While in Romania
Domestic Transport |
Communications |
Cuisine & Drinks |
Restaurant Tips |
Customs & Etiquette |
Measures |
Rules of the Road|
Safety |
Business hours |
Tipping |
Sales Tax / Tax Refund |
Domestic Transportation
Getting around Romania is easy and inexpensive.
Bus
Most cities offer efficient and very inexpensive bus, trolleybus or tram
transportation.
There are several bus companies that offer fast and inexpensive
connections between Romania's main cities. Inter-City bus stations are
usually next to the train station and most buses have a stop in the centre
of the city. Bus or taxi might be the only choice when choosing to
explore some remote areas.
Car rental
Car is the best way to visit Romania as this allows visitors to admire the
unique scenery and take advantage of the innumerable photo opportunities
that they will encounter even during short drives. A hired car will save
you a lot of time when visiting some remote attractions as the Painted
Monasteries in Bucovina and the traditional villages in Maramures.
Most major international auto rental companies and several local companies
offer cars in the major cities and airports. Renters must be over 21 and
have a valid driver's licence and an internationally valid credit card.
Romania's major roads are safe and well maintained. As they pass through
main cities and towns gas stations, food stores and hotels are easy to
find. Road congestion is not an issue in Romania except in Bucharest.
The Romanian Automobile Association (ACR or "Automobil Clubul Roman")
offers 24 hour roadside assistance. Call: (01) 222 22 22 or (01) 222 15
52.
Domestic flights
There are several scheduled domestic flights connecting cities within
Romania which are operated by CarpatAir and Tarom.
CarpatAir has hubs in Timisoara and Cluj.
Tarom operates domestic flights between Bucharest and several cities in
Romania.
For more information on domestic flight schedules, please visit:
CarpatAir
Tarom
Train
Romania has a well-developed railway network that covers virtually the
whole country. Trains are the most popular means of getting around
Romania. They are amazingly inexpensive and generally on time. Three
different services are offered. The cheapest and slowest are Local Trains
(Personal). The next fastest and more expensive are Express Trains
(Accelerat and Rapid) that require a seat reservation along with the
ticket. The fastest and the most expensive are Inter-City Trains (Inter
City). The last two types of trains have dining cars and sleepers
(overnight or long distance trains only).
For train enthusiasts there are nine steam trains, dating from the 1920s
and '30s, some of which have been restored to provide a luxury travel
experience. Organizations as well as Individuals can rent steam
trains.
For information on train schedules and fares please visit www.infofer.ro.
Map of Romania's Railways Network
Taxi
Taxis are available in every city and larger towns in Romania. They can
be summoned by telephone or hailed on the street. Authorized taxis can be
recognized by the TAXI sign on the roof. All Taxis should be equipped
with metres. Calling a taxi company is always a good idea. Drivers
approaching you at the airport or at the train station in Bucharest are
likely to inflate their rates; please avoid them.
For longer trips outside the city limits it is possible to agree on the
fee before getting in. In most cases using a taxi for such trips is
affordable and very convenient.
Taxi tariffs vary from city to city:
| upon entry | $ 0.14 - $ 0.19 / mile |
| trips within city limits | $ 0.24 - $ 0.47 / mile |
| trips outside city limits | $ 0.41 - $ 0.58 / mile |
| slow traffic or waiting time | $ 0.02 - $ 0.03 / minute |
Communications
Telephone:
International direct dialing service is available throughout Romania.
Most public telephones require the use of a calling/ telephone card.
It is very easy to rent or buy a cellular telephone in Romania.
Dialing within Romania:
0 + three digit area code + six digit telephone #
when dialing anywhere in the countryside or
0 + 21 + seven digit telephone # or 0 + 31 + seven digit telephone #
when dialing a number Bucharest.
Three digit telephone numbers are local toll-free numbers for emergencies
or businesses.
International dialing from Romania:
00 + country code + area code + telephone #
Dialing from a foreign country directly to Bucharest:
International Access Code +40 (country code) + 21 + seven digit telephone #
Dialing from a foreign country directly to any other city in Romania:
International Access Code + 40 (country code) + three digit area code + six
digit phone #
Romania has several Internet access providers offering advanced services
such as Internet messaging via mobile telephone, Internet paging,
international roaming and more. A number of Internet retail outlets and
cyber-cafes in almost every town offer convenient Internet access. An
increasing number of hotels offer data ports with high-speed modem
connections for guests to access the Internet and retrieve e-mail in the
comfort of their rooms.
Cuisine & Drinks
"The central characteristic of the Romanian cuisine is its great variety.
It is a cuisine influenced by repeated waves of different cultures: the
ancient Greeks, with whom Romanians traded; the Romans, who gave the
country its name; the Saxons, who settled in southern Transylvania; the
Turks, who for centuries dominated Romania; as well as Slavic and Magyar
neighbors. All of these influences gradually blended into the varied and
delicious Romanian culinary tradition"
Nicolae Klepper — Taste of Romania
The main ingredients used by Romanian chefs are meats such as pork, beef
and lamb, fish, vegetables, dairy products and fruit.
A traditional Romanian meal may include:
Appetizer
All kinds of cheeses, cold cuts and vegetable spreads.
Soup
"Ciorba de perisoare" (meatball soup), "ciorba taraneasca"
(vegetable soup, with or withour meat), "ciorba de burta" (tripe soup).
Fish
"Saramura" (grilled carp in brine), "nisetru la gratar" (grilled
Black Sea sturgeon) or "scrumbie la gratar" (grilled herring).
Entree
"Tocanita" or "tochitura" (meat stew seasoned with onions and/
or spices), "ghiveci" (over 20 vegetables cooked in oil), "sarmale"
(pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meats, rice and
spices) and "mititei" (The "Wee Ones" — small skinless grilled sausages)
are among the favorites.
Romanians produce great pickled vegetables, called "muraturi" (red peppers, green tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, red cabbage, cauliflower).
Dessert
"Papanasi" (cottage cheese donuts, topped with sour cream and
fruit preserve), "clatite cu branza" (crepes filled with cottage cheese,
raisins and spices) and "cozonac" (traditional holiday sweet bread filled
with walnuts, poppy seeds or cream cheese).
A traditional drink enjoyed with appetizers is "tuica" (a potent plum
brandy) which varies in strength, dryness and bouquet according to the
production area.
Romania produces excellent wines, some of which are exported all over the
world. Romanian beers are excellent as well.
In recent years foreign chefs have come with fresh ideas and introduced a
variety of delicious cuisines from around the world: French, Italian,
Chinese, Indian and Japanese are offered, to name a few.
Restaurant tips
"…I go to the butcher in the morning and buy steaks by the yard," mused
Constantin Brancusi the world-famous Romanian sculptor. Romanians love
meat, so grilled or spit-roasted pork, chicken or beef are in great demand,
served with potatoes and fresh vegetables.
- Restaurants in small towns are usually social places where people go to
have drinks and discuss politics or business. Meat might be unavoidable in
such restaurants and menus are usually based on pork, beef or chicken. In
small towns locals do not usually eat in restaurants because,
traditionally, Romanian women cook almost every day. Homemade dishes are
a world apart, so if invited to have lunch or dinner with a Romanian
family, do not miss the opportunity.
- As in most countries independent restaurants tend to be better than
hotel restaurants so do not hesitate to visit smaller, privately owned
restaurants.
- In some regions of Romania, and especially in Transylvania, some dishes
may be prepared with more fat than you might usually use.
- Instead of having a heavy (meat) dish for lunch, try some delicious
Romanian cheese and vegetables, especially during the warm summers.
- Salads are usually a side order, which comes with most entrees,
especially steaks.
- Prices listed on restaurant menus are per serving and include all taxes
and service charge. However, some restaurants might post prices per 50 g
or 100 g (1.75oz. or 3.5 oz.) while the actual serving can be up to 300
grams (12 oz.). If not stated clearly on the menu, check with the waiter
and make sure that you are specific when you order.
A few waiters may try to charge unsuspecting customers extra, claiming
that the serving quantity was twice the quantity listed on the menu.
- Typically, each food item (except bread) is ordered (and charged for) individually, right down to the butter. If you don't want bread, say so or it will be brought to your table and added to your bill.
- Most restaurants only serve wine by the bottle. When serving the wine
the waiter will usually ask you if you would like a little bit of
sparkling mineral water to be added to your wine. Wine mixed with mineral
water ("sprit") is very popular during summer. Hot wine — with sugar and
cinnamon — ("vin fiert") is "the recommended drink" for cold winter days.
For something stronger try hot plum brandy ("tuica fiarta") — hot plum
brandy with sugar and peppercorn.
- Your glass of water or soft drink will not be served with ice unless
specifically requested.
- Restaurants do not usually have a non-smoking section.
Customs & Etiquette
Romanians are friendly and open and foreigners are usually made very
welcome. Chatting with visitors is very common for Romanians and they
will find a way to communicate with you even if they cannot speak your
language.
- Older people particularly appreciate old-fashioned politeness. It is
respectful to use Mrs. or Mr. when using the name of a person that you
just meet.
- Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. When a Romanian man is
introduced to a woman, he will probably kiss her hand, strictly avoiding
her eyes.
- If one refuses what a host offers to eat or drink, this will often be
taken as a polite refusal by guest who really means to say "yes." If you
want to refuse the offer find a polite excuse and say it firmly or ask for
a replacement.
- It is common to linger once the meal (luch or dinner) is over.
- When visiting someone at home bring a small gift. Most common gifts
include flowers or chocolate (for women only), a bottle of wine or liquor. The number of flowers that one offers must always be odd. Other well-appreciate gifts include
Western cosmetics (i.e. eau de toilette or after-shave) and clothing.
- All gifts should be wrapped, but many Romanians might not unwrap their gifts in your presence.
- In Romania as in many Latin countries life is lived at a more relaxed
pace. Normal European courtesies should be followed on social occasions.
Although casual dress is fine in most occasions, wearing a suit and tie,
or the women's equivalent, is important at business meetings. Appointments are
necessary and punctuality is expected.
- It is not considered impolite to ask a person's age, politics, income or religion, so don't take such questions amiss.
More resources about Customs & Etiquette:
www.etiquetteandimage.com
Measures
Romania uses the metric system of weights and measures.
Speed and distance are measured in kilometres; goods in kilograms and
litres; temperatures in Celsius - Centigrade.
Length conversion
1 centimetre = 0.4 inches
1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 metre = 3.3 feet = 1.1 yards = 100 centimetres
1 foot = 0.3 metres
1 kilometre = 0.62 miles = 1,000 metres
1 mile = 1.61 km
Weight & Volume conversion
100 grams = 3.5 oz
1 oz = 28.35 grams
1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs = 1,000 grams
1 lb = 454 grams
100 millilitres = 3.4 fl.oz
1 fl. oz. = 28.4 millilitres
1 liter = 1/4 gallon = 1,000 millilitres
1 gallon = 3.78 litres
Temperature conversion °C to °F
(°C multiply by 9, divide by 5, and add 32 or
double °C and add
30)
°C -18 -12 -7 0 4 10 16 21 27 32 38
°F 0 10 20 32 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Speed conversion
Kilometres divided by 1.6 = miles
KmPH 10 30 50 60 80 90 110
MPH 6 21 31 39 50 56 70
More information on US / Europe measures conversion: http://hemsidor.torget.se/users/b/bohjohan/convert/conv_e.htm
Rules of the Road
- Minimum driving age is 18.
- U.S. and Canadian driver's licences are valid for driving in Romania.
- Driving is on the right side of the road.
- Passengers in the front seat of a car must wear seatbelts at all
times. Children under 12 years of age may not ride in the
front seat.
- Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in build-up areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on
main roads and 110 km/h (70 mph) on highway, unless posted otherwise.
- Pedestrians have priority at all times at crossings without traffic
lights.
- Bring your car to a full stop at railway crossings without traffic
lights.
- Unless otherwise indicated (stop or yield sign) traffic coming from the
right has the right of the way.
- The use of cellular phones while driving is not allowed.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense and
penalties are severe. Blood alcohol level should be 0.00 o/oo while driving.
We strongly advise you not to drink and drive.
- In case of a car accident call the police and make sure that you get a
copy of the Police Report.
Traffic Fines
Most visitors who encounter Romanian Traffic Police officers believe that
they are nice and friendly. In case that you will have to deal with
Traffic Police please remember the following:
- Traffic officers cannot collect fines on the spot. All fine payments
must be made at a bank or local tax administration office. The officer
will only write the ticket and will give instructions on how to pay/
dispute the fine.
- Traffic laws indicate a minimum and a maximum fine for each traffic
violation. The police officer has the authority to decide the fine
amount, based on circumstances. However, if you decide to pay the fine
within three days from the date when the ticket was issued you will only
have to pay half of the minimum amount indicated by law.
- Fines are not differentiated based on income or citizenship.
- Officers and judges have leeway in determining/ canceling traffic
fines.
Safety
Although violent crime against tourists is almost non-existent visitors
should take customary steps to safeguard their valuables. Leave your
valuables and passport in the hotel's safety deposit box or use a money
belt kept out of sight. Be aware of pickpockets and scam artists in major
cities.
Do not attempt to exchange money on the street; you will likely be
short-changed or receive a pile of worthless bills. Beware of con men
masquerading as plainclothes police; they may pretend to check your papers
or accuse you of exchanging currency on the black market. In fact they
might try to steal your cash. Real plainclothes police officers might
only ask to check personal documents but never your credit cards or your
cash. Not having your passport with you will not be a problem. The
officer will come with you to your hotel to see your passport if he really
has to check it.
Business Hours
Banks: are usually open 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Shopping: Special purchases include embroideries, ceramics, pottery,
porcelain, crystal, glassware, silverware, carpets, rugs, fabrics, wool
jumpers, woodcarvings, glass paintings and more. Antiques ("Antichitati")
and Consigned Goods stores ("Consignatia") deserve shoppers' attention.
Normal shopping hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tips on Tipping
Taxi drivers do not expect tips
but courteous service can be rewarded.
Hotel maid - the equivalent of $1.50 / day (4 Lei) or $10.00 (25 Lei) for one week or longer stays.
Hotel Concierge - tipping for the answer to a simple question is not necessary but 10 Lei ($4.00) to 15 Lei ($6.00) is suitable for help making reservations or getting tickets to a show.
Restaurants - although service is included a 5% to 10% tip will be appreciated.
Appropriate gratuities for Hairdressers and/ or Massage Terrapist are 10% to 15%.
Bellhop or Skycap - 2 Lei ($0.75) a bag.
Parking valet - 3 Lei ($1.00).
Sales tax for goods and services:
VAT / Value Added Tax (or in Romanian: T V A - Taxa pe Valoare Adaugata )
A sales tax (TVA) of 21 % is added to all retail sales, hotel stays and meals served in restaurants. It is usually included in the prices posted in stores, hotels and restaurants.
Like in many countries hotels charge an additional tax (0.5% to 5% depending on the class of hotel).
AT Refund
VAT refund offices (Birou de Restituire TVA) can be found at any Romanian border crossing point.
To claim you Sales Tax Refund please make sure that:
1. Your purchases were made at a store which can issue a legal invoice/ receipt (factura fiscala) as well as a tax refund form (formular de restituire TVA),
2. The total value of your purchases is higher than 250 Lei (approx. $100 US),
3. Your purchases were made 90 days or less before your date of departure from Romania,
4. You have the original receipts and store identified VAT Refund forms validated by the Customs Office (Birou Vamal).
All refunds will be made in Romanian currency “Lei”.
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