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Travellers Essentials
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Romania without incurring
customs duty:
(a)200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco
(b) 2 litres of spirits
(c) 4 litres of wine and 4 litres of beer
(d)gifts up to a value of US$1000.
Prohibited Imports:
The prohibited items are ammunition, explosives, narcotics,
pornographic material, uncanned meats, animal and dairy products.
Prohibited Exports
The prohibited items are articles of cultural, historical
or artistic value.
Currency
The currency of Romania is: Leu (plural Lei) = 100 bani. Notes
are in denominations of Lei50,000; 10,000; 5000; 1000 and
500. Coins are in denominations of Lei100, 50 and 20.
Currency Exchange
It is recommended that visitors bring hard currency, particularly
US Dollars, as this can be easily and even eagerly exchanged
by shops, restaurants and hotels. Pound Sterling can be easily
exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can
be exchanged at banks and authorised exchange offices. Rates
can vary from one place to another, so visitors are advised
to shop around for the best rate of exchange.
Exchanges on the black market are frequently made, but visitors
are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels
and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services
require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made
at least one financial transaction. The receipt for currency
exchange has to be presented to settle hotel bills, unless
the payment is made by voucher, credit card or travellers
cheque.
Credit Cards
The credit cards that are accepted are: MasterCard, American
Express, Diners Club and Visa accepted in large hotels.
Travelers' Cheques
Like credit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels
and for obtaining cash at the Tourist Office. To avoid additional
exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers
cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
The hours are from 0900-1200 Monday to Friday for business
transactions matters)and 0900-1200 and 1300-1500 Monday to
Friday for currency exchange.
Getting There
Romania's national airline is Tarom (RO). Other airlines that
fly to Bucharest includes Delta, Air France, Lufthansa, Alitalia
and Swissair.
Sea:
The main international passenger port is Constanta on the
Black Sea. There is a ferry service on the Danube, starting
from Orsova, to Bulgaria. Passenger boats also operate on
the new European riverway from Rotterdam to Constanta. For
further information, contact the Romanian Tourism Promotion
Office.
Rail:
The main international train from Western Europe to Romania
(Bucharest) is the Wiener Waltzer, which runs to Bucharest
during summer only.
Road:
The most direct international routes to Romania are via
Germany, Austria and Hungary.
Passports
A passport valid for a minimum of 3 months is required for
all visitors.
Visas
All visitors are required to have visas, except the following:
(a)Nationals of Croatia and Moldova.
(b)Nationals of other CIS countries, Cyprus, and San Marino
for stays of up to 90 days.
(c)Nationals of Turkey for stays of up to 60 days.
(d)Nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,
Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)
and USA for stays of up to 30 days.
(e)Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same
or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward
or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Social Conventions
Romanians are very Latin in their behaviour. Handshaking is
the most common form of greeting, but it is customary for
men to kiss a woman's hand when being introduced. Visitors
should follow normal European courtesies on social occasions.
Dress tends to be rather conservative but casual wear is suitable.
Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside.
Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and
theatres. Many Romanians are smokers and gifts of Western
cigarettes are greatly appreciated. Other well-appreciated
gifts include toiletries and Western clothing.
Photography Restrictions
Sensitive installations of military importance should not
be photographed. Some tourist attractions require visitors
to pay a fee of approximately Lei2000 for taking photographs.
Tipping
A 12% service charge is added in most restaurants. Porters,
chambermaids and taxi drivers usualy expect tips.
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