Romania
Bucharest · RON (Romanian Leu) · Romanian
Hub airports: OTP, CLJ · Suggested stay: 5–8 days
Romania fully joined Schengen in March 2024. Transylvania is the postcard — Saxon villages, fortified churches, Bran ("Dracula's") Castle. The painted monasteries of Bucovina are UNESCO and unique. Bucharest surprises with belle-époque grandeur and a strong food scene.
Bran Castle + a Saxon village stay in Viscri.
Where to go
Best time to visit
May–September. Transfăgărășan road only open July–October. December for the under-the-radar Sibiu Christmas market.
Score combines weather, crowds, and price (1–5). See the full matrix across all countries.
US-citizen tips
Currency is leu (RON). ATMs everywhere; tip 10%. Cards work in cities; carry cash in villages.
Local etiquette
Orthodox traditions matter; cover shoulders/knees in monasteries. 'Mulțumesc' = thank you (everyone tries). Romani vs. Romanian: not the same — be aware.
Getting around
CFR trains (slow but scenic). Inter-city buses faster. Renting a car opens up Transylvania and the painted monasteries — drive defensively.
Daily budget (USD)
Common pitfalls
- ⚠Bucharest taxis: only use Bolt/Uber or call Speed/Cobalcescu by phone.
- ⚠Bran Castle is touristy — the Saxon villages around it are the real magic.
- ⚠Stray dogs in some rural areas — don't approach.
🆘 Emergency reference
Works from any phone (locked, no SIM), free, multilingual operators, dispatches police/fire/medical.
Lost passport, arrested, hospitalized, victim of a crime → contact embassy first, then home insurer. After hours: the main line routes you to a duty officer.
🗣️ Essential phrases
Romanian (Latin-based, easier than Slavic neighbors)