Romania Tourism

2010-12-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

After you pass the exam and obtain your LICSW certification, you are typically required to practice under direct supervision for at least five years, depending on the state in which you are certified.

Care Settings

Doctorate in social work typically work in clinical settings, for example counseling centers, mental health centers, substance abuse practices and hospitals.

Patient Population

They are able to provide care management, therapy, substance abuse counseling, individual and group psychotherapy, play therapy and behavior modification to both children and adults.

Referrals

Social workers also can refer patients to psychiatrists for medication management.

Private Practices

After their introductory period during which direct supervision is required, licensed clinical social workers can open their own practices.

Source:

National Associate of Social Workers

2010-10-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

The grandmother becomes more and more agitated as the train lurches towards the Hungarian-Romanian border. Tears leak into the furrows around her blue eyes. She clutches my hands. "Help me, help me," she begs in crude German, our only common language. I nod, terrified.

She bustles around the compartment. Bunica - that's the local word for granny - secrets a chocolate bar under my newspaper, rams a container of Viennese coffee into my duffel bag. "You're a foreigner. The police won't take your things," she explains, detailing all the border-thefts she has suffered. Though Romanian, she works in a brassiere factory in Austria, returning once a year to her family. I am smuggling her excess treats.

At least, I sincerely hope they are treats, not, say, cafe canisters crammed with cocaine. The train jerks through the ink-dark countryside. We stop frequently. Boots slam up and down the carriage. I pretend to doze, blue passport displayed ostentatiously. Bunica croons and rocks, hyperventilating slightly. I begin to hate her. Why did she pack 12 jars of instant espresso anyway? The Cold War is over. Supplies cross the border in happy, capitalist fashion. Did she miss the memo?

The grim guards finally materialize. They glance briefly at my documents, amused by a tourist on the Budapest-Cluj night service. Then they ransack Bunica's bags. She weeps. I watch sternly, doing my best U.N. Human Rights Officer impression. Perhaps it works: the border thugs leave her chocolate hoard in peace.

Bunica kisses me and dances around the compartment. Then she prepares a celebratory coffee from her stash, mixing the brown powder with fizzy mineral water. "Mmmmm. Gut!" she declares, shaking the bottle. I choke down the tepid mixture - quite possibly the worst beverage of my entire life - and toast my first trip to Eastern Europe.

source - http://www.roadandtravel.com/travel%20directory/Romania/transylvania.htm

2010-04-18T05:06:00.000-07:00

Starting a business takes an average of 11 days in Romania, compared to the global average of 48 days.The granting of a business license can be difficult, and closing a business is also difficult.Complicated rules are sometimes contradictory and not always transparent, and the result is unreliable interpretation.The overall freedom to start, operate, and close a business is relatively well protected by the national regulatory environment. Countrywide loan modification need legal assistance. Keep on reading to discover how a loan modification attorney can help you get the results you want from your lender.

Total government spending in Romania, including consumption and transfer payments, are moderate.In the last year, government spending reached 31st1 percent of GDP, and the government received 7th6 percent of their revenues from public companies and the government of the property.The privatization has been slowly progressing.

Romania's weighted average tariff rate was 3 percent in 2005.Prohibitive tariffs, restrictive sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, tariffs, weak enforcement of intellectual property rights, corruption and customs, all add to the cost of trade.Therefore, an additional 20 percent deducted from the trade of Romania, the freedom of the guest, in order for these non-tariff barriers to trade account.Romania has a low tax rates flat.

Both the income tax debt relief and corporation tax is a flat 16 percent.Other taxes include a value added tax (VAT), a property tax, and a vehicle tax.In the last year, tax revenues as a percentage of GDP amounted to 27th1 percent. Inflation in Romania is high, average, 10th3 percent between 2003 and 2005.The government is in a position to influence prices through regulation, subsidies, and numerous state enterprises and utilities.Therefore, an additional 10 percent deducted from Romania monetary freedom score to account for this policy

2009-10-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Eco-friendly Romania

People who live in small farming villages throughout the country have been overwhelmed by the experts of well-accessorized that came to their town and told them how they will manage their operations under the aegis of the EU or by businessmen told how they 'Re to provide their forces or land, as is commonplace known.

They were informed that they can access information on the Internet while many of these farmers do not even have indoor plumbing.Perhaps the EU will play a role in the modernization not only the agricultural life, but also providing updates of green solutions.

Green or environmentally friendly, alternatives to the old fires of industry is not something often heard at least discuss a mining site such as Rosia Montana, where threats to the open pit are highlighted by the Romanian Academy, or the project in Baia Mare where Aurul River Lapus made toxic waste into the Somes, Tisza and Danube..

Read also

Geology degrees

Fitness degree

2006-06-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

Some sites about Romania.
Personally I’m going to spend vacation in Romania. So these days I keep trying to get some information about this country and oppotunities that it offers.

I looked through several sites and can reccomend you several most interesting and useful: http://www.travellerspoint.com/

Dry Tortugas

Especially I like http://www.romaniatourism.com/

Here you can find not only accommodation guide, hotel and tour deals, but authentic experience, news and views: http://www.tripadvisor.com/, http://www.realadventures.com/

The Romanian restaurants and gastronomy.

2006-05-04T02:11:00.000-07:00

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 were all food is still naturally grown, where fruits and vegetables follow their normal season, and when the winter is cold.

Pork is a special favorite, but you will find good beef, veal, and chicken too. They are delicious simply grilled. Typical Romanian specialties include a range of soup " ciorba ", a sour soup made from fermented bran , bacon, potatoes and beef or chicken. Hearty stews such as " Tachitura Moldoveneasca " are accompanied like many Romanian meat, and " Mititei " is small grill sausages perfumed with aromatic herbs. Among Fish dishes sample carp on the spit, a local specialty in the Danube Delta.

A range of excellent white and red Romanian wines of the famous vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Dealu Mare, Odobesti, Valea Calugareasca, accompany local and international dishes to perfection, while " Tuica " the local plum brandy is often drunk as a digestive. But beware, it carries a sting in its tail! The local Romanian beers are excellent.

Active tourism - flight by parachute.

2006-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

More than 40 places of this kind are to be found in Romania. Among the most famous are Prahova Valley, especially the superior side of the valley (around 150 in the north of Bucharest), Bucegi Mountains, Hasmas Mountains with Bicaz Gorge, Apuseni Mountains, and Vatra Dornei, and the areas near the sea – the north of the coast.

To fly by parachute in Romania you need a valid legal pilot licence. If the own equipment is used, it has to have an ID certificate and a paper issued by the Romania’s Airclub.

In Vatra Dornei area the flights are safely done in parachutes with two places (byplace), the tourists being accompanied by highly experienced pilot-instructors. The transport to the mountainous peaks is done with a special 6X6vehicle, whose renting tariff is included in the price.

The participants – six people.
The taking off areas from the mountains surroundin Dorna Basin are perfect and safe, the mountains having round ridges, grass and the speed of the wind in the legal limits.

On Dorna Basin, many excellent thermic currents are to be found, allowing those who fly to do it for hours, and also dynamic currents, turning the flight into a real pleasure.

7-day training courses can also be attended in Vatra Dornei.

Professional equiments are provided
The beginning of such a course requires a group of minimum six people.
The courses begin with theory, video classes, and the real flight on the spot with different sizes parachutes. In the end, the long flights are performed.
The transport on the spot is provided by a 6x6 vehicle.
The month or the programme are settled in accordance with the number of the participants. The costs are around Euro 50.

More info at : Sport Hotel *, RO-725700 Vatra Dornei,33 REPUBLICII STREET Tel / Fax: 0230/371.567, Mobile: 0723.82.93.01, ADVENTURE TOURISM CENTRS ROMANIAN RAFTING VATRA DORNEI

Active tourism in Romania - on balloon.

2006-04-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

For an eventual trip If you wish to fly with the balloon over the capital or the Carpathians, it’s very easy. You have only to contact those who offer this programme and to ask.

in the country you should keep in mind that the transport by balloon is done in special conditions and the costs are higher.

More info at: malex@customers.digiro.net

Active tourism in Romania - caves.

2006-04-26T11:09:00.001-07:00

Among those 237,500 km2 of Romania, the rocks favourable to the development of the caves (limestone, marble, dolomites, sandstone, conglomerats, salt) cover 6,320 km2 (2.6% of the territory).

The Romanian caves were mentioned for the first time in the 17th century in the speleologic and geographical worls literature. The first topographic plans in the world were made in 1692 in Veterani Cave (Almaj Mountains). Zmeilor Cave from Onceasa (Bihor Mountains) was mentioned in the 19th century. The skeletons of hundreds of Ursus spelaeus were discoverd in this cave.

In 1897, the first monography in Romanian language was made for Ialomita Cave (Bucegi Mountains). In 1903, the first guide-book of a karstic area was published (Bihor Mountains). In the 19th – 20s century, the first caves were prepaired for tourism: Ialomita Cave (Bucegi Mountains), Meziad Cave (Padurea Craiului Mountains), Scarisoara Glacier (Bihor Mountains), Vadul Crisului Cave (Padurea Craiului Mountains).

On April 26, 1920, the former Antarctica explorer, Emil Racovita, founded in Cluj-Napoca the first speleology institute in the world. Thus, the new science received a special statud, while Cluj-Napoca became an international centre for the biospeleological researches.

The first exploration of some wells in Romania started in 1886 being reached the height 84 in Pestera Mare from Soroniste (Mehedinti Mountains). Known on almost 1,100m since 1863, Meziad Cave (Padurea Craiului Mountains) exceeded, in 1932, 4 km in lenght..

In 1965, a team from the Speleology Institute discovered ancient human in Ciur-Izbuc Cave (Padurea Craiului Mountains). Among those 14 caves in the world, more than 400 human traces were discoverd here.

The activity of the amateur speleologists started in 1965. They will discover spectacular extensions in the caves previously known and will put a monopol on the discovery activity. In Romania were known : 73 caves in 1884; 200 in 1915; 500 in 1945; 984 in 1965. As a consequence of their activity, 1,973 caves were known in 1976, while in 1978 almost 3,400 caves. Today, more than 12,500 caves are known.

13 caves longer than 2 km were known in 1965 (1 was longer than10 km) and 6 deeper than 100 m. Today, their number reached 76 (10 longer than 10 km) and 86 deeper than 100 m.

The longest cave in Romania is Vantului Cave (Padurea Craiului Mountains): 50 km. The largest difference of level is noticed in the hollows under Coltii Grindului (Piatra Craiului Mountains), 540 m, while the largest positive difference of level is in Sura Mare Cave (Sureanu Mountains), 405 m.

The largest vertical cave is located in Clocoticiul din Carca Paretilor (Valcan Mountains) and measures 121 m. The exploration was done by Emil Racovita Club from Bucharest.

The largest underground waterfall is located in Gavanului Cave from Gura Cerului (Somes Plateau), 52 m. The same club controlls the exploration..

In Romania, a few tens of caves in salt are to be found, the largest having 3,234 m in lenght, and –42 m difference of legel. It is crossed by two salty brooks and reveals a wide range of structures in various colours. It is located at Manzalesti, in Buzau Mountains, and preserved for many years the world record of the lenght.

In 1978, a team from Emil Racovita Club discovered the first Paleolitic paintings in the centre and the south-east of Europe in the cave from Cuciulat quarry (Somes Plateau): a horse, a cat, a human silhoutte. The researchers from the Archeology Institute dated them 12,000 years ago.

In Adam’s Cave (Cerna Mountains), a thermal cavity termala with hot water and air until 45°C, stalactites 4-8 cm in lenght, 1 cm in thickness can be noticed.

10 caves with underground glaciers were discovered in Romania: in Bihor and in Fagaras Mountains. Scarisoara Glacier (Bihor Mountains) has a volume of 50,000 m3.

Emil Racovita Club discovered tens of caves at more than 2,000 m altitude. The highest is located in Fagaras Mountains, at 2,517 m.

In 1989, on the occassion of the International Congress of Speleology in Budapest, the Committee for the Large Caved of the International Union of Speleology released a synthesis of the information on the caves in the world. The largest diversity of caves in such rocks was recorded in Romania. Many Romanian caves are in the world top of the caves.

Some of the caves are electrified: Ursilor Cave from Chiscau (Bihor Mountains), Muierii Cave (Parang Mountains), Ialomita Cave (Bucegi Mountains), Vadul Crisului Cave (Padurea Craiului Mountains). Only a few arrangement were made in other caves and you can get a guide.

More info at: Emil Racovita Club Bucharest, Ica Giurgiu, Andrei Samoil; http://www.muntiicarpati.alpinet.org/; muntiicarpati@pcnet.ro; tel: 311.28.22, 683.51.03.

Active tourism in Romania - rafting and canyoning.

2006-04-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Rafting on the fast mountain river courses can be organized in many regions in the country: Mures Valley and Olt Valley (the centre of the country), Crisurile (the west of Romania), Dambovita (to the south), Nera (to the west) or Bistrita (to the east).

The routes have different difficulty degrees and lenghts. Some of them can be covered in a single day (Dambovita Valley) or in a few days (Olt or Mures).

One among the most interesting routes is to be found in Bucovina, on Bistrita Valley. Bistrita river is considered one of the fastest rivers in the country, offering good conditions for rafting. The water flow is abubdent, allowing the practice of this sport from April to October.

The routes have different difficulty degrees from 2 to 5, and lenghts between 12.5 and 14 km.
For this kind of trips a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 12 is required.
The professional protection equipment is offered by the organisers. The boat is a professional rafting boat, as well as the paddles.

More info at: Cornel Todasca, Sport Hotel *, RO-725700 Vatra Dornei, 33 REPUBLICII STREET, Tel / Fax: 0230/371.567, Mobile: 0723.82.93.01, ADVENTURE TOURISM CENTRS
ROMANIAN RAFTING VATRA DORNEI

The rafting and canyoning are made in Oltenia also, in Valcan Mountains, and in Parang Mountains. Programmes are various including:

canyoning – waterfalls
canyoning – canyons
rafting with pneumatic boats
night rafting with pneumatic boats

Rafting in 5-people boats + an instructor, around 25 km, a normal tour or 40 a long one. The duration - 1 – 3 hours, in accordance with the water level and the distance.

For more details and pictures see http://www.turismaventura.ro/.
More info:Sabin Cornoiu , programme co-ordinator, Mobile 0722.211.042, Tel. 0253/222.555, Tel/fax. 0253/221.555, http://www.turismaventura.ro/

Romanian Spa

2006-04-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

More than a third of the European mineral water can be found in Romania. Some of them are simple, others are hot, while many are radioactive. Since the ancient times, some lakes, collected in the craters of the old salt mines or as the result of erosion or breakdown of some stones, have been famous for theit therapeutic effects. At their turn, they all are a source of treatment.

Thus, due to the Herculane Spa (Baile Herculane) which celebrated soon 1,850 years from the first documentary certification, Romania can be considered a founder of the spa tourism. Those almost 160 spa resorts – some with an European fame, others local – reveals many ways to treat bothering and difficult deseases.

Due to their couring agents, these health factories can treat almost all the human maladies. On the other side, Romania got the fame of an youth without old age country, in the second half of the last century, due to the therapy and medicines conceived by the scientist Dr. Ana Aslan. Many international VIPs from Charles deGaule and J.F. Kennedy to Frank Sinatra or Claudia Cardinale benefited by the Romanian school of geronthology.

More info on spa: http://www.spas.ro/; http://www.balneoturism.ro/; office@balneoturism.ro.
Bucharest. Ana Aslan National Institute of Geronthology and Geriatrics
It is famous for the geriatric and geronthologic treatments performed at the baginning by Doctor Ana Aslan. Today, the specialists from the institute treat a larger number of afflictions such as : cardiology, neurology, diabetes, nutrition, endocrinology etc. More informationa at 0040-21-223.71.87, aslan@cmb.ro.

Mountain BikingTours in Romania

2006-04-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

Dusty single trails and rocky forestry roads cross the Romania's mountains in all directions, creating a mountain bikers paradise, with superb landscapes.

Bucegi Mountains is one of the most spectacular mountain range in Romania. A large network of forestry roads and single trails, the superb landscapes, are making these mountains the perfect place for a unforgettable mountain bike holiday in Romania.

Technorati Tags : Mountain, Biking, Romania, Tours

Riding Tours in Romania

2006-04-16T03:40:00.000-07:00

Riding Horses Tours in Romania

Riding horses makes you feel free like in the old times, when people could go wherever they want, without travelers checks, money, cars, buses, passports or any of these modern gadgets.

Ride up on the high hills, deep valleys and canyons, wide fields or through the dark forests of Transylvania, with no barriers at all. That’s the absolute freedom you always dreamed about. Now you can feel it in the most authentic way.

Technorati Tags : Hiking, Romania, Transylvania, Tours, Riding, Horse

Hiking Tours in Romania

2006-04-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

Hiking Tours in Romania

The mountainous area of Bran - Moeciu provides exquisite landscapes and amazing trails.

The western ridge of Bucegi Mountains is one of the less frequented mountains.Easy or hard treks can be chosen, so that you can enjoy the best of this hiking experience.

Hiking in Bucegi

This hiking trip will take us through the scenic Batrana saddle, up to the highest chalet in Romania situated at 2507 meters high on the Omu peak. Here we can enjoy the extraordinary landscape. Than we descend to the Pestera Hotel for the night.

Hike back to Moeciu

The hike back to Moeciu climbs easily on a old sheep road up to the ridge until we reach the Strunga saddle. From this point we only descend about 2 hours until we get to the forestry road of Moeciu

Medieval Transylvania

Visit the Rasnov Fortress - founded around 1225 by German Teutonic Knights. The superb location of this fortress allows us a great view over the surrounding mountains.

Onward we reach Brasov - the most important medieval city in the area and one of the most visited cities in Romania. Great sites to visit as The Black Church, the main square, the old defense walls that are still well preserved on the south and west side of the old city the watch towers and the narrowest street in Europe are just a few points on this day's agenda.

Optionally there is a 2-hour trekking tour to the Tampa peak (the Tampa peak is located in the middle of the city and provides an amazing view over the surrounding area.

Hiking , Romania , Transylvania

2006-04-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Cuisine and wines of Romania.

MOLDAVIA MUNTENIA - OLTENIA

For centuries Romania was among the main producers of wine in the worls, being in the top 10 of Bachus Kingdom. The special charm of our vineyards is given by the local sorts: Grasa de Cotnari, Busuioaca de Bohotin, Zghihara de Husi, Cramposia, Braghina, Tamaioasa Romaneasca, Galbena de Odobesti, Plavaia. Of course, sorts famous all over the world can be discovered here, too – from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to the Italian Riesling or Chardonnay..
Museums – Muzeul viei si vinului, Minis, Arad County; Muzeul Viticulturii si Pomiculturii din Romania, Golesti, Arges County; Muzeul Viticol din Odovesti, Vrancea County.

INFOS ON WINE TASTING TOURS

Tour operator
Persoana de contact
Telefon / Fax
E-mail / Internet
NORDIC TOURS
CORINA DUCU
021.212.7788
winetasting@nordic.ro
CMB TRAVEL
MIRCEA BADEA
021.210.5244 021.210.6071
mailto:mircea@cmbtravel.ro
http://www.cmbtravel.ro/
http://www.rotraveler.com/
EXPERT TOURS
SORINELA TUDORACHE
021.210.8520 021.2108520
experttours@fx.ro
ARCADIA TOUR
CORNELIA DRAGOI
021.312.6789 021.3126794
mailto:arcadia@starnets.ro
www.rotravel.com/agencies/arcadia
APSA TOURS
FLORIN G. MACARIE
021.311.3621 021.311.36.20
mailto:office@apsatravel.ro
http://www.apsatravel.ro/
CENTRAL TRAVEL
CHIRICA CONSTANTIN
032.213.740 032.213.740
mailto:central.chirica@mail.dntis.ro
RO TEAM TOUR
DAN MOLDOVAN
021.313.1909 021.314.6121
mailto:office@roteamtour.ro
http://www.roteamtour.ro/
KARPATEN TURISM
GEORGE MARGINEAN
021.322.0435 021.3214197
mailto:karpaten@seftnet.ro
http://www.karpaten.ro/
PRESTIGE TOURS
MIRCEA VLADU
021.6597731 021.312.1255
prestige@moon.ro
http://www.prestigetours.ro/
ATLANTIC TOUR
MIHAI STIAN
021.312.7757 021.2125916
office@atlantic.ro
http://www.atlantic.ro/
ATLANTIC TURISM COMPANY
RAZVAN DIACONESCU
032.213872 032.224590
mailto:Atlantic@mail.dntis.ro
http://www.atlanticturism.ro/

2006-04-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Accomodation in Romania.

In the last few years, the number of places offering accommodation, as well as the number of the rooms has increased and diversified a lot. Today, they satisfy the most different demands, ranging from five-star hotels to rural guesthouses, from mountain chalets to camping spots and inns, including special facilities (such as Savarsin and Arcus castles, Mogosoaia palace, or even the peasant fortress in Rasnov). In these terms, almost all the demand can be handled. Romanian accommodation has been divided into six categories to satisfy visitors’ needs: hotels (a list of all the hotels in Romania, pictures, services and contact info is attached to this document); inns and camping spots; rural guesthouses; chalets and hostels; other type of accommodation (non-hotel); and floating hotels. All the places included in the attached lists are authorised by the entitled institution, and classified in accordance with the in-force laws.
Information on accommodation is to be found on Internet, http://www.fihr.ro/, http://www.rotravel.com/, http://www.pantravel.ro/,http://www.antrec.ro/, and also on the web sites of the hotels in Romania.

Romania, Tourism, Hotels, Accommodation

2006-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Customs formalities. What can be taken outside Romania. What can be brought into Romania?

In accordance with the Government’s agreements, Romania has eliminated visas for citizens of the following countries: the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden. According to the same agreements, visas for the citizens of Canada and the United States of America, as well as Japan, were also abolished.

1. In accordance with the provisions of Art. 131 from the Application Regulations of Romania’s Customs Code, approved through H.G. (Decree of Government) no 1.114/2001, “Individuals can introduce into or take outside the country assets without commercial character under the limitation and terms provided by Annex 6 (the terms and the limitations regarding the introduction into the country of assets belonging to the travelers and to other individuals, and taking outside the country assets belonging to the travelers and to other individuals)”.

Today, the provisions of the Paragraph 4, Annex 6, from the Application Regulations of Romania’s Customs Code, determine that: Only the assets following the terms and the value limitations mentioned below can be introduced free of customs into the country, as parcels, sent by mail, in accordance with international regulations:

personal goods and medicines necessary during the journey and the stay abroad or in the country;

books, publications, any type of records, slides, or other things of this kind, necessary for personal use;

goods received as awards or prizes during some official events;

other goods, which should not exceed as value the equivalent in Lei of Euro 100.

Paragraph 6, Annex 6 from the Application Regulations of Romania’s Customs Code, mentions that besides these goods (introduced into the country as accompanied luggage or not, for whom the customs have to be paid, and whose value has to be up to Euro 1,200), and mail parcels (whose value is up to Euro 500), other goods, whose individual value exceeds these limits, can also be introduced into the country. We shall mention that, according to the Application Regulations of Romania’s Customs Code, accompanied luggage means the goods carried by a person in the same means of transport, or which accompany him/her in the same means of transport. Unaccompanied luggage consists of goods sent and recorded in the same document of transport. Goods sent by mail, according to international regulations, represent a parcel.

Paragraph 12, Annex 6, states that customs are applied to the value of the goods, regardless of their wear. The Ministry of Finance, approving the list with the unique values in Customs of some products or group of products, issues the value at Customs for goods introduced into or taken outside the country by travelers and other individuals living in Romania or abroad, goods which are not involved in commercial transactions. When a Customs office cannot establish the value in the Customs, because they cannot find the goods on the list with unique values or on the external invoice, then the General Office of the Customs should establish this value using as reference values from the catalogues, or those communicated by an important producer or a specialized institution. Today, in Romania, the Order of the Minister of Public Finance no 687/2001 approves the values in Customs:

in accordance with customs regulations, customs for goods introduced in Romania are determined upon the Import Tariff of Romania, approved by law. And the tariff for the goods of the individuals is the tariff valid when the goods are registered to the customs offices or, for those that should not be registered, when they are presented to the customs office.

according to the legal customs provisions, the value in Customs is used as a base to establish the customs debt. The customs debt is composed of the custom duty (mentioned by the Import Tariff of Romania), V.A.T., and excise duties – if there are any (for instance, for cars it is counted in accordance with the degree of pollution).

2. In accordance with Regulation no. 3/1997 regarding transactions with currency, issued by the National Bank of Romania, and later modified, individuals can enter the country carrying effective currency amounts equivalent to a maximum of 10,000 USD/person/journey. They have to declare all the effective currency (cash), and traveler’s checks to the Romanian Customs, if these amounts exceed the equivalent of USD 10,000 .

Effective currency means cash such as foreign banknotes and coins still in circulation. Individuals are considered also those people who represent a company or an institution.

Effective currency amounts (cash), which exceed the limit of USD 10,000, have to be deposited (registered) to the Customs Authority.

The money should be taken out in a maximum of three years from the deposit. If this time is exceeded, the amounts mentioned above go to the State budget, in accordance with the regulations in force. The deposit will bring no interest to the depositary.

The currency and/or Lei amounts carried by individuals upon their arrival/departure in/from Romania, which exceed the limits settled by NBR regulations, and are not declared to the Customs, have to be sanctioned in accordance with the in-force laws.

For more information on the Customs Laws in Romania, we recommend you visit the official site of the National Customs Authority, www.customs.ro.

2006-04-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

Rent-a-car

The number of international and national rent-a-car agencies has increased a lot in the last few years. Among the companies who work on the Romanian market are:

Avis with representative offices in Bucharest (and also Otopeni airport), Baia Mare, Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Constanta, Iasi, Oradea, Timisoara. More information on http://www.avis.ro/ .

Hertz with representative offices in Bucharest (and Otopeni airport), Constanta, Oradea, and Timisoara. More info on http://www.hertz.com.ro/.

Sixt with representative offices in Bucharest (and also Otopeni airport), Brasov, and Timisoara. More info on http://www.sixt.ro/.

Budget with representative offices in Bucharest and Timisoara (and also inside the airports), Brasov and Constanta. More details on http://www.budget.ro/ .

Francrocar, a Romanian – French rent-a-car agency with headquarters in Bucharest. More info on http://www.francrocar.com/ .

Autorent with representative offices in Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Constanta, and Brasov. More details onhttp://www.autorent.ro/ .

Other rent-a-car companies with offices in Romania: Europcar ( http://www.europcar.com.ro/ ), Zipp rent a car (rentauto.ro).

Euro Service Amerom. Info on http://www.esa.ro/

Cars can also be rented from Romanian tour operators (more info on Romanian tour operators in Chapter 3 Travel agencies/tour operators).

2006-04-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

When is the best time to come to Romania?

Due to its location, Romania can cater for tourists almost all year round. The last two months of the summer – July and August – are the warmest. Temperatures are high, especially in Dobrogea (the Black Sea Coast and the Danube Delta), but also in the urban areas (on the exterior side of the Carpathians – Bucharest, Craiova, Iasi). In mountainous and sub-mountainous areas (Maramures, Bucovina, Oltenia and intra-mountainous plateaus – such as those at the Oriental Carpathians or Transylvania Plateau), the climate favours tourism, except in those years with extremely high average temperatures. The coast can be seen, in general, from May/June, when the temperature of the air is the best, but the sea water is still cold. People can go on the coast also in September, especially during the first half. For treatments, the coastal resorts are open all year long.
It’s best to visit the Danube Delta from April to October, when many fishermen go fishing in the
Delta. There are many mosquitoes from June to September (especially in the evening). The above-mentioned sub-mountainous area is best visited from the second half of April to October (sometimes even November). The most special months are May (when the trees flourish, creating the feeling of a vegetable “boom”) and October (when for two weeks the leafs’ colour turn from green to yellow, red and purple-red. And this symphony of colours alternates with the green of the conifers. The snow and the low temperatures reign from November to February. The danger of avalanches means the beginning and the end of the winter season are to be avoided for mountain trips. In sub-mountainous areas, the trips are also difficult due to the snow and low temperatures. But people forget the cold weather in December, fascinated by the special customs and traditions (carols, feasts) of Christmas and New Year. The most attractive are in Maramures, Transylvania, Oltenia, Bucovina and Moldavia.

Romania Tourism

2006-04-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

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