The current Romanian flag was adopted on December 27, 1989.

Population: The Romanians are a friendly, open-hearted and hospitable people. Optimism, sincerity, humor are also some of the general states of their disposition.

Official language: Romanian - of Latin origin. Foreign tourists can use languages of international use: English, French and German are widely spoken.

Basic dictionary:

National Holidays :

Local time: Romania is in the Eastern European Time Zone: GMT / UTC + 2 hours. When it is 12:00 in Bucharest, it is: 11:00 in Berlin, 10:00 in London, 05:00 in New York, 20:00 in Sydney and 13:00 in Moscow. Romania is in the same meantime zone as Finland, Bulgaria, Greece, Egypt, Sudan, etc

Summer time (GMT+2) is in effect from the last Sunday in March to in last Sunday in October.

Measurement system: Romania employs the metric system: metre, kilogram, litre and their divisions and multiples. The metric system was introduced in 1866. (1km = o.62 mile)

Electricity: 220Volts and 50 HZ (2 pin plug) .

Money / the local currency: The official currency of Romania is Leu (pl. Lei ) with its fractional coin, the Ban ( pl. Bani) , Foreign currency can be exchanged in hotels, banks or at the exchange offices. The exchange rates vary according to the locations were the transaction is effected. Exchanging currency in other locations than the official ones (mentioned above) is illegal.

Credit cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in Romania. In Bucharest, most major hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa or Master Card. Just in case, ask the person at the reception/counter before counting on credit card payment for accommodation, Cash advances on credit card can de taken out at most city banks. ATMs are spread throughout the city but in order to avoid any kind of trouble, usually try to use the ATMs located at banks headquarters. You can get cash from all ATMs in RON.

Vaccinations: Not required.

Medical Services: Avaible in state and private health units throughout the country

(hospitals and local clinics), according to the medical agreements established between Romania and other countries.

Postal and Communications services: Post offices are open daily, including on Saturday mornings, in most areas, and provide local and external services. For calls from Romania to another location in Romania, dial 0 then the city area code; for international calls dial 00, then the country and city code for international calls. For calls to Romania: for Romania dial +40, then 21 for Bucharest and then the phone number; for other cities dial 40 (for Romania), the code for the respective area and the phone number.

Prepaid phone cards are available for use with public phones.

The most used special services numbers of 3 or 4 figures are:

Mobile Phones: The tourists travelling to Romania who do not have roaming access but wants to stay in touch or make local calls, can buy a local pre-paid SIM card.

Driving: You should drive on the right side of the road; the maximum allowed speed is of 50 km/h in city area, 90km/h outside the city and 120 km/h on highways. Fuel supply is not a problem because on every route one can find gas stations as well If you are on the road and you have run out of something, do not worry. On every highway and road there are several 24h opened stores were you can buy anything you need.

Taxi services: In every city there are several taxi services. As far as the fares are concerned, these differ from one city to another. What we can tell you is that the price ranges between 40 cents/km and 2,5 euro/km.

Meals: In Romania you can also find international fast-food restaurants. Besides the specific Chinese, Greek, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Turkish restaurants we highly recommend the traditional Romanian food: sarmale, tochitura cu mamaliga as well as the famous Romanian wines. 10% from the bill is the regular tip in restaurants.

Local laws: If you are driving, or are out late at night, it is a good idea to carry at least a photocopy of your passport and driving licence. Random ID checks are very rare, but it is obligatory to have some form of ID on you at all time. Drinking in public (except in specially designated area) leaves you open to a fine. Prostitution is illegal. If you are arrested ask to speak to your embassy immediately for advice.

Nightlife: A meal in a restaurant or hotel, with floorshow, is an excellent way of spending a Romanian evening. If you want “to go on“ there are casinos, nightclubs and discotheques in Bucharest and major cities.

The museums: They are generally closed on Monday and Tuesday. One can enter and visit a museum by purchasing a ticket, the price varying from one museum to another. During summer time, museums are open from 10 a.m to 7 p.m and they also offer tours led by professional guides who can speak several foreign languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian etc.)

One can buy souvenirs in gift -shops situated nearby touring sites.

The tourism agency DOMINO TRAVEL hopes this information will prove useful during your business travel, trips or holidays spent in ROMANIA