Before You Go: Romanian Travel Basics

Citizens from the USA, Canada, or EU countries can stay in Romania without a passport for up to 90 days. Citizens from most non-EU European countries can enter for 30 days without a visa. Austrialian and New Zealand citizens require visas for travel to Romania.

While there are no vaccinations requirements for travel to Romania, it is best to be up-to-date on your shots due to dubious hygiene conditions in some areas of the country. Of particular importance are hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid vaccinations.

A single unit of Romanian currency is called a leu ("lei" is the plural form). Get your money exchanged into lei at private exchange offices or exchange kiosks, as the wait is shorter than at banks. Make sure you have your passport handy when exchanging money.

Credit cards are accepted at most upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops, though the most recognized are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. ATMs are plentiful if you prefer to withdraw cash every few days. American Express travelers' checks are most widely recognized and can be exchanged at banks, though you may have to show your passport, issuing receipt, and/or other checks to show check sequence numbers.

Trains are the best way to get around in Romania. They may not be the most comfortable, but they are inexpensive and efficient. The CFR runs Intercity and Rapid trains that stop only in major cities and towns. Accelerats stop more frequenly, while Personal trains are slow but may get you to less significant destinations. It may be adventageous to purchase tickets in advance from an agent.

Buses are best avoided by visitors, as the stops are not clearly marked. Maxitaxis, or minibuses, may prove to be more efficient, though they are usually crowded and uncomfortable. However, they can get you to places lacking train service.