Travel tips to European Countries: Romania
About the county
Lying in the Southeastern Europe Romania is slowly emerging from the shackles of its dark history. Modern
Romania was formed by merging two Principalities i.e. Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859 which were ruled
by Ottoman Empire for centuries before. Romania is bordered by Moldova, Ukraine, the Black Sea,
Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary. Bucharest is the capital of Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia
constitute the northern half of the country. Romania’s main attractions include Black Sea Coast, the
Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. The Black Sea Coast is popular for its white sandy beaches and
offers a perfect experience for families. The Carpathian Mountains are beautiful and covered by dense
forests which offer skiing opportunities. There are many health resorts also in Romania. Transylvania is
popular for Romanian Spas which have been known for its many healing powers. Local food specialty
includes cuisines like ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tanancasca (meat with vegetables),
lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of fish soups.
Population & Languages
The population of Romania is around 22.5 million and the official language being spoken is Romanian. The
other popular languages are Hungarian and German.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment and
"Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in Southeastern Europe bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is bordered
by Hungary and Serbia to the west, Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast and Bulgaria to the south.
Carpathian Mountains pass through the center of Romania.
Climate
The climate of Romania can be termed as Temperate and it has four seasons. While spring and autumn are
cool and pleasant. Summers are very short and hot occurring in July and August. The winters can be harsh
and cold with snowfall between December and March. The best months to visit Romania are May and June
and September and October.
Local Customs
Handshaking is the common custom. It is also customary to kiss when being introduced to a woman. Mostly
all normal European customs apply to Romania also. Dressing is conservative and casual. Smoking is
prohibited on public transportation vehicles and theaters. Romanians like smoking themselves and thus like
if you gift them cigarettes. Tipping is 5 to 10 percent in restaurant, hotels and taxis.
Attractions
Bucharest: Once used to be known as Paris of the East the city of Bucharest is a city of lights bustling with
cafes, night clubs and restaurants. It also has Romanian Opera House and a huge National Museum. The
historic sites include the Palace of Parliament, Old Court Church and Athenee Palace Hotel.
Brasov: Not to be missed places are Castles in Transylvania which include Bran Castle, Rasnov Castle and
also do miss to see Sighisoara about 90 miles from Brasov, the birth place of Vlad tepes.
Romanian Riviera: This is along the coast of Black Sea which is huge tourist attraction. It is also home to
several resorts and Romanian spas famous for their healing powers.
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Romania is Tarom. Many popular airlines that fly to Bucharest include Air
France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss. The biggest airport is
Bucharest Otopeni Airport which is located like 10 miles north of the city.
By Sea – Constanta is the major port on the Black Sea. Currently no ferries are being operated. But there are
many cruises available which stop at various points of tourist interest like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest,
Bazias, Giurgiu, Calafat and Bucharest.
By Rail – There is an international service to Bucharest from Western Europe which runs only in summer
months i.e. from June to September, the name of the train service is Wiener Waltzer.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 200 gm tobacco
2. 200g cocoa and 200g coffee
3. Perfumes, medicines and souvenirs
4. Two cameras, One small movie camera, Twenty Four cassettes, One portable radio, One TV set, One tape
recorder, One pair of binoculars and One typewriter.
5. Gifts up to €175
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants,
endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
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