Romania Cheat Sheet
A list of tips & tricks to make the most out of your stay in Romania
I’ve visited Romania a few times, and while none of this is earth-shattering, here are some things I’ve learned…
Food:
Restaurants are different in Romania. Here are a few pieces of advice:
Do not wait to be hungry. Wait staff is slower and they work under different expectations. Go before you’re hangry, get multiple dishes and chill. You will wait, and this is normal.
At restaurants, you can pay with card, but you need to leave a cash tip.
All restaurants play their music too loud. Welcome to Bucharest!
People smoke outside or on patios at restaurants.
Wine is made naturally without the help of saccromyces yeast. It is also often unfiltered. If you see a wine labeled “Sec” it means that it is dry. A sweet wine is “Dulce”.
Cocktails are a new tradition. We would recommend ordering a classic cocktail. Sometimes it’s an adventure!
Every restaurant will offer you still water “apă plată”[apah platah] or sparkling water “apă minerală”.
People don’t dine like they do across the pond. Unless you tell them you want the check they will assume that you want to stay a while longer. Don’t get upset, they’re not ignoring you, they’re being considerate. Ask for the check when you’re ready to leave.
Breakfast here is not bacon and eggs. Think European: yogurt, lunch meats, tomatoes, cucumbers and cheeses. Not your style? Grab a slice of toast and jelly, or ask for an omelet. Cereal is typically served with warm milk. Make sure you ask for cold milk if you’re getting it in a restaurant.
Some Traditional Dishes you should try:
Mici: meat sausages
Papanași: donuts-but so much better
Sarmale: cabbage rolls-typically stuffed with meat and rice
Șnițel: aka schnitzel-aka pork tonkatsu-aka fried pork
Crepes (clătite): pancakes do not exist here, but why bother if you have crepes!
Salată de vinete: eggplant salad-spread on toast
Shwarma: If you are hungry, or need something to soak up the tuica, get shwarma (Shaorma) at Dristor Kebap.
Driving in Bucharest, and in general:
1) If you’re planning on renting a car, get an International Driver’s Permit. You can get them from AAA. Most cars are manual transmission, so make sure to ask for an automatic if you need one!
2) DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. There is zero tolerance, so always have a DD that hasn’t consumed anything. Uber is available in Bucharest and neighboring areas, so make use of it. Prefer Uber over hailing a cab. Cabs aren’t dangerous, but Uber offers a better experience.
3) DO NOT SPEED. You’re going to see other drivers do crazy things. Do not be them. Do not drive like a granny either, unless you like the sound of car horns.
4) DO NOT DRIVE AND USE YOUR PHONE. There is zero tolerance.
5) Use the WAZE app. We’ve compared Google maps and Apple Maps, and WAZE is much more reliable. People in Romania use this so traffic data is more reliable.
6) If cars driving in the opposite direction flash their lights at you, it means there is a cop ahead checking speed, or doing random stops.
7) Driving in Bucharest should require a special course, but if you decide to take on the challenge, good luck! Streets are not straight, parking is it’s own special nightmare, traffic lights are hung behind trees and high up on poles… Unlike in the US, the traffic lights are placed on your side of the intersection.
8) Pay attention for pedestrians and busses. They have the right of way.
9) If someone helps you find a parking spot, they are doing it for a living and expect a tip. 5 LEI should do it!
Hotels & Tips:
If you’re going to travel throughout Romania, some hotels do not offer towels, shower gel/shampoo. If you’re planning on seeing more of the countryside, please stop at a Carrefour store and grab some essentials.
Hotel staff do accept tips. For the cleaning staff, you’ll leave a tip every other day.
Power (literally):
If you’re coming from the US, you will need a plug converter for power. The standard voltage in Romania is 230V, 50Hz. DO NOT bring your own hair dryer or curling iron. Check with your hotel to see if they provide the appliances you need, otherwise buy one here (they’re cheap). Most laptops and cell phones have a built-in transformer for charging, but not your regular appliances. If the standard voltage in your country is 220-240V, you can use your appliances here.
Shopping:
1) If you need to go to a grocery store in town, look for a Mega Image or a Carrefour.
2) ParkLake Shopping Center is a beautiful mall. If you like getting a few unique pieces, check this out this shopping center for clothes.
Some Other Interesting Things:
1) You might see stray dogs on the outskirts of Bucharest. They are used to humans and usually not aggressive. No reason to be afraid, but approach with caution.
2) Marijuana is illegal here. Do not trust anyone you do not know if you want weed, because the penalties are steep.
4) Basic phrases:
Salut (Sah-loot): Hello
Te Rog (Tei roh-g): Please
Merci (mare-see): Thanks
Pa Pa (pah pah): Good bye