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BEFORE YOU GO
This section is courtesy of
Romanian
National Tourism Office for North America.
Traveling to Romania is
as easy as traveling to any other European destination.
Romania offers a rich tapestry of tourist attractions,
which are unique in Europe.
In case Romania is not your main travel destination
in Europe even a two or three-day ad-on is worthwhile.
Although some remote areas in Romania only offer mid-scale
or budget accommodations and basic tourist facilities
those visiting the country will always encounter friendly
people, wonderful sights and affordable prices.
Travel formalities
American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens
of most European countries do not need an entry visa
to visit Romania. However, a valid passport is required.
Citizens of any other country should check the visa
regulations that apply to them with the nearest Romanian
diplomatic office. For more visa information and a
list of Romanian diplomatic offices abroad please
visit www.mae.ro.
There is no arrival or departure tax.
When to go
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 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.
Money and Budget Guide
Currency exchange
Romania's currency is Leu (plural ³Lei²). Coins come
in denominations of 500, 1,000 and 5,000 Lei. Notes
are issued in the following amounts: 10,000, 50,000,
100,000 and 500,000 Lei. Foreign currency 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. For current exchange rate please visit www.curs-valutar.ro.
Note: Although black market rates may seem good,
please remember that it is illegal and you can be
easily cheated.
ATM (Bancomat)
ATM machines are available at main banks and at airports
and shopping centers. Do not expect to find ATMs in
remote areas or villages.
Credit cards
Major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard
and Visa are accepted in large hotels, car rental
companies and stores in the main cities. However,
credit cards are unlikely to prove useful in small
towns or away from tourist areas.
Travelers' Checks
Preferably in US dollars or Euros, Travelers' Checks
can be cashed in large banks, some hotels and selected
exchange offices but most of them charge considerable
commissions. Do not count on cashing such checks outside
Bucharest and a few other major cities. For travel
around the country it is a good idea to carry cash.
Small stores and restaurants might accept U.S. Dollars
in small denominations ($ 1, 5, 10 and 20) but the
exchange rate offered will not be the best. Street
handicraft vendors prefer Romanian currency.
Budget Guide
Once accustomed to translating the exchange rate of
about 33,000 lei to one US dollar (April 2002), the
extraordinary value for money becomes apparent.
Entrance fees to historic buildings and attractions
are rarely more than $1.00.
Hotels outside Bucharest range from $20 to $90 per
night/double room, with full breakfast and taxes included.
A three-course dinner, for two, with wine and tip
starts at $12.00 and can go up to $100.00 or more
in some of the more upscale restaurants in Bucharest.
However, less expensive does not mean not as good
as a very expensive one. Dinner in restaurants is
often accompanied by live music.
Below are some price samples:
Loaf of white bread (one lb.) — $0.15
Quart of milk — $0.45
One lb of beef tenderloin — $2.00
One lb of tomatoes — $0.65
Bottle of mineral water (18 fl. oz.) — $0.30
Bottle of domestic beer (18 fl. oz.) — $0.35
Bottle of Romanian wine (liquor store) — $1.50
to $2.75
100 miles by express train, 1st class ticket —
$5.50
McDonald's Big Mac — $1.25
One gallon of gasoline — $1.95
Best opera/theater seat — $4.00 or less
Use of computer at Internet Cafe — $1.00 per
hour
Note: Prices in luxury hotels and upscale restaurants
in Bucharest can be as high as those in Western Europe.
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