OVERVIEW
Moldova, Ukraine, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro and Hungary border Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia compose the northern half of the country, which is divided down the middle by the Carpathian Mountains. South of the east–west line of the Carpathians lies the flat Danube plain of Wallachia with the capital Bucharest. Romania’s main resort areas include the Black Sea Coast, the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. The Black Sea Coast, ideal for family holidays with 70km (43 miles) of fine white sandy beaches, boasts many resorts, the main ones being Mamaia, Eforie, Saturn and Mangalia. The beautiful and densely forested Carpathian Mountains area lends itself to many sporting and leisure activities such as skiing, bobsleighing, horseriding and tennis. Situated in picturesque valleys and on mountain slopes are many health and winter resorts. Since Roman times the Romanian spas of Transylvania have been known for their miraculous healing powers. Transylvania has many well-equipped spa towns, such as Baile Felix and Covasna. It also contains the famous Bran Castle, said to be one of the original abodes of the medieval king known as Vlad the Impaler, who helped inspire Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Local dishes include ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tanancasca (meat with vegetables), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups.
Geography
Romania is bordered to the north and east by Moldova and Ukraine, the southeast by the Black Sea, the south by Bulgaria, the southwest by Serbia and Montenegro and in the west by Hungary. The country is divided into four geographical areas. Transylvania (a belt of Alpine massifs and forests) and Moldavia compose the northern half of the country, which is divided down the middle by the north–south strip of the Carpathian Mountains. South of the east–west line of the Carpathians lies the flat Danube plain of Walachia with the capital Bucharest, its border with Bulgaria being defined by the course of the Danube. Romania’s coastline is along the Black Sea, incorporating the port of Constanta and the Danube Delta.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the most common form of greeting, but it is customary for men to kiss a woman’s hand when being introduced. Visitors should follow normal European courtesies on social occasions. Dress tends to be rather conservative but casual wear is suitable. Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theaters. Many Romanians are smokers and gifts of Western cigarettes are greatly appreciated. Other well-appreciated gifts include toiletries and Western clothing. Photography: Military installations should not be photographed. Some tourist attractions require visitors to pay a fee of approximately Lei2000 for taking photographs.
Tipping
A 5 to 10 per cent service tip is customary in restaurants. Porters, chambermaids and taxi drivers expect tips.
International Travel:
Air
Romania’s national airline is Tarom (RO) (website: www.tarom.ro). Other airlines that fly to Bucharest include Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss.
Approximate flight times
From Bucharest to London is three hours.
International airports
Bucharest (BUH) (Otopeni) (website: www.otp-airport.ro) is 16km (10 miles) north of the city (travel time – 25 minutes). The airport has been greatly modernized in recent years, but some visitors may find it relatively limited compared to Western European or American standards. A bar, snack bar, restaurant, left luggage, first aid, post office, car hire and full duty free facilities are available. There is an express bus service (bus no. 783) which runs every 15 minutes between 0530-2330 Mon-Fri and every 30 minutes Sat-Sun and holidays; the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Taxis, minibuses and limousines are available 24 hours (travel time – 25 minutes).
There are also international airports at Arad (ARW), Cluj (CLJ), Constanta (CND) (Mihail Kogalniceanu), Sibiu (SBZ) and Timisoara (TSR).
Departure tax
None.
Sea/River
The main international passenger port is Constanta on the Black Sea. Sea ferries: Not running at present. Contact the Romanian National Tourist Office for up-to-date information (see General Info section). River cruises: Sailings from Passau to Constanta on the Black Sea along the Danube are available; these stop at various places of interest, including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Bazias, Giurgiu, Calafat and Bucharest. The cruises incorporate varied itineraries: historic towns, museums, art collections, monasteries, spas, archaeological sites, folk evenings, nature reserves and of course, the dramatic scenery of Eastern Europe, including the ‘Iron Gate’ through the Carpathians. With the opening of the Main-Danube Canal, some companies now offer travel as far west as Rotterdam along the Rhine. For further information, contact the Romanian Tourism Promotion Office (see General Info section).
Rail
The main international train from Western Europe to Romania (Bucharest) is the Wiener Waltzer, which runs to Bucharest in summer only (June to September) and includes two nights’ travel from Basel, arriving in Bucharest two days later. There are no through carriages from Basel, which means moving to the Bucharest coaches in Vienna. As well as day carriages, there are sleeping cars from Vienna to both Bucharest and Constanta on the Black Sea coast. There are also through trains from other Eastern European cities. InterRail allows unrestricted train travel in Romania.
Road
The most direct international routes to Romania are via Austria, Germany and Hungary. The best route from Hungary is the E64 from Budapest to Szeged through Arad, Brasov, Campina and Ploiesti. There is also a route from Szeged to Timisoara. A more frequently used route from Hungary to Germany is via the E60 through Oradea. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Romania. For further information, contact Eurolines (tel: (08705) 143 219; e-mail: welcome@eurolines.co.uk; website: www.eurolines.co.uk). For permit regulations, see Documentation in the Travel – Internal section.
The following items may be imported into Romania without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 200g of other tobacco articles; 1l of spirits; 4l of wine or beer; gifts up to a value of Lei2000; 200g of cocoa; 200g of coffee; and reasonable quantities of perfume, medicines and travel souvenirs.
Prohibited imports
Ammunition, explosives, narcotics, pornographic material, uncanned meats, animal and dairy products.
Prohibited exports
Articles of cultural, historical or artistic value.
Note
Valuable goods, such as jewelry, art, electrical items and foreign currency should be declared on entry. Endorsed customs declarations must be kept, as they must be shown on leaving the country.
Internal Travel:
Air
The main airport for internal flights is Baneasa (travel time – 20 minutes to Otopeni). Tarom (RO) operates regular services from there to Arad, Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Timisoara and Tirgu Mures.
River
The Danube Delta is easily explored by boat. Most trips and cruises depart from the ancient city of Tulcea and sail to Sulina.
Rail
Bucharest’s main station is the Gara de Nord on Calea Grivitei. Romanian State Railways (website: www.cfr.ro) runs frequent, efficient and cheap services to most cities, towns and larger villages, some with sleeping and restaurant cars. There are five different types of train, varying in speed from the slow personal to the faster accelerat, rapid and express trains, and the more expensive and comfortable Inter-City. Supplements are payable on rapid and express trains, for which seats must be reserved in advance. Express routes run from Bucharest to Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Constanta and Brasov. Rail Inclusive Tour tickets include transport and hotel accommodation. There are no platforms of any great height in Romania, making entering and alighting a little difficult for the elderly or infirm. There is a discount of 25 to 35 per cent for non-express trains.
Road
Traffic drives on the right. The Romanian Automobile Club (ACR) has its headquarters in Bucharest (tel: (21) 212 8247 or 223 4525) and offers services through all its branches to AA and RAC members. Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in cities, 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, up to 90kph (57mph) on main roads and 120kph (75mph) on motorways. Driving under the influence of alcohol is forbidden. Coach: Local services operate to most towns and villages. The main coach stations in Bucharest are at 164 Soseaua Alexandriei, 1 Ion Ionescu de la Brad Boulevard, 1 Piata Gãrii Filarest, 221 Soseaua Chitilei, 141 Pacii Boulevard and 3 Gãrii Obor Boulevard. Taxi: Metered taxis can be hailed in the street or called from hotels. Prices are relatively low, but drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Although most drivers are honest, prices should be agreed beforehand, especially at the airport. Car hire: Available at hotels and at Bucharest Airport. Driving is very erratic, so it might be advisable to hire a car with a driver. Documentation: National driving license or International Driving Permit are required, as is Green Card insurance. Most Romanian roads are best suited to 4-wheel-drive vehicles as they are in poor, potholed condition.
Urban
Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centers. Bucharest has a good bus and tram system and a metro. Tickets are pre-purchased from agents, and there are stamping machines on board buses and trains. There are also daily, weekly and fortnightly passes. A separate minibus network is operated.
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