Romania Tourism

General Information.

How to get to Romania?

By air
Regular and charter flights of Romanian air carriers (notably Tarom the national airline) or of the foreign airlines with offices in Bucharest (Delta, Air France, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Swissair...) connect Bucharest and the world's major airports.
Romania's international airports are Bucharest-Otopeni, Constanta-Mihail Kogalniceanu and Timisoara.
Otopeni International Airport at Bucharest is 16 kms from the city centre. Transfers can be made by airport coach or by taxi. In the latter case it is wise to agree the price with the driver before beginning the journey. Check with your travel agent as tour operators can often supply transfers at very competitive rates.

By rail
International express trains connect the main central European capitals with Bucharest, the Black Sea coast and main cities. Romania is a member of the International Railway Tariff Systems RIT and Inter Rail.
By road The following is a selection of roads linking various cities to Romania E 81 (Berlin-Warsaw-Budapest-Petea), E 60 (Vienna-Prague-Budapest-Bors), E 68 (Vienna - Prague -Budapest - Arad), E 70 (Trieste-Belgrade-Portile de Fier), E 79 (Athens-Tirana-Sofia-Calafat), E 85 (Athens-Istanbul-Sofia-Giurgiu), E 87 (Istanbul-Tirana-Sofia-Vama Veche),E 581 (Moscow-Kiev-Kishinev-Albita), E 85 (Warsaw - Kiev - Chernowitz - Siret) .
All roads are marked in accordance with international regulations. Driving is on the right side of the road and overtaking on the left.
Distances between Bucharest and various main cities are: Athens-1252 km, Berlin-2154 km, Berne(Zurich)-2125 km, Brussels-2394 km, Bonn-2100 km, Budapest-893 km, Copenhagen-2587 km, Frankfurt-2100 km, The Hague (Amsterdam)-2428 km, Helsinki-2900 km, Istanbul-704 km, Kiev-1065 km, Kishinev-445 km, Lisbon-4120 km, London- 2577 km, Madrid-3530 km, Minsk-1650 km, Moscow-1963 km, Oslo-2820 km, Paris-2401km, Prague-1465 km, Riga-1955 km, Rome- 2149 km, Sofia-407 km, Stockholm-3100 km, Vienna-1100 km, Warsaw-1797km.
If you come by car to Romania, bring your driving license, car papers and green card.The Romanian Automobile Club -ACR - and the insurance company CAROM are at your disposal for technical and any other assistance with your car. Call ACR at 927 in Bucharest and at 12345 elsewhere in the country.

By sea and river
Cruise ships call at the Port of Constanta (on the Black Sea coast), the country's biggest port. Passenger boats also operate on the Danube and the new European riverway Rotterdam-Constanta, including the Romanian Danube Canal-Black Sea. The former call at the ports of Sulina, Tulcea and Braila and the latter Turnu Severin and Giurgiu.

Formalities

Tourist visas Entry or transit visas may be obtained from the diplomatic and consular offices of Romania abroad by all those having valid passports, recognized by the Romanian state.
Applicants must prove they have the means to support themselves financially for the period of their stay in Romania. Entry or extension visa fees must be paid in hard currency. Visas can also be obtained at Bucharest International Airport on arrival and at frontier points. The cost of a visa for individual travellers is US $ 25 if procured in advance and US $ 33, including handling charge, if issued on arrival.

Customs

Romania applies the international regulations of the Convention for the Customs Facilities for Tourist Traffic. Highly valuable goods -jewelery and foreign currency (over the value of $1,000 per person) must be declared when entering the country. Endorsed customs declarations must be kept as they are required when leaving the country.
It is forbidden to import, unless with a special license, lei (the Romanian currency), ammunition, explosives, narcotics, pornographic material. It is forbidden to export articles of cultural, historic or artistic value, as well as lei in excess of 5,000 per person.
Car drivers must be in possession of relevant car documents including green card, and personal driving license.
Anti rabies vaccination certificates are required for cats and dogs.

Currency exchange

The national currency is the leu (plural lei). Coins come in denominations of 10,20,50, and 100 lei. Notes in denominations of 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 lei.
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorised exchange offices. As rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around. Keep the exchange vouchers as they may be requested when you pay for things in lei.
Dollar bills are the most readily negotiated currency in Romania and it is a good idea to take some with you, preferably in small de nominations.
Avoid black market money changers as this is an illegal operation and subject to punishment by law.

Vaccinations

Not required

Clothing

Apart from normal seasonal clothes, it is always advisable to pack a warm pullover, a raincoat and good walking shoes. Very warm clothing is recommended in winter. In any event clothing is good value in Romania so you can always purchase additional items once there if necessary.

Transport within Romania

Local city transport
Underground trains, buses, trams and trolleybuses in Bucharest have a standard price of 800 lei per journey, irrespective of distance.

Taxis
State and private taxis are equipped with metres. As with many things in Romania, prices are more than reasonable.

Air
Tarom, the national carrier, has flights to major provincial cities. However it is wise to remember that Bucharest is the centre of the network, so a return to Bucharest is often necessary to go to another city.
Tarom's domestic office in Bucharest is at 59 Buzesti Str., PiataVictoriei, tel: 6594185, telex:11786.

Hired cars
Your travel agent can book a self drive car, on a rent and mileage or unlimited mileage basis. Ask also for details of chauffeur-driven cars, as extremely interesting prices are available.
Car hire companies: ONT Carparti SA, Bucharest, 7 Gral Magheru Blvd, phone: 6145160, fax: 3122594, telex: 11270; Touring ACR, Bucharest (Hertz), 27 Take Ionescu Str., phone: 6502595, fax: 3120434, telex: 10161; Intercontinental, Bucharest,4 Balcescu Blvd, phone: 6140400, fax: 3120486; and others hotels including the Bucuresti, Dorobanti in Bucharest; Aro-Palace in

Brasov; Continental Hotels in Constanta and Timisoara.
Distances Bucharest-major cities
Alba Iulia: 344 km, Brasov: 171 km, Cluj-Napoca: 446 km, Constanta: 266 km, Oradea: 595 km, Sibiu: 273 km, Targu Mures: 344 km, Timisoara: 567 km, Tulcea: 263 km.

Other information
When to come
Romania is truly a country for all seasons. A country for lazing in the sun and taking it easy, touring for cultural entichment, winter sports, hiking, boating and activities of all kinds.
When to come thus depends on what you want to do! Beach holidays on the Black Sea are at their best between June and September, and at the other end of the scale winter sports in the Transylvanian Alps are best practised from Christmas until March. Spring and autumn are perfect for touring vacations through out the country, while Bucharest is at her best right through from spring to autumn, although not lacking charm in winter too. This is the time to take in the opera season, attend concerts, and partake of hearty Romanian cuisine in warm and welcoming restaurants.

Festivals
Interesting festivals are often a good reason to come at one time of the year rather than another. The following is a list of some of the most interesting and colourful of the Romanian festivals:
The International Festival of Amateur Theatricals "Concordia Days",January 10-20 in Sfantu Gheorghe; The "UNICEF Gala" of lyrical theatre, on January 25 in Constanta; The Secular Winter Customs Festival, February, Sfantu Gheorghe; The International/National Festival of Dance Sports, April, Timisoara; The National Festival of Spring Agriculture Customs "Tinjaua de pe Marna", May, Hoteni Maramures District; The Feast of Narcisses, May, Vlahita - Harghita District; The International Jazz Festival, May, Brasov; The National Festival of Light Music of Mamaia, July-August; The International Light Music Festival "The Golden Stag", June 23-28, Brasov.

Where to stay
Hotels, motels, inns and camp-sites are to be found all over Romania, covering the entire range of comfort standards. There are also alpine huts at high altitude for enthusiastic climbers. Booking at travel agencies.

Hotels
Hotels are classified in Romania by a national system of stars, from 1 to 4. Prices are very reasonable by western standards.
Bed and breakfast
Accomodation is plentiful in this category: apply to ONT CARPATI - Bucharest, 7 Gral Magheru Blvd, phone: 6145160, fax: 3122594; Litoral SA-Mamaia - Bucharest Hotel, phone: 041831152, fax: 041831276; Danubius Travel Agency - Constanta, 22/34 Republicii Blvd, phone: 041670129, fax: 041618010; Kron Tour - Brasov, 12 Baritiu Str., phone: 068142773, fax: 068151070; Bran Imex - Bucharest, phone: 7817908, fax: 3113097, phone (Bran): 92236642; The Tourist Association of "Aref Village" in the County of Arges - Bucharest, phone/fax: 6666195.

Camping
Camp-sites are classified by a system of stars from 1 to 4, most being 1-2 stars.
Travel Agencies:Local Romanian travel agencies offer a wide range of tours in Bucharest and throughout the country: ONT CARPATI - Bucuresti, 7, Magheru Blvd Bucharest, tel: 3122598, fax: 3122594, tlx. 11270. AMBASSADORTOURS, 27, Pitar Mos Str., Bucharest, tel: 46147589/6595226, fax: 121239, tlx: 11160. MARATOURS, 62 Iuliu Maniu Str., Bucharest, tel: 6164597, fax: 3121398, tlx: 10795. MAGIC TOURS, 28 av. Traian Vasile Str., Bucharest, tel: 6652544, fax: 3128518 MARSHAL TRAVEL, 36, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd, Bucharest, tel: 6147951,fax: 3124657. NOUVELLES FRONTIERES - SIMPA TURISM, 18, Putu cu Plopi Str., Bucharest, tel: 6147951, fax: 3124657. NOVA TURISM, 21, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd, Bucharest, tel: 6150131, fax: 3121041 tlx: 10265. OLYMPIC INTERNATIONAL TURISM, 5, Visana Str., Bucharest, tel: 6758356/3306152, fax: 3305123. PARALELA 45, 7-9, Mihail Kogalniceanu Blvd, Bucharest, tel: 6134450, fax: 3122774, tlx:10035. ROMEXTUR, 4, Luterana Str., Bucharest, tel: 6136983, tlx: 11174R. TOURINGACR, 27, Take Ionescu Str., Bucharest, tel: 6502595, fax: 3120434, tlx: 18161. COMPANY FOR TOURISM AND TRADE, 4-6, Dem.I.Dobrescu Str., Bucharest, tel: 6133222, fax:3120126. ARCADIA TOUR SRL, 8, Schitu Magureanu Str., Bucharest, tel: 3126789, fax: 3126794. BRAVO TOUR, 1, Piata Unirii Bucharest, tel: 6145803.
Credit cards: American Express, Diners,Eurocard, JCB, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in most hotels and car hire companies, and in some restaurants. It is however advisable to check in advance.

Electricity: 220 volts and 50 Hz. 2 prong plug.

Local time: Summertime: 1 hour ahead of GMT (last Sunday of March to last Sunday of September). Rest of the year: 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Postal and communication services:Post offices are open daily, including Saturday morning, in most areas and provide local and external services. Most long distance telephone calls are made through the operator but increasingly direct dial national and international services are available.
For special services numbers of 3 figures are used:971 - international calls. 991 - internal trunk calls. 930 - Directory Enquiries -government, public and private organisations and companies. 931- Directory Enquiries, individual subscribers (A-L). 932 - Directory Enquiries, individual subscribers (M-Z). 955 - police. 953 - taxis. 951- information. 961-ambulance/emergencies. 981- fire. 958 - time. 952 - train times.
On direct dial telephones dial 0 then the city area code for internal calls or 00, then the country and city code for international calls. For long-distance calls to Romania: for Bucharest dial 40 then 1 and the phone number; for other localities dial 40, the prefix of the respective locality and the phone number.

Medical services:Available in state and private health units throughout the country (hospitals and dispensaries), according to the medical agreements established between Romania and other countries.

Tipping:Normally a small tip for good service is appreciated but is at the discretion of the client.

Foreign newspapers and magazines:foreign newspapers and magazines are usually available at the reception desks of leading hotels. Likewise news broadcasts from various European countries are featured on Romanian television.

Public holidays: Janualy 1 & 2; Easter Monday, May 1; December 1 (the national holiday); December 25 & 26.

Banking hours: 9-12 a.m. from Monday till Friday.

Embassies: Austria, Dumbrava Rosie 7, tel: 76114354. Belgium, Bd Dacia 58, tel: 3122968. Canada, Str.N.Iorga 36, tel: 3120365. Denmark, Dr. Burghelea 3, tel: 3120352. Federation Independent States, Sos.Kiseleff 6, 6170128. Finland, Str.Athena 2bis, tel: 3127504, France, Str.Biserica Amzei 13-15, tel: 3120217. Germany, Str.Rabat 21, tel: 6792580. Greece, Str.Orlando 6, tel: 6503988. Israel, Dr. Burghelea 5, tel: 6132633. Italy, Str.H.Coanda9, tel: 6505110. GreatBritain, StrJ.Michelet 24, tel: 3120303. Holland, Str.Atena 18, tel: 6332292. Moldavia, Aleea Alexandru 40, tel: 3129790. Norway, Str.Dumbrava Rosie 4, tel: 3120274. Portugal, Str.General Praporgescu 33, tel: 3111290. Spain, Str.Tirana 1, tel: 6335730. Sweden, Str.Sofia 5, tel: 6173184. Switzerland, Str.Pitar Mos 12, tel: 3120298.

MuseumsBucharest, among others- the National Art Museum housed in the former Royal Palace (paintings, sculptures, tapestries,icons etc.), the National History Museum, the,Museum of Bucharest City housed in the former Sutu Palace, the Art Collections Museum (the most valuable private art collections), the Romanian Peasant Museum (including original popular costumes, icons, houseware), the Village Museum (a true-to-life Romanian village with genuine dwellings from all regions of the country), the Firemens Museum, the Military Museum...
Open Air Museums Bucharest, the Village Museum, the Old Princely Court; Cluj-Napoca, the Ethnographic Museum; Sighetu Marmatiei (Maramures County), the local museum; Curtisoara (Gorj District), the local museum; Timisoara, Museum of the Green Woods; Constanta, Archaeology Museum.

FolkloreRomanian folklore is one of the best preserved in the world and examples can be found all over the country. Maramures (wooden architecture, costumes, ceramics), Bucovina (woven materials, Easter painted eggs, costumes, traditions), Banat (popular costumes, traditional customs), Horezu (pottery, wood carving), the Apuseni Mountains (popular costumes, wood carving, folk celebrations, wooden architecture), Marginea Sibiului (glass painted icons, popular costumes, houseware - all gathered in ethnographic museums). Also museums housing ancient peasant techniques in Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Ramnicu Valcea, Focsani, Timisoara, Sighetu Marmatiei.
Folk music and dancing is a vital, living tradition in Romania. Shows can be seen in many hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Romanian folk music is by turns rousing and haunting. You will find it hard to resist.
Traditional architectureTraditional peasant houses are normally small and picturesque, blue trimming frequently contrasting colourfully with whitewashed walls in certain parts of the country, multicolour versions in others. Porches and overhanging eaves are a commonly found feature everywhere. Look for the finely carved doorways of Transylvanian houses, the attractive wooden churches, the variety of regional costumes and the uncomplicated excellence of country artefacts. Ceramics and pottery, woven rugs, icons, and woodcarvings are complemented by honest local cuisine and wines. Cooking is an art, too, and Romanians make good use of their mushrooms and vegetables, their pork, chicken and beef, sometimes in highly spiced dishes with an oriental flavour.

SportsA wide range of possibilities is available. Skiing and bobsledding in the mountains in winter, or riding, hiking, swimming and tennis in summer. Many hotels have indoor swimming pools and saunas.
On the Black Sea Coast, swimming in the sea or swimming pools with fresh and salt water, or acquatic sports in the sea and on the lakes in the vicinity of the sea. Also tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball and handball, bowling, and billiards. Those coming on business and staying only in Bucharest (or major cities) can swim in the swimming pools of the big hotels (i.e. Inter- Continental, Bucuresti, Lido). Acquatic sports possible at the nautical base of Herastrau. Tennis, volleyball, handball, football, basketball readily available.

Fishing
Fishing may be practised mainly in the Danube Delta and on lake shores around big cities (observing legal requirements). In the Danube Delta, where there are over 160 fish species (among which sturgeon, wel, pike, carp), fishing may be combined with boating or excursions for professional and amateur ornithologists (the Danube Delta shelters over 300 bird species and the biggest colony of pelicans in Europe).

Sailing
The Danube Delta has its own regulations that must be stricly observed (also applied to fishing and hunting) . Tourists bringing own craft must pay compulsory fee at Tulcea Harbour Station, and will need to produce passports, sailing licence and identification papers of the craft.

Hunting
The open season for hunting is: stag (01/09-30/11); reebuck (01/09-30/11); deer(15/05-31/ 10); chamois (15/09-31/12); bear (15/03-I5/05); wild boar (01/10-15/02); mountain cock (01/04-15/05); pheasant (15/10-28/02); hare (01/11-31/01); water birds (15/08-15/05). Romania is one of the four countries that founded the International Council for Hunting and
Game Protection.

Gastronomy
Although international cuisine is available in better quality restaurants, make sure that you savour the local Romanian dishes. Romanian cooking is rich, tasty and substantial, as befits a country where all food is still naturally grown, where fruits and vegetables follow their normal seasons, and where the winters are cold.
Pork is a special favourite, but you will find good beef, veal, and chicken too. They are all delicious simply grilled. Typically Romanian specialities include a range of soups - try "ciorba", a sour soup made from fermented bran, bacon, potatoes and beef or chicken. Hearty stews such as "Tochitura Moldoveneasca" are accompanied like many Romanian meat dishes by "mamaliga", a maize polenta. "Sarmale" is a spicy dish of bitter cabbage leaves stuffed with meat, and "mititei" is small grilled sausages perfumed with aromatic herbs. Among fish dishes sample carp on the spit, a local speciality in the Danube Delta.
A range of excellent white and red Romanian wines of the famous vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari,Jidvei, Dealul Mare, Odobesti Valea Calugareasca, accompany local and international dishes to perfection, while tuica, the local plum brandy is often drunk as an aperitif. But beware, it carries a sting in its tail! The local Romanian beers are excellent