Visas and Entry

• A valid Schengen visa or Schengen residence permit allows entry. For details on visa recognition agreements between Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travel.
• You may be asked about your accommodation and return plans upon entry. Printing your hotel reservation and return flight ticket is a safer option.

Currency and Spending

• Romania uses the Romanian leu (RON), not the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and rural areas. When asked about the settlement currency while paying by card, always choose RON and decline dynamic currency conversion.
• Tipping in restaurants is 5%–10%. You can leave the tip on the bill tray or ask the server to round down. Popular attractions like the Parliament Palace require online reservations, so book your time slot 3–5 days in advance during peak season.

Safety and Health

• Major tourist areas are generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets and overpriced bars (with hidden billing traps) at night in Bucharest’s Northern Railway Station area and the Old Town. Mountain weather is unpredictable—bring rain gear and warm layers for hiking.
• The emergency number 112 works across Europe. Before hiking in the mountains, inform your hotel of your planned route.

Transportation and Attractions

• The Transfăgărășan Road is open roughly from July to October each year and closed in winter. In winter, Balea Lake can be reached by cable car. Bran Castle has the fewest visitors when it first opens—most tour buses arrive after 11:00 am.
• Train delays are common. Allow at least one hour buffer for important connections, or consider using FlixBus instead. In rural areas, keys to fortified churches (like those in Viscri) are often kept with local villagers—check the signs at the entrance for contact details.
• When picking up a rental car, inspect the vehicle for existing damage and take photos as proof. Before returning it, photograph the fuel level to avoid disputes.

Final reminder: Romania’s progress toward joining the Schengen Area and adopting the euro is ongoing. Double-check the latest visa and currency announcements before departure. Speed limits in rural Transylvanian areas are 50 km/h and speed enforcement is strict—drive carefully if renting a car. It’s most convenient to enter and exit Romania via Bucharest. Allocate around 2–3 days each for the castle route and the Danube route for a relaxed trip.

For travel gear, bring sunscreen and a windproof jacket—summer in Transylvania can be very sunny, and mountain areas are often windy. Many castles and monasteries have stone staircases, so a pair of grippy walking shoes will save you trouble. Photography enthusiasts should pack a lens with a wide aperture for the interiors of the Parliament Palace and churches—some venues prohibit flash photography and tripods. Check the official photo policies on attraction websites before you go.