Upon the mention of Romania, most people immediately think of Dracula, the famous fictional vampire character created by Bram Stoker, who was inspired by the real-life Romanian prince Vlad the Impaler. However, Romania is so much more than the Dracula clichés.
If you want to book a vacation to the Romania, but you’re overwhelmed by all the information you must learn to make your traveling experience hitch-free, fret not because we have gathered all the information you should know about before planning your next Exoticca trip to Romania.
First off, why Romania? What Makes it a “Must-Visit” Destination?
A mystical place nothing short of spectacular, Romania is home to the rugged yet ever magnificent Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and the Black Sea coast among others. It is perfect for tourists of all kinds as it offers breathtaking views for travelers who love sight-seeing. Known as the land of natural beauty, Romania boasts plenty of scenic landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and numerous natural attractions such as the Danube Delta, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Transfagarasan Highway.
Traveling to Romania will also surely satisfy travelers who enjoy spending the day exploring and trying out activities unique to the place. That is because apart from relishing the panoramic view of its vibrant sceneries, you will certainly be thrilled to explore old medieval towns, castles, fortresses, monasteries, churches, and museums that has stood the test of time while learning and appreciating the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Of course, you should not miss the chance to see for yourself the fabled region of Transylvania where the most impressive gothic castles and fortified churches tower over the cliff top while overlooking swaths of mythical forests.
You can also enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, boating, fishing, and sunbathing in Romania’s top tourist destinations. On top of that, you can also revel at immersing yourself in Romania’s ancient folk traditions and rural lifestyle, which is still preserved in many villages and regions. Of course, you shouldn’t miss out on experiencing the authentic crafts, food, music, festivals, and customs that reflect Romania’s rich culture. But if cultural things aren’t your thing, you can opt to visit its vibrant cities, especially Bucharest, the capital and largest city where you can enjoy modern amenities, nightlife, shopping, entertainment, and architecture.
Entry Requirements and Visa
If you’re a citizen of the EU, US, Canada, and 57 other countries, you don’t need a visa to enter Romania provided that you are only staying for under 90 days. However, you must double-check the requirements and apply at least two months before your designated travel date in case you need a visa.
Also, take note that Romania is part of the European Union, but not part of the Schengen area. This means that some non-EU citizens may need a visa to enter Romania, and the time spent in Romania does not count towards the 90-day limit in the Schengen zone.
For more details, you can check Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs FAQ page to know whether you need to apply for the visa or not.
COVID-19 Restrictions
As of January 2023, there are NO Covid-19 restrictions or entry requirements in Romania. The country is now open for international travel and tourism normally. There are no vaccination, mask or other travel documents or limitations either.
Safety Concerns Regarding the Situation of Ukraine
Romania is guaranteed safe and hospitable for all travelers. The unfortunate situation in Ukraine does not threaten to destabilize Romania at all. In fact, the local authorities and hospitality industry are eagerly anticipating a strong tourism recovery in 2023 following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Currency, Exchange Houses and Card Payments
It is crucial to note that Romania is a member of the European Union but does NOT use the euro as its currency. Instead, the Romanian leu is the official currency. Before traveling there, it is important to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate so you can plan accordingly.
The Romanian Leu (RON) can be found in notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500. 1 Leu is divided into “bani” which are coins of 50, 10 and smaller coins. Although some prices in Romania are also displayed in Euros, take note that 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. In general, 1 Euro is equivalent to ~5 Lei and 1 USD is about 4 or 3 Lei.
Again:
1 EUR = 5 Lei
1 USD = 4 or 3 Lei
What currency should you bring when travelling to Romania? The answer is Euros, US dollars, UK pounds or Swiss francs, which 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 Romanian cities, easily recognizable by their yellow or white street boards indicating rates offered. Also, note that rates at exchange bureaus are usually better than at banks and 90% of them have a 0-exchange fee for small amounts.
Paying by card is very common and safe in Romania in all shops, restaurants, hotels or tourist attractions in major cities. 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 authorized for international payments.
When travelling outside of cities in rural areas or in the mountains, be sure to bring cash (the local currency, Lei) as some guesthouses or restaurants in the countryside don’t accept card payments. If you’re not sure, or if you’re already low on cash and want to eat, ask the establishment first if card payments are accepted.
There are plenty of ATMs in Romania (bancomat) to withdraw money from. The most common banks with safe & secure ATMs are BCR (Erste), BRD (Societe General), Banca Transilvania (local), Raiffeisen or ING. For fees, check with your local bank. In rural areas it’s harder to find ATMs but every village or small town should have one near the city hall.
Language
The official language of Romania is Romanian, but many people also speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, as always, it is helpful to learn some basic Romanian phrases before your trip.
Transportation
Romania has a well-developed infrastructure with trains and buses connecting major cities and towns. However, some rural areas may be more difficult to reach by public transportation, so renting a car may be a good option if you plan to explore off the beaten paths.
For short distances (>200 km), booking a car (Uber), train or bus is a good choice. For medium or long distances (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 there.
Best Time to Travel
Romania has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and sightseeing, while summer is perfect for enjoying the Black Sea coast or festivals.
The Dos and Don’ts of Romanian Culture and Etiquette
Romanian society can be described as “laid-back” in some ways, but as always, it is best to be aware of cultural norms and etiquettes that you need to be respectful of to ensure a smooth-sailing trip.
Dos:
- Say thank you to servers.
- Remove your hats before entering buildings.
- Tip all service people and even professionals, such as doctors.
- Insist on paying the bill instead of splitting it.
- If you’re invited to someone’s house to have a meal, bring a small gift, like flowers, chocolate, or a bottle of liquor.
- When a person sneezes, respond with ‘Sanatate’ (Good health) or ‘Noroc’ (Good luck).
- Offer one’s seat to an elderly person. Romanians may offer their hand to help an elderly person get out of their seat, offer an arm for them to walk, and hold or open doors for them.
- Show chivalry to women (e.g., opening doors and allowing them to enter)
- Dress neatly in a professional setting to show respect for the person they are meeting. Older Romanians may dress more conservatively, ensuring their legs and shoulders are covered.
- When your Romanian friends offer you some gifts, the polite thing to do is to open them in front of your friends and thank them.
Don’ts:
- Don’t talk a lot about Dracula and ask locals if they believe in vampires. They don’t.
- Don’t yawn without covering your mouth.
- Don’t chew gum or keep your hands in your pockets while speaking to someone of a higher status.
- Don’t offer someone an even number of flowers. Bouquets with an even number of flowers are used for funerals.
- Avoid discussing topics of politics or religion. Romanians are mostly Orthodox and while they are tolerant of other religions, it’s probably best to avoid this topic.
Pro Tips
- Use Google Maps as it works well in Romania and can help you navigate your way around.
- It is recommended to drink bottled water rather than tap water while in Romania.
- Hostels are an excellent option for budget travelers, and Airbnb is also a good choice for finding affordable accommodations.
- It is recommended to transact in Romanian leu rather than Euros while in Romania.
Say No More, We’re Going on a Trip to Romania, ASAP!
All in all, Romania is a fascinating country with much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Given its countless tourist hotspots, rich history and fascinating culture, it is just virtually impossible to run out of things to do in Romania! So, if you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime, hurry up and plan your trip now!
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