Romania

Trip preparation

Dialing within Romania 0 + three digit area code + six digit telephone # when dialing anywhere in the countryside or 0 + 21 + seven digit telephone # or 0 + 31 + seven digit telephone # when dialing a number Bucharest. Three digit telephone numbers are local toll-free numbers for emergencies or businesses. International dialing from Romania 00 + country code + area code + telephone # Dialing from a foreign country directly to Bucharest International Access Code +40 (country code) + 21 + seven digit telephone # Dialing from a foreign country directly to any other city in Romania International Access Code + 40 (country code) + three digit area code + six digit phone # Romania has several Internet access providers offering advanced services such as Internet messaging via mobile telephone, Internet paging, international roaming and more. A number of Internet retail outlets and cyber-cafes in almost every town offer convenient Internet access. An increasing number of hotels offer data ports with high-speed modem connections for guests to access the Internet and retrieve e-mail in the comfort of their rooms   Sources text:http://www.mae.ro;http://www.romaniatourism.com;en.wikipedia.org

General

Airports / Car rental Romania has a relatively well-developed airport infrastructure compared to other countries in Eastern Europe, but still underdeveloped compared to Western European standards. There are 17 commercial airports in service today, most of them opened for international traffic. Romania has 16 international airports, of which the busiest are Henri Coandă International Airport (4,917,952 passengers, 2010) and Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (2,118,150 passengers, 2010).Romania has about 200 flight corridors, as much as any other European country. The air traffic has doubled in the last 20 years, in summer of 2010, Romania was crossed by 150 aircrafts simultaneously, bringing considerable incomes to TAROM airline. As of May 2011, TAROM flies to 47 destinations (including the seasonal destinations), such as: Cairo, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Vienna, Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Athens, Budapest, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Istanbul and London. Domestic Transportation - Car rental Car is the best way to visit Romania as this allows visitors to admire the unique scenery and take advantage of the innumerable photo opportunities that they will encounter even during short drives. A hired car will save you a lot of time when visiting some remote attractions as the Painted Monasteries in Bucovina and the traditional villages in Maramures. Most major international auto rental companies and several local companies offer cars in the major cities and airports. Renters must be over 21 and have a valid driver's licence and an internationally valid credit card. Romania's major roads are safe and well maintained. As they pass through main cities and towns gas stations, food stores and hotels are easy to find. Road congestion is not an issue in Romania except in Bucharest. The Romanian Automobile Association (ACR or "Automobil Clubul Roman") offers 24 hour roadside assistance. Call: (01) 222 22 22 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (01) 222 22 22 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (01) 222 15 52. Public transport The World Bank estimates that the railway network in Romania comprised 22,298 kilometres (13,855 mi) of track in 2004, which would make it the fourth largest railroad network in Europe.Domestic Transportation - Train Romania has a well-developed railway network that covers virtually the whole country. Trains are the most popular means of getting around Romania. They are amazingly inexpensive and generally on time. Three different services are offered. The cheapest and slowest are Local Trains (Personal). The next fastest and more expensive are Express Trains (Accelerat and Rapid) that require a seat reservation along with the ticket. The fastest and the most expensive are Inter-City Trains (Inter City). The last two types of trains have dining cars and sleepers (overnight or long distance trains only). Map of Romania's Railways Network For information on domestic train schedules and fares please visit www.infofer.ro. For train enthusiasts there are nine steam trains, dating from the 1920s and '30s, some of which have been restored to provide a luxury travel experience. Organizations as well as Individuals can rent steam trains. » Domestic Transportation - Bus Most cities offer efficient and very inexpensive bus, trolleybus or tram transportation. There are several bus companies that offer fast and inexpensive connections between Romania's main cities. Inter-City bus stations are usually next to the train station and most buses have a stop in the centre of the city. Bus or taxi might be the only choice when choosing to explore some remote areas. Bucharest is the only city in Romania which has an underground railway system.Currently, the Bucharest Metro measures 61.41 km lengthwise and includes five metro lines, one proposed and one under construction. Taxis / Infrastructure Domestic Transportation - Taxi Taxis are available in every city and larger towns in Romania. They can be summoned by telephone or hailed on the street. Authorized taxis can be recognized by the TAXI sign on the roof. All Taxis should be equipped with metres. Calling a taxi company is always a good idea. Drivers approaching you at the airport or at the train station in Bucharest are likely to inflate their rates; please avoid them. For longer trips outside the city limits it is possible to agree on the fee before getting in. In most cases using a taxi for such trips is affordable and very convenient. Domestic Transportation - Domestic flights There are scheduled domestic flights connecting cities within Romania which are operated by CarpatAir and Tarom. CarpatAir (CarpatAir.com) has hubs in Timisoara and Cluj. Tarom (Tarom.com) operates domestic flights between Bucharest and several cities in Romania. Internal Transport In Romania driving is done on the right side of the road. Speed limits on Romanian roads are as follows: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 100 km/h on European national roads (E) and 130 km/h on motorways. In Romania you give way to traffic coming from your right. Wearing seat belts is mandatory. Parking is permitted in special parking areas and on public roads (unless there are signs prohibiting parking). In case of road accidents, irrespective of how serious, until traffic agents arrive, it is not permitted to alter the position of the vehicle or move it away from the where the accident happened. In case of emergency, call 112. Sources text:http://www.mae.ro;http://www.romaniatourism.com;en.wikipedia.org

Language

Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea. Population - July 2011 estimate 21,959,278 and  2002 census 21,698,181 At 238,391 square kilometers (92,043 sq mi), Romania is the ninth largest country of the European Union by area, and has the seventh largest population of the European Union with 21.9 million people. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest, the sixth largest city in the EU with about two million people. ROMANIANS make up 89.5% of the population. The largest ethnic minorities are the Hungarians, who make up 6.6% of the population and gypsies, who make up 2.46% of the population.In 1930, there were 745,421 Germans in Romania, but only about 135,088 remain today. The official language of Romania is Romanian, a Romance language related to Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages adjacent to the aforesaid. Romanian is spoken as a first language by 91% of the population.The Romanian language remains, according to the Constitution of Romania, the only official language of Romania, but local councils ensure linguistic rights to all minorities, who form about 10.05% of the total population.      

Currency

Currency exchange Romania's currency is Leu (plural "Lei" - pronunciation: lay). Abbreviation: RON Banknote denominations: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 lei Coins: 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani pieces. (pronunciation: bahnee) 1 leu = 100 bani Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or authorized exchange offices (called: "casa de schimb" or "birou de schimb valutar"). International airports and larger hotels also offer currency exchange services. Exchange rates** for foreign currencies, valid on October 10, 2011: one US dollar = 3.21 Lei (3 lei and 21 bani) one Canadian dollar = 3.09 Lei (3 lei and 9 bani) one British Pound = 4.99 Lei (4 lei and 99 bani) one Australian dollar = 3.14 Lei (3 lei and 14 bani) one Euro = 4.31 Lei (4 lei and 31 bani) ** Official exchange rates announced by the National Bank of Romania. Romanian currency cannot be purchased or sold outside of Romania's national borders. Make sure that, before leaving Romania, you convert your leftover Lei into the currency of your choice.  

Best travel time

Owing to its distance from the open sea and position on the southeastern portion of the European continent, Romania has a climate that is transitional between temperate and continental, with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 11 °C (52 °F) in the south and 8 °C (46 °F) in the north. Romania is a year-round tourist destination. However, from the end of April to the beginning of July and from end of August to the end of October are the most popular sightseeing periods, with generally mild and pleasant temperatures. Summers can be hot especially in Southern Romania, including Bucharest, but along the Black Sea Coast, sea breezes offer moderate temperatures. The mountain resorts and higher elevation areas are warm and pleasant during summer. Winters can be very cold, especially in the mountains and snow is common throughout the country from December to mid March. Skiers can usually enjoy their favorite sport in the Carpathian Mountain resorts from December until mid-April.  

Visa requirements

A national identity card or passport is sufficient for EU citizens. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days you can obtain a visa. American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not need an entry visa to visit Romania (for stays up to 90 - ninety - days). However, a valid passport is required for all overseas/ non-EU visitors. Your passport has to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Romania (it will not expire sooner than six months from the date of entry into Romania, no matter the issue date). For stays longer than 90 days visitors need to contact a local passport office in Romania or a Consulate of Romania, to obtain a visa.  

Vaccinations

Health and travel insurances are accepted in medical establishments in Romania, provided payment is confirmed first by the foreign insurance company. Insurance companies in Romanian sell health insurances for the duration of the stay in the territory of the Romanian State. Required Vaccinations:None  

Communication

International direct dialing service is available throughout Romania. Most public telephones require the use of a calling/ telephone card. It is very easy to rent or buy a cellular telephone in Romania.

Traditions and Culture

Romania has a unique culture, which is the product of its geography and of its distinct historical evolution. Like Romanians themselves, it is fundamentally defined as the meeting point of three regions: Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, but cannot be truly included in any of them.The list of World Heritage Sites includes Romanian sites such as the Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania, the Painted churches of northern Moldavia with their fine exterior and interior frescoes, the Wooden Churches of Maramureş unique examples that combine Gothic style with traditional timber construction, the Monastery of Horezu, the citadel of Sighişoara, and the Dacian Fortresses of the Orăştie Mountains.Peleş Castle (Sinaia), built between 1873–1914, is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Romania and Eastern Europe. Unique architecture and gold gilded rooms attract thousands of visitors daily. Voroneţ Monastery, built in 1488, is one of the most valuable foundations of Stephen the Great.Bran Castle is a major national monument and tourist landmark. Built by Saxons in the 14th century, today it hosts an art and furniture collection by Queen Marie, but is also marketed as the legendary residence of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Romania's contribution to the World Heritage List stands out because it consists of some groups of monuments scattered around the country, rather than one or two special landmarks.Also, in 2007, the city of Sibiu, famous for its Brukenthal National Museum, was the European Capital of Culture alongside the city of Luxembourg. Symbols of Romanian Culture:Mihai Eminescu, poet;Notably, figures such as Tristan Tzara and Marcel Janco pioneered the anti-war Dada movement beginning with the First World War;The most prominent Romanian artist of this time, however, was sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi, a central figure of the modern movement and a pioneer of abstraction.The first half of the 20th century saw the rise of George Enescu, Romania's greatest composer.The annual George Enescu Festival is held in Bucharest in his honor;famous sopranos Hariclea Darclée, Ileana Cotrubas, Mariana Nicolesco, Angela Gheorghiu etc.Some artists chose to leave the country for good and continued to make contributions in exile. Among them Eugen Ionescu, Mircea Eliade and Emil Cioran became renowned internationally for their works. Other literary figures who enjoy acclaim outside of the country include the poet Paul Celan and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, both survivors of the Holocaust. The novelist, poet and essayist Herta Müller also received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2009. Romanians are friendly and open and foreigners are usually made very welcome. Chatting with visitors is very common for Romanians and they will find a way to communicate with you even if they cannot speak your language. Older people particularly appreciate old-fashioned politeness. It is respectful to use Mrs. or Mr. when using the name of a person that you just meet.Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. When a Romanian man is introduced to a woman, he will probably kiss her hand, strictly avoiding her eyes.If one refuses what a host offers to eat or drink, this will often be taken as a polite refusal by guest who really means to say "yes". If you want to refuse the offer find a polite excuse and say it firmly or ask for a replacement. It is common to linger once the meal (luch or dinner) is over. When visiting someone at home bring a small gift. Most common gifts include flowers or chocolate (for women only), a bottle of wine or liquor. The number of flowers that one offers must always be odd.Other well-appreciate gifts include Western cosmetics (i.e. eau de toilette or after-shave) and clothing. All gifts should be wrapped, but many Romanians might not unwrap their gifts in your presence. In Romania as in many Latin countries life is lived at a more relaxed pace. Normal European courtesies should be followed on social occasions. Although casual dress is fine in most occasions, wearing a suit and tie, or the women's equivalent, is important at business meetings. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is expected. It is not considered impolite to ask a person's age, politics, income or religion, so don't take such questions amiss.     Along with religious aspects, in Romania, the Easter symbolizes the rebirth and the renewal of daily life.In the week between Christmas and New Year, in all villages, groups of lads prepare for "bid", complex system of customs and habits. The Romanian folkloric costumes characterize own attributes of the Romanian people and contribute essentially at the definition of ethnic specificity. Distinct clothing ornamentation, traditional methods used for sewing and tailoring the pieces of clothing, and wide variety of costumes from one region to another customize the defining spirit of the Romanian people.Also, the folklore of Romania is defined by its mythology, branch of folk literature that integrates a variety of ancestral habits, tales, fables and ballads, whose authors are anonymous. The rural character of the Romanian communities resulted in an exceptionally vital and creative traditional culture.Romanian folklore is probably the most varied and traditional in the whole of Europe, so many experts say. You will be captivated by the beauty of the regional costumes which you may see passing through villages near Sibiu, in the Apuseni Mountains or Maramures, Bucovina.     Lifestyles change because of various reasons : the social conditions, the political regime or just because the world is in progress Religion is also important for us. The people from the countryside go to church more often than the people in cities, but in the last years a lot of young Romanians have gathered in and around churches at Easter and Christmas Eve. There is a sort of orthodox revival among young people because religion has been taught in school as well since 1990. Speaking of anniversaries, one should take into consideration that the Romanians offer gifts frequently : at birthday parties, at weddings, when inaugurating a newly built house and evenwhen friends visit each other after a long period of time. We like flowers and that is why we like to offer them as a token of love, respect and friendship. The Romanians like their homes, which makes them very good hosts. Their hospitality is a characteristic feature of their nature and they like toimpress their guests by offering the best food and accomodation in the most pleasant atmosphere.      

Religion

However, an overwhelming majority of the country's citizens identify themselves as Christians. 86.7% of the country's population identified as Orthodox Christian according to the 2002 census, the vast majority of which belongs to the Romanian Orthodox Church. Other major Christian denominations include Protestantism (5.2%), Roman Catholicism (4.7%) and the Romanian Greek-Catholic Church (0.9%).       Sources text:http://www.mae.ro;http://www.romaniatourism.com;en.wikipedia.org  

Experience and enjoy

Ciorba de perisoare : Soup with meatballs.Mamaliga: A staple of mashed cornmeal.Pasca: Sweet cheesecake.Sarmale: minced pork mixed with rice and spices then rolled upin marinated cabbage leaves.Mici: A kind of skinless sausages on the grill made out ofpork and beef meat.Nisetru la gratar: Grilled Black Seasturgeon. Pork and chicken are the preferred meats, but beef, lamb and fish are also popular. Wine, however, is the preferred drink, and Romanian wines have a tradition of over three millennia. Romania is currently the world's 9th largest wine producer, and recently the export market has started to grow. Romania produces a wide selection of domestic varieties (Fetească, Grasă, Tamâioasă, Băbească), as well as varieties from across the world (Italian Riesling, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay,Muscat Ottonel). Beer is also highly regarded, generally blonde pilsener beer. Alcoholic beverages are also obtained from other fruits (see rachiu, palincă and vişinată). Ţuică is a strong plum brandy that is widely regarded as the country's traditional alcoholic beverage, along with wine.  

Sights

    I personally I had the chance as because my mother is a teacher(now retired)and she was guided in many school camps, I saw all ROMANIA , from Danube Delta to the Black Sea, from mountains to  many resorts, churches UNESCO monuments from Bucovina and castles etc. It is fascinating and not know what to enumerate first, but I'll nominate some:the Painted churches of NorthernMoldavia, the Wooden churches of Maramureş and Sălaj, or the Merry Cemetery in Maramureş County; for their medieval atmosphereand castles, Transylvanian cities such as Sibiu(also,in 2007, the city of Sibiu,famous for its Brukenthal National Museum, was the European Capital of Culture alongsidethe city of Luxembourg),Braşov, Sighişoara,Cluj-Napoca,Fagaras, Hunedoara, Prejmer etc.; In Târgu Jiu one can see the sculptures of Constantin Brâncuşi (1876–1957), a Romanian sculptor withover whelming contributions to the renewal of plastic language and vision in contemporary sculpture;Peles and Pelisor Palace, Bran Castle, Hunedoara Castle,   medieval courts from Bucharest, Fagaras,Targoviste, Curtea de Arges, Suceava etc; destinations such as Mangalia, Saturn,Venus,Neptun,Olimp,Constanţaand Mamaia(sometimes called the Romanian Riviera) are among the most popular attractions during summer at the Black Sea;   In 1991, the Romanian part of the Danube Delta became part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Around 2,733 km² ofthe delta are strictly protected areas. The approximate surface is 4152 km², of which 3446 km² are in Romania. Historically, in Romania, part of Danube Delta was marked as a reserve back in 1938;   The list of World Heritage Sites includes Romanian sites such as the Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania, the Painted churches of northern Moldaviawith their fine exterior and interior frescoes, the Wooden Churches of Maramureş unique examples that combine Gothic style with traditional timber construction, the Monastery of Horezu, Cozia and Densus, the citadel of Sighişoaraand the Dacian Fortresses of the Orăştie Mountains;Transfagarasan at 2034 m and Transalpina at 2145 m, two from the highest paved roads in Europe.                       Sourcestext:http://www.mae.ro;http://www.romaniatourism.com;en.wikipedia.org;http://www.tln.schulnetz.org/fr/lifestyle_rum1.htm

Events

    Public Holidays   January 1 and 2: New Year Monday following Orthodox Easter: March, April or early May (date varies) May 1: Labor Day   Rusaliile: (Christian Orthodox Religious Holiday - celebrated 50 days after Easter) August 15: Saint Mary's Day December 1: National Day December 25-26: Christmas Several religious holidays including feasts of St. John (January7), St. George (April 23), Sts. Peter &Paul (June 29), St. Mary (August 15), St. Michael (November 8) and St. Nicholas(December 6) are observed throughout the year in rural areas.   It is customary forRomanians all over the country to celebrate their Saint's Name Day (ZiuaOnomastica).    

Food

    What is great in Romania is that the food is 100% natural. The tourists will clearly feel the difference between the fruits and vegetables bought from their local grocery and the ones freshly picked from a Romanian garden. This happens because the local growers avoid using herbicides/pesticides to grow their crops. Especially in the rural areas, tourists can taste some home made cheeseand bread, fresh milk or fresh meat as Romanians like everything tasty and all natural.   Romanian food specialties Here are the national specialities when it comes to Romanian food