.

• Regio ( R )

These are very slow trains, stopping in almost every station (including some in the middle of nowhere). Prices are dirt cheap, but they provide an extremely basic service and are sometimes uncomfortable (no seat reservation, no ventilation to speak of, sometimes crowded, no working toilets in some trains, poor lighting).

They usually have 1970s single-suburban or double-decker cars, with 4 seats per row. Most will not offer 1st class (but if they do it's highly recommended to get a 1st class ticket, it will be less crowded and less miserable than 2nd class).

Western Desiro and French Z-type DMUs have been introduced on some routes, including Suceava-Cacica, Craiova-Sibiu, Sibiu-Brașov, Cluj-Teiuș-Brașov, Cluj- Bistrița , Brașov- Sfântu Gheorghe . Z-type cars provide a more comfortable seating arrangement but a bouncier ride, which is diametrically opposed to Desiro's improvement. As these newer trains are designed for short-distance travel, expect to be uncomfortable if traveling for a long period of time.

Most of the trains operated by private companies are also ranked as Regio. They are usually cleaner than CFR Regio trains, but rarely run on the same routes.

Example: Bucharest-Brașov (166 km) by Regio train costs ~23 lei in 2nd class, takes about 4 hours, and has up to 31 stops

• InterRegio ( IR )

Semi-slow trains traveling on medium and long distance routes, stopping just in towns. They are cheap (though nearly twice as expensive as Regio) and offer variable conditions.

Newly-renovated cars have been introduced on several routes including Bucharest- Târgu Jiu and Bucharest-Brasov. However, many consider these cars just as uncomfortable, if not more so, than older cars, with merely an improved visual element. There is little baggage room and little leg-room compared to 1980s carriages.

Some InterRegio trains have connection cars to destinations located on secondary lines; after they separate from the InterRegio train they run as RegioExpress ( RE ).

Example: Bucharest-Brașov (166 km) by InterRegio train costs 47 lei in 2nd class, c. 2 hr 45 min, up to 8 stops

• InterCity ( IC )

If presented with a choice of Intercity trains (classic cars or "Săgeata Albastră" - Blue Arrow DMUs) it is advisable to choose classic cars, as these are faster, more comfortable trains. Săgeata Albastră are small 3-car diesel trains with slower service (120 km/h top speed compared to 160 km/h).

Example: Bucharest-Brașov (166 km) by Intercity train costs 58 lei in 2nd class, about 2½ hr, three stops

• Night trains

Most InterRegio trains travelling by night also have couchette cars (with six or four beds) and sleeping cars (with three, two or one bed). Conditions are relatively good.

Example: Bucharest-Satu Mare (782 km), ~142 lei/bed (six beds couchette), 14 hours

Getting tickets [ edit ]

Tickets for CFR operated trains are sold at train stations and CFR booking agencies ( agentie de voiaj CFR ) in any sizable town (usually in the central area). At these booking agencies and at a few major stations it's possible to buy tickets up to six months in advance for any domestic route and for international trains passing through Romania.

It's also possible to get tickets for domestic routes online through CFR's relatively complicated booking site with up to one month in advance.

All trains types except Regio and RegioExpress require seat reservation (not to be confused with advanced ticket booking).

Several discounts are available:

• for small groups (10% for 2 people, 15% for 3, 20% for 4 and 25% for 5+)
• for large groups (25% for groups of more than 30 people)
• for buying return tickets (10%)
• for advance ticket purchase (13% for over 21 days in advance, 10% for 11-20 days in advance, 5% for 6-10 days)

People that board CFR trains without a ticket from stations where there are ticket sellers can be fined and have to buy more expensive tickets directly from the train staff.

On lines operated by private operators tickets are usually issued on the train.

For up-to-date timetable information on CFR operated lines see CFR's timetable site [dead link] . For timetables on lines operated by other companies check .

Tourist railways [ edit ]

Several scenic narrow gauge railways exist in mountainous areas, but trips on them are mainly available for small groups and not for individual tourists. One notable exception is the Valea Vaserului railway [dead link] in Maramureș which has tourist runs daily in mid-summer and on weekends in early summer-autumn.

Groups can also rent the former Romanian king's personal train or Ceaușescu's private train but these trips are rather expensive.

Travelling by car or coach is the easiest way and a vast majority, over 60% of foreign tourists, use this way of transportation. The steering wheel is on the left and European driver's licenses are recognised by police. For Americans, a passport, a valid U.S. driver's license and a valid International Driving Permit are required for car rental. If you drive your own car, you must purchase a road tax sticker (the "Rovinieta") either from the border or from the nearest gas station. Driving without one will incur a severe fine.

Rentals can be expensive; the cheap small local outfits may pressure you to pay extra for insurance. The well-known international brands and Automon (the largest local) are a safer option. In Bucharest and throughout the country, rentals start at €20-30 per day (without fuel) for a small hatchback, go around €65-90 for an average car or lame SUV, and may go up to €170-200 for a luxury sedan or a luxury SUV. You may be denied renting unless you are 25 or older.

While Romanians are generally friendly and polite, this doesn't always apply to their driving style. Speeding is common, young (inexperienced) drivers driving performance vehicles are common in cities, angry drivers are the norm in the capital and the accident rates are amongst the highest in the European Union.

The poor condition of roads is a constant source of surprises. In winter, roads are often not properly ploughed, so it pays to be very careful when driving. Between November and early March, the use of winter tyres is compulsory by law in Romania, but not all cars may be fitted with winter tyres. Driving without winter tyres is punishable by a fine. The use of studded tyres is prohibited. When driving in the mountains, snow chains are necessary in winter.

City roads tend to be heavily overcrowded, particularly in Bucharest. Beware of hazards, such as double-parked cars, pedestrians, sudden braking to avoid a pothole, or stray animals entering the road (in rural areas). Most intercity routes are 2-lane roads, used by everything from communist-era trucks to modern sports cars. So plan for longer driving times than in other areas of Europe.

Bucharest has a very dense and crowded city centre, with narrow, twisting roads, built mainly in the 19th century, with little traffic in mind. The roads are suffocated by over 1 million cars every day - it is possible to take 2 hours to drive a distance that could be walked in 20-25 minutes. GPS or local guide is a necessity. The best way to travel within Bucharest is either by public transport (as it is very cheap and fairly reliable) or taxi.

Romanian police now have high-tech radars to catch speeding motorists. Speed limits are generally 100 km/h outside of a city and 50 km/h or 70 km/h within built up areas. Some police units are equipped with performance vehicles, while others are the standard Dacia Logan cars. Although rare, some highway patrols have BMW bikes. On major roads, motorists in the opposite direction will sometimes flash their headlights to warn that they have passed a radar trap which may be just ahead of you. Also many national roads and motorways are discreetly watched by Police Puma helicopters. Even small offences are subject to heavy fines by the traffic police (Poliția Rutieră), they may even take one's driver's license for an irregular passing. Both hidden and visible speed cameras are becoming common on major roads and highways. Policemen sometimes seem to be more lenient with locals, than with foreigners — however, stricter fining applies for locals than for foreigners (for locals, as few as two or three minor offences will have their licence suspended for six months). Obviously, do not attempt to bribe the police if you are stopped.

The Romanian police have a zero tolerance policy on drunk driving - checks are very frequent - and basically any amount of alcohol in your blood counts as drunk driving.

If you are involved in a car accident while driving and someone is hurt you must stop and wait for the traffic police . Driving away from the scene is considered hit-and-run. Accidents with no injuries can be solved with yourself and all parties involved having to go to a police station and make a statement, but, if in doubt, better phone 112 (Emergency Services) and ask for directions. In most of the cases, after an accident it is mandatory to take a blood test to establish if the drivers had consumed alcohol. Refusal to undergo this test is almost certain to land you in jail - the punishment is usually more harsh than the one for drunk driving.

Many important roads were once medieval trade routes which go straight through the centre of many villages. Passing while driving is the norm rather than the exception as slow moving trucks, horse drawn carts, and non-moving herds of cows often frequent village main streets.

Tolls [ edit ]

Electronic vignette can be bought on the official website .

Types of roads [ edit ]

A lot of road infrastructure has been constructed in the past few years, and changes appear rapidly. Therefore, check up to date online sources before you go, as information might get outdated quickly.

• A1 - planned to connect Bucharest with cities in southern Transylvania and then proceed to the western border; the only part completed so far is the 126-km-long stretch between Bucharest and Pitești opened in 1973. The Arad—Timișoara section was opened at the end of 2011.
• A2 - connects Bucharest with the Black Sea ports of Constanța and Agigea. This means that you can avoid Constanța, if you're going to the other resorts on the seaside.
• A3 - is supposed to cross Transylvania diagonally from north-west to south-east and then head south to Bucharest. The Borș - Brașov segment, also called the Transylvania Motorway [dead link] , is the largest road project in Europe; it will connect the Hungarian-Romanian border with Oradea, Zalau, Cluj-Napoca, Targu Mures, Sighisoara and Brasov. As of 2015, only a few sections of the A3 are in use: a 55-km stretch between Bucharest and Ploiesti in the south and a 52-km section between Campia Turzii and Gilau, which is part of the southern section of the Transylvanian Highway.

The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h .

• Expressways ( drum expres ) - Basically non-grade separated/semi-grade separated dual carriageway. The only completed expressways are the 60-km-long Bucharest - Giurgiu (DN 5) road, The Ploiesti Bypass (DN 1), the Cluj East bypass, the Bucharest - Henri Coanda International Airport stretch of the DN 1 (which is grade-separated). The speed limit on expressways is 100 km/h .
• National roads ( drum național ), including European Roads ( drum european ). In the absence of motorways the national roads remain the most important element of the Romanian road system, as they connect the main cities in the country. Most of them are in reasonable condition, and most of the trunk network has been rehabilitated. Many have 4 non-separate lanes near cities, some have 3 or 4 non-separate lanes throughout (such as Bucharest-Comarnic and a large part of E85) but many have only two lanes — one per traffic direction (a notable example is DN1 Câmpina-Brașov — the 100-km mountain stretch can take 3-5 hours to cross during weekends and holidays. The speed limit on national roads is 100 km/h .
• Other roads - county ( drum judetean ) and rural ( drum comunal ) roads are owned and maintained by either regional or local authorities. These roads mainly link trunk roads with very small towns or villages - few running for more than 30-40 km. The situation of county roads is highly dependent on each of the counties involved — while in Ilfov or Constanta these roads are of decent-to-high quality, in other regions such roads are in a poor to very poor condition compared with national roads. Rural roads are of even shorter nature (under 10 km), some of them being one lane of traffic only, others being covered in gravel only. The speed limit on these roads is 90 km/h .

For all roads, when in a city, town or village, the speed limit is 50 km/h (unless clearly otherwise posted). As such, driving a National Road becomes a constant accelerate-and-brake adventure, one having to be constantly spotting speed limit signs, city limit markers and the behaviour of other drivers.

Bus can be the least expensive method to travel between towns. In the Romanian towns and cities, you can usually find one or several bus terminals ( autogara ). From there, buses and minibuses depart for the towns and villages in the nearby area as well as to other cities in the country. You can find timetables on the autogari website .

Romania is criss-crossed by many mini buses , sometimes called maxi taxi . They are faster than the trains, and can be taken directly from the international airport in Bucharest. Mini buses are usually very uncomfortable; some buses are old and slow. Schedules are not tightly followed, and delays of over an hour are not uncommon, especially for inter-city buses. Romanian roads are in a rather bad shape, with most of the trunk network being made of one lane per way roads (fairly similar to British rural roads), and only about 250 km of expressway. Most minibuses employed are small, crowded, 14-seat vans (some converted from freight vans), with some longer routes employing 20-seat mini-buses. For commuter and suburban routes, expect an overcrowded van (25 passengers riding a 14 seat van is quite common, with 40 passenger loads not being unheard of), with no air-conditioning, which stops several times in every village. Inter-city bus travel is only slightly better - most vehicles used are also converted vans, or, at best, purpose-build minibuses, with only some being air-conditioned. Seating is generally crowded, and in most cases there is no separate compartment for luggage. Most have no toilets on board, calling for 30 minutes stops every 2-3 hours. All in all, the experience of travelling by minibus is quite similar to that of travelling in a Russian or Ukrainian marshrutka.

However, buses are the best solution for a number of routes badly served by the railway network, namely Bucharest - Pitești - Râmnicu Vâlcea, Bucharest - Alexandria, Bucharest - Giurgiu, and Pitești - Slatina.

The comfort of vehicles is steadily improving, at least in Transylvania along the longer routes serving larger cities. You will find buses from respected companies (such as Normandia, FANY [dead link] or Dacos and waltrans ) which offer punctual and reasonable, though not always sparkling, conditions, and on which a luggage compartment will always be available. Toilet stops still need to be made, but they happen usually in places where you can also buy food or drinks. On Fridays, Sundays, and close to national holidays, these buses tend to be overcrowded, so a reservation by phone might be necessary.

Buses inside the cities are often crowded. This gives pickpockets good opportunities. The pickpocket problem seems to be not essentially worse than in any other European city. Please, pay attention.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Romania. It costs about 1.4-2 lei/kilometre or slightly more, with that amount again as flagfall. The very low prices make taxis a popular way to travel with both locals and travellers (it can be cheaper than driving your own car) - so during rush hours it may be hard to find a cab (despite Bucharest having almost 10,000 cabs).

A notable exception is the Fly Taxi company that operates from the Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport. The price for a ride from the airport to the city centre can be about 70 lei. Either call a taxi by phone to pick you up near the airport or chose the route 783 bus to get into the city. Alternately, you can go to the departure terminal to avoid expensive airport taxis. To do this, after you exit baggage claim, immediately turn right. Literally dozens of taxi operators will approach you and ask if you need a taxi, having marked you as a foreigner (it's their job to do so, after all). Be polite, shake your head no and keep walking. You will pass though about 200 m of shopping and service areas in a little mini-mall connecting the two terminals, and will then arrive at the 2nd level of the departures terminal. Walk out the door and you will see plenty of taxis dropping off passengers. Flag one down and make sure the fare posted on the side is less than 2 lei/km. They are not supposed to pick up there, but you aren't doing anything wrong by trying, and not many drivers can say no to 30 lei for a trip back to the city centre that they were going to make anyway. Just make sure they use the meter. Some taxi drivers use remote controls in their pockets that raise the tariff price suddenly by small increments that are otherwise unnoticeable until the end of the fare. It might be easier to negotiate the tariff price upfront based on your destination and pay that amount at the end.

Kiosks for reasonably-priced cabs can be found inside the arrivals terminal, and the police are constantly watching for pirate taxi drivers. Kiosks are a safe and reliable to hitch a €10 trip by taxi to downtown Bucharest.

Be careful to look at the cost posted on the outside of the taxi, and then to look at the meter to see that you are being charged the same fare. Be especially careful in Bucharest, where some taxis post 7.4 lei instead of 1.4, but the 7 looks very much like a 1. Ask if you're not certain - they are obliged to post and clearly state the tariff up-front. All taxis must have a license - a large, oval metal sign bolted on the sides of the car, featuring the city markings, and a serial number inscribed, usually using large numbers. Do not use any taxi without those markings. Also, do not use a taxi with a license from another city (for example, never use an Ilfov taxi in Bucharest or a Turda taxi in Cluj-Napoca).

The driver may try to cheat you if he sees you are a foreigner. Insist that he will use the meter, or have a Romanian guide with you. Don't negotiate the ride fee in advance, as it may be 2-4 times higher (even more) than the real fee (even if it would seem cheap to you). Check whether it is going in the right direction, follow the way on a map (if you have any!) Do not take cabs from the cab stand in railway stations, unless they are from a reputable company and do not take any of the services of those offering you a cab ride in the train station. They may end up being amazingly expensive (up to €50 for a cab ride that would normally be around €3). If you need a taxi from the train station (or airport), order it by phone from a reputable company (see the city pages for the cities you want to visit) - most dispatchers speak some English as do many taxi drivers.

Ride-hailing is available in Romania and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• Bolt . Includes many towns. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Uber . Works in Bucharest. ( updated Jul 2020 )

Air travel as a means for domestic transport is becoming more and more popular as increased competition resulted in lower prices (sometimes less than the cheapest train or bus ticket). This, coupled with an improved airport infrastructure leads to increases in the number of passengers compared to past decades.

Two airlines offer domestic flights in Romania - Tarom , with a hub in Bucharest and "no-frills" Blue Air [dead link] with its domestic hub in Bucharest.

In 2010, Bucharest and Timisoara were linked by up to 12 daily flights (operated by Blue Air and Tarom - Tarom operated some of the flights on the routes with A310 wide-bodies), Bucharest and Cluj by up to 10 daily flights (operated by Tarom and Blue Air), Bucharest and Iasi by up to 4 daily flights (operated by Tarom), Bucharest and Oradea, Bucharest and Sibiu, and Bucuresti and Satu Mare by 2-3 daily flights (operated by Tarom), Bucharest and Suceava and Bucharest and Baia Mare by 1 daily flight (operated by Tarom). Bucharest and Arad are also connected through a daily flights by Blue Air. Constanta and Bacau, owing to the short distance from Bucharest, only see flights a couple of times per week. Frequencies on Saturdays may be reduced, especially to smaller cities.

Prices can begin from as low as 40 lei one way if booked in advance with Blue Air, or through a Tarom 'Superspecial' fare. Even 2-3 days before the flight, it is not uncommon to find tickets for under €35-€50 with a little shopping around. While Tarom style themselves as full-fare full-frill airlines, Blue Air considers itself a low fare carrier, and subsequently, has followed the model of not allowing price aggregation through reservation systems (a la Ryanair, Easyjet or Southwest), and as such, tickets for their flights will not be available through booking engines such as Orbitz or Kayak, but only directly through their website.

Some airports may be fairly distant from city centers, and, while some larger ones have adequate public transport (Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara, Oradea), in some (such as Craiova or Iasi) you have to rely on taxis. Even so, a taxi fare from any airport downtown should not cost more than €5-10 outside of Bucharest.

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking is very common in Romania, and some experienced hitchhikers say it's the easiest country in eastern Europe. Usually, if you are in the right spot, you don't have to wait longer than 5 minutes. During weekends you may need a bit more patience, as roads are a little emptier. Locals also use this method on a regular basis, especially for shorter distances (up to 50 km). It is not uncommon for people (especially students) to hitchhike intercity (Bucharest-Sibiu, Timisoara-Arad and Bucharest-Ploiesti are particularity common hitchhiking destinations). Increase your chance to be picked up by using a paper with the city where you want to get to - it may save you some time especially if travelling intercity. A good spot is a bus station, road-split, or close to the city limits. Nevertheless, many if not most people will stop (provided they drive alone) - you may end up getting a ride in a 1970s rusty old Dacia or in a brand new Mercedes, in a semi-articulated truck or in a company car belonging to a big corporation. Hitchhiking is typically not dangerous (the highly aggressive, fast and disorderly driving style of Romanians may be more of a danger), but take usual precautions when using this conveyance. Inside city limits, it is not advisable to hitchhike using the traditional thumb-up hand signal, as many drivers may believe you are flagging a taxi or a route-taxi (mini-bus), and not stop. Use a destination paper instead.

It is customary to leave some money for the ride (so called 'gas money', about 1-2 lei/10km), but if you are a foreigner you will not be expected to leave money and nobody will get upset. Most truck drivers and company car drivers will refuse payment altogether. Furthermore, if you tell the driver where you want to get in a city, he or she will make a detour just to drop you off where it best suits you. Say "Mulțumesc"( Mooltsoomesck ) (thank you) at the end.

Most Romanians are very talkative, and even if their English, French, German, whatever is extremely rusty, many will more likely than not tell you their entire life story, discuss the entire football season and/or talk politics (usually starting from discussing the poor state of roads even while on a freshly repaired road). In the end, however, hitchhiking is a mostly enjoyable experience, and, if lucky, you may even get yourself invited for lunch or dinner, offered a room for a night, or just meet some very interesting people along the way.

On foot and navigation [ edit ]

Being a popular hiking destination, but also for navigating around the countryside, make sure to have good (offline) maps and GPS with you in Romania. For reliable maps, GPS navigation , comprehensive trails and map information, consult OpenStreetMap , which is also used by this travel guide and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz . Or just download the according GPX or KML files for such trails on OpenStreetMap through Waymarked Trails . (Note, you just need to change the OpenStreetMap relation ID to download the GPX or KML files of other trails through the same link.)

See [ edit ]

Whether you're looking for stunning landscapes, ancient cultural traditions, bustling city life or beautiful historic heritage; no visitor to Romania needs to search for things to see. This country is home to a range of top sights, especially when you'd like to get a feel for the old Europe, the time of monasteries and castles.

Cities and castles [ edit ]

The country's lively capital Bucharest does not top the average traveller's wish list, but if you're willing to look, this city's controversial mix of building styles might just amaze you. Go see the largest parliament building in the world, the 1935 Romanian version of the Arc de Triomph or visit one of the many museums . The impressive Bran Castle , dramatically situated on a Transylvanian hill top, is widely associated with the famous tales of Count Dracula and one of the country's main tourist draws. While there's no clear evidence of this castle being the model for Bram Stoker's stories, the castle surely fits the book's descriptions and has a fascinating recorded history of its own. Yet, there are other interesting examples, including the Neo-Renaissance Peleș castle near Sinaia and Corvin castle near Hunedoara . The still inhabited citadel of Sighișoara is easily among the most beautiful ones of its kind. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it still features many characteristics of a medieval fortified town and is a charming town to visit. Other fine historic towns include Timișoara , the country's second city, the popular mountain resort Brașov and Sibiu . Cule , erected by noble families, grace the landscape of south-western Romania and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural heritage of Oltenia and various Balkan countries. Each cule tells a unique story, serving for crucial defensive function, these are reflecting the opulence, power, and artistic prowess of the boyars who commissioned their construction, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of nobility and aristocracy in this enchanting part of the world.

Natural attractions [ edit ]

For a more natural experience, head to the Danube Delta , considered to be the most well preserved and one of the largest river deltas in Europe. While it mostly consists of extensive wetlands, it in fact holds 23 different ecosystems. It lies on route for a number of main migratory routes, and more than 320 species of bird can be found here in summer. Besides water systems, Romania is also home to the largest European populations of bears and wolves , inhabitants of its vast untouched forests. The Rodna National Park and Biosphere Reserve and Retezat National Park are excellent places to experience the country's rugged lands, old-growth forests and stunning mountainous landscapes, or hike to beautiful water falls in Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park .

Countryside and monasteries [ edit ]

When planning your trip, make sure to include one of the many monumental monasteries and churches , such as the one in Horezu , a World Heritage Site known for it Brâncovenesc style architecture or Curtea de Argeș the most representative Byzantine style monastery in Romania, also royal necropolis where are buried the all kings of Romania. Or, head to Southern Bukovina to see some of the wonderful and famous Painted Monasteries . Another fascinating region is Maramureș , listed by Unesco and popular among visitors for its wooden churches and Merry Cemetery . A trip to some of these more remote places of worship comes with the bonus of easy exploration of Romania's lovely countryside where -despite rapid development- old traditions and craftsmanship are still alive.

Itineraries [ edit ]

The following are some possible itineraries for travelling in Romania:

• Transylvania Triangle Train Tour
• If you like to drive, follow the stunning Transfăgărășan Road , “the best road in the world” according to Top Gear, for some spectacular views and lots of challenging curves. Or you could try the Transalpina Road , the highest one in Romania (2145m), also known as King Road.

Do [ edit ]

• Go to church - Romania is one of the most religious countries in Europe, and the Orthodox church is omnipresent. You will certainly want to visit some churches and monasteries for their beauty and history, but why not take the chance to experience an Orthodox mass? The congregation is usually standing and it is perfectly normal to show up only briefly during the mass so you can come and go at your leisure without disturbing anyone. Show up at any church on Sunday morning, stand quietly in the back and observe. Be suitably dressed, see the section "Respect".
• Hiking trails come in a wide range of levels, from easy to seriously challenging. From flat delta areas to rugged terrains, the country's national parks make for great starting points and excellent vista's.
• Winter sports - the Romania mountains house a number of popular winter sports resorts, such as Poiana Brasov (close also to Bran castle), Sinaia and Predeal . While increasingly popular, also among locals, these places remain fairly off the beaten track for most international winter sports fans and remain budget friendly.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The national currency of Romania is the leu (plural lei ), which means lion in Romanian. The leu is divided into 100 bani (singular ban ). On 1 July 2005, the new leu (code RON ) replaced the old leu (code ROL ) at a rate of 10,000 old lei for one new leu. Old ROL banknotes and coins are no longer legal tender but can still be exchanged at the National Bank and their affiliated offices.

Coins are issued in denominations of 1 (gold), 5 (copper), 10 (silver), and 50 (gold) bani, but 1 ban coins are rare, despite store prices ending a lot of times with 99 bani. Do not expect exact change from store clerks, unless your total spending divides by 5 bani. When grossly short on change, clerks may also provide small coffee bags, oranges or similar as substitutes, but they may not accept it back as tender. Banknotes come in denominations of 1 (green), 5 (purple), 10 (red), 20 (yellow-green), 50 (yellow), 100 (blue), 200 (brown), and 500 (blue and purple) lei, are made of polymer plastic, and, except for the 200 lei, correspond to a euro banknote in size. However, 200 and 500 lei banknotes are uncommon.

When exchanging money, use exchange bureaus or to use cash machines (which will provide ready access to most foreign bank accounts). Absolutely avoid black market transactions with strangers: in the best case scenario, you might come out ahead by a few percentage points, but that rarely happens. Most black marketers are con men of one sort or another, who will either leave you with a bankroll that turns out to be full of worthless Polish złotys, or will engage you in conversation for a few minutes, awaiting the arrival of their partners who will pretend to be the police and try to con you into handing over your wallet and papers. (This con game is known as a maradonist .) Exchanging money in the street is also illegal and in the worst case scenario, you might spend a night in jail. It is not recommended to exchange money in the airport either — they tend to overcharge on transactions and have very disadvantageous rates — you should use a card and the ATM for immediate needs (taxi/bus) and exchange more money later while in the city. Unless you are on a budget, the safest and easiest way to obtain Romanian cash is to use your ATM card at any local bank ATM. Your bank will give you a current, reasonable exchange rate, and as long as your bank doesn't charge exorbitant foreign transaction fees, it's usually not worth the risk or the inconvenience to save the one or two percent. BRD, Banca Transylvania and Raiffeisen banks and ATMs are everywhere in major cities, including inside most high end hotels.

You should shop around a bit for good exchange rates. Some exchange offices in obvious places (such as the airport) may try to take advantage of the average tourist's lack of information when setting the exchange rate, and it is not advisable to use them, as the exchange rates may well be quite unrealistic. Prior to leaving for Romania consult the website of the National Bank of Romania for a rough estimate of what exchange rates you should expect. Typical exchange offices should not list differences larger than 2-3% from the official exchange rate. Also, when picking an exchange office, make sure it has a visible sign saying "Comision 0%"; Romanian exchange offices typically don't charge an extra commission apart from the difference between the buy and sell rates, and they are also required by law to display a large visible sign stating their commission, so if you don't see such a sign or if they charge something extra, keep going. Choosing a reasonable exchange office, which is not hard to do with the data in this paragraph, can save you as much as 10%, so this is worth observing. Changing money at a bank's exchange office is also a good idea.

Costs [ edit ]

Romania is generally very cheap, and is probably the cheapest country inside the EU, though it's still more expensive that neighboring Ukraine . Although you can expect food and transport to be inexpensive in Romania, buying imported consumer goods are as expensive as in other parts of the EU. Good buys for foreigners include clothing, wool suits produced in Romania, shirts, cotton socks, local wine, chocolates, salami, a wide range of local cheeses, inexpensive leather jackets or fur coats. In addition, groceries, transport, and accommodation remain relatively cheap, as does general shopping, especially in markets, although inflation is taking its toll. Bucharest, as with every capital in the world, is more expensive than the national norm, particularly in the city centre. However, travellers from Nordic countries will find all the prices in Romania to be amazingly low, especially transport (short and long distance), restaurant food and drinks.

Transactions [ edit ]

Romanian transactions generally take place in cash. Aside from a few specific types of transactions, the best method is to pay using local currency. In any situation where prices are displayed in local currency, attempting to pay in euros or US dollars will result in your money being accepted at a worse rate (up to 20%) or outright refusal. In situations where prices are displayed in euros, you are generally still expected to pay in lei (for example, mobile phone plans are priced in euros without VAT, so when you pay in lei, the tax is factored in for what appears at first to be a bad exchange rate) except for international train tickets, which are priced in and can be paid in euros. Most Romanians have either a charge card or a credit card - however, they are generally used at ATM machines - on-line payments are relatively new, and some companies still look at them with suspicion - so much so, that they will make you pay on delivery. You can however pay by card in many shops and in most supermarkets. Accepted credit/debit cards are: MasterCard, Visa, American Express (in some places - although this is rapidly expanding because of a very aggressive campaign by American Express) and Diners Club (usually only in hotels, and even then expect stares and incredulity that such a card even exists). Almost all transactions at POS machines (supermarkets, shops etc.) will ask you to enter the card's PIN as well.

Most small towns have at least one or two ATMs and a bank office, with large cities having hundreds of ATMs and bank offices. (It is not uncommon to see three bank agencies next to each other in residential neighborhoods of Bucharest). ATMs are also available in many villages (generally at the post-office or the local bank-office). Romanian for ATM is bancomat . Credit cards are accepted in large cities, in most hotels, restaurants, hypermarkets, malls. Do not expect to use a credit card at any railway station for domestic travel (some railway stations take credit cards for international tickets) or for the public transport (the subway and RATB of Bucharest, for example, are cash-only because they consider that card transactions would slow down the queues at the ticket booths). Gas stations and a great number of other stores accept Visa and MasterCard. It is advisable to always have a small sum of money in cash (about 50 lei or even more), even in large cities. It is not possible to withdraw any common currency (like euros or dollars) besides lei.

Romanian businesses are not mandated to provide you with full change for every transaction, and frequently their tills are short of small coins in particular. Fortunately many prices are in round multiples of 1 leu, and they are almost always in multiples of 10 bani. Even if a store can change, say a 100 lei note, they might ask you for smaller change first. For very small amounts (say 20 or 50 bani) they might sometimes insist on you buying something of that value instead of giving you change.

Tipping [ edit ]

A tip is usually 5-10% of the bill and is expected in restaurants, coffee shops, taxi, hair dressers.

Supermarkets and convenience stores [ edit ]

A good place to shop for food are farmers' markets, although hypermarkets have become popular in Romania such as Auchan , Carrefour , Cora or Kaufland .

Different from supermarkets are neighbourhood grocery stores called 'alimentară'. The stores are dim, old Communist-era shops that can be cheaper. These shops, which can best be compared to British cornershops, may be convenient if living in the suburbs or in smaller towns. Despite their seemingly poorer appearance, they sell good-quality food. In 'alimentara', expect strange systems of payment or selection: you may not be able to take items off of the shelf yourself, or one person may tally up your total before another handles the cash, etc. Many locals however actually prefer these establishments, since they offer a personal touch, with many salespeople remembering the preferences of each buyer, and catering specifically for their needs.

Opening hours are extremely predictable and amazingly long. Some shops will have a "non-stop" sign - meaning they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Shops that are not open 24 hours are usually open 08:00 - 22:00/23:00, with some keeping open in summer until 02:00 or 03:00. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are open 08:00 - 22:00/23:00 as well, except during some days before Easter and Christmas, when they remain open through the night. Pharmacies and specialised shops are usually open 09:00 - 20:00/21:00, sometimes even later while farmers' markets usually open their doors at 07:00 and close at 17:00 or 18:00.

The countryside fair [ edit ]

A traditional countryside shopping is the weekly fair (târg, bâlci, or obor). Usually held on Sunday, everything that can be sold or bought is available - from live animals being traded amongst farmers (they were the original reason why fairs were opened centuries ago) to clothes, vegetables, and sometimes even second hand cars or tractors. Such fairs are hectic, with haggling going on, with music and dancing events, amusement rides and fast food stalls offering sausages, "mititei" and charcoal-grilled steaks amongst the many buyers and sellers. In certain regions, it is a tradition to attend them after some important religious event (for example after St. Mary's Day in Oltenia), making them huge community events bringing together thousands of people from nearby villages. Such fairs are amazingly colorful - and for many a taste of how life was centuries ago. One such countryside fair (although definitely NOT in the countryside) is the Obor fair in Bucharest - in an empty space right in the middle of the city, this fair has been going on daily for more than three centuries.

Eat [ edit ]

Romanian food is distinct yet familiar to most people, being a mixture of Balkan cuisine and Central European cuisine , but it has some unique elements. The local dishes are the delicious sarmale , ardei umpluți (stuffed peppers), mămăligă (pr. muhmuhliguh, polenta), bulz (traditional roasted polenta, filled with at least two kinds of cheeses, bacon and sour cream), friptură (steak), salată de boeuf (finely chopped cooked veggies and meat salad, usually topped with mayo and decorated with tomatoes and parsley), zacuscă (a yummy, rich salsa-like dip produced in the fall) as well as tocană (a kind of stew), tochitură (pr. tokituruh, an assortment of fried meats, and traditional sausages, in a special sauce, served with polenta and fried eggs), mici (pr. michi, with a ch sound like in the word "chat"; a kind of spicy sausage, but only the meat, without the casings, almost always cooked on a barbecue, but may also be cooked with hot water vapours; often served with beer during picnics - mici și bere ), roe salad, various mashed beans varieties like iahnie (the h is loud).

Other dishes include a burger bun with a slice of ham, a slice of cheese and a layer of French fries, ciorbă de burtă (white sour tripe soup), ciorbă rădăuțeană (very similar to ciorbă de burtă , but with chicken instead of tripe), ciorbă țărănească (a red sour soup, akin to borș but with the beet root being replaced by fermented wheat bran, with lots of vegetables), Dobrogean or Bulgarian salads (a mix of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, white sauce and ham), onion salad - diced onion served in a dish, tomato salad - diced tomato with cheese, șorici (pig skin - boiled and sometimes in stew), and drob (haggies) - a casserole made from lamb or pork liver and kidneys. Local eclectic dishes include cow tongue, sheep brain (Easter), caviar, chicken and pork liver, pickled green tomatoes and pickled watermelon.

Traditional desserts include pască (a chocolate or cheese pie produced only after Easter), sărățele (salty sticks), pandișpan (literally means Spanish bread; a cake filled with sour cherries), and cozonac (a special cake bread baked for Christmas or Easter). Bread (without butter) comes with almost every meal and dill is quite common as a flavoring. Garlic is omnipresent, both raw, and in special sauces ( mujdei is the traditional sauce, made of garlic, olive oil and spices), as are onions.

Generally, there is good street food, including covrigi (hot pretzels), langoși (hot dough filled with cheese and various other optional seasonings like garlic), gogoși (donut-like dough, coated with fine sugar), mici (spicy meat patties in the shape of sausages), and excellent pastries (many with names such as merdenele , dobrogene , poale-n brâu , ardelenești ), thin pancakes filled with anything from chocolate and jam to bananas and ice cream. Very popular are kebab and shawarma ( șaorma ), served in many small shops.

Popular Romanian snacks that are readily available in shops are pufuleți (very cheap and delicious corn-made snacks) and sunflower seeds, but usual snacks like potato chips and various nuts are also common. Common sweets are halva , halviță , rahat (Turkish Lokum - "rahat" is also commonly used as an euphemism for feces, meaning that you might hear Romanians talk about rahat a lot when being angry, but they do not actually refer to anything commonly considered edible) and colivă , a boiled wheat dish commonly used in religious mourning rituals.

Most restaurants in Romania, especially in more regional areas, only serve Romanian food, even though it is similar to Western European food. Especially in Bucharest, there is a wide variety of international food, especially Mediterranean, Chinese or French. There are also fairly plentiful international fast food chains. The interesting truth about these is that they are just nominally cheaper than restaurants, with the quality of the food being of an international standard but much lower than that served in restaurants. Therefore, go for the restaurants when you can - they provide a much more authentic and quality experience at prices that aren't much higher.

Vegetarian and vegan travellers can easily find a tasty dish suitable for them if they ask for mâncare de post (food suitable for religious fasting). Because Romanians are in their large majority Eastern Orthodox Christians, fasting involves removing of all the animal products from their meals (meat, dairy products or eggs). Even though Lent seasons only cover a small part of the year, you can find fasting food throughout the year. However, most Romanians are unaccustomed with vegetarianism or veganism; still, you can find such "mâncare de post" all year round; some Romanians fast also outside Lent, on most Wednesdays and Fridays, as part of their orthodox faith.

Drink [ edit ]

Wine [ edit ]

Romania has a long tradition of making wine (more than 2000 years of wine-making are recorded), in fact Romania was in 2014 the 12th largest producer of wine in the world. The best wineries are Murfatlar, Cotnari, Dragasani, and Bohotin. Its quality is very good and the price is reasonable: expect to pay 10-30 lei for a bottle of Romanian wine. Locals in tourist areas make their own wine and sell it directly. Many of the monasteries produce and sell their own wine. Most of the individual wine makers, including monasteries, will allow you to taste it first.

Beer [ edit ]

Beer is very widespread (even more so than wine) and rather cheap compared to other countries. Avoid beers in plastic PET containers (they let the beer go stale), and go for beers in glass bottles or cans. Most of the international brands are brewed in Romania under a license, so they taste quite different than in Western Europe. Some beers made under licence are still good - Heineken, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni. You can easily realise whether a beer has been brewed in Romania or abroad and then imported simply by looking at the price: imported beers are much more expensive than the Romanian ones (A Corona, for example, may be 12 lei while a Timisoreana, Ursus or Bergenbier of a full 1/2 litre size will be 2-4 lei. Some of the common lagers you may find around are quite tasteless, but there are some good brewers. Ursus produces two tasteful beers, its lager is quite good and its dark beer ( bere neagră ), Ursus Black, is a strong fruity sweet beer, similar to a dark Czech beer. Silva produces bitter beers, both its Silva original pils and its Silva dark leave a bitter aftertaste in your mouth. Bergenbier and Timisoreana are quite good. All the other lager beers you may find, such as Gambrinus, Bucegi or Postavaru are tasteless (in some consumers' opinion). Ciuc is a very decent and affordable pilsner, now owned by Heineken. Expect to pay around 2-3 lei for a bottle of beer in the supermarket and double in a pub.

Spirits [ edit ]

The strongest alcohol is palinca , with roughly 60% alcohol and is traditional to Transylvania, the next is țuica (a type of brandy made from plums - for the better quality, traditional version - but alternatively from apricots, wine-making leftovers, or basically anything else - an urban legend even claims you can brew a certain kind of winter jacket (pufoaică) to țuică, but this is rather a proof of Romanian humor). Strength of țuica is approximately 40-50%. The best țuica, made from plums, is traditional to the Pitești area. Strong alcohol is quite cheap, with a bottle of vodka starting off between 10 lei and 50 lei. A Transylvanian speciality is the 75% blueberry and sour cherry palinca (palincă întoarsă de cireșe negre), better known as vișinată - but is usually kept by locals for celebrations, and may be hard to find.

Sleep [ edit ]

Finding an accommodation in Romania is very easy, for any price. In all the touristy places, as soon as you get to the train station several people will come to you asking whether you need an accommodation, or you can book it in advance. Those people welcoming you at the station often speak English, French and Italian. Moreover, while walking on the street, you will often find cazare written on the houses; that means they will rent you a room in their house. You're best advised to book an accommodation in advance in the big cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov and Iasi), since it'll be quite hard to wander around looking for a place to sleep, but you won't have any problem at all anywhere else.

As in most other countries, it is often cheaper to obtain accommodation directly with the hotel (either in person or in advance via the internet) rather than through booking agencies. Even an increasing number of small hotels will accept reservations via the Internet. Search for the local official tourist guide websites which will have a list of hotels and/or bed and breakfasts, then inquire at that site: most have information in English, many have formal reservation webpages. Prices for 4-star hotels are much the same as in the rest of Europe, certainly in Bucharest, whilst 3-star hotels and below can be a little cheaper. A feature of Romanian accommodation prices is that many bed and breakfast establishments (without any hotel star rating) are as expensive as or more expensive than 2- or 3-star hotels. Most appear to be more modern than rated hotels.

Rural tourism is relatively well developed in Romania. There is a national association of rural guesthouses owners, ANTREC [dead link] who offer accommodations in over 900 localities throughout the country.

Learn [ edit ]

The oldest Romanian university is the University of Iași , founded in 1860 (the medieval schools in Bucharest and Iasi are not considered universities). Bucharest, Iasi and Cluj are considered to be the largest and most prestigious university centres, with newer centres of education like Timisoara, Craiova and Galati emerging as cities with an increasingly larger student population. If coming with a mobility grant (Erasmus/Socrates or similar), it is very important to go to the International Office of the Romanian University as soon as possible, as Romanian paperwork tends to be quite impressive and may take some time to be processed. Also, if planning to study in Romania, it is highly recommended to find your own accommodation - most universities do not provide any accommodation, and if they do provide accommodation, the conditions offered are sometimes terrible (3-4 persons sharing a room, with a corridor of 50 or more sharing the showers and toilets is not unheard of - this happens since university-offered accommodation is typically next to free (€15-20 per month) for Romanians, and you usually get what you pay for).

The education system is mediocre at best since 1990 (Romania did not do good in either of the PISA evaluations, being in the lower third of European countries), however reform attempts have been done in the past decade. Attendance is compulsory for 10 years. Universities have started to reduce the number of subsidies so students will, increasingly, have to pay the tuition (tuition is however very low - €500 per year is the norm). With some exceptions teaching methods in universities are antiquated, with formalism, dictation and memorisation as the main tools employed - leading to low quality of many establishments (no Romanian university made it in the Shanghai Index). However, there were very serious reform attempts, with some universities (notably the University of Bucharest, University of Iasi, the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj and the University of Timișoara) imposing better teaching standards and interactivity between students and teachers - however much progress is to be done even there. For most subjects, programs are available in Romanian and Hungarian, depending on the university. Some programs are available in English, French and German. Elementary and middle schools are supported by local authorities budget. As with most nations, teachers complain about small salaries. Literacy is nearly universal. According to an EU commission study, about 30% of Romanians speak English (50% in urban environments) and 25% French (40% in urban environments). German is also spoken by about 3-5% of the population (1% having it as their mother tongue).

Work [ edit ]

Citizens of the Nordic countries, the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland have the right to enter, reside, and work in Romania freely. Everyone else, however, needs a work permit to work in the country.

Romania's greatest export happens to be people departing the country in search of opportunities elsewhere. Since the fall of the Communist government, millions of Romanians have moved abroad. Corruption, low standards of living, a mediocre educational system, and a general lack of lucrative employment opportunities are some of the many reasons why Romanians leave their country. As a result, some Romanian employers often struggle with managing inexperienced or unskilled staff.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Romania is a very safe country, where random attacks are almost non-existent. While violence against foreign tourists is rare, this does not mean you should leave your common sense at home, if you decide to vacation in Romania. Generally crime is limited to petty thefts and common scams, and not much else that would concern the tourist. Wherever you may be in the country, ask trusted locals about the surroundings, they will gladly give you a few pointers.

Although racial prejudice exists in Romania, especially toward those who look like Roma (“gypsies”), hate crimes are rare. Some homophobic prejudice also remains, for instance an annual gay pride parade in Bucharest has been the scene of violent protests in past years.

Emergency phone numbers [ edit ]

Romania uses the pan-European standard number 112 for all emergency calls since 2004. Therefore, this is the only number you will need to remember for police, ambulance and the fire department.

Petty crime [ edit ]

Romania is quite safe, with very little violent crime. Pickpocketing and scams (such as taxi scams or confidence tricks) are present on a wider scale, so exert care especially in crowded places (such as train stations, some markets, urban public transport). Keep your money or valuables in inner pockets of your backpack and always watch your handbag in said crowded areas. When traveling with a cab, always make sure you read and remember the price per kilometer that's written on the outside of the car, because some of the drivers may try to take advantage of the fact that you are not familiar with the prices.

Animals [ edit ]

Romania has a very large population of wild animals , including one of the largest populations of wild bears in Europe. Bears are deadly, and even the ones living closer to cities, which loot garbage containers, must not be approached. It is commonplace for bears to visit city neighborhoods situated near mountain forests in search for food (such as in Brașov). As such, spotting a bear or wolf is fairly easy. Although usually not dangerous, such animals may become aggressive if care is not taken. If you spot a bear or wolf when hiking, it is advisable to slowly turn around and slowly walk away while facing the animal. Local shepherds advise people who are wild camping to camp out in the open rather than under trees where possible to avoid the bears. Under any circumstances, do not attempt to run or try to feed the animal, as it may become disoriented and attack. In 2006, six people were killed by wild animals in Romania. There have also been cases in which tourists encountered bear cubs and attempted to feed or play with them. In some cases this has turned out to be a fatal mistake. If you happen to encounter any sort of young animals be aware their parents are somewhere close. The best thing you can do is leave the area as soon as possible, as cuddly and cute as bear cubs may be, their parents are not. Bears are extremely aggressive when they have cubs and will attack at the slightest hint of a threat to their cubs. This is one of the leading causes of attacks by animals on people.

Feral animals such as stray dogs may additionally pose a problem in Bucharest and other major cities, where they are widespread. Some might not be aggressive, but be careful about animals in packs and at night. Some are taken care of by people from nearby housing blocks and these can be especially territorial and can sometimes attack without warning. The number of stray dogs is declining but is still relatively high and overall they are the biggest physical danger especially in remote areas.

Romanian farmers also use dogs for herding and protecting sheep. You'll most likely see this if you're walking near any farms, on dirt roads, or rural areas. You can tell they are sheep dogs as farmers usually attach horizontally-hanging sticks under their necks. If you encounter one of these dogs, it might appear scared at first, and might be looking backwards. It is indeed scared, but it is not looking for retreat: it's looking for its other doggy friends! If you continue walking towards their territory or whatever herd of sheep they are protecting, they will most certainly become more and more defensive, and have no doubt that more and more will appear as you get closer to the herd. In situations like this, you simply need to back off. It's not worth attempting to defend yourself either, as Romanian farmers will get very angry. If you are in a rural area, consider waiting for a horse-drawn wagon or car for hitchhiking: this is the best way to cross such territories.

Corruption [ edit ]

Corruption is becoming less significant in Romania in last years.

Some visitors may encounter corrupt policemen ( Polițiști ) and customs officials ( Vameși , Ofițeri de vamă ) first hand, even though this seems to be a declining problem. While it may be tempting to pay a bribe ( mită or șpagă ) to smooth things along on your visit, you should avoid doing so as it only contributes to this problem. It is also illegal to give bribes as well as to receive them. Foreigners might receive tougher sentences in Romania.

A piece of good advice for when you find yourself in the situation to be asked to pay a bribe (or just suggested) is to politely reject the proposal, stating clearly that you would not do that. If you are being harassed adopt a swift and determined attitude, and threaten that you will immediately call the police. This will almost surely make whoever is asking for the bribe stop and leave you alone.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water is generally potable, but most people choose to drink bottled water instead.

Health care [ edit ]

Conditions in Romanian hospitals may vary from the very clean and sparkling, with all the latest technological utilities, to the downright drab, dark and cold. Some hospitals, however, may be, as aforementioned, uncomfortable, with dimness, temperature problems (hot in summer, cold in winter) and outdated equipment, although medical staff are usually experienced. You won't usually face problems such as significant lack of cleanliness.

Your travel health insurance might prove to be insufficient if the medical condition is severe. In this case, you will be asked to pay for the medical services, and prices are not very low compared to Western Europe.

Citizens of the European Union are covered by Romania's National Healthcare System as long as they carry an E111 European Health Insurance Card, obtainable from their own national healthcare authority and valid for all EU countries.

Dental procedures in Romania, especially those in private clinics, are of an excellent quality. In fact, many Western Europeans come to Romania to have their teeth done for the quarter of the price they pay in their home country. Quality is particularly high in clinics in Transylvania and Bucharest.

Respect [ edit ]

Romanians are quite hospitable. In the countryside and small towns, they welcome foreign tourists and, occasionally, they might even invite you for a lunch. As is common with Romania's Balkan neighbours, Romanians will insist when offering something, as "no" sometimes does not mean "no", and they just consider it polite for you to refuse and polite for them to insist.

You should take some normal precautions to study your hosts first. It is common for friends and family to kiss both cheeks upon greeting or parting. Respect towards the elderly is highly appreciated and is a good representation of your character. The phrases used to greet friends and strangers alike is "Bună ziua" (Boo-nah Zee-wah) which means "Good day" or "Good afternoon." During morning and evenings, the phrase changes to "Bună dimineața" and "Bună seara", respectively.

Handshakes are a basic form of greeting, used very often and with every meeting. It is always expected to shake hands with everybody when entering a room or gathering of people. Although nowadays it is commonly accepted in Romania for men to shake hands with women, some men still prefer to kiss hands instead, out of tradition (mainly the older ones).

Courtesy is highly expected in Romanian society, especially toward females. It is customary to let women go first in doors, help with heavy baggage or give up seat on public transport (particularly to elderly, pregnant women and very young children).

When entering someone's house, the guest is expected to take off shoes. Not doing so will be a disappointment for the host, although the host probably will not be open with showing it.

It is impolite to get drunk in public. If a person gets intoxicated, therefore is expected to still behave calmly, not noisy nor using fool language.

At beaches, men wear either speedos or shorts, with the former more common amongst the over 40s, and the latter more popular with the younger crowd. Ladies tend to wear thong bikinis, while topless sunbathing is becoming more widespread.

Refrain from observations that Romanian is a Slavic language or even related to Hungarian, Turkish or Albanian. People might find it quite offensive; in fact, as it was already mentioned, Romanians do not pronounce vowels and consonants the same way as any of their neighbours.

Romanians also appreciate foreigners who do not assume that Romania was part of either the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union (it was only a member of the Eastern Bloc). Anti-Russian sentiment is high due to the history of Soviet domination. Even if you are the most ardent Russophile in the world, avoid being overly enthusiastic about Russia as it could provoke a hostile response from the locals.

Avoid discussing the ethnic animosities between the Romanians and ethnic Hungarians. Hungarians dominate in some areas in Transylvania, and inter-ethnic violence occasionally broke out in the early 1990s.

Other minority-rich regions include Dobrogea, where Tatars, Turks, and Ukrainians still live today, and also the west of the country, where there are small numbers of Serbs, Slovaks, and Germans. Almost all Jews left the country in the decades after the Holocaust.

Another very offensive misconception is making no difference between Romanians and the Roma people (commonly referred to as Gypsies, although this term is considered derogatory). Confusing the two ethnic groups can offend a lot of people because there is still a lot of prejudice towards the Roma people.

Romanians might dislike having Romania labelled as a Balkan country because of a somewhat negative image of the region. It is not entirely geographically correct either, as most of Romania (all of it except Dobrogea) lies outside the Balkan Peninsula.

Connect [ edit ]

Mobile phones [ edit ].

Mobile phones are ubiquitous in Romania. There are five networks - four GSM/3G (Orange Romania, Vodafone, Telekom and DigiMobil). Orange and Vodafone have almost full national coverage (98-99% of the surface of the country), while the German Telekom is expanding quickly.

Tariffs are average for the European Union (€0.08-0.30/min, €0.04 per SMS). Both pre-paid cards and subscriptions are available, and special options for discounted international calls exist with some pricing plans. Roaming is available but is, like in most of the EU, rather expensive. Pre-paid cards or recharge codes can be bought in almost every shop, either rural or urban.

On prepaid SIMs you can activate extra options ("extraopțiune") starting from €5 (+ 24% VAT) in total = 27-32 lei, with a validity period of 30 days, containing thousands (200 -3000) of minutes and SMSs within the same network and up to 100 minutes outside the network, including most European Union fixed land-line networks and two or three mobile networks.

Internet access [ edit ]

Internet access is fast, widely available in urban environments and growing in rural environments. Broadband internet is widely available in cities and towns, through cable, DSL, or home-grown small or medium size ISPs offering UTP connections. Speeds are mostly like Western Europe or the US, with 1-4 Mbit/s downstream for non-metropolitan access being the norm - with prices being around €9-25 for 1-4Mbit/s, with local access significantly faster (10-50 or even 100Mbit/s). The speeds are increasing, home access for 4Mbit/s being available at around €10 per month.

Internet cafés are available in most towns and cities and villages - but in big cities, their numbers are dropping because of the cheap availability of home access. In rural areas, public Internet access is available in 150 remote villages (in so-called "telecenters"). In these "telecenters", access is subsidised by the state, and therefore limited. Computers are usually not available in libraries, or in public places such as train stations.

Wireless access is growing, especially in Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, Bistrița, Timișoara and Cluj with Wi-Fi widely available in University areas, airports, public squares, parks, cafes, hotels and restaurants. Pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi is also available in many venues. If uncertain, look for plazas near the Town Hall, large parks or other important buildings. Most (if not all) McDonald's restaurants in Romania have Wi-Fi access and so do most 3-star (and higher) hotels.

Mobile internet is available cheaply by all the mobile phone companies (using Romanian simcards). Combined 3G/GPRS/EDGE access is priced at 40-80 lei per month with a cap of 5-10GB.

Cable TV [ edit ]

Cable TV is also very widely available, with about 85% of all households being connected. All hotels providing you with a TV set will offer cable TV or digital TV.

Go next [ edit ]

The land border can be crossed to Moldova , Bulgaria , Ukraine , Serbia and Hungary .

Romania has ultra low-cost flights to many European countries, Israel , Jordan and the United Arab Emirates .

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Ultimate Romania Travel

A Luxury Voyage Blog

2024 Romania Travel Guide: Local Insights for First-Time Visitors!

Welcome to Romania, a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture waiting to be explored! As a Romanian with a passion for sharing the hidden gems and insider tips of my homeland , I’m thrilled to help you create an unforgettable journey. Romania travel guide is crafted through the lens of a local and is your essential companion for the upcoming adventure.

Get ready to embark on an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, as we delve into the heart of Romania’s charm and uncover the secrets that will make your visit an authentic and enriching experience.

In this travel guide, I’ll take you beyond the typical tourist spots, offering you a firsthand perspective and revealing the lesser-known treasures that make Romania truly special.

Let’s explore Romania together, and discover the beauty that lies off the beaten path!

And you also can check: 19 Things You Must Consider Before Traveling to Romania!

Know before you go to Romania

Language basics.

While in my country English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Romanian phrases will not only ease your travels but also endear you to the locals. We appreciate the effort, and it enhances your overall experience. The Romanian language, a Latin language like French, Italian, and Spanish, has its own unique charm. Greetings play a crucial role in Romanian culture, so mastering basic pleasantries like “Bună ziua” (Good day) and “Mulțumesc” (Thank you) can go a long way.

Cultural Etiquette

Cultural etiquette in Romania is deeply rooted in traditions and respect. When greeting someone, a firm handshake is customary, with direct eye contact and a sincere smile. It is polite to address people using their titles and last names, especially in formal settings. Punctuality is appreciated, so arriving on time for social events or meetings is considered courteous. During conversations, Romanians value open communication and appreciate a genuine interest in their culture and history. When entering someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets, as a token of appreciation. Additionally, respecting personal space and using polite expressions contribute to positive interactions.

Entry Requirements

Ensure you have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport. Check if a visa is required for your nationality and the duration of your stay.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Research and prioritize the cultural and historical sites you want to visit. Knowing the significance of these places enhances your appreciation of Romania’s rich heritage.

Respect for Nature

If you plan on exploring Romania’s natural beauty, be sure to adhere to eco-friendly practices. Respect nature reserves and follow responsible tourism guidelines.

Natural Hazards

Depending on the region and season, be aware of potential natural hazards such as bears in certain areas or weather-related issues. Stay informed about safety guidelines.

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Best time to visit Romania

Summer in Romania is a vibrant tapestry of experiences that showcases the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush green landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains to the sun-soaked beaches of the Black Sea coast, Romania beckons visitors with a diverse array of attractions. As a local, I recommend exploring the charming medieval towns, attending outdoor festivals celebrating traditional music and dance, and indulging in the seasonal bounty of fresh, local produce. Dive into the turquoise waters of the Black Sea, unwind in the picturesque countryside, and savor traditional dishes at lively open-air markets.

Fall in Romania unveils a breathtaking transformation as the landscapes transition into a kaleidoscope of warm hues. As a Romanian, I cherish this season for its cozy charm and the enchanting atmosphere it brings to our historic towns and countryside. Fall festivals celebrate our cultural heritage, offering a taste of traditional foods and lively folk performances. Whether you’re wandering through ancient fortresses or sipping hot drinks at a charming café, Romania in the fall captures the essence of tranquility and cultural richness, making it a season to be savored.

Winter transforms Romania into a magical wonderland. Blankets of snow drape the Carpathian Mountains, turning them into a serene playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Historic towns adorned with twinkling lights exude a festive atmosphere, and Christmas markets offer a delightful array of traditional treats and handmade crafts. Embrace the warmth of hearty Romanian cuisine, from sarmale to mămăligă, as you cozy up in inviting local eateries . Picture yourself wandering through medieval castles dusted with snow or sipping mulled wine at a picturesque chalet. Winter in Romania is a time to embrace the cold with open arms, celebrating the season’s charm and the warmth of community spirit that defines this magical time of the year.

Spring in Romania is a symphony of renewal. Nature awakens with vibrant blooms carpeting the countryside, turning it into a picturesque panorama. The Carpathian Mountains, still dusted with snow, create a stunning backdrop to the emerging greenery. It’s the perfect time to explore historic towns, where cobblestone streets come alive with the hustle and bustle of outdoor markets. As the weather warms, outdoor cafes beckon, inviting you to savor local delicacies amidst blooming gardens. Spring also marks the beginning of cultural festivals and events celebrating our rich traditions.

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Places to visit in Romania

Bucovina , my cherished corner of Romania, is a treasure trove of beauty and cultural richness. Nestled in the northeastern part of the country, this enchanting region is renowned for its painted monasteries, each a masterpiece of vibrant frescoes that tell stories of our heritage. As a local, I am captivated by the lush landscapes, rolling hills, and the warmth of the people who proudly preserve their traditions. Bucovina’s authenticity shines through in its charming villages, where time seems to stand still. Indulge in the delectable local cuisine, savoring dishes that reflect our agricultural heritage. Whether marveling at the Painted Monasteries of Suceava or hiking through the pristine surroundings, Bucovina offers a glimpse into the heart of Romania, inviting you to immerse yourself in its timeless allure and experience the true essence of our culture.

Transilvania

Transylvania, a jewel in Romania’s crown, is a region that beckons with its captivating blend of history, folklore, and natural splendor. I take pride in welcoming you to this enchanting land, where medieval castles stand as silent witnesses to a rich past. The picturesque landscapes, dotted with fortified churches and charming villages, tell tales of a bygone era. Explore the cobbled streets of Sibiu or delve into the Gothic grandeur of Bran Castle, forever linked to the Dracula legend. Transylvania’s allure extends beyond its legendary associations; it’s a place where vibrant festivals, hearty cuisine, and warm hospitality converge. Whether hiking in the Carpathians or wandering through the vibrant squares, Transylvania invites you to embrace its timeless charm, offering an authentic and unforgettable Romanian experience.

Danube Delta & Black Sea

The Danube Delta and the Black Sea, an awe-inspiring duo in the Romanian landscape, offer a unique tapestry of natural wonders and coastal allure. I find solace in the serenity of the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where labyrinthine waterways crisscross through reed-filled landscapes, creating a haven for diverse flora and fauna. From pelicans to wild horses, the Delta is a living canvas of biodiversity. Moving towards the Black Sea, golden beaches stretch along the coastline, inviting relaxation and seaside adventures. Explore the vibrant port cities of Constanta and Tulcea, where history mingles with a lively maritime atmosphere. Whether cruising the delta’s waterways, birdwatching in pristine wetlands, or basking in the sun on the Black Sea shores, this region encapsulates Romania’s natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape and a haven for exploration.

Maramureș, a hidden gem in the heart of Romania, beckons with its timeless charm and cultural richness. The iconic wooden churches, adorned with intricate carvings, stand as testaments to Maramures’ architectural heritage. Roaming through the countryside, you’ll encounter rolling hills, wooden gates, and locals proudly preserving age-old traditions. The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, with its vividly painted grave markers, adds a touch of folklore to the journey. Maramures is not just a destination; it’s an immersive experience, inviting you to embrace its authenticity, savoring the hospitality, vibrant festivals, and captivating stories embedded in every wooden beam and cobblestone street.

Bucharest , the dynamic capital of Romania, is a city where history and modernity seamlessly intertwine. You’ll be captivated by the energy of this bustling metropolis, adorned with grand Belle Époque architecture, Soviet-era structures, and contemporary design. The iconic Palace of the Parliament, a colossal symbol of Romania’s complex history, stands alongside charming neighborhoods like Lipscani, where cobblestone streets lead to vibrant cafes and eclectic shops. Bucharest’s parks, including Herastrau and Cismigiu, offer peaceful retreats amidst the urban hustle. Culinary delights abound in the city’s diverse restaurants, and the nightlife is alive with music and excitement. Whether exploring the open-air Village Museum or immersing in the city’s thriving arts scene, Bucharest is an invitation to discover Romania’s dynamic spirit and the rich tapestry of its capital city.

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Romanian currency, exchange houses and card payments

Local currency.

Romania’s official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON)

Money Exchange

When exchanging money in Romania, it’s recommended to use authorized exchange offices or banks for fair rates and secure transactions. Avoid street vendors offering currency exchange, as they may not provide reliable services. Additionally, many establishments in urban areas accept major credit cards, but having some local currency on hand is beneficial, especially in more remote locations.

cash and card Payments

While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into rural regions or smaller establishments. ATMs are readily available for currency withdrawal, and exchanging money at local banks or exchange offices is a common practice for visitors.

Where to stay in Romania: Booking hotels, guesthouses and homes

Staying in hotels in Romania promises a blend of comfort and cultural immersion. From boutique accommodations in historic city centers to resorts nestled in picturesque landscapes, you can experience warm hospitality, diverse amenities, and a chance to explore the country’s rich heritage. Romanian hotels offer a delightful fusion of modern convenience and traditional charm.

Guesthouses

Opting for guesthouses or Airbnbs in Romania provides an intimate and authentic experience. From charming rural cottages to cozy urban apartments, these accommodations offer a genuine glimpse into local life. Guests enjoy personalized attention, local insights, and a unique stay that complements Romania’s diverse landscapes and cultural tapestry.

Stay with Locals

Immerse yourself in Romanian hospitality by staying with locals. Whether in a village homestay or city residence, this intimate experience offers genuine connections, cultural insights, and personalized recommendations. Sharing meals, stories, and traditions with locals creates lasting memories, providing a truly immersive and enriching stay in Romania.

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What to eat in Romania: Traditional Romanian Food you must try

Romanian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by its diverse history and cultural heritage.

Tochitura Bucovineana

Tochitură Bucovineană is a flavorful Romanian dish originating from the Bucovina region. It features diced pork, sausages, and bacon, simmered together until golden and crispy. Seasoned with garlic, thyme, and sweet paprika, Tochitură Bucovineană is often served with mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) and a fried egg, creating a hearty and savory culinary experience.

Sarmale with Mamaliga

Sarmales are cabbage rolls filled with a delicious mixture of minced pork, rice, sautéed onions, and various spices like thyme and dill. Slow-cooked and often served with polenta, sour cream, and hot pepper, they are a centerpiece of festive meals and celebrations.

Mici (Mititei)

These small, grilled ground meat rolls are a popular Romanian street food. The mixture of pork, beef, and lamb is seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and paprika, resulting in flavorful, juicy morsels. Mici are typically enjoyed with mustard and fresh bread.

Papanași, a beloved Romanian dessert, are doughnut-shaped pastries made from a mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and semolina, deep-fried to golden perfection. The center is usually filled with a dollop of sour cherry or apricot jam, and they’re traditionally served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or a side of sour cream. Papanași delight the taste buds with their sweet, tangy, and creamy combination.

Getting Around in Romania

Train and buses.

Navigating Romania by train and bus offers a convenient and scenic way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. The extensive rail network connects major cities, providing comfortable and efficient travel. Buses complement train routes, reaching smaller towns and picturesque regions, making both modes of transportation essential for a comprehensive Romanian journey.

Uber and Taxis

In Romania, Uber and traditional taxis provide convenient options for navigating urban areas and reaching destinations efficiently. Uber operates in major cities, offering a reliable and often more cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. Taxis are readily available, and while some might not use meters, it’s advisable to choose licensed operators for a secure and regulated travel experience.

Renting Car

Renting a car in Romania offers unparalleled freedom to explore the country’s hidden gems . From the vibrant streets of Bucharest to the scenic Transfăgărășan Highway, having your own vehicle unlocks the beauty of diverse landscapes. While public transportation is available, driving allows for personalized itineraries, revealing the authentic charm of Romania at your own pace.

Internal flights

Internal flights in Romania provide swift connections between major cities, ideal for travelers covering longer distances. Although the country’s size may make internal flights less common than other modes of transportation, they offer a time-efficient option for those with limited time or specific travel requirements. From Cluj-Napoca to Timișoara or from Suceava and Iasi to Bucharest, internal flights provide convenience for exploring Romania’s diverse regions.

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Visit Romania Faqs

What you should know before going to romania.

Before traveling to Romania, familiarize yourself with the local currency (Romanian Leu) and consider having some cash on hand. Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your interactions, and be aware that English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Research the specific regions you plan to visit, as Romania offers diverse landscapes, each with its own unique attractions and cultural nuances.

How much cash can I bring to Romania?

There are no strict limits on the amount of cash you can bring to Romania, but it’s advisable to declare sums exceeding €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies upon entry. ATMs are widely available for currency withdrawal, and credit cards are accepted in urban areas. Carry a moderate amount of cash for convenience, especially in rural or smaller establishments.

Do I need cash in Romania?

While major cities and tourist areas in Romania accept credit cards, having some cash on hand is advisable for smaller establishments and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited. ATMs are widely available, making it convenient to withdraw local currency (Romanian Leu) as needed. It’s a good idea to carry a moderate amount of cash for practicality during your travels.

What to do and not do in Romania?

Embrace our vibrant culture by engaging with friendly locals, savoring traditional cuisine, and participating in lively cultural events. Explore our rich history through iconic sites like Bran Castle and the Painted Monasteries, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and Black Sea coast. Opt for public transportation in cities, use reputable taxis or ride-sharing apps, and always be respectful of local customs. Don’t shy away from trying our diverse traditional foods, plan your travels wisely to avoid underestimating distances, and prioritize safety by being aware of your surroundings and respecting local laws. Your journey through Romania is bound to be an authentic and enriching experience.

What are 5 interesting facts about Romania?

Romania boasts a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. It is home to one of the heaviest buildings globally, the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, and hosts Europe’s last genuinely wild forests in the Carpathian Mountains. The country is renowned for its Painted Monasteries, showcasing intricate frescoes, and Transylvania is linked to the Dracula legend, with Bran Castle as a focal point. Romania is the birthplace of the method for insulin treatment for diabetes, discovered by scientists Nicolae Paulescu and Sir Frederick Banting. Additionally, it has a fascinating diversity of wildlife, including the largest population of brown bears in Europe.

Overall Romania Travel Guide

All in all, Romania offers a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. From the iconic castles of Transylvania to the pristine landscapes of the Danube Delta, the country unfolds as a treasure trove for every traveler. Engaging with locals, trying traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural events enhance the authenticity of the journey. Whether navigating the dynamic streets of Bucharest or savoring the tranquility of rural villages, Romania’s diverse regions promise a rich and immersive experience. Embark on this adventure with an open heart, and let the warmth of Romanian hospitality and the allure of its landscapes create lasting memories .

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Romania Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Practical Information

Cheaper than much of Europe, Romania has nevertheless graduated from the dirt-cheap-trip category in recent years, with basic, modern hotel rooms edging into the €40-per-night level, and a sit-down meal with a beer, some meat and soup costing between €7 and €10 (and higher in Bucharest ). Car-hire rates tend to be high too – up to €40 per day – but bus and train tickets are quite cheap (about €3.50 to €7 per 100km by train).

Those looking to save can relish the abundant fast-food stands selling burgers, kebabs and pizza slices (about €1.50 to €2.50), and the abundance of cazare (private rooms) available from entrepreneurs loitering at train stations or the more organised agroturism B&B network, which run about €10 to €15 per person, including breakfast. These can provide lunch and dinner upon request.

For a couple wishing to stay in mid-priced hotels, dine out once or twice a day and perhaps hire the occasional guide or go on guided tours, expect to pay €60 to €100 per day total, excluding travel. Backpackers staying in private rooms, eating only one meal in a restaurant and excluding guides or travel expenses can expect to pay more like €20 to €30 per day.

Some remote areas – such as Maramures, Transylvania ’s Saxon churches – are far easier to see with a guide or a hired car. Those wanting to go on long-term hikes should consider going with a guide too.

In Romania the only legal tender is the leu (plural: lei), though they are separate currencies in each country and have different exchange rates. In Romania you’ll see many prices quoted in euros.

After tumultuous times of inflation and devaluation in the 1990`s, the leu is showing signs of stability. Joining the EU could mean a rise in prices in Romania, though many things have already risen to a level comparable to some EU members from Eastern Europe.

ATMs (cash points) are everywhere and give 24-hour withdrawals in lei on your Cirrus, Plus, Visa, MasterCard or Euro-card. Some banks, such as Banca Comerciala Româna, gives cash advances on credit cards in your home currency.

Exchanging money

To change dollars, euros or pounds, you often need to show a passport. Be wary of changers with bodyguard goons out front.

Some changers advertise juicy rates, but disguise a ‘9’ as a ‘0’ subtly etc. Count your money carefully.

Black market activity is not seen much. Don’t change money on the street.

Health and Safety

Before you go.

Prevention is the key to staying healthy while abroad. A little planning before departure, particularly for pre-existing illnesses, will save trouble later. Carry a spare pair of contact lenses and glasses, and take your optical prescription with you.

Bring extra medications in their original, clearly labelled, containers. A signed and dated letter from your doctor describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a doctor’s letter documenting their medical necessity.

If you’re an EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) form, available from health centers or via www.dh.gov.uk in the UK, covers you for most medical care. Valid for three to five years, the EHIC will not cover you for non emergencies or emergency repatriation.

Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and the country visited. If you need health insurance, consider a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home.

Dangers & annoyances

Romania can get a bad rap, but don’t cancel your trip if you’re worried about losing a wallet or getting a dog bite –it’s not that extreme.

Prominent scams in the country are jacked-up prices for tourists in Bucharest restaurants, taxis that charge extortionate fares (call for a taxi with companies as recommended by your hotel), and a lifted wallet if you’re not careful in public squares or jam-packed buses – like much of the world. Outside the capital, and away from touristy zones like Brasov , you might end up being surprised you were ever concerned.

In the past guys in bogus uniforms have asked to see passports in Bucharest , and run off with them. Don’t hand over your passport in public.

To call the (Romanian-speaking only) police, dial 955. In Moldova, dial 902.

While you’re there

Availability & cost of health care.

Medical care is not always readily available outside of major cities, but embassies, consulates and five-star hotels can usually recommend doctors or clinics. They can also recommend where to seek treatment in smaller towns or rural areas. Note that there is an increased risk of Hepatitis B and HIV transmission via poorly sterilized equipment.

This is a potential concern considering the number of stray dogs running around Romania. If bitten by a homeless dog, seek medical attention within 72 hours (most main hospitals will have a rabies clinic), but don’t panic – while rabies is transmitted via the animal’s saliva, the rabies virus is present in saliva only during the final stages of the disease in the animal.

It is therefore a relatively rarely transmitted disease. Still, do not take any chances and seek medical attention. Any bite, scratch or even lick from an unknown animal should be cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Scrub with soap and running water, and then apply alcohol or iodine solution.

Visa Requirements

In order to obtain a visa, you will need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond the date you enter the country.

Citizens of all EU countries, USA, Canada, Japan and many other countries may travel visa-free for 90 days in Romania . Australians and New Zealanders no longer need to arrange a visa in advance. As visa requirements change frequently, check at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( www.mae.ro ) before departure.

Romania issues two types of visas to tourists: transit and single-entry. Transit visas (for those from countries other than the ones mentioned above) are for stays of no longer than three days, and cannot be bought at the border.

To apply for a visa you need a passport, one recent passport photograph and the completed visa application form accompanied by the appropriate fee. Citizens of some countries (mainly African) need a formal invitation from a person or company in order to apply for a visa; see www.mae.ro for details.

Regular single-entry visas (US$25) are valid for 90 days from the day you arrive. Single-entry visas are usually issued within a week (depending on the consulate), but for an extra US$6 can be issued within 48 hours.

Transit visas can be either single-entry (US$15) – valid for three days and allowing you to enter Romania once – or double-entry (US$25), allowing you to enter the country twice and stay for three days each time.

In Romania, you can extend your tourist visa for another 60 days at any county police office, but it can be trickier than just leaving the country and coming back in. Technically it takes a couple of days and shouldn’t cost more than US$50. You may have to show you have US$100 per day for your stay. You must apply before your current visa expires. It’s easier if you get a travel agent to help.

Check your visa requirements for Serbia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Ukraine if you plan to cross those borders. If you are taking the Bucharest –St Petersburg train you will need Ukrainian and Belarusian transit visas on top of the Russian visa.

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Georgiana Craighead is Romanian and has travelled extensively throughout the country. Originally from Constanta she has also lived and studied in Bucharest.  As a proud Romanian she is keen to show off the beauty of her country – from the beach resorts to the mountains. But there is more to Romania than that. She is also keen to explain the culture, food, and more so that readers have a better understanding od what this stunning country has too offer.

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Great article and very useful thanks.

What’s the journey like from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest Railway Station and onward to Constanta by train? Is it straightforward for a non-Romanian speaker?

Thank you for the helpful info. Thinking of visiting in 2018 so looking ahead.

Georgi, I think your site is the most useful guide that I have seen on the internet.Thank you so much. My 20 year old granddaughter and I(82 years)are planning a trip to Romania and Bulgaria in May.We are mainly interested in non touristy places and especially interested in meeting ordinary people. I have been trying to locate B&Bs in private homes but the computer only comes up with hotels.On your site you mention agrotourism B&Bs that can be contacted at travel centers.Could you tell me if there is a list of recommended B&Bs.Any recommendations you could give us would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Georgi, I believed your site is the best that has given me detail pieces of information about Romania. I’m a Gambian businessman living in Dakar, Senegal. I and my wife would like to visit Romania in August for vacations, I would appreciate should you help me on how to pay for a hotel voucher or to get a travel agent in Romania. Looking forward to hearing from you ASAP

Kindest Regards Lamin Jallow

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Travel in Romania is as rewarding as it is challenging. The country’s mountain scenery, its great diversity of wildlife and cultures, and a way of life that at times seems little changed since the Middle Ages, leave few who visit unaffected. Try to accept whatever happens as an adventure – encounters with Gypsies, wild bears and tricky officials are likely to be far more interesting than anything touted by the tourist board.

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Relaxing beach fun - the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria and Romania

The perfect trip for those that are looking for sun, sea and sand while also getting to know the culture and history of both Bulgaria and Romania. Start and end in Bucharest and discover Constanta, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas and Madara Rider.

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The legend of Dracula

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Luxurious Highlights of Romania: From Bucharest to Transylvania

Romania offers plenty for the discerning traveller, including beautiful Boutique properties. On this trip, discover Bucharest, the Danube Delta, Bucovina and Transylvania with Dracula's castle. A private guide will accompany you throughout the trip, well-equipped with Romanian knowledge and facts.

Romanians trace their ancestry back to the Romans, and have a noticeable Latin character – warm, spontaneous and appreciative of style. In Transylvania, in addition to ethnic Romanians, one and a half million Magyars and around the same number of Rroma (Gypsies) follow their own path, while dwindling numbers of Transylvanian Germans (Saxons) reside around the fortified towns and churches built by their ancestors. Along the coast, in the Delta and in the Banat, there’s a rich mixture of Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs, Slovaks, Bulgars, Gypsies, Turks and Tatars.

Two decades of dictatorial rule by Nicolae Ceauşescu brought Romania to the brink of ruin, with economic collapse and repression by the feared Securitate bringing about a stark deterioration in living standards. Although it’s almost thirty years since Ceauşescu’s overthrow in what was Europe’s bloodiest revolution of 1989, the country is, in many ways, only just emerging from his shadow – though Romania’s admission into NATO in 2004 and then, somewhat more controversially, the European Union in 2007, has at least cemented its place in the wider international community.

As fascinating as the urban centres are – such as the capital, Bucharest, Braşov, Sighişoara, Timişoara and, most enchantingly, Sibiu – Romania’s true charm lies in the remoter regions. Any exploration of rural villages will be rewarding, with sights as diverse as the log houses in Oltenia, Delta villages built of reeds, and the magnificent wooden churches, with their sky-scraping Gothic steeples, of Maramureş, not to mention the country’s more traditional churches, which reflect a history of competing communities and faiths. Romania also offers some of the most unspoiled wilderness on the continent, from the majestic peaks of the Carpathian mountains and the verdant, rolling hills of Bucovina to the extraordinary wetlands of the Danube Delta.

The first point of arrival for many visitors is the capital, Bucharest. While not an easy city to love – its wide nineteenth-century Parisian-style boulevards are choked with traffic, once-grand fin de siècle buildings crumbling and the suburbs dominated by grim apartment blocks – its cultural institutions, abundant greenery and lively Old Town nightlife reward patience. In recent years, the gastronomic scene has improved beyond recognition, while a wave of artisan coffee joints has revitalized the city’s café culture.

From the capital, most visitors make a beeline for the province of Transylvania to the north, setting for the country’s most thrilling scenery and home to its finest cities: the gateway is Braşov, whose medieval Old Town is a good introduction to the Saxon architecture of the region, which reaches its peak in the fortified town of Sibiu and the jagged skyline of Sighişoara, Romania’s most atmospherically sited town and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula).

North and west of here, the great Magyar cities of Târgu Mureş, Cluj and Oradea have retained a wealth of medieval architecture, as well as impressive Baroque and Secession buildings. In the southwest, near the Serbian border, is hugely enjoyable Timişoara, source of the 1989 revolution.

The best of Romania, though, is its countryside, and in particular the wonderful mountains. The wild Carpathians, forming the frontier between Transylvania and, to the east and south, Moldavia and Wallachia, shelter bears, stags, chamois and eagles. The Bucegi, Făgăraş and Retezat ranges and the Padiş plateau, meanwhile, offer some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in Europe. The Black Sea coast is full of brash resorts, notably Mamaia, but it does have its charms, not least the old port of Constanţa.

Just north of here, the Danube Delta is set apart from the rest of the country; here life has hardly changed for centuries and boats are the only way to reach many settlements. During spring and autumn, hundreds of species of birds migrate through this area or come to breed. While not quite as remote, the villages of Maramureş, bordering Ukraine in the north, retain a medieval feel with their fabulous wooden churches. Close by, sprinkled amid the soft, rolling hills of Bucovina, are the wonderful painted monasteries, whose religious frescoes are among the most outstanding in Europe.

Discover more places in Romania

• The Banat and Crişana Travel Guide
• Transylvania Travel Guide
• Wallachia Travel Guide

• Occupying an area of 237,000 square kilometres, and with a population of around twenty million, Romania is one of East-Central Europe’s largest nations. Its capital, Bucharest, lies in the far south of the country on the plains of Wallachia, located between the Danube and the mountainous region of Transylvania to the north. The highest peak is Moldoveanu (2544m), in the Carpathian mountains.

• The constitution set in place a parliamentary system of government , elected every four years, with the prime minister at its head – the president is head of state.

• Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Romanian economy, with mountain, coastal and health spa resorts absorbing the bulk of the country’s tourist traffic. Romania’s most important exports are textiles and footwear, metal products, and machinery and equipment, and its main trading partners are Italy and Germany.

• Romania’s most famous historical figure is Vlad Ţepeş (c.1431–76), also known as Vlad the Impaler and, more familiarly, as Dracula.

Romania boasts one third of all Europe’s mineral springs, and around 160 spa resorts ( băile ), many of which were made fashionable by the Habsburgs during the nineteenth century.

Spa holidays are tremendously popular, the theory being that you stay in a resort for about eighteen days, following a prescribed course of treatment, and ideally return regularly over the next few years. However, if you can get cheap accommodation, a spa can also make a good base for a one-off holiday. In any case, it’s worth bearing in mind that even the smallest spas have campsites and restaurants.

The basic treatment naturally involves drinking the waters , which come in an amazing variety: alkaline, chlorinated, carbogaseous, and sodium-, iodine-, magnesium-, sulphate- or iron-bearing. In addition, you can bathe in hot springs or sapropelic muds, breathe in foul fumes at mofettes, or indulge in a new generation of complementary therapies such as ultrasound and aerosol treatment, ultraviolet light baths, acupuncture and electrotherapy.

The spas all have their own areas of specialization : Sovata is the best place for gynaecological problems; Covasna, Vatra Dornei and Buziaş deal with cardiovascular complaints; Călimăneşti-Căciulata, Slănic Moldova, Sângeorz-Băi and Băile Olăneşti with digestion; and others (notably Băile Herculane and Băile Felix) with a range of locomotive and rheumatic ailments. Mountain resorts such as Sinaia, Băile Tuşnad and Moneasa treat nervous complaints with fresh air, which has an ideal balance of ozone and ions.

Travel advice for Romania

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Romania

• Getting around Romania: Transportation Tips
• Eating and drinking in Romania
• How to get to Romania
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Romania
• Travel Tips Romania for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Romania

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updated 26.04.2021

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For those who value the freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car can be an invaluable asset. It allows you to uncover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist trails and gives you the flexibility to change plans on the fly. Find the best rental deals here .

Fresh Travel Inspiration

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Transylvania Is Known for Its Mythic Tales — Now 2 Chic New Hotels are Offering Another Reason to Visit

This storied region in Romania is a land of vast wilderness, regal countesses, and plenty of folklore.

Kate Eshelby

In the early afternoon, my family and I strode out of a beech forest and onto a sweep of high grassland, where an expanse of oak trees stood like solitary guards. A picnic was waiting for us, with goulash cooking over a fire and a table laid with a bright, cherry-colored cloth. 

This was the Breite, one of Europe’s best-preserved wood pastures, a type of forest that is managed through grazing. It was here, deep in Transylvania, that the Saxons — Germanic people who arrived in Romania in the 12th century — used to come to fatten their pigs on the plentiful acorns. Some of the Breite’s oldest trees, with deep grooves in their bark, have towered since the Middle Ages. “These furrows are home to the great capricorn beetle,” Peter Suciu, our guide, told us. The insects are rare in other parts of Europe that have lost their old trees, the beetles’ preferred habitat.

Transylvania, Romania’s largest and most famous region, is a place where blacksmiths still mold metal, shepherds live alone with their flocks, and hay is cut with scythes. It’s a land of villages with terra-cotta-tiled homes and vast wildernesses where bears, wolves, and lynx patrol primeval forests.

In the clearing, Suciu showed us how to cook slănină, cured slabs of pork fat, on sticks over the flames. “This is one of our most popular foods,” he said as we dripped its delicious, hot, golden juice onto hunks of freshly baked bread. We had met Suciu earlier that day, when he collected us from Bethlen Estates Transylvania , in the medieval village of Criș, where I was staying with my husband and two young sons. Only in the past several years have accommodations opened in these places, offering travelers the chance to experience a way of life that feels bygone. 

For centuries, Romania was a place of turbulence. Having been claimed by a number of history’s great empires — the Romans, the Ottomans, and the Austro-Hungarians — it was consistently under attack. More recently (from 1948 to 1989), the country operated as a satellite state of the Soviet Union. 

For nearly two decades, Count Miklós Bethlen, who had grown up in the family’s castle in Criș, lived in exile. He returned in 1967 and, until his death in 2001, was devoted to restoring the village and its properties, which had fallen into disrepair during the Communist era. This restoration has been continued by his widow, Countess Gladys Bethlen, and her son, Miklós, who now run a collection of accommodations occupying historic buildings on their sweeping family lands. Bethlen Estates first opened to guests in 2018 with the Caretaker’s House, which has four bedrooms, a full kitchen, a sauna, a pool, and a library. A two-bedroom Saxon-style cottage, Depner House, opened in 2021, as did the four-bedroom Corner Barn (originally used for storing hay). The Bethlens are also renovating the village’s old Saxon schoolhouse.

We’d arrived at the Caretaker’s House after crossing a wooden bridge over a stream and then following a winding path. Dormer windows protruded from the pitched roof like sleepy crocodile eyes. Inside, the bedrooms had sumptuous linens and traditional tiled stoves. 

Days at Bethlen are simple but sublime. One afternoon we whizzed across meadows on e-bikes; it was April, and we could see the snow-streaked peaks of Romania’s highest mountains, the Făgăraș Range, on the horizon. Another day we walked to the village of Malancrav, before realizing we might be late for dinner. After lively negotiations with a local family, we rode back through the forest on their horse-drawn cart (rattling down hills so fast that I was a little terrified, but my children were delighted). The red wool tassels on the horse’s harness — believed to protect against the evil eye — caught the air as we went. 

Thanks to our shortcut, we made it in time to sit down in the communal dining barn. First, tomato soup with sour cream and caviar, then Hungarian Mangalica pork with spring vegetables, followed by chocolate torte with peach marmalade. The Countess told us of her late husband’s love of the area. “His roots remained so deeply entrenched in this land that our children had to beg him to stop telling stories of his childhood,” she said with a gutsy laugh. Later, as my family and I strolled back up the hill to bed, I could imagine the estate’s former grandeur as I looked at the ruins of the granary and, in the distance, the Renaissance-era Bethlen Castle, where the family had lived at the height of its aristocratic power. 

After several days at Bethlen, we drove an hour east to Viscri, one of Transylvania’s best-preserved Saxon villages, with pastel-colored houses leading up to its unesco-listed fortified church. One of them belongs to Britain’s King Charles III, although it’s easy to pass by without knowing — his heraldic badge is discreetly stuccoed into the home’s blue walls. 

Our home for the next few days was another old residence and farm, Viscri 125 , which has been restored into a stylish, simple guesthouse with 11 rooms. The owners, Mihai and Raluca Grigore, live next door with their three children. “We moved here from Bucharest in 2007 because we loved the architecture of the village, being in nature, and the community,” Raluca told me. 

One evening we ate at the home of Gerda Gherghiceanu, the Grigores’ neighbor, who hosts meals for hotel guests. After dinner she showed us her cellar, where she stores jars of homemade jams, stewed fruits, and pickled vegetables, all made with produce from her own orchards and gardens. 

Leaving Gherghiceanu’s house just before twilight, we watched as hundreds of farm animals streamed up the road with an orchestra of hooves and bells. In spring, when the grass flushes green, the herds return home from grazing in the hills each nightfall by themselves. First the goats, then the cows, then the water buffalo with their long black snouts. It was a sight that felt timeless, as the sun turned everything gold. 

How to Get to Translyvania

Most visitors will begin their trip in Bucharest, the Romanian capital. From there it is a four-hour drive northwest to the border of Transylvania. The best way to visit the region is with the help of a tour operator: I went with Romania Private Tours , which can create customized itineraries incorporating stays at Bethlen Estates Transylvania , in the village of Criș, and Viscri 125 , in the village of Viscri, plus excursions like horseback riding, hiking, foraging, cooking classes, and dinner with a local family.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "The Land Before Time."

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel advisory july 26, 2023, romania - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

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Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania.  

If you decide to travel to Romania:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Romania.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Romania, Travel Advisory for Visitors

Trip planner.

• Travel Advisory

Last update:  April 26, 2024

Romania is safe and hospitable.   All visitors are welcome! There are no events or situations - such as diseases, distress or unrest - threatening the personal safety or well-being of visitors. We do hope you will enjoy your visit to Romania and that the following information will be of interest to you.

Travel to Romania given the Ukraine situation

• Traffic Delays and/or Restrictions // Road Closures
• Bucharest Taxi , avoid possible scams

Bucharest Public Transport

• Money Exchange / Leftover Romanian currency

Driving in Romania

• Feedback about tour operators / travel agencies.

The unfortunate situation in the Ukraine does not affect and does not threaten to destabilize Romania at all. Dynamics of inflation did not significantly affected prices, converted to Euro or US Dollars; hotel rates and price of restaurant meals are affordable.

Romania Traffic Restrictions / Road Closures

National Road DN 7 C (Drumul National 7 C) crossing the Fagaras Mountains Current Road Status:   Closed Scheduled days:   Monday - Sunday. Section affected:  Piscu Negru (Arges county) --- Balea Cascada (Sibiu county) (km 104 to km 131) Scheduled Dates:   Road will be closed, for winter, when bad weather/ dangerous driving conditions.

National Road DN 67 C (Drumul National 67 C) crossing the Parang Mountains Current Road Status:  Closed Scheduled days:   Monday - Sunday. Section affected:   Ranca (Gorj county) - Curpat (Sibiu county) (km 34 to km 79) Scheduled Dates:   Road will be closed, for winter, when bad weather/ dangerous driving conditions.

Information on Road Conditions can also be obtained from the Romania Road Authority ( Compania Nationala de Administrare a Infrastructurii Rutiere - CNAIR) Telephone:   (+4) 021 264.33.33 ext. 4   or   0800 800.301 (local toll free) E-mail

Bucharest Taxi, avoid possible scam

If you run into a problem with any taxi in Bucharest - or if you are suspecting that you have met a dishonest driver - ask for a receipt and write down the vehicle's license plate #, if possible. Taxi tariffs can vary from company to company.

Typical Bucharest Taxi tariffs:

* Tariffs in U.S. Dollars estimated at an exchange rate of 4.50 Lei / Dollar.

The average cost of the taxi trip from Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport to downtown Bucharest is 80.00 Lei (US$ 18). To call a taxi visitors can use the kiosks available in the arrivals hall. Select the taxi company and get the confirmation ticket that shows taxi's number plate. Reliable taxi companies include   Cobalcescu,   Cristaxi,   and Speed Taxi. More information on transportation from/ to Bucharest Airport are available at RomaniaTourism Bucharest info section.

If you run into a problem with any taxi in Bucharest - or if you are suspecting that you have met a dishonest driver - ask for a receipt and, if possible, write down the vehicle's license plate #.

To file a Taxi complaint please contact:

Bucharest public transport system is safe, efficient and inexpensive . Feedback recently received from visitors to Bucharest indicates that their foreign issued credit cards have not been accepted/ transactions denied/ to pay the fare, onboard bus # 100 from Bucharest city centre to Bucharest Airport and, that Bucharest Transport Authority (STB) controllers they have encountered where rather obtuse and aloof. Most ticket kiosks attendants do not speak English or other foreign language.

Money Exchange / Lefover Romanian currency

Romania's currency (Lei) is not readily available abroad. If you do not wish to keep your leftover Romanian Lei (RON), please make sure that, before leaving Romania, you have converted them into the currency of your choice. To check the official exchange rates please visit the Website of Romania's National Bank .

Most major tourist attractions in Romania are easily accessible by public transportation but travel by car is perhaps the best way to discover Romania's charming villages and to reach attractions located in areas with limitted bus or train service.

In some areas of Romania, conditions of roads, the number of slow moving vehicles and even the level of adherence to traffic regulations and common road courtesies may be different from what you are familiar with in the USA or Canada.

Feedback from several foreign visitors have indicated that some Romanian drivers have a competitive driving style (improper passing / cutting into another car's path and tailgating flash of the headlamps are not uncommon).

While in North America flashing the headlamps may be considered rude, in Romania a quick flash of the headlamps is sufficient to get the car lead to move on the first lane of the (multi-lane) road.

In rural areas be ready to share the road with slow-moving vehicles, including horse-drawn wagons.

A number of roads are under construction. Signage and safety studs may be inferior to those used in North America.

The numerous photo opportunities offered by Romania's scenic countryside may make you to stop more often than planned and driving to your destination may take longer than expected.

However, as long as you will drive cautiously we believe that you will enjoy your driving vacation in Romania.

Map of Romania's roads condition

Map of road traffic intensity forecast (not real-time traffic info)

Feedback about tour operators / travel agencies

All Romanian Tour Operators, Travel Agencies and Freelance Guides must be licensed by the Romanian Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Be particularly cautious if: ~   the Website of a travel company or a freelance guide does not indicate a physical address, ~   hotel rates and prices for similar services are significantly lower then those offered by other companies, ~   full payment - in cash / wire transfer - is being asked when making the reservation or long before the beginning of trip, especially for services that must not be paid in advance by the travel company (meals, guide services, ground transportation).

Please E-mail Us if your Romania experience was flawed by a company and/or its staff, or you wish to check the credentials of a Romanian tour company.   Thank you for your feedback and suggestions on how to make Romania safer and more appealing to visitors.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Romania travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: April 5, 2024 09:50 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, romania - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Romania

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Violent crime is rare.

Pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging occur, particularly in Bucharest and other urban centres. Be vigilant in crowded areas such as busy streets, public transportation, train stations and airport terminals. Avoid walking alone after dark.

Organized groups of thieves are particularly active in public transport hubs, such as train and bus stations, and subways.

Theft can occur on intercity trains. Don’t leave your compartment unattended. Always lock the door from the inside. Don’t travel on your own, particularly on overnight trains.

Theft from hotel rooms is common. Make sure your valuables are always locked away if leaving them in the room while you’re away.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask you to see your foreign currency and passports. Politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station to sort out the issue.

Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. With the exception of major city streets and intercity highways, many roads are in disrepair, poorly lit, narrow and without marked lanes.

Driving can be hazardous due to aggressive drivers, erratic driving behaviour and excessive speeds.

Don’t drive after dark outside of major cities due to unsafe conditions. These can include horse-drawn carts without lights and wandering livestock on the road.

Public transportation

Use only licensed metered taxis that display their price lists. Verify the tariffs on the taxi’s window before boarding and ensure that the meter displays the correct tariff. Tariffs are more expensive at night and when travelling outside of the city limits.

At the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, arrange for a taxi from the taxis booth within the arrivals terminal to get a fair rate. Don’t hail a taxi on the street; instead, order one from your hotel or use a trusted ride-sharing app.

Avoid travelling alone in a taxi to remote areas.

Rail services safety standards are generally good.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Romanian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

schengen_area

• Schengen area

Romania entered the Schengen area on March 31, 2024. Air and maritime border controls are no longer in effect. Land border controls will remain in effect until further notice.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Romania.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period Student visa: required

The 90-day, visa-free period begins upon initial entry into Romania.

If you plan to return to Romania within 180 days of your last visit, authorities will only allow you entry for what’s left of your 90-day, visa-free exemption. If you’ve already spent 90 days within any 180 day-period, authorities may refuse you entry.

Romania is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Children and travel

Romanian authorities consider a child born to a Romanian parent as a citizen of Romania, even if the child was born in Canada and has a Canadian passport.

When leaving Romania, a Romanian citizen under the age of 18 must:

• travel with one of the following
• both parents
• one parent with the written consent of the non-accompanying parent
• their legal guardian(s)
• an authorized person over the age of 18 who has passed a criminal record check.
• carry a standard statement of consent to travel from their parent(s) or guardian(s), notarized by Romanian authorities. This does not apply to Romanian children returning to their proven country of legal residence.

Entry and exit requirements for children under the age of 18 may change without notice. Parents of children travelling alone or with one parent should contact the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate before departing for Romania to confirm that each child meets the latest entry and exit requirements.

• Travelling with children
• Terms of leaving Romania with Romanian minors (in Romanian)

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities vary throughout the country. They may not be up to the standards you might expect in Canada. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Most medical facilities expect cash payment at the time of service.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Romania are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Romania to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Romania authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

You must carry photo identification at all times as local authorities can ask you to prove your identity. A photocopy of your passport is acceptable, and will help in case of loss or seizure of the original document.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences of up to 15 years and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It is illegal to photograph government buildings and military installations, unless prior permission has been obtained from local authorities.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Romania.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Romania, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Romania.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Romania, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Romanian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Romania to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must carry an international driving permit along with a valid Canadian driver’s licence in order to drive or to rent a vehicle in Romania. However, your Canadian driver’s licence is only considered valid for up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to exchange your driver’s licence for a Romanian one.

Traffic laws are strict and local authorities carry out frequent road checks.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol and penalties are severe. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. It is illegal to refuse a breathalyser test.

You must carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

A motorway vignette (locally known as a rovinieta) is required to travel outside major cities. You may purchase these at border points, post offices and large gas stations.

Headlights must be on at all times when driving, regardless of the time of day or weather.

Winter tires are mandatory during winter months.

You must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car.

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.

Children under 12 cannot sit in the front seat of a vehicle.

International Driving Permit

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Although Romanian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not widely accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

The currency of Romania is the leu (RON).

Exchanging money on the street is illegal. You may exchange Euros in recognized establishments, such as exchange shops, banks and hotels. Carry crisp bills, as merchants may not accept well-worn or used banknotes. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted. The economy is primarily cash-based, but credit cards are widely accepted in major urban centres.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Seismic activity

Romania is located in an active seismic zone.

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions when rapidly warming temperatures follow a particularly harsh winter. Extreme weather can cause landslides.

Exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Emergency information guide – Romania’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (in Romanian)

Flooding is common in the winter and in the fall, but could occur at any time throughout the year.

High temperatures

Extreme temperatures, in both summer and winter, may cause electricity outages.

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Bulgaria, Moldova

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Bucharest and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Romania.

Romania (PDF 324.49 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Romania to Ukraine. 
• Pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur. Thefts from hotel rooms are common. Assault and theft happen on intercity trains. Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.
• Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest's Old Town. Don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met.
• Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your ID and wallet. Romanian police won't stop you at random to do this. If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer, ask to see their identification.
• Financial, dating and marriage scams occur. Only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you've met online.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Rabies occurs in wild and domestic animals. If an animal scratches or bites you, get medical treatment immediately.
• West Nile virus can occur. Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Measles has occurred in recent years. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid ice cubes and raw or undercooked food. 
• Medical facilities and supplies are limited. You'll need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Make sure your insurance covers this.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years.
• By law, you must always carry a photo ID. Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry a photocopy.
• Taking photos of airports, military sites, or other secure locations is illegal.
• It's illegal to engage in sex work or have sexual relations with a person under 18. 
• Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania but not widely accepted. 

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You don't need a visa if you're a tourist staying for less than 90 days or transiting through Romania. For other types of travel, you'll need a visa.
• Romania partially joined the Schengen area on 31 March. Border checks will cease between Romania and other Schengen countries for air or sea travel. Checks continue to be undertaken at land borders between Romania and other Schengen countries. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an  Embassy or Consulate of Romania  for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• The Australian Consulate in Bucharest provides limited consular and passport assistance.
• You can get full consular help from the  Australian Embassy in Athens .
• Follow the embassy's social media accounts to stay up to date with local information.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Border with ukraine.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. There have also been attacks on Ukraine's Danube ports along the border with Romania. The security situation continues to be volatile. Do not travel from Romania to Ukraine. There's a risk to life.

If you have arrived in Romania from Ukraine and are in need of assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen, usually:

• near hotels
• on public transport, especially to and from the airport
• in train stations
• in airport terminals

Organised groups of thieves target travellers. These groups may include children.

Thefts from hotel rooms are common.

Thefts and  assaults  take place on intercity trains.

Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Centrul Vechi (the old town in Bucharest).

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep your personal belongings close, particularly near hotels and on public transport
• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night
• lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside
• don't leave luggage unattended in your train compartment
• don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met
• don't leave food or drinks unattended

More information:

• Avoiding danger
• Partying safely

Sometimes thieves pretend to be police officers and ask for ID and wallets.

Romanian police won't stop you at random to ask for your ID or wallet. However, they may conduct checks if you don't comply with local laws.

If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer:

• ask to see their identification
• don't hand over your personal belongings
• offer to go to the nearest police station with them to check their identity

Financial  scams , including credit card and ATM fraud, are common.

Internet fraud, including dating and marriage scams, also occur in Romania.

To reduce your risk of card theft and scams:

• only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night
• always keep your credit card in sight
• be alert to internet scams and other fraud
• be cautious if someone asks for your bank account details
• be wary of connections you make through internet dating schemes or chat rooms

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Protests occur in Bucharest and other major cities.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

They may also disrupt services, traffic and public transport.

To stay safe:

• avoid demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Romania, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have attacked several European cities.

European security services have also disrupted several planned attacks.

To protect yourself:

• be alert to possible threats
• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor the media for possible threats
• take official warnings seriously

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Tours and adventure travel

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes operators of adventure activities.

If you plan to do an  adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

Serious  earthquakes  are rare, but Romania is in a seismically active region and earth tremors are common.

Wildfires are becoming more frequent in the summer months. Torrential rain and flash flooding can happen throughout the year.

If there's a  natural disaster  or  severe weather :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• closely monitor the media and other local sources of information

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Romania. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Rabies  occurs in wild and domestic animals.

Ask your travel doctor about getting the rabies vaccine before you travel.

Get medical treatment immediately if an animal scratches or bites you.

• Infectious diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis  is a risk, especially if you travel through forests and rural areas.

Ticks are active in spring from March to June and autumn from September to December.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV)  is a disease spread by mosquitoes. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

The Romanian Health Ministry has confirmed cases of West Nile virus in:

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

An outbreak of  measles  has spread across Romania in recent years.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To reduce your risk of illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities in Romania are below Australian standards.

Some medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities.

Treatment can be expensive, and doctors often require payment up-front.

Ambulance services are unreliable in some areas outside larger cities. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited outside major cities.

Romania has 3 decompression chambers. All are in the port city of Constanta on the Black Sea coast.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include prison sentences of up to 20 years.

• Carrying or using drugs

Always carry a photo ID.

Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy.

In Romania, it's illegal to:

• take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations
• engage in sex work or pay for sexual services
• have sexual relations with a person under 18

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Same-sex relationships are legal. However, they're not widely accepted in Romanian society.

Avoid public displays of affection.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Dual citizenship

Dual nationals are legally recognised in Romania.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You don't need a visa to enter as a tourist for up to 90 days. You'll need a visa for other types of travel.

Romania partially joined the  Schengen area  on 31 March. Border checks will cease between Romania and other Schengen countries for air or sea travel. 

Checks continue at land borders between Romania and other Schengen countries. 

If you're travelling without a visa, ensure your entire visit to the Schengen area, including your stay in Romania, is within the 90-day limit. This applies to all arrivals (air, land and sea).

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Other formalities

Travel with children.

Special entry rules apply to children aged under 18 years, including Australian-Romanian dual nationals.

The child must be accompanied by an adult and have their own passport.

If you're a parent or guardian  travelling alone with a child , you must carry a legal permission document signed by the non-travelling parent.

If this isn't possible, you'll need:

• a death certificate of a parent registered on the child's birth certificate
• a court order granting sole custody to the travelling (or authorising) parent

The documents must be translated into Romanian.

• Advice for people travelling with children
• Embassy or consulate of Romania

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON).

Romania is a member of the European Union (EU).

Declare cash over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Romania and non-EU countries. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare or give incorrect information, you'll need to pay a fine.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Romania is largely a cash economy. However, credit card and debit card use is increasing.

It's illegal to change money on the streets. Exchange money at banks, large hotels or exchange bureaus.

Local travel

Accessibility.

If you have a  disability , you may encounter limited accessibility in some parts of Romania.

Public transport and building accessibility is better:

• in Bucharest and other large cities
• at international airports and large hotels

Driving permit

To drive in Romania, you'll need both:

• your current Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

If you stay longer than 185 days, you can apply for a Romanian driver's licence. Do this through the General Directorate for Driving Licences and Car Registration.

• DRPCIV (Romanian)
• Driving or riding

Road travel

Romania has the highest rate of road fatalities of all EU countries. Take care on the road.

Major city streets and inter-city highways are generally in good condition.

Most other roads are poorly maintained, badly lit and narrow.

Additional driving hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• wet and icy roads during winter
• stray dogs, wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts on the roads

If you need emergency roadside help, call 9271.

Learn Romanian traffic laws before you drive. Be aware that:

• the minimum age for driving is 18 years
• children aged under 12 years can't sit in the front seat of a vehicle
• driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal
• use of mobile phones while driving is banned. Only hands-free is permitted
• wearing a seatbelt is mandatory

If you drink and drive, you may:

• lose your licence
• receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years

If you're involved in an accident, you must take a breathalyser test. Refusing to take this test is a crime.

Police strictly enforce traffic laws. They conduct frequent checks, including radar speed checks. You may lose your licence and have to pay a fine if caught.

You need a road toll sticker (Rovinieta) to use national roads. Buy one online or from petrol stations or border points. Driving without a sticker may lead to a fine.

Weather conditions

Road travel can be dangerous when roads are wet or covered with ice and snow.

Winter tyres are mandatory on snow-covered roads. Roads become snow-covered most often from November to March.

In extreme weather conditions:

• use tyre chains when driving
• check weather alerts on  meteoalarm

Vehicle insurance

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you if you plan to hire a car or other vehicle.

Also, ask if any restrictions apply. Your cover may only be valid if you're licensed for that vehicle type in Australia.

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Authorised taxis are generally safe and reliable.

At airports, you can find them in ranks outside the arrivals terminal.

These vehicles:

• display taxi registration, licensing and tariff information
• have an airport sign on both sides of the vehicle

To avoid overcharging and other problems:

• only use authorised taxis
• avoid taxi service offers from touts at airports, train stations and other public places

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Romania's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

English-speaking operators are available.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Bucharest, headed by an Honorary Consul.

The consulate provides limited consular services and doesn't issue passports.

Australian Consulate, Bucharest

Honorary Consul The Group 3 Praga St, District 1 Bucharest 011801 Romania Phone: (+4 037) 406 0845 or (+4 021) 206 2200  Fax: (+4 031) 107 1378 Email:  [email protected]

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Athens.

Australian Embassy, Athens

5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street, Level 2 Athens 115 28, Greece Phone: +30 210 870 4000 Fax: +30 210 870 4111 Website:  greece.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australia in Greece

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Romania May 2024

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

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About this trip

11 Nights/12 Days uncovering Romania and experiencing traditions of Orthodox Easter in the Maramures region.  

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Andrew Tate's human trafficking and rape trial can go ahead, Romanian court rules

T he trial of controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan on human trafficking charges can go ahead, a Romanian court ruled on Friday.

The decision comes 10 months after Tate was indicted along with Tristan and two Romanian female suspects for human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, allegations they deny.

Eugen Vidineac, the brothers' lead defence lawyer, said he had submitted an appeal against the decision.

“The ruling issued by the preliminary chamber judge lacks legal basis and reasoning,” he said in a statement.

“We have filed a strong appeal as we believe the ruling to be unlawful.”

No date has been set for the trial, he said.

In March, a Romanian court approved a request from the UK to extradite the Tate brothers on allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012-15, but only after the completion of Romanian trial proceedings.

Lawyers representing four British women who accused Tate of rape and sexual assault wrote to British police to immediately seek his detention after receiving information he was planning to flee Romania .

The Tate brothers were arrested in December 2022 near Bucharest and held for three months in police detention before being moved to house arrest.

They were later restricted to Bucharest Municipality and nearby Ilfov County, but can now travel freely around Romania.

Tate, who has amassed 9.1 million followers on X, has repeatedly claimed that prosecutors in Romania have no evidence against him and that there is a political conspiracy to silence him.

He was previously banned from various social media platforms for expressing misogynistic views and for hate speech.

After becoming a kickboxing world champion, Tate rose to notoriety in 2016 when he was removed from British TV show Big Brother over a video that appeared to show him hitting a woman with a belt.

In January, Tate won an appeal challenging the seizure of his assets by Romanian authorities, which were confiscated in the weeks after he was arrested.

Romanian authorities had seized 15 luxury cars, 14 designer watches and cash in several currencies worth an estimated $3.9million (£3.1million).

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