Explore the Enchanting Allure of Romania: Nature and History Await
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 ‒ including the exquisitely painted monasteries of Bucovina ‒ 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.
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 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. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. 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 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 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:
Embassy of Romania, Washington DC: +1 202 332 4846.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Romania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3709.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Romania, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7937 9666.
- In Australia:
Embassy of Romania, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 2343.
- In Ireland:
Embassy of Romania, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 1150.
- In New Zealand:
Romanian Honorary Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 21 359 266.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Romania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 6941.
Foreign Embassies in Romania
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 200 3300.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 307 5000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 201 7200.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Romania): +381 (11) 330 3400.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 310 2131.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Romania): +32 2 512 1040.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Bucharest: +40 (0)21 313 3725.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
