Romania Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Bucharest
- Currency
- Romanian Leu (RON lei)
- Best time to visit
- May–June and September–October offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and hiking, while winter suits skiing in the Carpathians.
Visa requirements
An EU member, Romania permits visa-free entry for many nationalities including US, UK, Canadian and Australian travelers for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Getting around
Trains and intercity buses link towns affordably, while Bucharest has a metro and ride-hailing apps; a rental car is best for Transylvania's villages and mountain roads.
Safety
Romania is generally safe, though pickpocketing, ATM scams, and taxi overcharging target tourists in Bucharest. Use ride-hailing apps and stay alert in crowded areas and on overnight trains.
Tipping customs
Tipping around 10% in restaurants is customary, with rounding up common for taxis and cafés.
Travel tips
Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry lei for rural areas and markets. The Transfăgărășan highway is only fully open in summer. Trains are scenic but slow, so buses or rentals are often faster between towns.