Welcome to Romania 😊

Quick Facts About Romania

Money and Finances

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). There are coins and notes of different denominations, with the most common coins being 1, 5, and 10 bani, and the most common banknotes being 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 lei.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in the major cities and towns in Romania, and most accept international cards. However, it is advisable to withdraw cash from ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers, as they are generally more secure than standalone ATMs on the street.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted in larger establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in urban areas. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to smaller towns or rural areas where credit card acceptance may be limited.

Internet and Phones

Romania has a reasonably good internet infrastructure with an average download speed of 44.7 Mbps and upload speed of 20.5 Mbps. There is no significant government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Romania has several telco companies, including Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 25-30 euros per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Romania

To call Romania from another country, dial +40 followed by the area code and telephone number. The area codes for Romania are 21 for Bucharest, 31 for Constanta, 21 for Craiova, 51 for Iasi, 261 for Timisoara, and 41 for Brasov.

Transport Around Romania

Air Travel

Romania has multiple international airports, including Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca International Airport, and Timisoara Traian Vuia International Airport.

Train Travel

Romania's inter-city train network is operated by CFR Calatori, with routes connecting major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara. Ticket prices vary depending on distance and class, with a 2nd class ticket from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca costing around 80 lei (17 USD) and taking approximately 9 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Bucharest is the only city in Romania with a metro system, with four lines operating throughout the city.

Buses

Romania has a comprehensive bus network that connects most cities and towns, with many private companies operating routes. Ticket prices and journey times vary depending on the distance and company, with a ticket from Bucharest to Brasov costing around 50 lei (11 USD) and taking approximately 3 hours.

Rideshare

Uber and Bolt are both available in Romania, with prices varying depending on the distance and time of day. A typical ride within Bucharest city center costs around 10-20 lei (2-4 USD).

Driving by Car

Driving in Romania can be challenging due to poor road conditions and aggressive drivers. The speed limit on highways is 130 km/h, while in cities it is 50 km/h. Romania uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Romania, tipping is common in restaurants and bars, with the usual amount being around 10%. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or a hug, and may use cheek kissing among close friends and family. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal language until invited to use informal language. Men and women typically address each other with a handshake or a kiss on the hand for formal occasions.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Romania has a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical services for its citizens. Private healthcare is also available at a cost. A visit to a doctor can cost around 50-100 RON (10-20 USD) for a basic consultation. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents and can be obtained through the National Health Insurance Fund or through private insurance providers.

COVID Situation

Romania was initially hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a high number of cases and deaths in the early stages of the outbreak. However, the government implemented strict measures such as lockdowns and mandatory mask-wearing, which helped to bring down the rates of infection. Currently, the infection rate in Romania is moderate, with around 250-300 new cases per day.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Romania include tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and meningitis, as well as food and waterborne illnesses such as hepatitis A and E. Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to prevent the transmission of diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria, particularly in rural areas during the summer months.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is legal and widely available in Romania, but the legal drinking age is 18 years. Public drinking is prohibited and drunk driving is strictly enforced. In some areas or during certain events, alcohol consumption may be restricted or banned.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Romania, including soft drugs such as cannabis and other party drugs. Possession, use and distribution of drugs can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws affecting pre-marital relationships in Romania. The minimum legal age for marriage is 18 years, or 16 years with parental consent.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Romania has been criticized for its lack of protections for LGBTQ individuals. Same-sex marriage is not legal and there are no anti-discrimination laws in place based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Hate crimes are also not specifically recognized in the penal code.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is allowed in Romania, but it is heavily regulated. A license is required to own a gun and there are strict requirements for obtaining one. Firearms are generally not allowed in public places and their use is restricted to specific situations, such as hunting or self-defense.