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Romania Information

Overview

Romania is the largest of the Balkan states, sitting at the crossroads of Europe, whose nationals are proud of being ‘an island of Latinos’ in a ‘sea of slavs’. The country has seen several empires come and go - Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian, all leaving their legacy.

Romania has a rich cultural and natural diversity. Its dramatic mountain scenery includes the densely forested Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta (the largest wetland in Europe) and 70km (43 miles) of fine white sandy beaches on the Black Sea Coast. 

In picturesque valleys and on mountain slopes are many health and winter resorts. Romania’s cultural heritage can be experienced in the Saxon towns of Transylvania, also home to Bran Castle, of Dracula fame, the painted monasteries of Bucovina and the rural village idyll of Maramures.

The capital, Bucharest, earned the nickname ‘Paris of the Balkans’, but it is the stunning medieval city of Sibiu in Transylvania that was crowned European Capital of Culture 2007. 

Since the overthrow of Nicolae Ceausescu’s communist dictatorship in 1989, Romania has been working towards the twin goals of gaining admission to NATO, which it joined in 2004, and the European Union, which it achieved in January 2007, behind some of its neighbours.

Top Things To See

 In Bucharest, admire the colossal size and exceptional facilities of Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament, which rises out of the city like a giant wedding cake. It is the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon.

 Beyond Bucharest, head for the palaces of Mogosoaia, Buftea and Heresti and old buildings and monasteries in Snagov (website: www.snagov.ro), Cernica, Pasarea, Caldarusani and Tiganesti.

 Visit the Greek/Byzantine port of Constanta, founded in the sixth century BC and veer inland to interesting archaeological sites including the ancient Greek city ruins of Histria, Tomis and Callatis (website: www.constanta.ro).

 Let imagination run wild at Bran Castle, the legendary abode of the medieval king known as Vlad the Impaler, who helped inspire Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula (website: www.draculascastle.com). 

 Visit Sibiu, the chief city of the Transylvanian Saxons. Much of the four walls and 40 towers remain, and among its pretty blue, red, apricot and green painted houses are some of Romania’s best museums (websites: www.sibiu.roorwww.sibiu2007.ro). 

 See Transylvania’s numerous Saxon fortified churches, including the Biertan Church, which stands on top of a hill overlooking the village of Biertan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (website: www.medieval.romanianfolkart.ro).

It’s worth the trek to the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita and Humor) in Moldavia. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are painted with frescoes on the outside, and it’s possible to see them in a day (website: www.romanianmonasteries.org).

Catch some traditional folk music and dancing; shows can be seen in many hotels and restaurants.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

 Wander around some of the most important streets in Bucharest: Calea Victoriei (Victory Road) which holds the The Vernescu House and Boulevards Gh. Magheru, Carol I, Calea Mosilor, Calea Dorobantilor and Soseaua Kiseleff (website: www.romaniatourism.com/main.html).

 Enjoy watersports or relax at a resort on the white sandy beaches of the family-friendly Black Sea Coast. The main hotspots are Constanta, Costinesti, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Jupiter, Mamaia, Mangalia, Navodari, Neptun, Olimp, Saturn, Techirghiol, Venus and Aurora (website: www.infolitoral.ro).

 Rejuvenate at the curative thermal springs, salt waters and mud of Lake Techirghiol; ease aches and pains in Romanian Riviera spas such as Mangalia, Eforie and Neptun; or relax in western Romania’s well-equipped spa towns, like Baile Felix or Baile Herculane (website: www.spas.ro).

Hike or horse ride in the Carpathian Mountains, a densely forested mountainous area. In winter, resorts such as Poiana Brasov and Predeal offer some of the best skiing in Eastern Europe or go bob-sleighing at Semenic and Sinaia. 

 Chill out at spectacular mountain lakes found in the Fagaras and Retezat ranges, or explore some of over 10,000 caves in the country, many in the Apuseni, Bihor and Mehedinti regions.

 Cruise along the Danube Delta, to see over 300 species of birds and foxes, otters, wildcats and boars in a vast expanse of watery wilderness. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reservation (website: www.romaniatourism.com/delta.html).

Check out the wines, wooden churches and traditional practices in villages such as Budesti, Sirbi and Calinesti nestled in the picturesque rural idyll of Maramures (website: http://mmtourism.free.fr).

Purchase regional crafts: woodcarving, pottery and ceramics, wooden architecture and glass paintings can be found throughout the country.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Romanian cuisine is a product of the influence of different cultures throughout the centuries - Greeks, Romans, Saxons, Turks and Slavic neighbours. The main ingredients used by Romanian chefs are meats such as pork, beef and lamb, fish, vegetables, dairy products and fruit. They excel in full-bodied soups. Breakfasts almost always include eggs, either soft-boiled, hard-boiled, fried or scrambled. Omelettes, filled with either cheese, ham or mushrooms, are also frequently served. 

Things to know: Vegetarians may have difficulties, as most local specialities are meat-based. Although there are inexpensive self-service snack bars, table service is the norm. There are no licensing hours.

National specialities:
• Soups: Ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tãrãneascã (vegetable soup with meat and rice balls served with sour cream), giblet soup and a variety of fish soups.
• Moldavian parjoale (flat meat patties, highly spiced and served with garnishes).
• Mamaliga (a staple of mashed cornmeal).
• Nisetru la gratar (grilled Black Sea sturgeon).
• Pasca (a sweet cheesecake).

National drinks:
• Tuicã (plum brandy) and Tuicã de Bihor (strong brandy, generally known as palinca).
• Wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay from the Murfatlar vineyards; Grasa and Feteasa from Moldavia’s Cotnari vineyards.
• Sparkling wines.
• Glühwein (mulled wine). 

Legal drinking age: The legal age for drinking in a bar is 18.

Tipping: A 5 to 10% tip is customary in restaurants.

Nightlife

Bucharest has a growing number of nightclubs with entertainment and live dancing. Restaurants at most major hotels double as nightclubs and there are also several Parisian-style cafes. Two casinos operate in the Calea Victoriei. Opera is performed at the Romanian Opera House and the Romanian Athenaeum has two symphony orchestras. Folk entertainment is performed at the Rapsodia Romana Artistic Ensemble Hall and there are a number of theatres.

Shopping

Specialist purchases include embroideries, pottery, porcelain, silverware, carpets, ceramics, crystal, glassware, fabrics, wool jumpers, woodcarvings, metal, leather goods, rugs, glass paintings and silk dresses. 

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, although this may vary according to season and area.

Climate

Summer temperatures are moderated on the coast by sea breezes while inland at sea level it is hot. Winters are coldest in the Carpathian Mountains where there is snow from December through to April. Snow also falls throughout most of the country. Winters are mildest on the coast.

Required Clothing

Lightweights are worn in summer on the coast and in low inland areas. Warmer clothes are needed in winter and throughout the year in the uplands. Rainwear is recommended throughout the year.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1-2 Jan New Year.
6 Jan Epiphany. 
28 Apr Easter Monday (Orthodox).
1 May Labour Day.
1 Dec National Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

2009
1-2 Jan New Year.
6 Jan Epiphany. 
20 Apr Easter Monday (Orthodox).
1 May Labour Day.
1 Dec National Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes*

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

Medical facilities in Romania are poor and there is a serious shortage of basic medical supplies and qualified personnel. European travellers carrying the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to free or reduced cost medical care. Nationals of countries who do not have a reciprocal health agreement with Romania are expected to pay immediate cash for health services. Health insurance is strongly advised.

Note

* Vaccination advised for those at high risk or visiting rural areas.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

New Leu (RON; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Bani50, 10, 5 and 1. (Old notes were in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000 and 10,000 and coins in denominations of Lei5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100.)

Note: As of December 2006, the old Leu is no longer legal tender. Previously coded as ROL, it has been redenominated so that Lei10,000 are exchanged for 1 new Leu (RON).

Currency Exchange

It is recommended that visitors bring Euros, as these can be easily exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Pounds Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, larger hotels and airports and at authorised exchange offices (Birou de Schimb Valutar). Rates can vary from one place to another, so visitors are advised to shop around for the best rate of exchange. Exchanges on the black market are made frequently, but visitors are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

The use of credit cards is growing. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and some restaurants and shops. ATMs (bancomat) accepting MasterCard and Visa can be found in main banks, airports and shopping centres but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash.

Traveller's Cheques

Like credit and debit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels and for obtaining cash at the bank or selected exchange offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1300.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following lengths of visit:
(a) nationals of EU countries for a three-month period (those intending to stay for a longer period than three months must apply for a registration certificate issued by the Romanian Authority for Aliens); 
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for touristic stays of up to three months.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Contact Addresses

Embassy of Romania in the UK

Arundel House, 4 Palace Green, London W8 4QD, UK
Tel: (020) 7937 9666.
Website: http://londra.mae.ro
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Consular section: MEIC House, 344 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NS, UK
Tel: (020) 7602 9777 or 9662.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1000-1300.

Romanian National Tourist Office in the UK

22 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 7LH, UK
Tel: (020) 7224 3692.
Website: www.romaniatourism.com

Embassy of Romania in the USA

1607 23rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 332 4846 or 2879 (consular section).
Website: www.roembus.org

Romanian National Tourist Office in the USA

355 Lexington Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 545 8484.
Website: www.romaniatourism.com

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Romania are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Beware of pickpockets and other petty thieves in crowded areas.

There have been a number of Hepatitis A cases in Romania. Travellers are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations before travelling and to drink only bottled water.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice.

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Romania Overview
• Romania Things to See
• Romania Things to Do
• Romania Events
• Romania Climate
• Romania Public Holidays
• Romania Health
• Romania Currency
• Romania Passport & Visas
• Romania Contact Addresses
• Romania Travel Advice