Romania is part of the Schengen Area but still uses the leu. Get your visa, mountain road opening dates, and budget sorted before you go to travel affordably and deeply.
Visa & Entry
Romania is part of the Schengen Area. You can enter with a valid Schengen visa (single or multiple entry) or a residence permit issued by any Schengen country. If you're traveling only to Romania, you’ll need to apply for a Romanian national Type C visa through an embassy, consulate, or visa application center—typically processed within about 15 working days. Be ready to present your travel itinerary and proof of accommodation upon arrival, including your return flight ticket and hotel reservations. Note: Romania has not adopted the euro, and the local currency is the Romanian leu (RON).
Best Time to Visit
- April–June: Mild weather makes cities like Bucharest and historic towns in Transylvania particularly pleasant, and marks the start of the hiking season.
- July–October: The Transfăgărășan and Transalpina mountain roads are open—this is peak season for scenic road trips.
- September–October: The Carpathian Mountains display vibrant autumn colors, and wine regions begin their harvest season.
- December: Christmas markets take place in Sibiu and Brașov, and the ski season starts in the mountain resorts.
Budget Reference (Per Person)
| Category | Daily (Excluding Flights) | Description |
|---|
| Budget | $35–$56 | Hostels/guesthouses, bakeries, and affordable eateries |
| Comfortable | $70–$115 | 3–4 star hotels, restaurants, and attraction entry fees |
| High-end | $140+ | Castle hotels, renting an SUV for mountain roads, fine dining |
Overall prices in Romania are roughly half of those in Western Europe: a coffee typically costs 10–15 RON, entrance fees to castles range from 40–80 RON, and main dishes at mid-range restaurants are 40–70 RON, allowing for flexible budgeting.
Communications & Internet
- You can purchase prepaid SIM cards from providers such as Orange or Digi at the airport. Digi offers good value, with several euros providing generous data allowances. Mobile signal is generally strong in cities and along national highways.
- Signal may be weak in the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta wetlands. It's recommended to download offline maps before traveling through these regions.
Etiquette & Taboos
- When visiting monasteries and churches, dress modestly by covering your knees and shoulders. Photography may be prohibited inside some painted monasteries.
- Romanians may not appreciate “Dracula joke” stereotypes. It’s more respectful to discuss the historical figure Vlad the Impaler when mentioning this topic.
- Meals tend to be leisurely. Dinner is usually served late, and restaurants get busier after 20:00.
- When asking for directions or assistance in rural areas, it's polite to approach locals respectfully. Many people speak English or French and are generally helpful.
Safety & Health
Romania’s main tourist areas are generally safe. Take care of your belongings and watch for overpriced bills in areas like Bucharest’s North Station and the Old Town at night. The emergency number 112 is valid throughout Europe. Mountain weather can change quickly—bring rain gear and warm clothing for hikes. Pharmacies (Farmacii) are widely available in cities, and most common medications can be purchased without a prescription.