FAQ
Categories
General Travel Questions
Citizens from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not require a visa for short stays (tourism). Always verify based on your nationality, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Tourists typically can stay up to 90 days.
The best months are from May to October, with spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Tourists typically can stay up to 90 days.
A valid passport or ID (for EU citizens), proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance are required. Entry requirements can vary slightly by nationality.
Yes, Romania is part of the Schengen Area and the European Union.
The official language is Romanian. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Euros are not commonly accepted, so it’s best to exchange or withdraw local currency.
The exchange rate fluctuates, but generally, €1 is around 4.9-5.0 RON. Always check the current rate before traveling.
Credit cards are accepted in most cities, restaurants, and hotels, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Yes, tipping around 10% is customary and appreciated in restaurants, cafés, taxis, and for guides or hotel services.
The emergency number in Romania is 112, available for police, ambulance, and fire services.
Yes, Romania is considered safe for tourists, with a relatively low crime rate. However, standard travel precautions are always recommended.
Yes, Romania is very family-friendly, offering numerous activities suitable for children, such as exploring castles, wildlife encounters, interactive museums, outdoor adventures, and accessible hiking trails.
Some basic words are:
Hello = Buna ziua /bu’nə ‘ziwa/
Goodbye = La revedere /la re.ve’de.re/
Thank you = Multumesc /mul.t͡suˈmesk/
Transportation & Getting Around
Yes, taxis are generally safe. Use official taxis clearly marked with rates displayed on the car and always ensure the driver starts the meter.
Yes, Romania has popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt, available in most cities.
Public transportation is reliable in larger cities and towns, offering buses, trams, and metro (in Bucharest). However, schedules may vary in rural areas.
Yes, renting a car is recommended, especially for exploring rural areas and remote sights. Rental services are widely available in major cities.
An international driver’s license is not mandatory but recommended. A valid driver’s license from your home country is usually sufficient.
Major roads and highways are generally good. Rural roads may vary, and caution is advised due to occasional potholes or limited signage.
Yes, typical speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on national roads, and 130 km/h on highways. Romania uses an electronic road tax (vignette), mandatory for all vehicles traveling on national roads.
Parking facilities in Romania are generally available in most cities and tourist areas, but availability and ease of finding parking can vary. Larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, or Sibiu have designated parking areas, both paid and free, although central areas can be crowded. In smaller towns and villages, parking is usually easier to find and often free.
Romania has an extensive train network connecting most major cities. InterCity (IR) trains are comfortable and reliable, but regional trains can be slower. Schedules and tickets can be found online at CFR Călători’s official website.
Yes, Romania has frequent domestic flights connecting major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Iași, ideal for saving travel time across longer distances.
Yes, major cities like Bucharest, Sibiu, Brașov, and Cluj-Napoca are pedestrian-friendly, with historical city centers best explored on foot.
Yes, bicycle rentals and guided bike tours are widely available, particularly in popular tourist areas.
The minimum age for driving a car in Romania is 18 years. Children must be at least 12 years old to be able to sit on the right front. Children under the age of 12 years must travel to the rear seats and wear either a seat belt or travel in an approved car seat.
Some top scenic routes are the Transfăgărășan Road, Transalpina Highway, and Bicaz Gorge, offering spectacular landscapes and picturesque views.
Yes, boat tours are the best way to explore the Danube Delta, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and experiencing unique wildlife.
When crossing the border by car, have your passport or ID, vehicle registration documents, valid insurance (Green Card recommended), and driver’s license ready. Border procedures are typically straightforward and quick.
Accommodation
Romania offers a wide range, from luxury hotels and boutique accommodations to charming guesthouses, mountain cabins, eco-lodges, and rural homestays.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is widely available and commonly offered by hotels, guesthouses, and many restaurants and cafes throughout Romania.
Most hotels have a check-in time around 2:00 PM–3:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. Early check-in or late check-out can usually be arranged upon request.
Romanian Culture & Etiquette
Romanians are friendly and hospitable; common traditions include greeting with a handshake, removing shoes when entering a home, and offering small gifts when invited to someone’s house.
A handshake with direct eye contact is common, along with saying “Bună ziua” (Good day) or “Salut” (Hello).
Romanian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, combining Balkan, Turkish, and Hungarian influences, with dishes often featuring meats, soups, and fresh local produce.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan dishes are increasingly available, especially in larger cities, though options may be limited in rural areas.
Must-try dishes include sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled sausages), mămăligă (polenta), ciorbă (sour soup), and papanași (traditional dessert).
Romania is renowned for excellent wines, particularly from regions like Dealu Mare, Cotnari, and Transylvania. Top varieties include Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, and Tămâioasă Românească.
No, it’s not considered rude, though finishing your meal is generally appreciated as a sign that you enjoyed it.
Tap water is safe to drink in major cities; however, bottled water is generally recommended.
Such discussions should be approached sensitively, as political and religious views can be deeply personal topics.
Photography is generally permitted, but always ask permission before photographing people, inside religious buildings, or private properties.
Many Romanians are open to discussing history, but sensitivity and respect are important when approaching this topic.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Romania has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including cultural landmarks like the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, Sighișoara Historic Centre, and the Saxon Fortified Churches of Transylvania, as well as natural heritage sites like the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.
Popular trails include routes in the Bucegi Mountains, Piatra Craiului National Park, the Făgăraș Mountains, Apuseni Natural Park, and Retezat National Park.
Romania’s diverse wildlife includes brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild boars, deer, and numerous bird species, especially in the Carpathian Mountains and Danube Delta.
Yes, bear-watching tours are popular, especially near Brașov and in the Carpathians. Wildlife experiences also include birdwatching and bison tracking.
Popular day trips from Bucharest include Peles Castle, Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, Brasov, Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria), and the UNESCO-listed Transylvanian fortified churches. Our day trips from Bucharest are available on the website.
The best way is by car, either self-drive or with a private driver-guide, as it provides flexibility and the opportunity to visit rural areas, castles, picturesque villages, and scenic landscapes at your own pace.
Absolutely! Romania is perfect for road trips, featuring scenic routes such as the Transfăgărășan Road, medieval towns, historical landmarks, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Romania offers various culinary experiences such as cooking classes, wine tastings, traditional dinners, and farm-to-table experiences, providing travelers with authentic insights into local cuisine and culture.
Some must-see castles include Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, Corvin Castle, and Cantacuzino Castle.
Yes, Bran Castle, Sighișoara (birthplace of Vlad the Impaler), and Poenari Fortress are top Dracula-themed sites.
Most museums in Romania are closed on Mondays and some even on Tuesday.
Popular villages include Viscri, Biertan, Breb, and Rimetea, offering authentic rural experiences and preserved traditions.
Craft workshops, such as pottery, weaving, and egg painting, are available in Maramureș, Bucovina, and Saxon villages of Transylvania.
Yes, notable events include the George Enescu Music Festival, Electric Castle, UNTOLD Festival, and traditional folk festivals in Maramureș and Bucovina.
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, and Timișoara are known for lively nightlife, featuring clubs, bars, and cultural events.
Yes, Romania hosts renowned events like Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF), Astra Film Festival, and Sibiu International Theatre Festival.
Transylvania is home to fortified churches, notably in Viscri, Biertan, Prejmer, Harman, and Saschiz, many of which are UNESCO-listed.
Significant Roman ruins are found in Alba Iulia (Apulum), Sarmizegetusa Regia (Dacian capital), Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana, and Constanta.
Practical Information
Romania operates on a 230V / 50Hz electrical system and uses Type F plugs (two round prongs), which are also compatible with Type C and E plugs. If your devices have different plug types, you’ll need an adapter. Most modern devices, like smartphones and laptops, support 230V, but it’s always wise to double-check your equipment before traveling.
Yes, international roaming works in Romania, but check roaming fees with your mobile provider beforehand.
A SIM card is not mandatory, but local SIM cards are affordable, widely available at airports, shops, and kiosks, offering good coverage and affordable internet data plans.
Romania is in Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, and observes daylight saving (UTC+3).
Pack layers suitable for varying temperatures and comfortable shoes. Summers are warm; winters are cold, and weather can change rapidly in mountainous areas.
Shops typically open from 9 AM to 8 PM, with larger stores or malls open longer. Smaller shops might close earlier, especially in rural areas.
Yes, bargaining is acceptable at open-air markets or souvenir stands, but not common in established stores.
Romania is generally safe, but watch out for taxi drivers overcharging tourists (use official taxis or apps like Uber/Bolt), and avoid currency exchange at airports due to poor rates. Always verify restaurant bills.
Yes, pharmacies and medical facilities are widely available in Romanian cities and larger towns. Many pharmacists and medical professionals speak English.
Yes, travel insurance is widely available and highly recommended for your trip, covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Yes, luggage storage is commonly available at hotels, train stations, and airports, especially in major cities.
Romania has excellent mobile data coverage. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas and hotels. You might experience loss of connectivity in rural areas or at high altitudes.
Although smoking indoors is banned in Romania, many restaurants, cafés, and bars still have outdoor areas or terraces where smoking is allowed. If you prefer to avoid smoke, selecting indoor seating would be more comfortable.
Romania is generally pet-friendly, with many hotels and restaurants allowing pets, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, pet acceptance policies vary, so it’s best to confirm directly with the establishment in advance.
For groups up to 7 people, our tours are usually led by driver-guides. For bigger groups you will be accompanied by both a driver and a tour guide.
Religious & Historical Aspects
Yes, Romania is predominantly Orthodox Christian, and religion plays an important role in its cultural and daily life, especially in rural areas.
Yes, most churches and monasteries warmly welcome tourists. It’s respectful to dress modestly and be mindful of services or prayer times.
Yes, modest attire is recommended—shoulders and knees covered, and hats removed upon entering. Women may be asked to cover their heads in some Orthodox monasteries.
The majority of Romanians (approximately 86%) are Eastern Orthodox Christians. There are also Catholic, Protestant, and other religious communities.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Yes, Romania is very safe for hiking. Popular trails are well-marked, but it’s recommended to hike with a guide or take clear maps, inform someone of your itinerary, and be mindful of wildlife.
Yes, Romania has impressive salt mines open to visitors. The most famous are Turda Salt Mine (near Cluj-Napoca), known for its underground amusement park and impressive chambers, and Praid Salt Mine in Transylvania.
Yes, Romania has excellent natural spas and resorts, such as Băile Felix, Sovata, Băile Herculane, and Tusnad, known for their therapeutic mineral waters and wellness facilities.
Yes, horseback riding experiences are available in various regions, such as Transylvania, Maramureș, and Bucovina, suitable for all experience levels.

Curious about Romania?
Your adventure in Romania starts with a message—contact us now and let’s create the perfect itinerary for you!