Things To Know Before Traveling to Romania – A Travel Guide

Romania offers an exciting blend of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Located in southeastern Europe, this country is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Before you pack your bags and head off on your adventure, you should know some important things about Romania to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

This guide provides some essential information to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this beautiful country.

Keep reading to learn what you need to know before traveling to Romania.

Before you pack your bags for Romania, there are some important things to keep in mind. Every traveler needs a valid passport. Whether you need a visa depends on where you come from. It’s best to check this through the official websites of Romanian embassies or consulates for detailed information about visa requirements, application procedures, and any necessary documents.

Understanding money matters is crucial when traveling abroad. In Romania, the local currency is the leu (RON). Don’t expect places to accept euros everywhere; they’re not widely used here.

In big cities, using credit cards is common and convenient. However, if you venture into rural areas, cash is king! Make sure to have enough leu on hand in these parts.

Also, remember that ATMs are available across the country. Make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans beforehand to avoid issues with card use abroad.

Bucharest boasts a metro system that makes navigating the city easier for visitors and locals. Other cities might not have metros but offer buses and trams instead.

Taxis provide an affordable way to get around. Just make sure you use a reputable app or service when booking one.

For those wanting to explore beyond just one city or town, there’s also a rail network connecting major spots across Romania, making travel between them relatively straightforward.

Driving in Romania with a rented car is one of the best options for travelers. Bring your international driving permit to Romania to legally drive on the roads.

The best time to visit Romania is from April to October, when the weather is at its best, with warm days and comfortable nights.

Summer is a popular season for tourism. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and high prices, plan your visit in the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October).

Winters can be cold, but they offer a unique charm with festive Christmas markets. And what are the best things to do in Romania during this season? Skiing and exploring the country’s stunning winter landscapes!

Romania is rich in traditions that mark the calendar.

• One of the most cherished is Martisor, celebrated on March 1st. It signals the start of spring. People exchange small tokens, often red and white strings with charms attached, as a wish for good health and happiness.
• Easter in Romania brings unique customs to life. Among these, painted eggs stand out. Each egg features intricate designs, symbolizing life and rebirth. Families gather to paint these eggs together.
• Christmas time transforms Romania into a festive wonderland. Caroling is a significant tradition here. Groups of carolers visit homes to sing and spread holiday cheer.
• Traditional markets in town squares offer handmade gifts and seasonal treats.

Romanian is the official language across the country. In tourist areas, many people speak English too.

When meeting someone new in Romania, handshakes are a common greeting for both men and women. It’s important to maintain eye contact during this exchange to show respect.

Politeness goes a long way here so always use “please” (vă rog) and “thank you” (mulțumesc). These simple words can make everyday interactions pleasant.

In Romania, addressing someone by their title shows respect. Using first names, if invited, helps build mutual respect from the beginning.

If visiting a Romanian home, bring small gifts like flowers or sweets. Your host appreciates such gestures which strengthen bonds between friends or acquaintances.

Accepting invitations for coffee or meals can lead to meaningful connections.

The majority of Romanians follow Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which shapes many aspects of daily life. This includes holidays observed nationally with great reverence.

When visiting churches or monasteries, adhering to dress codes is respectful. Cover your shoulders and avoid shorts or skirts above knee-length.

Major religious holidays offer fascinating insights into Romanian culture through various practices. This provides visitors with unique experiences beyond typical tourist attractions.

Like any travel destination, it’s important to stay safe when traveling to Romania. Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded places and on public transport.

To avoid falling victim to petty crime:

1. Keep your belongings secure.

2. Use bags that can be fully closed and wear them in front of you.

3. Try not to display valuables openly.

Using licensed taxis is another crucial safety tip for travelers in Romania. Always check if the taxi has displayed visible rates and a company name before entering to ensure you are using a legitimate service that won’t overcharge you.

In an emergency, remember that 112 is the number to dial for police, fire services, or an ambulance and it’s accessible from any phone free of charge.

There are several key points to consider for a worry-free journey.

Firstly, tap water is generally safe to drink in cities across Romania. However, due to varying local water quality standards, bottled water is recommended when traveling outside urban areas.

Pharmacies are widely available nationwide and can provide over-the-counter medications easily.

For those requiring prescription medication during their trip, carry sufficient supplies and documentation proving their necessity. This helps avoid any complications at customs or when seeking refills locally.

European Union citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC makes accessing healthcare services easier if needed during your stay without facing hefty charges.

• The Carpathian Mountains stretch across the middle, offering breathtaking views. Many people come here to hike or see wildlife.
• The Black Sea coast has sandy beaches that attract sun lovers from all over.
• The Danube Delta is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.
• Romania is also home to Europe’s largest population of brown bears. National parks are great for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying natural beauty.

Bucharest, the capital city, has many attractions. One of the many attractions is The Palace of Parliament which is huge and impressive.

Old Town buzzes with life at night and there are cafes everywhere. Don’t miss the Village Museum which shows what Romanian life was like in the past.

Transylvania holds legends like Dracula’s Bran Castle near Brasov. Sibiu and Sighisoara boast medieval towns that take you back in time. Driving through the Carpathian Mountains reveals amazing landscapes.

Here are other best places to visit in Romania:

• The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta has tombstones that are colorful and funny instead of sad.
• Turda Salt Mine is now an underground theme park! Imagine playing a mini-golf deep below the Earth’s surface – awesome!
• Lastly, there’s Decebalus’ sculpture carved into a rock face by the river Danube – it’s massive!

Romania offers a rich palate of flavors and dishes steeped in tradition.

• One must-try is sarmale, cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice, slowly cooked in a savory sauce. These are often served during holidays but are beloved year-round.
• Another staple is mămăligă, similar to polenta. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with cheese, sour cream, or as the base for meat dishes. Its simplicity belies its deliciousness.
• For those with a sweet tooth, cozonac is a treat not to be missed. This sweet bread comes stuffed with nuts or cocoa and appears during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter.

Local markets offer the chance to sample various cheeses and cured meats unique to different regions of Romania. Each has its flavor profile, making them perfect for snacking or adding depth to meals.

In Romania, meals are considered social occasions to be enjoyed together so expect hearty portions designed to fill you up and warm your heart.

A meal here isn’t complete without trying some of the local beverages. Traditional dishes often accompany local wines or țuică, a potent plum brandy that warms you from the inside out.

Street food lovers will delight in finding stands selling covrigi. Large, soft pretzels make for a perfect snack while exploring cities like Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca.

Another favorite is mici. It is a grilled minced meat roll seasoned with garlic and spices, ideal for enjoying on the go while soaking in Romania’s vibrant street scenes.

Travelers can choose from budget hostels, cozy guesthouses, and luxurious hotels. Each option caters to different budgets and preferences.

Budget hostels are perfect for travelers looking to save money. They provide basic amenities at low costs. Guesthouses offer a homely feel with the opportunity to interact with locals. Luxury hotels deliver top-notch services and comfort for those willing to spend more.

Eating out in Romania is generally affordable, especially when compared to Western Europe. After enjoying Romanian cuisine, you’ll find that dining doesn’t heavily impact your budget.

Entrance fees for attractions are modestly priced but can add up if visiting many sites. Plan which places you want to see most.

The country’s national parks, such as Piatra Craiului and Retezat, are crammed with hiking trails. These parks showcase Romania’s natural beauty, from towering mountains to deep forests.

Hiking in these areas allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Each step brings a new discovery, whether a hidden waterfall or a breathtaking view.

During winter, places like Poiana Brasov and Sinaia become skiing havens. They offer slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers.

For water enthusiasts, the Danube Delta is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. This unique ecosystem brims with wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Dracula tourism has become synonymous with Romania. This is due largely to Bran Castle’s marketing as Dracula’s castle. Despite its loose historical connections to Vlad the Impaler, the man often associated with Dracula, it attracts countless visitors yearly.

Tours focusing on Vlad’s real-life haunts offer a deeper dive into history than most would expect from such themed tourism. Places like Poenari Castle and Targoviste ruins provide insight into Vlad’s life beyond the myths.

The mythos surrounding Dracula also gives rise to various Halloween events across Romania. These events blend historical intrigue with modern entertainment in unique settings.

• Bran Castle hosts night tours that bring tales of Dracula alive amidst medieval walls.
• Other locations capitalize on this legend, too, offering themed experiences ranging from spooky dinners in dimly lit halls to guided tours exploring vampire lore.

Romania is a safe destination for solo female travelers. Yet, being careful at night or in lonely places is a good idea.

Dressing with care is important, too. When you visit churches or small villages, dress modestly to show respect for local traditions.

Joining group tours can make your trip safer and more fun because you meet people and see the sights without worrying about safety.

The Transfagarasan Highway is a must-see for road trippers. You may have to check when it’s open, though. Sometimes, it closes due to weather.

Another cool route goes from Constanta to the Danube Delta along the Black Sea coast. You’ll find lovely beach resorts there.

Or take a historic drive through Transylvania. Visit Sighisoara, Brasov, and Sibiu on your way. Each town has its own charm.

• Peles Castle looks like something out of a fairy tale book, perfect for photos that wow friends back home.
• Many say that Bigar Waterfall is one of the prettiest waterfalls around.
• Don’t miss Sighisoara’s colorful streets, either. They’re ideal for lively snapshots that capture Romania’s spirit.

After exploring adventure activities in Romania, these travel tips help you plan other parts of your journey well.

Road trip lovers have several routes to choose from:

• The scenic Transfagarasan Highway (check availability).
• Coastal drives are showcasing seaside resorts between Constanta and the Danube Delta.
• A historic route linking Transylvania’s gems: Sighisoara, Brasov, and Sibiu.

Planning is key to a hassle-free trip in Romania. With some preparation, travelers can enjoy the country’s diverse cuisine, adventure activities, and unique Dracula tourism without breaking the bank.

Choose accommodation that fits your budget and needs. Plan which outdoor activities you want to try beforehand. And don’t forget about Romania’s must-visit locations for solo female travelers or road trippers. Adding these elements to your itinerary ensures a memorable trip to this beautiful country.