Money
The currency in Romania is leu (plural lei). 1 Leu = 100 bani.
The currency code for Romanian leu is RON.
Cash can be easily exchanged at any bank or currency exchange office. Approximate exchange rates are:
1 USD = 4,45 RON (lei)
1 GBP = 5,4 RON (lei)
1 EUR = 4,85 RON (lei)
ATMs that accept MasterCard and Visa can be found in main banks, airports and shopping centers. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and most restaurants and shops.
Prices
In general, the cost of living (or holidaying) in Romania is relatively low, altogether making it perfect for a stag do of any budget!
Alcohol
On average prices of alcohol increase the closer you get to the city center. Trendy, high-end bars tend to be more expensive, whilst the normal pubs are more economical. Average prices of alcohol and cocktails are:
- A pint of beer from 1,50 EUR to 3,50 EUR.
- A shot of vodka or whiskey (usually 40ml or 50ml) from 2,50 EUR to 5,00 EUR.
- An alcoholic cocktail is starts from 4,50 EUR and non alcoholic from 3,50 EUR.
- In dance clubs a pint of beer costs between 2,50 EUR and 4,50 EUR.
- In dance clubs a shot costs from 3,00 EUR.
Meal
Eating out is definitively cheaper than many holiday destinations:
- A quick pizza starts from 4,50 EUR.
- A cheap lunch menu dish in a downtown restaurant costs about 5,50 EUR.
Taxi
We always recommend that you ask your guide to arrange a taxi on your behalf to avoid miscommunication or being ripped-off. However, should you be on a no-guided activity, and in need of a taxi, then we insist that it is always better to pre-book and call a taxi by phone, than hail one on the street because fairs are often doubled when you do not pre-order. We recommend that you clarify the rate before getting in and that you look for the existence of the taxi meter, there are regular taxis charging 0,32 EUR/km / GBP 0,29/km and airport taxis 0,80 EUR/km / GBP 0,72/km.
- Typical price for a taxi ride - 2,30 EUR / GBP 2,10
Public Transport
Bucharest has a very complex network of buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro lines. The ticketing system uses contact-less smart-cards, called Active Cards. After entering a vehicle (or subway station), you can validate the card by holding it still in front of the validating device (an orange box with a small LCD screen) until you hear a short beep and the LCD display will appear. Night buses are also available. They run between 23:00 to 01:00 and 5:00 to 6:00 every 30 minutes, and from 1:00 to 5:00 every 1 hour. The following short ticket options are available:
- One ride - 0,30 EUR / GBP 0,27
- 24-hour ticket - 1,80 EUR / GBP 1,60
Metro - the underground train tickets can be bought from the ticket boxes only- they work as credit on your rechargeable Active Card:
- One ride ticket - 0,50 EUR/ GBP 0,45
- 10 ride ticket - 2,30 EUR / GBP 2,10
Weather
Bucharest has a humid continental climate because of its location in the Romanian Plain region. The city's winters can get windy and the temperature sometimes drops below 0⁰C. However in summer, the warmest months are from July through till August with the average temperature being approximately 25⁰C, despite the fact that temperatures often reach 35⁰C in mid-summer in the city center.
Time difference
Bucharest is in the Eastern European time zone, resulting in a time difference of +2 hours, and +1 hour comparing to the majority of Western & Central Europe (France, Italy, Germany).
Visa
Visas are not required for visits of up to thirty or ninety days by nationals of the UK, other European countries, the USA and Canada. Just make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive at the Romanian border.
Public Holidays
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- 2nd January - Day after New Year's Day
- April/May - Easter
- May/June - Pentecost, Whit Monday (Both 50th and 51st days after the Orthodox Easter)
- 1st May - Labour Day
- 15th August - Saint Mary's Day
- 1st December - National Day (Celebrating the Union of Transylvania and Romania)
- 25th December - Christmas Day
- 26th December - Second Day of Christmas/Boxing Day
Embassies
British Embassy
24 Jules Michelet, 010463 Bucharest
Phone: (+40) 21 201 7200
Irish Embassy
50 - 52 Buzesti St, 011015 Bucharest
Phone: (+40) 21 3102131/141
The American Embassy
4-6 Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., 015118 Bucharest
Phone: (+40) 21 200 3300
Voltage
The electrical voltage in Romania is 230 V which is the same voltage used in France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
A plug adapter is required for non-European appliances. Sockets take the standard continental European dual round-pronged plugs.
Telephone
The international telephone code for Romania is 0040
The telephone number for emergency services is 112
Language
In Bucharest most people speak Romanian. The younger generation can speak English reasonably well, and in addition they are often fluent in a second Romance language - either Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian or Catalan.
The official language of Romania is Romanian that is spoken by approximately 90% of the population. Hungarian is spoken by 7% and German speakers make up around 1.5%.
Bucharest Travel Guide
Orientation
Bucharest is located between Transylvania's Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea. It is the capital of Romania and is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe with a population of 2,2 million inhabitant. It is believed that Bucharest was founded by a shepherd named "Bucur" (meaning "joy" in Romanian) and he gave his name to the settlement (as it was back then).
Romania joined the EU in 2007, which instilled a new zest for life and atmosphere of excitement in the country's capital. The city has seen great change and as a result there is a very interesting blend of old-new when it comes to the atmosphere, buildings and public thinking.
Sightseeing
Bucharest was once called the "Little Paris" because of it's beauty in the Belle Epoque buildings and tree-lined boulevards. The arch of Triumph, with an elegant boulevard longer than Paris' Champs-Elysees, allows visitors to climb to the top (85 feet high) for a panoramic view of the city. The no.1 attraction is the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. The city has many sites, including the Romanian Athenaeum, the Military Club, many museums, galleries, churches and palaces.
Nightlife
By night, Bucharest comes alive! You get to see a different side to the city and its people! There are many young people up for a party, searching for fun and adventure in its pubs, bars and clubs. With many gentleman's clubs and casinos tucked into the old town's beautiful historical buildings, your stag do is sure to be a good one in Bucharest! With no licensing hours in the city, Romanians know how to party long into the night - living life to the full.
Opening Hours
Entrance to the museums, galleries or palaces is available from 9-10 a.m. to 4-5 p.m. (except on Mondays when they are closed). The nightlife usually starts in bars, because most clubs are opened from 10 p.m to 5 or 6 a.m. Many clubs are opened until 5 a.m. every day of the week.