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Advice for Irish tourists traveling to Romania

If you’re travelling to Romania, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has the following travel advice practical tips and useful information.

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), available by contacting the Health Service Executive, and that you also obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Security status

Romania remains a safe country to visit. There are internal political tensions and visitors are advised to avoid large crowds and political demonstrations. We advise that all normal precautions be taken.

Summary

Romanians are friendly and welcoming people many of whom will happily converse in English

The majority of visits to Romania are trouble-free.  Serious crimes involving tourists are not particularly common and most of those that do arise are petty and do not involve violence. There is no known threat of terrorism. Nevertheless, visitors to Romania are advised to take normal personal and security precautions, particularly at night.

Irish nationals do not require visas for visits to Romania.

The official currency in Romania is the RON, often called Lei. Obtaining RON prior to travel can be difficult. However, on arrival cash can be withdrawn from ATMs.

Irish visitors to Romania are encouraged to register with the Irish Embassy in Bucharest.

Emergency assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Romania by dialing 112.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities.
• Get a European Health Insurance Card
• Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.

Safety and security

Crime

There have been some reports of credit and debit cards being scanned or stolen and used illegally, as happens elsewhere.  Use of ATMs is generally safe but some precautions should be employed, such as only using those in department stores or hotel or airport lobbies.

As would be expected in large urban locations, there are occasional reports of pickpockets and bag snatchers operating in crowded areas. Confidence scams leading to theft of passports or wallets have also been known to arise where thieves claiming to be police approach visitors and ask for ID.  The Romanian police do not generally ask people for documentation without good cause and in the event of any reason for suspicion visitors should offer to go the nearest police station.

Ideally, where they are not expected to be needed, valuables and other items such as spare jewelry, passports, driving licences, credit/debit cards and excess cash should be secured in a hotel safe.

Water

While the water supply in Romania is not known to be contaminated, use of bottled or filtered water is recommended as a safer option.

Wild Animals

Although a decreasing problem, Romania has a significant population of stray dogs.  While these do not usually pose a danger it is strongly recommended to avoid contact with them as they can be aggressive and some could be rabid.

The Carpathian Mountains of Romania are famous for their wilderness and beauty but are also home to large populations of bears and wolves.  While they try to avoid humans, it is recommended when visiting remote areas to travel in groups and to take expert advice locally.

Local laws and customs

Visitors are required to carry photo ID in Romania; a photocopy of passport or driver’s licence should suffice for this purpose.

Inappropriate or insensitive behaviour or activity in public is likely to offend others and risks prosecution or even a violent reaction.

Transport

Metro

Bucharest has a good Metro system.  It and other towns and cities are serviced by buses, trams and taxis which are very good value by western European standards.  Romania also has a good network of inter-city trains.  Motorways are not extensive.

Driving

Some Romanians drive erratically and at excessive speeds and vehicles are not always fully roadworthy.  Serious road traffic accidents regularly occur.  Visitors entering Romania by road or driving there should ensure that they have adequate insurance cover.  Insurance companies or brokers should be consulted in advance about this, if necessary.  Drivers in Romania must also be in possession of a driving license and car ownership documentation.

All vehicles must pay a general road toll.  This “Roviniete” ticket can be purchased at border points and at most petrol stations throughout Romania, and should be prominently displayed on the vehicle windscreen.

The traffic police are known to apply on-the-spot penalties for infringements of traffic regulations, including the retention of driving licences for up to three months in very serious cases.

In winter, drivers should ensure that vehicles are prepared for extreme weather conditions, including fitting mandatory winter tyres.

Roads, including primary roads, can be of poor standard, badly lit, pot-holed and with barely visible markings.  Appropriate precautions should be taken, especially at night.

There is zero tolerance for drink-driving and permitted blood/alcohol ratios are below those in Ireland.

In Romania, taxis are relatively inexpensive.  In general it is recommended that taxis are booked using one of the various methods available, rather than hailed on the street.  This is especially the case where vehicles do not have a meter or display fares.  Some visitors have reported incidents of overcharging, especially from airports and major train stations – some taxi drivers will offer a fixed price to the city centre which may appear reasonable but could be significantly in excess of the normal fares in Romania.  Visitors arriving at the airport are advised to decline any taxi offers in the arrivals area but instead to avail of one of the simple-to-use automated taxi ordering services in the arrivals hall.

Health

Travel Insurance

We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

European Health Insurance Card 

As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group.

The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand.

Embassy Contact

In case of a genuine consular emergency while the Embassy is closed, please leave a message with name, location and telephone number at +4021 310 2131 and the Duty Officer will call you back.

Embassy of Ireland
50-52 Buzesti St
3rd Floor, Sector 1
Bucharest
Romania

Tel: +40 21 3102131
Fax: +40 21 3102181

Monday to Friday 09:30 to 12:30; 14:00 to 17:00

https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/romania/

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"text": "Reservations are required. We recommend booking early as tours are often sold out well in advance. You can make a reservations on-line. In case of making reservations by phone please call toll-free: 808 101 6781 (UK); 866 376 6183 (US). You can also make reservations by fax - download and complete the booking form and send it by fax to: 0040-364-405641 or by e-mail!"
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is required to reserve our spots?",
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"text": "We require an advance deposit in the amount of Euro 145/person. When you make the reservation online you will be required to pay the deposit. You will receive an automatic response with your Holiday Booking Reference. Once the advance deposit is registered with our accounts we proceed with the reservation for the requested services and issue the Confirmation Letter + Paid Invoice (once the amount is registered with our accounts)."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "When is my balance due?",
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"text": "The final payment is due 60 days prior departure. ( After the final payment is made we will issue Travel Voucher). Should the booking be made within 60 days prior to tour departure, entire tour cost is requested at the time of booking. To read Transylvania Live’s Terms and Conditions please visit us on line at: https://halloween-transylvania.irish/terms-conditions/ ."
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"name": "My work is unpredictable and I might be force to cancel my trip at some point. Can you briefly state your Cancelation Policy?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "The client is at all time entitled to cancel the Travel Contract, but must pay Transylvania Live - Expert in Transylvania a cancellation charge as stipulated below: 89 days or more prior to departure 90 EURO per person / per tour cancellation fee; 88–61 days, loss of deposit. 60–31 days will be subject to 50% of tour price; 30 days or less will be subject to 100% of tour price."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What are the baggage requirements/ limitations?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "Please check with the airline company for limitations. Anyway is good to pack light, some of the hotels – historical buildings do not have elevators."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "Do you provide an English-speaking guide for the tour?",
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"text": "Our tours include the services of English-speaking guides. Other languages speaking guides are also available."
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"name": "Can you arrange a private tour for our family?",
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"text": "We can design an itinerary at a time that suits you, to your own comfort levels and within your own budget. Please send your request by e-mail or by fax."
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"name": "Do you operate tours even if there is only one participant?",
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"text": "Yes, most of our tours operate even if there’s only one person. Due to socialization reasons our special tours for couples require a minimum of five couples."
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"name": "Could I please have some information on average age of group? How large (or small) the group is?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "The tour has a general audience as it targets people interested in history, culture, customs and beliefs. Group size can be between 4-26 people. Transylvania Live is member of the responsible travel network and we are committed to operating a travel policy that is supportive of local economies, cultures and the environment. We operate our tours with small groups in order to minimise the negative impact on the environment and allow our guests to interact more easily with the locals, facilitate the communication with the guide. The average age of group is, most of the time, between 35-45."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can you provide individual tickets for rail, air or ferry?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "We do not provide individual tickets for rail, air, boat or ferry."
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"text": "A minimum age of 10 years is required on non-family programs, unless otherwise indicated on the individual tour page. A client under 18 years of age and travelling alone during the tour period shall provide Transylvania Live with written consent of his/her guardian. Clients under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. On “for couples” tours a minimum age of 20 years is required."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What credit cards do you accept for the on line payment?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "We only accept VISA and MasterCard. Please select only these two types of credit cards for the online payment."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What currency do you accept?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "If you pay on-line using our secure internet booking form your credit card can hold any type of currency, the amount of money to be taken will be exchanged in EURO by your bank at their rate. We accept USD and EURO for offline credit card payment and wire transfer."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Do you offer discounts for senior citizens, members of certain associations?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, we do offer discounts provided they travel as a group. Contact us!"
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "Do you offer group discounts?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, depending on the number of your group. Contact us"
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},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Is my money safe when I pay online on Transylvania Live's payment server?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "On-line bookings and payments are processed by Romcard, authorized agent for Mastercard and Visa in Romania and secured by Rapid SSL , the leading secure sockets layer (SSL) Certificate Authority enabling secure e-commerce and communications for Web sites. As a tour operator we are governed by the consumer and financial regulations of Romania and of the European Union. Romania’s legislation compels tour operators to protect tourists in case of insolvency."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What commissions do I have to pay besides your announced prices?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "Our prices include the online secure payment commissions. However depending on your bank some commissions may occur for international money transfer. Please check with your bank!"
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can the accommodations or the itinerary suffer any changes?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In case we’ll have a full house situation at one of the hotels, an accommodation of an equal classification or better will be booked for you. In case of closed roads due to bad weather, working situations or dangerous weather conditions the itinerary could suffer changes."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "How do I get to Transylvania Live meeting point?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "If you follow our recommendation on How to arrive (heading found for any of our holidays at the Special notes and info section at the end of the tour page. Our guide will expect you with a Transylvania Live sign. In the unfortunate case of a flight being lost or delayed and prevent you in this way from getting to your meting point in good time, please call 0040 723 565 255."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is “Price with Single Supplement”?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Our tour fares are based on two in one hotel room. For occupancy by one person, the "single supplement" cost specified in each itinerary will be required."
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"name": "I am travelling alone. Do you arrange shared rooms for individual travellers?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "If you travel alone you have to book the tour with a single supplement; if you wish to book a double room which you want to share with another traveller, we’ll do our best to make all arrangements, but in case this is not possible, you’ll have to pay the single supplement; however it is our strongest recommendation to book the tour with a single supplement when travelling alone."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can you provide vegetarian food?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, also gluten-free, vegan. When you make the reservation of your tour please do not forget to fill in this information at Dietary Restrictions section."
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"name": "What countries require a visa?",
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"text": "To check the list of the countries that require a visa please see the web site page of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mae.ro."
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"name": "What is the local currency in Romania?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "Romanian currency is Lei (written symbol Ron). All the places in Romania trade lei (pronunciation: lay). You can bring some of the local currency from USA or you can change here the amount of money you need (advisable due to the lower exchange rate). Credit cards are accepted in large hotels, restaurants and malls. ATM machines are available at banks, airports and shopping centers all over the country. (except in remote areas or villages). Foreign currencies may be exchanged at banks or authorized exchange offices. International airports and larger hotels also offer currency exchange services. The tour guide is also responsible for helping clients with money exchange; recommend the exchange offices which charge the lowest commission."
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"name": "What about the local costs in Romania?",
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"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Local Costs in a 3* restaurant: Soft Drink: $1.3; Beer: $1.7; Bottle of Wine: $8.7 - $18, 3 course dinner: $13.28 - $18.11. In shops these products can be 50% cheaper."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "Are ATMs available?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "ATMs are available in all the cities; near by hotels, our guide will come with good advice and recommendations."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the voltage of the electric power system in Romania?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In Romania electric power in use is of 220 voltages, AC, usually 2 pronged."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What’s the climate like in Romania, what clothes should I wear?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Romania enjoys warm summers and cold winters. In summer, cool cottons are best and in the winter a warm jacket or alike is recommended. Autumn is dry and cool, with fields and trees producing beautifully colored foliage. The weather in October-November is very unpredictable, with daytime temperatures between 6°-17° Celsius (42.80 - 62.60 Fahrenheit), and night time temperatures between 3° - 10°Celsius (37.40 - 50 Fahrenheit); but it is very much possible that you will see some snowfall especially in the mountain areas."
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the time zone for Romania?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Romanian time is EET (Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of GMT, seven hours ahead of New York and ten hours ahead of Los Angeles. Check right now what time is in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania: https://time.is/Bucharest"
}
},{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What clothes should we pack? Will we be OK with jeans for the tour? How should we plan to dress for dinner? What is the dress code? Could we shop for clothes?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The dress code in Romania is the same as all over Europe (think France, Germany, UK or Italy). Wearing jeans, t-shirts/sweatshirts and athletic shoes is standard casual in Romanian. Plenty of designers’ shops are to be found in major cities: Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Sibiu, where people are a bit too pretentious when it comes to their outfits. Dorobanti Boulevard in Bucharest can easily be compared to Chaps Elysees in Paris when it comes to “fashionists” (costs are similar too). The malls are well supplied with designers’ clothes and with respect to the prices, a great deal of our clients found the Romanian costs to be more acceptable then the ones in US. With regards to the restaurants’ dress code, something casual is sufficient. You can wear whatever you would wear at home. To satisfy dress codes for churches and monasteries, men and women are requested to cover their arms and legs (no shorts above the knees or sleeveless garments)."
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"@type": "Review",
"name": "A most amazing and unforgettable holiday",
"reviewBody": "A most amazing and unforgettable holiday: one of the very best We were trying to piece together how we would get around Romania to all the sights we wanted to see in two weeks, given the complex system of rail schedules, when I stumbled upon a Fodor’s review of Transylvania Live tours on the internet. I knew Fodor’s were highly reputable, and somewhat high end, so I figured they were right in their review. We are not ‘high end’ travelers, but after making inquiries to the extremely helpful Hertha and her team at Transylvania Live, we booked into what turned out to be one of the very best holidays of our lives. We were met by our guide, Claudio, at the hotel in Bucharest we had booked ourselves and taken to the first of the (uniformly excellent) hotels on the tour. He spoke something like five languages and was extremely knowledgeable about everything and everywhere we went and developed a firm friendship with him over our tour, including him in all our non tour activities. The tour was an amazing combination of history and Dracula references. I don’t want to give much away, but it completely lived up to the marketing on the Transylvania Live website. We were toured around in a Mercedes Benz van and Claudio was extremely flexible about spending more time here and there if we really liked a location. Aside from the scheduled tour, we met people in the countryside and saw parts of Romania we would never have seen if we tried to do it by ourselves. In every location, despite the fact that we were there in a somewhat slow season (Sept 2013), everything was turned on for us – hospitality was faultless. The Dracula-inspired entertainments were also not skimped. And when we unexpectedly met the Transylvania Live team one day, it was amazing and they were all incredibly friendly. This was quite literally a holiday that you would refer to as ‘holiday of a lifetime’ – and we are not ‘tour’ people.
Romania is a stunning country, made all the more amazing for us by the people at Transylvania Live. We both 100% recommend this tour. Ask for Claudio if you can get him – he is a truly lovely man.",
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"@type": "Review",
"name": "This tour was fantastic",
"reviewBody": "This tour was fantastic and a great way to spend 5 days in Transylvania. Our Tour guide and driver Alin was phenomenal! Very friendly and helpful. Definitely would recommend! Thank you for a great experience!",
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"name": "Excellent trip",
"reviewBody": "This was an excellent tour of Transylvania. The booking process was easy. We had the BEST tour guide, Verdes. He was so knowledgeable about the places we visited. But he also gave us so much background information about Dracula, the vampires, Vlad the Impaler and life under communism. I would highly recommend this tour, and try to request Verdes If you can, he was wonderful! We were able to pack so much into 5 days. Excellent",
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