Know before you go : Romania Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Romania, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Romania is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It shares borders with Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and the Black Sea to the southeast.

The capital is Bucharest, which is also the largest city in the country. Bucharest is located in the southern part of Romania, near the Danube River.

Known for its rich history, medieval castles, Carpathian Mountains, and the legendary Dracula folklore, Romania offers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions.

As of 2024, Romania covers approximately 238,400 km² and has a population of around 19.8 million people.

The best time to visit Romania is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Nature is at its most beautiful and temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

When we visited in September, the weather was ideal for hiking and exploring Romania’s towns. Plus, there were not many tourists at this time of year.

The currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON) and the current exchange rate (January 2025) is 1 RON equals 0,2 €.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most cities, but I recommend withdrawing money just in case, in markets for example. For cash withdrawals, it’s best to use CEC Bank and ING Bank ATMs to avoid bigger fees.

The cost of living is relatively low compared to many Western European countries, making it a budget-friendly destination. A meal at a rural restaurant or market usually costs around 20-40 RON (€4-8), while dining at casual restaurants in Cluj-Napoca costs around 60-100 RON (€10-15) per person.

Regarding the places to visit such as the various museums or the different churches, the entrance fees are usually around 3-5€ and the famous Transylvanian castles are around 9€.

Finally, for accommodation in downtown Bucharest or other major cities like Cluj-Napoca, great Airbnb or hotels typically range from 40€ to 60€ per night for two people.

Clothing: Even for a trip in summer, don’t forget a light jacket and a sweater for cooler evenings, especially in the mountains. In winter, temperatures can drop significantly, so pack thermal layers, gloves, heavy socks, and a warm coat, particularly if you plan to explore rural areas. Finally, comfortable walking shoes are essential for hiking in nature.

Rain Gear: Romania’s weather in spring and autumn can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack an umbrella and a waterproof rain jacket.

Adapter: Romania uses Type C and F power outlets, like most European countries. Travelers from outside Europe will need a plug adapter. A power bank is also handy for keeping your devices charged during a long day of exploration !

There’s a lot to bring back from Romania !

Traditional Items : Romanian pottery is a beautiful and colourful souvenir. You can find unique serving dishes, bowls and trivets in villages or rural markets. Painted eggs are also a great gift, and are a symbol of Romanian tradition. If you go to Turda salt mines, you can bring back all kind of salt products.

Food : Alcohol-wise, you can bring back țuică (plum brandy) or local wines from regions such as Dealu Mare or Cotnari. You can also buy a jar of acacia or wildflower honey, cozonac (sweet bread), zacuscă (vegetable spread), or cured meats like salam de Sibiu.

The official language is Romanian. English is widely spoken, and some locals may also speak French, Italian, or German.

Here are a few Romanian phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Bună [BOO-nuh]

Thank you: Mulțumesc [MUL-tsoo-mesk]

You’re welcome: Cu plăcere [KOO pluh-CHEH-reh]

I (don’t) understand: (Nu) înțeleg [(NOO) uhn-tseh-LEHG]

Sorry: Îmi pare rău [OOM pah-reh ROW]

My name is…: Mă numesc… [Muh noo-MESK]

Yes / No: Da / Nu [DAH / NOO]

If you’re traveling to Romania from Europe, most mobile plans include internet and calls without additional charges thanks to the EU roaming agreements.

However, if you need a local SIM card, providers like Orange, Vodafone, or Digi Mobil offer affordable options, starting at around €10 in airports and train stations.

If you are planning on visiting only Cluj-Napoca, you absolutely don’t need a car. But if you plan to visit more of Romania, I recommend booking a car at the airport. Be sure to check the rental requirements, as a credit card and a valid driver’s license are typically needed.

There’s a lot of things to see in Romania ! You can spend a day in visiting Cluj-Napoca, discover the countryside, hike in the Apuseni mountains …You won’t be bored a second !

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Romania :

That’s it for my Romania travel tips !

I have also made a detailed post about the best day trips from Cluj-Napoca, in Transylvania, and another one about what to see in Cluj-Napoca.