What First Timers Need To Know About Travelling Romania

Romania is a country that has a wonderful history, beautiful people and naturally beautiful landscapes that are ideal for anyone planning to travel. This guide will provide all the necessary information that a first-time traveler will require to make their trip to Romania enjoyable. From insights on how to rent a car in Romania for exploring remote areas to tips on local culture, currency, and must-see attractions, it covers all the essentials for an unforgettable Romanian adventure

Transport

It is really difficult to find a more suitable method of traveling through the vast variety of landscapes and off the beaten track in Romania than by car. The only disadvantage is that public transport is often limited to large cities, so if you rent a car in Romania this will allow you to get to the more rural areas, charming towns and out-of-the-way sights on your own schedule. The country has a well-developed road network, with the major highways linking the capital city of Bucharest, the region of Transylvania and the Black Sea coast, so driving around is a viable way of getting to the more remote areas.

The Currency

Romania’s official currency is the Leu (RON). It is crucial that any traveler learns about it before arriving in the country. Cards are accepted in larger cities, but it’s better to have cash with you when traveling to the countryside or smaller towns, as card payments may not be possible. Currency exchange services are available from almost every corner of any big city but beware of the rates being offered. 

Top Attractions

Romania is home to some of the most beautiful castles and historical places and you would be amiss not to visit these beautiful structures. Among the great examples of architecture, one has to visit Bran Castle, which is related to the Dracula myth and Peleș Castle, a Neo-Renaissance style construction. History lovers will find themselves in heaven exploring the fortified churches of Transylvania, or simply walking the cobblestone streets of Sighișoara, one of Romania’s most well-preserved medieval cities.

Traditional Cuisine

Romanian food is rich and savory and is mainly based on the traditional way of cooking. Below are some of the things you should not omit in your diet while in the country; Sarmale, which are cabbage rolls filled with pork; Mici, which are grilled ground meat rolls; Ciorba de burtă, which is a tripe soup. Other dishes that are a must-have include papanasi, fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam. For the traditional taste, eat in traditional restaurants or in guesthouses in the countryside, where you will be served Romanian dishes made of local products. 

Language Tips

Although their English is fairly good, especially in cities and especially in tourist areas, it is always useful and indeed welcome to learn at least some Romanian words and phrases. Simple greetings like “Bună ziua” (Hello), “Mulțumesc” (Thank you) and “Unde este…?” (Where is…?) will help to get things off the ground. Also, it is always good to have a translation app when visiting areas that are not developed as much as others where English is not well understood.

Navigating Romania’s Cities

Romania’s urban areas encompassing Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara and so on are equipped with several transportation means such as buses, trams and even the metro. Here in Bucharest, the metro is the best way to get around the city due to the fact that buses and trams are used to cover larger distances. It’s also possible to use your feet to get around especially since many of the city center attractions are located in close proximity. Taxis and rideshare are also there but make sure that they are authorized and not fake. 

If you’re arriving at Bucharest’s airport, consider checking rentalcars.com for easy car rental arrangements, ideal for longer journeys across Romania.

Safety Tips

Romania is really a pretty safe country to travel to as a tourist; however, it always pays to be cautious. Avoid carrying valuables with you as much as you can, especially when in shopping centers or while on a bus. When are hiring a car, make sure that you park the car in well-illuminated and secure places. Moreover, it is really advisable not to withdraw cash from ATMs and not to exchange money with people on the street. Being on the lookout for your safety will help to make the trip as peaceful as possible.

Romania’s Natural Beauty

Nature enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in Romania. Carpathian mountains offer great trails for hiking and it can be done for beginners as well as professionals. Others such as Retezat and Piatra Craiului national parks are ideal for tourists who want to watch wildlife and beautiful scenes and breathe the freshest air. Romania’s varied geography also includes the Danube Delta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site treating visitors to fascinating plant and animal life. If you plan to hike or go out into nature, be certain to check the weather and dress accordingly. 

This is a comprehensive guide that will help the first-time traveler explore the country, the other scenery, the culture and what to do in Romania.