15 Romania travel hacks

When traveling to a new country, it’s always good to know a few tips and travel hacks that help you save time and money on the road, as well as other useful information. It’s important to know when’s the best time to travel in certain countries or regions, what places you should include on your itinerary or even what you should pack in your suitcase.

Obviously, if you decided to travel to Romania, we have some travel hacks for you to help you make your trip more enjoyable.

15 travel hacks to enjoy your trip in Romania

1. To enter Romania, citizens from the European Union must have a valid identity card. If you’re traveling from outside the EU, you should have a valid passport.
2. Romania applies custom regulations similar to the European Union. Tourists are not allowed to carry more than 200 cigarettes and more than 2 liters of alcohol. Custom checkpoints can become crowded especially during summer or during religious holidays. Therefore, it’s more comfortable to travel by plain. There are various cheap charter flights connecting Bucharest and other Romanian cities with the most important European capital cities.
3. Although Romania is part of the EU, the Euro is not used on a large scale. Some high-class hotels and restaurant may accept payments in Euros or in US Dollars, but it’s best to have some cash in the local currency (Leu) on you. Credit card payments are largely accepted, unless you choose to travel in rural regions, where it’s best to have some cash on you.
4. To exchange money, tourists have the possibility to use exchange offices that can be found throughout the cities and they offer convenient exchange rates. Typically, exchange offices don’t retain a fee for such transactions, but for more safety, it’s recommended to seek the 0% sign found outside the exchange offices. Moreover, damaged banknotes and coins will hardly be accepted, and this is yet another aspect that you should keep in mind. To complete the transaction, customers are required to present a valid identification document (ID card or passport). You can also exchange money at banks, but don’t accept offers from random “friendly” individuals on the street. It’s usually a scam.
5. Romania has a moderate climate, which means that it’s best to go to the seaside during summer and opt for mountain resorts during winter. Note that it will most likely be quite crowded and the prices are usually higher during these periods. Our travel hacks would incite you to book your trip in advance, to make sure you benefit from discounts or that you don’t end up paying for overpriced accommodation.
6. In the spring and fall season, the weather can be “moody”, sunny days alternating with colder or rainy days. Pack some warm clothes and a raincoat with you.
7. For museums and other tourist attractions, it’s important to check the visiting hours. Most museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, while others have shorter schedules during winter season.
8. Romania is not exactly known for having amazing shopping places. The biggest brands are available, but if you want to bring some nice souvenirs home, head for traditional crafts fair. These fairs are organized in most cities and towns and reunite local artisans that sell lovely handmade objects, such as ceramics, traditional clothing, wood and glass objects, decorated with Romanian motifs.
9. Include salt mines on your itinerary. Turda salt mine is the most famous of all and is now converted into a subterranean museum. The mine was heavily used during medieval times, but now it’s very similar to an amusement park for people of all ages.
10. Tracking and photographing bears in their natural habitat in the Carpathian Mountains is one of those unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. However, don’t try it without a professional guide! Stay on marked trails when trekking and avoid spending the night camping in places you’re unfamiliar with.
11. Many tourists choose Transylvania as a travel destination, so it’s easier to book a flight to Cluj, Sibiu or Mures, if possible instead of Bucharest. You save a lot of time on travelling, as the roads are not always the best. Or, you can opt for an airport transfer service, it’s much more faster and comfortable than traveling by train or bus.
12. Travel Hacks for families with children, which will love visiting Romania’s rural side. Children are always enthusiastic when they get to ride a horse – drawn carriage, participate in crafts workshops or simply just experiencing authentic rural life.
13. Don’t forget to bring a dictionary with you! While most locals are at least somewhat familiar with English language and other speak German or Hungarian, unfortunately many road signs or other markings are written only in Romanian. Also, it doesn’t hurt to know how to order food at a restaurant or ask for something when you’re buying groceries at small shops.
14. The Danube Delta is a very beautiful travel destination, especially during summer season, but travel hacks: don’t forget to bring some mosquito repellent with you. Other than that, most restaurants in the towns and villages in the Delta region serve many fish dishes, so if you don’t like fish, you will probably not find many foods to your liking.
15. Lastly, don’t forget to engage locals in discussions. They will offer you the best travel tips, from hotels and restaurants recommendations, to off-the-map tourist attractions.

Hopefully, these travel hacks will help you discover Romania beyond the myths and legends (some true, some fictional) and make the best decision when you book your trip to Romania.