Planning a Trip

Visitor Information

Romania's National Authority for Tourism operates a website (www.romaniatravel.com) with extensive information about the country and latest developments. You can visit the website of the Romanian National Tourist Office, alternatively, try contacting their representatives in the U.S. (355 Lexington Ave., 19th Floor, New York, NY 10017; tel. 212/545-8484; fax 212/251-0429; www.romaniatourism.com), or in the United Kingdom (22 New Cavendish St., London WIM7LH; tel. 020/7224-3692; fax 020/7935-6435; www.VisitRomania.com).

Entry Requirements

American, Canadian, and British citizens require only a valid passport if intending to visit for 90 days or less. Holders of Australian and New Zealand passports require a visa; you'll need to complete the required form and submit this, together with a fee of approximately 35€ ($44), a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the final date of your visit, medical insurance, proof of accommodations, and proof that you have funds amounting to 100€ ($125) for each day of your visit. Note that Romanian visa laws change regularly, so it's worth getting the up-to-date scoop by contacting their embassy or consulate near you. There is no entry or departure tax. Extensions of stays beyond 90 days can be obtained from the local passport office. No vaccinations are required.

Embassies & Consulates

In the U.S. -- 1607 23rd St. NW, Washington DC 20008-2809; tel. 202/232-3694, 202/332-4846, or 202/332-4848; fax 202/232-4748; www.roembus.org. 200 East 38th St., New York, NY 10016; tel. 212-682-9122. 11766 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025; tel. 310/444-0043.

In Canada -- 655 Rideau St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6A3; tel. 613/789-3709, ext. 119; fax 613/789-4365; www.cyberus.ca/~romania.

In the U.K. -- Arundel House, 4 Palace Green, Kensington, London W84QD; tel. 020/7937-9666/7 or 020/7376-0683; fax 020/7937-8069; www.roemb.co.uk.

In Australia -- 4 Dalman Crescent, O'Malley, Canberra ACT 2606; tel. 02/6290-2442 or 02/6286-2343; fax 02/6286-2433; http://canberra.mae.ro.

In New Zealand -- There's an Honorary Consulate in Wellington: 53 Homewood Ave., Karori; tel. 04/476-6883; fax 04/476-6512; giffpip@xtra.co.nz.

Customs Regulations

You are entitled to carry the equivalent of $10,000 cash or traveler's checks on your person when entering Romania; any excess amount must be declared to Customs authorities. You may also bring personal goods and medicines, as well as publications, records and DVDs, slides, and other photographic materials, so long as these are for your personal use. In addition, you may freely carry other goods to the value of 100€ ($125).

Money

At press time, Romania had only just entered into the European Union (exact date: Jan 1, 2007); consequently, it is still common to hear price quotes in three different currencies, namely Romanian leu (plural lei), New Romanian leu (RON), and euros. For the most part, however, it is the new leu that is important, bearing in mind that 1 new leu is the equivalent of the outdated 10,000 old lei; four zeros were simply dropped from the currency on July 1, 2005.

Since January 1, 2007, the new lei has officially been the only official currency. Where prices are quoted in lei, the symbol "L" is used throughout this chapter (note that some establishments prefer euros). However, old habits persist, and many Romanians will still quote in the old currency, but will tell you the cost in thousands; thus, "40" will refer to "40,000 old lei," which is actually only 4 new lei, at press time $1.44. It pays to be on your toes. Until December 2006, both old and new coins and notes remained in circulation and were accepted; starting in January 2007, old currency was withdrawn. Romanian New Lei notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500. One leu is divided into 100 bani, and these come in coin denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani.

Although Romania is not expected to adopt the euro until after 2010, many hotels prefer to give a straight euro quote; all such establishments accept credit cards. MasterCard and Visa are accepted at just about all city hotels, restaurants, and shops, while American Express and Diners Club are less useful. Many outlets can only accept cards (credit cards, included) for which you have a PIN, which you'll be asked to punch in at the cash register; you'll then sign for the transaction as you would for a standard credit card purchase. Keep an eye on your credit card while it is being used for payment; there are frequent reports of illegal imprints being made by restaurant and store employees.

When to Go

Season, more than anything, is likely to influence the timing of your visit to Romania. Here, temperatures can be extreme; winters get nasty, with closure of certain attractions during the most bitterly cold times of the year, while ski destinations kick into gear from December to mid-March. If you fancy a white Christmas, December is a great time to experience a host of traditional celebrations, particularly in rural communities such as those found in Maramures and Moldavia, as well as Transylvania. At the other extreme, mid-summer can be grueling, with global warming taking its toll here (July 2006 saw temperatures in some cities hit a stupefying 104°F/40°C). May and October are possibly the most beautiful months, unencumbered by extreme heat.

Holidays

New Year (Revelion) is celebrated on January 1 and 2, while National Day -- commemorating Transylvania's inclusion into greater Romania in 1918 -- is celebrated on December 1. Christmas (Craciun) is officially observed on December 25 and 26, and both days are public holidays. Labor Day is celebrated on May 1, but businesses may shut down for more than just the 1 day. Determined according to the Julian calendar, Orthodox Easter is closely observed and while not an official public holiday, may influence opening and closing times. Most businesses and attractions are closed on these days.

Major Festivals in Romania -- Romanians love to party and have traditionally found many endearing reasons to celebrate; many of these celebrations are no longer observed, however. Festivals are generally determined by traditional folklore as well as by the Orthodox Church's important feasts; numerous local celebrations also add color to the lineup of festivals around the country. On March 9, Forty Saints' Day is celebrated as part of Lent in some rural communities where villagers bake colaci, special loaves of bread that are blessed and handed out as an act of charity. A popular Spring festival is the National Festival of Spring Agriculture Customs (Tanjaua de pe Mara) held in April/early May in the Maramures village of Hoteni; it remains a lively local party opportunity, with folk music, dancing, and much drinking. Also in early May (usually the first or second Sun), are the Measuring of the Milk Festivals, in the Apuseni Mountains, where shepherds compete to see whose sheep and goats are the biggest producers of milk; great carousing follows the ritual milking. On the first Sunday in May, the Pageant of the Juni in Brasov is one of the most accessible and splendid city festivals, drawing large crowds to see costumed youths parading with brass bands and culminating in spectacular Horas (Round Dances). In summer, the Girl Fair (Târgul de fete) of Mount Gaina takes place near Avram Iancu, in the Apuseni Mountains (last Sun before July 20). Traditionally an opportunity for shepherds to meet prospective brides, the festival is now a great opportunity to hear the country's finest traditional folk musicians perform live.

On August 15, Orthodox believers observe the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, while in September it is the time of harvest festivals in numerous villages across the country. Saxons celebrate their heritage in the fortified town of Biertan, in Transylvania, on the second Saturday of September. The annual Roma Festival (a time of impressive celebration that draws Gypsies from across the country) is held in the Wallachia village of Costesti (first week of Sept).

Brasov hosts an International Jazz Festival in mid-May. Pop fans can look out for The Golden Stag Festival, also in Brasov, in mid-September; running since 1968, the festival launched the international career of Julio Iglesias and has showcased the talents of Christina Aguillera and Ricky Martin. Drawing some major international film personalities, TIFF (Transylvania International Film Festival) happens in Cluj in early June.

Health Concerns

Romania is free of risk when it comes to infectious diseases, malaria, and poisonous insects. Officially, tap water is potable and safe to drink, but there are accounts of water supplies in some areas being compromised, so check with your host or hotel. Mosquitoes frequent the Danube Delta as well as other low-lying areas during the hot summer months; bring insect repellent. Good medical facilities are available in cities and towns, but the quality of medical practitioners varies considerably; only visit a physician who has been recommended to you.

Smoking is now banned in public spaces in Romania, but this law is vehemently ignored; there's no smoking on planes, but there's plenty on trains and other enclosed spaces, including restaurants. Most high-end hotels now have nonsmoking rooms.