Overview of Romania
Characterised by dark forest, medieval villages, and gothic castles, Romania is a mesmerising destination in the heart of central Europe. Its seven UNESCO-listed monuments, magnificent landscapes, as well as a vibrant culture are just some of the ingredients that make Romania an unforgettable adventure.
The country has slowly emerged from the effects of repression under communism, and is rapidly regaining its identity as a popular tourist destination. Exploring Romania is certainly rewarding, with the names of attractions alone evoking a certain charm. Who could resist discovering more about mysterious Transylvania, the literary home of mythical monsters?
The country's diverse geography includes mountains, rolling hills and rural farmlands, as well as white sandy beaches and lavish resorts along the Black Sea Coast. Dotting the natural landscape are rustic villages where local people live much as they have done for the past 100 years. There is an abundance of religious architecture â€' including the exquisitely painted monasteries of Bucovina â€' and many of Romania's cities are bursting with history. The capital, Bucharest, is reinventing itself, its damaged architecture slowly being restored to its original glory. It has elegant restaurants, a revitalised nightlife and cultural attractions that are becoming integral to its new image.
Romania's mix of quaint medieval towns and castles, drab cities striving for Western modernism, and timeless rural landscapes make it a dream destination. Romantics and history buffs in particular will be pleased with what they encounter; the country has one foot firmly placed in the past, while the other is stretching forward in an effort to keep up with the progress of the modern world.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Romanian is the official language, but English will be understood in Bucharest and other tourist areas.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Visitors must hold all documents required for further travel, onward or return tickets. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months validity' remaining after their intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The Leu (RON) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 bani. Money can be exchanged at banks, international airports, hotels, or authorised exchange offices (casa de schimb or birou de schimb valutar). ATMs are everywhere and give 24-hour withdrawals; international credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in cities and large towns.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin European-style plugs are standard.
Travel to Romania
Overview
Romania has myriad sightseeing attractions on offer. Visitors can marvel at the many medieval villages and castles throughout the country, such as Brasov or Bran Castle, visit the museums or feast their eyes on the brilliant old architecture of the cities.
The National Museum of Romanian History is certainly a must when in the capital. Those who admire architecture and history should make sure to add a trip to the Stavropoleos Church and Monastery, and the Palace of Parliament to their itinerary. The Village Museum is highly recommended too, as it will transport tourists back in time with the multitude of open-air exhibits on display.
Romania also has a number of exciting festivals and events happening throughout the year, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience local culture at its best. Visitors can choose to step back into the Middle Ages at the Sighisoara Medieval Festival or watch some of the top local and international films at the Bucharest International Film Festival. For serious music-lovers, the Europafest, Bucharest's main cultural event, attracts artists, performers and festival goers from across the globe to the capital for a few nights of revelry and excellent music.
Finally, a trip to Romania would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful UNESCO Heritage site of the Painted Monasteries.
Climate in Romania
Romania has a temperate-continental climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, making May and June, and September and October the best months to visit. Summers are hot from July to August and winters are harsh and very cold between December and March, with snow falling throughout most of the country. Spring and summer are the wettest seasons, but rain can be expected throughout the year. Temperatures in winter are an avergae of 23 °F (−5 °C) and are an average of 73.4 °F (23 °C) in summer.
Health Notes when travelling to Romania
Medical facilities in Bucharest are good, but poor in the smaller towns and basic medical supplies are often in short supply. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free or low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but travel health insurance is strongly advised. There have been a number of Hepatitis A cases in Romania and visitors are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations before travelling. Tap water is safe to drink, although bottled water is widely available. Stray dogs might carry rabies in remote regions and should be avoided.
Safety Notes when travelling to Romania
Visitors should take normal safety precautions in Romania, such as keeping valuables safe and being aware of pickpockets and scam artists in major cities. Corruption is less rife these days, but visitors should be cautious of policemen demanding fines for spurious offences, or asking to see documents as a way of stealing cash. If approached in this way, visitors should offer to go with them to the nearest police station before handing over any money or documents. Travellers should not leave valuables, including passports, in hotel rooms, or near the window of a hotel room when they are not there.
Customs in Romania
It is illegal to change money on the streets. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon. A small and still largely closeted gay scene exists in the Romania's largest cities, particularly in Bucharest, which has a few gay clubs. Photography at airports is prohibited.
Duty Free in Romania
Travellers visiting Romania from outside the EU do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Two litres of spirits, 16 litres of beer, 4 litres wine, and gifts to the value of US$430 are also duty free. Those arriving from inside the EU do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 1 kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits, 110 litres of beer, and 90 litres of wine.
Doing Business in Romania
Business can be quite bureaucratic and old-fashioned. The country adheres to an imbedded hierarchical structure and often it is the eldest who receive the most respect in business and social meetings. It is important to address each person according to their title followed by their surname; 'Domnule' for Mr. and 'Doamna' for Mrs. Romanians prefer a face-to-face approach and like to strengthen personal relationships. Appointments should be made in advance and confirmed. Although the visitor is expected to be punctual the host may be late to arrive. Meetings are often quite formal and a general 'Western' set of old-world manners applies. Business suits are appropriate for meetings. Romanians dislike an overt display of achievement or exaggerated conversation. Business hours are generally 9pm to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Communication in Romania
The direct dialling country code for Romania is +40, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Free wifi is available at cafes, hotels and restaurants. A local SIM card can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to using international roaming for calls.
Tipping in Romania
Tipping is becoming increasingly common in Romania, and is now expected in all restaurants and bars. A service charge is often included in restaurant bills but a further 5 to 10 percent tip is expected. Though it is not always necessary to tip them, taxi drivers can be rewarded for good service.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors must hold all documents required for further travel, onward or return tickets. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months validity' remaining after their intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
United States nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals with passports endorsed 'British Citizen' require passports valid for period of intended stay, but no visa. British passports with other endorsements require either validity for period of intended stay, or three months validity beyond period of travel; all British passport holders are entitled to visits of at least 90 days visa-free within a 180 day period. UK nationals who are not British citizens are advised to check the specific requirements applicable to their status.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require a passport valid for period of intended stay, but no visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay and a visa to enter Romania. Holders of a valid Schengen visa, or holders of a short stay visa issued by Bulgaria, Croatia, or Cyprus do not require a visa to enter Romania for a stay of up 90 days within a 180 day period. South African temporary passports are not accepted by the Romanian government.
Tourist Offices
Romanian Tourist Office, Bucharest: http://www.romaniatourism.com
Romania Embassies
- In the United States:
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Embassy of Romania, Washington DC: +1 202 332 4846.
- In Canada:
-
Embassy of Romania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3709.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Embassy of Romania, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7937 9666.
- In Australia:
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Embassy of Romania, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 2343.
- In Ireland:
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Embassy of Romania, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 1150.
- In New Zealand:
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Romanian Honorary Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 21 359 266.
- In South Africa:
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Embassy of Romania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 6941.
Foreign Embassies in Romania
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 200 3300.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 307 5000.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 201 7200.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Romania): +381 (11) 330 3400.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 310 2131.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Romania): +32 2 512 1040.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 313 3725.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Romania
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Romania, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Romania, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Romania
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Romania, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Romania, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Romania
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Romania, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Romania. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Romania include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Romania’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Romania may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Romania, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Romania for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Romania. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
- Measles in Romania November 13, 2017 A measles outbreak has been reported in Romania. CDC recommends that travelers to Romania protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The Leu (RON) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 bani. Money can be exchanged at banks, international airports, hotels, or authorised exchange offices (casa de schimb or birou de schimb valutar). ATMs are everywhere and give 24-hour withdrawals; international credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in cities and large towns.
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Exchange rate for 1 RON - Romanian New Leu
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0.25 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
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0.22 EUR
Euro
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0.25 USD
U.S. Dollar
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0.17 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
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26.90 JPY
Japanese Yen
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0.32 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.24 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.34 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
6.20 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
83.41 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
371.91 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.18 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
1.69 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
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26.64 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.09 OMR
Omani Rial
|
0.90 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.34 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
2.05 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
1.64 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
2.46 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
11.32 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
1.66 HRK
Croatian Kuna
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4.60 MXN
Mexican Peso
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144.81 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
0.78 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
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0.25 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
0.52 FJD
Fiji Dollar
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5.59 HNL
Honduran Lempira
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27.30 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
294.23 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
2.76 BWP
Botswana Pula
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0.83 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
171.29 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
118.08 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
5.97 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
4.94 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
30.70 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
725.81 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
0.95 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.17 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.07 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
7.74 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
8.77 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
7.04 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
2.06 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
0.97 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
0.93 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
36.06 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
8.80 THB
Thai Baht
|
0.91 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
0.89 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
1.92 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
145.13 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
5,550.80 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
3.44 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
0.67 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
1.93 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
2.41 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.09 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
0.25 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
0.37 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
770.04 COP
Colombian Peso
|
16.87 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
69.09 HUF
Hungarian Forint
|
1.94 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
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3,379.45 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
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2.19 EGP
Egyptian Pound
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294.18 KRW
South Korean Won
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1,400.23 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
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1.03 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
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133.06 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
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0.36 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
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25.87 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
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16.50 RUB
Russian Rouble
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3.85 ZAR
South African Rand
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0.52 TND
Tunisian Dinar
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0.49 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
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0.43 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
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0.73 TRY
Turkish Lira
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11.51 PHP
Philippine Peso
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8.06 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
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48.53 NGN
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26.46 XPF
CFP Franc
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0.97 GHS
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30.85 JMD
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0.45 ANG
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0.34 BND
Brunei Dollar
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27.31 RSD
Serbian Dinar
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1.63 CNY
Chinese Yuan
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4,914.53 BYR
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1.64 DKK
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0.85 TMT
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16.61 INR
Indian Rupee
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Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Romanian New Leu
Exchange Rate for
Euro to Romanian New Leu
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Romanian New Leu
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Romanian New Leu
Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Romanian New Leu
Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Romanian New Leu
Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Romanian New Leu
Bucharest Airport (OTP)
Henri Coanda International Airport
http://www.bucharestairports.ro
Location: Bucharest The airport is situated 10 miles (16.5km) north of Bucharest.
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: + 40 (0)21 204 1000.
Transfer between terminals:
The terminal buildings are connected by a corridor; it takes five minutes to walk between the terminals.
Getting to the city:
Express bus services, 783 or 780, leave frequently for the city centre and main railway station, respectively. This line runs both in daytime and at night, and buses arrive every 40 minutes. Taxis are also available 24 hours to take passengers anywhere in Bucharest or to any other region in the country. Taxi stations are located at the exit of the main terminal. Passengers should avoid cabs that do not display the price and have no meters.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Autonomous, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise.
Airport Taxis:
Bucharest has two types of taxi. Smaller taxis cost about RON 1.5 per km and the larger taxis charge about RON 3.5 per km. The trip between the airport and Bucharest can take up to an hour in heavy traffic. Visitors are advised to only make use of official taxis with working meters and the prices displayed.
Facilities:
There are banks, bars, and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include a bureau de change, left-luggage, a hairdresser, duty-free shops, chapel, pharmacy, and a post office. Disabled facilities are good; those who need a wheelchair or have other special requirements should contact their airline in advance.
Parking:
Long and short-term parking is available. Short-term parking is 3 lei for every 30 minutes. Long-term parking costs 40 lei per day, and 20 lei if parking is extended up to 3-4 days. The maximum use of this car park is 30 days.
Cluj International Airport (CLJ)
Cluj International Airport
http://www.airportcluj.ro
Location: Cluj The airport is located six miles (9km) from the city centre of Cluj.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
+40 0264 307 500.
Getting to the city:
A bus service is available from the airport to the city centre along two lines: Line 8 departing roughly every ten minutes between 5am and 10.40pm on weekdays, and every 30 minutes from 5.30am to pm on weekends; and Line 5 operating between 5.50am and 9pm daily. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Several local hotels offer shuttle transfers for guests. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, but make sure there is a working meter fitted before getting in one.
Car rental:
Car rental companies at the airport include PHP, Sixt, Niraj, Europcar, Avis, Rodna, Independent, Autonom, Olimpo, Mas, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal at the airport taxi rank. Meters run at about RON 2.25 per kilometre, with slightly higher rates at night. Use only marked taxis with prices clearly displayed and a working meter.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, a bank, currency exchange services, shops, luggage wrapping services, a business lounge, cafes, and a restaurant.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport and costs about RON 7 for one hour, RON 14 for two hours, and RON 45 for 5-24 hours.
Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)
Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport
http://www.aerotim.ro
Location: Timisoara The airport is located seven miles (12km) from Timișoara.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: +40 256 386 089 or email office@aerotim.ro
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are connected.
Getting to the city:
Buses are available from the airport to the city centre via the Express Number Four (E4) bus. The price for a one-way ticket is RON 2.50. The bus runs daily and leaves every 50 minutes. Taxis are also available.
Car rental:
Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Bavaria, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside of both terminals to transport travellers to their required destination.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include restaurants, cafes, VIP lounges, a bank, a post office, an ATM, shopping (including duty-free shops), facilities for people with disabilities, and a mother and child area.
Parking:
The airport offers both short-term (P1) and long-term (P2) parking. The first 10 minutes of parking costs RON 2. Thereafter, parking costs RON 2.50 for 30 minutes, RON 5 lei for one hour, RON 10 for two hours and RON 120 for 24 hours. There are also special long-term parking rates and these are available at the airport on request.
Iași International Airport (IAS)
Iași International Airport
http://www.aeroport.ro
Location: Iasi The airport is located five miles (8km) from Iași city centre.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: +40 232 271 590
Transfer between terminals:
Terminals are within walking distance.
Getting to the city:
Bus route 50 takes passengers from outside the terminal to Iasi city centre (Union Square). Buses are timed according to incoming flights. The fare is 2 RON for a single-trip ticket. Taxis are available.
Car rental:
There are a number of car rental companies represented at the airport, including Avis, Sixt, Europcar, and Independent.
Airport Taxis:
There are authorised taxis at the airport. Travellers should insist that taxi drivers run their meters.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include banking services, a nursing room, a cafe, a duty-free shop, restaurants, a ticket office, a mother and child centre, and information desk.
Parking:
Parking is charged at RON 5 for the first two hours, and RON 30 for 24 hours.
Sibiu International Airport (SBZ)
Sibiu International Airport
http://www.sibiuairport.ro
Location: Sibiu The airport is located two miles (3km) from Sibiu city centre.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: +40 269 253 135
Getting to the city:
There is a bus station near the airport entrance, allowing connections with various areas of the city. Passengers can take routes 11, 112, 116, 117, and 118. Tickets can be bought from the dispenser near the station.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
There is a taxi station in front of the terminal where taxis are readily available. It is recommended to only use licensed taxis with working meters.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include an information desk, ATMs, a diaper-changing room, first aid services, currency exchange services, cafes, restaurants, vending machines, and shops.
Parking:
Parking costs about RON 5 for the first hour, RON 5 per hour for the next four hours. RON 35 from 6 to 12 hours and RON 45 from 12 to 24 hours.
Overview of the Attractions in Romania
Romania has myriad sightseeing attractions on offer. Visitors can marvel at the many medieval villages and castles throughout the country, such as Brasov or Bran Castle, visit the museums or feast their eyes on the brilliant old architecture of the cities.
The National Museum of Romanian History is certainly a must when in the capital. Those who admire architecture and history should make sure to add a trip to the Stavropoleos Church and Monastery, and the Palace of Parliament to their itinerary. The Village Museum is highly recommended too, as it will transport tourists back in time with the multitude of open-air exhibits on display.
Romania also has a number of exciting festivals and events happening throughout the year, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience local culture at its best. Visitors can choose to step back into the Middle Ages at the Sighisoara Medieval Festival or watch some of the top local and international films at the Bucharest International Film Festival. For serious music-lovers, the Europafest, Bucharest's main cultural event, attracts artists, performers and festival goers from across the globe to the capital for a few nights of revelry and excellent music.
Finally, a trip to Romania would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful UNESCO Heritage site of the Painted Monasteries.
Palace of Parliament
Bucharest
Built by former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Palace of Parliament is the third-largest civilian administrative building in the world. Visitors often marvel at what is an immense structure that took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build, and cost billions. It has 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328 foot-long (100m) lobby, and four underground levels including an enormous nuclear bunker. Started in 1984, the dictator intended it to be the headquarters of his Communist Government, but it was still unfinished when he was executed in 1989. Today it houses the seat of Romania's Parliament (which occupies only 30 percent of the building) and is an international conference centre. Widely viewed as a personification of his obsession with the grandiose and excessive, the construction entailed the demolition of a quarter of Bucharest's historic centre, including 26 churches, and the relocation of 40,000 inhabitants from their 19th century homes to new
developments on the outskirts.
Website: http://www.cdep.ro/cic
The Village Museum
Bucharest
Situated within the Herastrau Park alongside a picturesque lake, the Village Museum is one of Bucharest's finest sights and one of the best open-air museums in central Europe, attracting visitors from far and wide. The fascinating institution has a collection that spans more than 300 buildings and represents the history and design of Romania's rural architecture, including barns, peasant homes and wooden churches from all regions of the country. Traditionally dressed peasant workers wield everyday tools and accessories, and portray life during the 16th and 17th centuries, making the village setting seem even more real for visitors. Traditional crafts are also for sale around the site.
Website: http://www.muzeul-satului.ro
Stavropoleos Church and Monastery
Bucharest
Well worth a visit is the tiny but remarkable Stavropoleos Church which was built in 1724, and is one of the oldest churches in Bucharest. Built using a combination of Romanian and Byzantine architecture, the beautiful façade and a delicately carved columned entrance give but a taste of the beauty that lies within. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, it is an architectural jewel, with intricate frescoes and religious icons. Attached to the church is Stravropoleos Monastery. The Monastery specialises in Byzantine music and has an impressive choir and Romania's largest collection of Byzantine music books. The monastery's library contains more than 8,000 books, including a significant number of old manuscripts and printed works.
Website: http://www.stavropoleos.ro
National History Museum
Bucharest
Housed in the former 1900 Post Office building and another favourite among tourists is one of Bucharest's most important museums, the National History Museum. Spread throughout 41 rooms, the exhibits recount the country's development from prehistoric times to the 1920s. A philatelic museum shares the former Postal Services Palace with the National History Museum, and contains thousands of historic stamps. Interestingly, the museum had to be closed briefly for reconstruction in 2012 when a late-medieval archaeological site was discovered under the building. The highlight for visitors is the basement National Treasury, which is crammed with a dazzling display of gold, jewellery and valuable Neolithic curios. It is the biggest and best museum in the country and affords an excellent opportunity to get to grips with the exciting history of Romania.
Website: http://www.cic.cdep.ro/en
Bran Castle
Transylvania
Often referred to as 'Dracula's Castle', the fortified medieval Bran Castle is a national monument and landmark of Romania. Looking exactly as a vampire count's lair should, the forbidding façade, towers and ramparts rise out of the forest, perched high on a steep cliff face against a dramatic mountain background. Despite its aesthetic, there is little evidence to suggest Vlad Tepes, the speculated inspiration for Dracula, ever lived there. Bran Castle was built between 1377 and 1388 to protect nearby Brasov from invaders. The rooms and towers surround an inner courtyard with a sculpted stone fountain. A warren of narrow, winding stairs, secret chambers and underground passageways lead between vaulted halls, a prison, a living area and watchtowers with sweeping views. The rooms are decorated with a collection of Baroque furniture, elaborately carved four-poster beds, weapons and armour dating from the 14th to 19th centuries. A fascinating site, visitors
should have this near the top of their Romanian to-do list.
Website: http://www.bran-castle.com
Peles Castle
Transylvania
The quintessential fairytale castle, complete with turrets and surrounded by mystical forests, the neo-classical Peles Castle was the summer residence of Romania's kings, and makes for a highly popular tourist attraction. Built by King Carol I in 1883, the castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, its exquisite form framed by fir forests and the towering peaks of the Carpathian range. The castle's 160 rooms are lavishly decorated in ebony, mother of pearl, walnut, and leather, with crystal chandeliers, fine collections of sculptures, paintings and tapestries, and stained-glass windows and furniture. It is set within a large park with a statue garden in front. Further up the hill from the main palace is the smaller Pelisor Palace, built for Carol I's nephew and heir, and decorated in the Art Nouveau style.
Website: http://www.peles.ro
The Painted Monasteries
Southern Bucovina
The 15th century painted monasteries of Southern Bucovina have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, and represent some of the greatest artistic monuments in Europe â€' certainly a must for serious history buffs. Among the most picturesque treasures in Romania, most of the churches are fortified with strong defensive surrounding walls, which once provided protection against Turkish invaders. The exterior walls of the monasteries are richly decorated with vivid frescoes depicting dramatic Biblical scenes, intended to teach Christianity to the illiterate. The artwork has, amazingly, survived harsh exposure to the elements for over 450 years and the intense colours have been well preserved. The five main painted monasteries near Suceava are Humor, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita and Arbore.
Website: romaniatourism.com/painted-monasteries.html
Sighisoara
Transylvania
Sighisoara is a beautifully preserved medieval town, renowned as the birthplace of 'Dracula', or Vlad the Impaler. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven fortified towns founded by the Saxons in the hills of Transylvania. The hilltop citadel dominates the town, with the original medieval settlement enclosed within the fortress walls, surrounded by nine surviving towers. Visitors will love exploring the old town, with its narrow cobbled streets and steep alleyways, brightly-painted lopsided houses, ancient churches, stone archways and covered stairways, all of which are watched over by the striking Clock Tower. At the foot of the Clock Tower is the simple yellow building where Vlad was born and lived with his father, Vlad Dracul. Marked by a hanging wrought-iron dragon, it now houses a restaurant with medieval furnishings.
Brasov
Transylvania
Nestled at the foot of Mount Tâmpa is the charming medieval town of Brasov which, being one of the seven fortified towns settled by the Saxons, has a distinct Germanic flavour to its history and culture. The Saxons built massive stone walls and seven bastions around the city that are still visible today, as well as ornate churches, elaborately trimmed buildings, and a fine central square that is said to be where the legendary Pied Piper led the children of Hamlin. Lining the square are the red-roofed merchant's houses, now occupied by cafes and shops surrounding the 15th-century Old Town Hall. The town's landmark is the impressive Gothic structure known as the Black Church, so named because a fire blackened its outer walls in 1689. Many tourists use Brasov as a base for visiting the nearby attractions such as Dracula's Castle at Bran, Râsnov Castle and the ski resorts of Sinaia and Poiana Brasov.
Sinaia
Transylvania
Known as the 'Pearl of the Carpathians' for its beautiful mountain scenery, Sinaia is nestled in the Prahova valley, surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Bucegi Mountains. It is also the setting for Peles Castle, a beautiful creation in the German new-Renaissance style, and considered to be one of the finest castles in Europe. With the construction of the castle as a summer residence for King Carol I, the little hamlet became an exclusive aristocratic resort and today is filled with holidaymakers who come to walk or ski in the mountains. The Sinaia Monastery behind the Orthodox Church has a small museum displaying some of the town's treasures, including a beautiful 1668 bible translated into Romanian using the Cyrillic alphabet. The resort also boasts a 17th-century monastery with original frescoes, and the small Pelisor Palace.
Public Holidays in Romania
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Holiday |
Wed. January 1 to Thu. January 2 |
Wed. January 1 to Thu. January 2 |
| Orthodox Easter |
Mon. April 28 |
Sat. April 19 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Orthodox Pentecost |
Sat. June 7 |
Fri. June 20 |
| Sfanta Maria (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| St Andrew Day |
Sun. November 30 |
Sun. November 30 |
| National Day |
Mon. December 1 |
Mon. December 1 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Boxing Day |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
| Children's Day |
Sun. June 1 |
Sun. June 1 |
| Unification Day |
Fri. January 24 |
Fri. January 24 |
