Currency
Romania uses the Romanian leu (RON, plural lei). As of 2025, roughly 1 EUR = 5 lei. Romania is in the EU but has not adopted the euro. Card payments are widely accepted in cities and most tourist spots; carry cash for village markets, rural guesthouses, and smaller towns.
Do not exchange currency at airports — rates are poor. Banks and authorized exchange offices (casa de schimb) in town centres offer better rates. Many display "0% commission" signs, which is generally accurate. ATMs are plentiful in cities and larger towns but scarce in remote areas.
Tipping
Restaurant bills include a service charge, but it is customary to leave an additional 10% if the service was good. Round up taxi fares as a courtesy, though drivers don't expect a tip.
Language
Romanian is a Romance language — closer to Latin than to its Slavic neighbours. In cities, younger people and those in tourism generally speak English. German is widely spoken in parts of Transylvania, reflecting the historical Saxon and Swabian communities. Hungarian is the first language for much of the population in Transylvania and the Szekler region. In rural areas, especially in Moldavia and Oltenia, English is rare; a few words of Romanian go a long way.
Communications
Romania has excellent mobile coverage across urban and most rural areas. EU roaming rules apply, so European SIM cards work without extra charges. Local SIM cards (Digi, Orange, Vodafone) are cheap and widely available. Internet access is fast and reliable in cities.
Electricity
230V, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs (Type F). UK and US travellers will need adapters.
Safety
Romania is generally a safe country. Petty theft — pickpocketing and bag-snatching — occurs in crowded tourist areas of Bucharest and at train stations. Keep your belongings close in the Bucharest metro and on overnight trains. Stray dogs are less of an issue in cities than they once were, but some rural areas still have packs; give them space.
Tap water is safe to drink in cities. In rural mountain areas, many locals drink from springs; use judgment.
Health
Romania has public hospitals in all major cities, with private clinics that tend to be faster and more comfortable for minor ailments. Pharmacies (farmacie) are plentiful and well-stocked. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended, particularly for hiking or outdoor activities in remote areas.
Embassies
Major embassies are concentrated in Bucharest. Check your government's travel advisory site for current entry requirements.