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Before You Go

Travel formalities | When to go | Currency exchange | ATM |
Credit Cards | Traveler's checks | Budget guide | Health |
Electricity| Traveling with pets | Good to Know

Traveling to Romania is as easy as traveling to any other European destination. Romania offers a rich tapestry of tourist attractions, which are unique in Europe.

Even if Romania is not your main travel destination in Europe, a two or three-day ad-on trip is well worthwhile. Although some remote areas in Romania only offer mid-scale or budget accommodations and basic tourist facilities those visiting the country will always encounter friendly people, wonderful sights and affordable prices.

Travel formalities
American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not need an entry visa to visit Romania (for stays up to 90 - ninety - days).
However, a valid passport is required for all international visitors except for citizens of the countries of the European Union who can enter Romania with their Identity Card.
No vaccinations are required/ necessary.
There is no Entry or Departure Tax.
Extensions of stays beyond 90 days can be obtained from the local passport office.
Citizens of other countries should check the visa regulations that apply to them with the nearest Romanian diplomatic office.
For more visa information and a list of Romanian diplomatic offices abroad please visit www.mae.ro.



When to go
Romania is a year-round tourist destination. However, from the end of April to the beginning of July and from end of August to the end of October are the most popular sightseeing periods, with generally mild and pleasant temperatures. Summers can be hot especially in Southern Romania, including Bucharest, but along the Black Sea Coast, sea breezes offer moderate temperatures. The mountain resorts and higher elevation areas are warm and pleasant during summer. Winters can be very cold, especially in the mountains and snow is common throughout the country from December to mid March. Skiers can usually enjoy their favorite sport in the Carpathian Mountain resorts from December until mid-April.



Money and Budget Guide

Currency exchange
Romania's currency is Leu (plural "Lei") (pronunciation: lay).

Banknote denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 lei
Coins: 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani pieces. (pronunciation: bahnee)
1leu = 100 bani

Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or authorized exchange offices (called: "casa de schimb" or "birou de schimb valutar"). International airports and larger hotels also offer currency exchange services.
Exchange rates** for foreign currencies, valid on March 19, 2009:
one US dollar = 3.29 Lei (3 lei and 29 bani)
one Canadian dollar = 2.60 Lei (2 lei and 60 bani)
one British Pound = 4.65 Lei (4 lei and 65 bani)
one Australian dollar = 2.17 Lei (2 lei and 17 bani)
one Euro = 4.29 Lei (4 lei and 29 bani)
** Official exchange rates announced by the National Bank of Romania

ATM (Bancomat)
ATM machines are available at main banks and at airports and shopping centres. Do not expect to find ATMs in remote areas or villages.



Credit cards
Major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in large hotels, car rental companies and stores in the main cities. However, credit cards are unlikely to prove useful in small towns or away from tourist areas.

Travelers' Checks
Preferably in US dollars or Euros, Travelers' Checks can be cashed in large banks, some hotels and selected exchange offices but most of them charge considerable commissions. Do not count on cashing such checks outside Bucharest and a few other major cities. For travel around the country it is a good idea to carry cash. Small stores and restaurants might accept U.S. Dollars in small denominations ($ 1, 5, 10 and 20) but the exchange rate offered will not be the best. Street handicraft vendors prefer Romanian currency.



Budget Guide

Entrance fees to historic buildings and attractions are rarely more than $5.00.

Hotels outside Bucharest range from $65 to $120 per night/double room, with full breakfast and taxes included.

A three-course dinner, for two, with wine and tip starts at $35.00 and can go up to $200.00 or more in some of the more upscale restaurants in Bucharest. However, less expensive does not mean not as good as a very expensive one. Dinner in restaurants is often accompanied by live music.

Below are some price samples:

Good to Know

General emergency phone number: 112

Emergency Contacts in Bucharest

Disabled visitors

Access for people with disabilities to Romania's tourist attractions has improved in recent years, and it remains a priority. However, it is advisable to check with all service providers prior to your visit, ensuring that they are able to meet your particular needs. Advance notice and reservations will also help ensure that you receive the best possible assistance.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 V; 50 cycles.
Outlets take plugs with two round prongs. A plug & power adapter is necessary for most appliances requiring 110 V.



Travel with Pets

• Documents needed to take your pet into Romania include a Veterinary Health Certificate and a proof of rabies vaccination, not older than six months. Translation of documents is not needed if they are in English, French or German.
  
  
• There are no specific customs regarding pets.
  
  
• Pets are allowed on trains and buses. However, large dogs must wear a muzzle.
  
  
• Each hotel or restaurant has its own pet policy. In general pets are allowed in hotels and restaurants. Hotels usually charge a little bit extra for guests bringing their pets.
  
  
• Romanians love pets and please don't be surprised or offended if someone you don't know tries to pet your dog or cat without asking permission.

Smoking
It sometimes looks like almost every adult in Romania smokes. Unfortunately, some of those who do smoke have little consciousness of non-smokers' rights.
The Romanian Government recently approved legislation that bans smoking in every public place but as in many countries in Eastern Europe smokers have little respect for non-smokers and for smoking laws.
Currently smoking is not allowed on planes, on buses and on some trains. Luxury hotels have designated no-smoking floors but very few restaurants have no-smoking sections. Smoking is prohibited in all public places including hospitals, concert halls, and theatres.

Restrooms
There are no too many public restrooms so your best bet might be large hotels, department stores or fast-food restaurants. Use of some public rest rooms may be subject to a small fee. Some public facilities in crowded areas, including those in trains and train stations, occasionally run out of toilet paper or might not be cleaned often enough. Carrying a packet of tissues with you is always a good idea. Restrooms signs will indicate "Femei" (for women) or "Barbati" (for men). More information on restrooms at www.thebathroomdiaries.com

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