Bucharest Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards are a good way to have internet access for calls and data.

SIM Cards & eSIMs

Major Providers: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom. Easily purchased with ID.
For digital travelers, consider an eSIM from Airalo for instant connectivity.
A portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi offers reliable personal hotspot options.

Language & Post

Navigating language differences and postal needs is straightforward.

Communication Aids

Official Language: Romanian. English is widely used by younger generations and in tourist settings.
Translation Apps: Google Translate's offline feature packs is highly beneficial. Language learning with Rosetta Stone can also deepen your journey.
Postal Services: Poșta Română branches are available city-wide for sending mail.

Business Hours

Understand typical operating times for various establishments.

General Schedules

Shops: Typically 09:00/10:00 to 19:00/21:00 (weekdays), shorter on weekends. Malls later.
Restaurants: Lunch 12:00-15:00, Dinner from 19:00. Old Town eateries are open late.
Museums: Generally 10:00-17:00/18:00, often not Open on mondays/Tuesdays. Always check online.

Money & Public Holidays

Know about banking operations and holiday impacts.

Financial & Holiday Notes

Banking Hours: Typically 09:00-17:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends. ATMs are widely available 24/7.
Public Holidays: Banks, government offices, and some businesses close. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule.
Seasonal Closures: Smaller attractions may have reduced hours in winter or on major national holidays. Check in advance.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greetings & Dress

Handshakes are common upon meeting. Kissing on both cheeks for close acquaintances.
Address elders or authority figures formally ("Dumneavoastră") to show respect.
General Attire: Smart casual in urban areas.
Churches/Monasteries: Modest dress with dress to cover shoulders and knees.

Dining & Visuals

Tipping: 10% in restaurants is standard. Polite to finish your plate.
Avoid snapping fingers to get a waiter's attention; polite eye contact or "scuzați-mă" is effective.
Photography is generally allowed in public spaces. Always request permission before photographing individuals.
Some museums or churches may prohibit photography or charge a fee. Look for signage.

Social Sensitivities

Politics, especially recent history, can be sensitive. Approach discussions with respect. Avoid criticizing local culture. Do not discuss personal finances with fresh acquaintances.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

Bucharest's accessibility infrastructure continues to advance, striving for a welcoming an all-ages experience.

Mobility Infrastructure

Bucharest's older infrastructure has challenges for wheelchair users with uneven pavements and cobblestones in the Old Town.

Newer Structures

Newer buildings and public transport generally offer improved accessibility. Older structures often lack ramps or lifts.

Accessible Venues

Some newer museums, shopping malls, and Therme București have is very accessible features.

Accessible Transit

Transport Notes

Newer metro trains and buses are more accessible.
Older metro stations often rely on stairs, lacking lifts or escalators.
Plan routes carefully, checking station information for accessibility.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Dedicated services for the visually or hearing impaired are limited but developing.

Support & Information

Guide dogs are generally accepted in public spaces.
Information in Braille or sign language is not widely available.
Accessibility information is slowly improving. Contact venues directly for specifics.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Considerations

Social Climate

Romania is generally a conservative country, specifically outside major cities.
Bucharest tends to be more tolerant and open than rural areas.
Public displays of affection might be less common than in Western Europe.

Information & Advice

For specific concerns, research local LGBTQ+ community resources.
Online forums for disabled travelers provide recent experiences and advice.
Planning and contacting venues directly is always recommended.

Airport Comfort & Compensation

Enhance your airport experience with Priority Pass for lounge access. If facing flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.

Etiquette & Local Traditions

Religious Site Etiquette

Respectful conduct in holy places enhances your spiritual journey and honors local customs.

Guidelines for Sacred Spaces

Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Some churches might request head covering for women.
Maintain low voices inside churches and monasteries.
Do not interrupt religious services. Enter quietly and observe respectfully.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Navigating conversations with local people with consideration builds bridges, not barriers.

Cultural Conversations

Politics, especially recent history, can be sensitive.
Approach such discussions with respect and a flexible mindset.
Avoid openly criticizing Romanian society or local customs.

Photography Ethics

Capturing memories responsibly shows appreciation for local culture and individuals.

Visual Respect

Photography is generally allowed in public spaces.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Some museums or churches may prohibit photography or charge a fee. Look for clear signage.

Gender Considerations

Social Awareness

Romania is generally a conservative country, notably outside major cities.
Public displays of affection might be less common than in Western Europe.
Bucharest is more tolerant and open than rural areas, reflecting an evolving urban culture.

Important Phrases with approximate pronunciation

Greetings & Politeness

Bună ziua: Boo-nah zee-oo-ah (Hello, formal, daytime)
Salut: Sah-loot (Hi, informal)
La revedere: Lah reh-veh-deh-reh (Goodbye)

Essentials & Questions

Mulțumesc: Mool-tsoo-mesk (Thank you)
Cât costă?: Caht coh-stah? (How much?)
Vorbiți engleză?: Vohr-beets een-gleh-zuh? (Do you speak English?)

LGBTQ+ Information

Rights & Acceptance

LGBTQ+ rights in Romania have seen improvements over time.
Bucharest, as the capital, generally exhibits a higher level of tolerance and openness compared to rural areas.
Public displays of affection, however, could be less common and accepted than in many Western European nations.

Navigating Your Visit

For detailed information or specific concerns, research local LGBTQ+ community resources.
This enables you to stay aware and prepared for your visit.
Planning your activities with local context in mind leads to a more enjoyable trip.

Economic & Ethical Considerations

Your travel choices shape the local community and leave a lasting impression, contributing positively to local life.

Community-Based Tourism

Some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offer tours that directly support local communities.

Local Initiatives

Look for tours focusing on Roma culture or social enterprises.
These initiatives put your tourism expenditure directly into the hands of local people.
Foster cultural exchange and gain insights beyond mainstream attractions.

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Make conscious purchasing choices that support local artisans and ethical practices.

Sustainable Shopping

Purchase directly from artisans at local markets or small independent shops.
This helps money go directly to producers and supports their craft.
Look for locally produced goods and brands to support Romanian businesses and local production.

Supporting Local Businesses

Directly support the local economy and foster authentic experiences.

Local Spending

Dine at local restaurants and cafes rather than international chains.
Stay in locally owned accommodations, from boutique hotels to guesthouses.
Hire local guides for tours to ensure accurate information and local economic support.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

Conscious choices help prevent perpetuating negative cycles and promote responsible tourism.

Ethical Tourism

Be cautious of beggars, specifically children; direct charity can create issues.
Consider donating to reputable local charities that support education or social programs.
Avoid any activities involving animal exploitation, like circuses with animals or unethical animal tourism.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Architectural Heritage

Efforts are underway to restore historical buildings in the Old Quarter and other areas, preserving Bucharest's architectural beauty.

Traditional Crafts

Support traditional craftspeople and cultural institutions that work to maintain Romanian traditions plus creative works, ensuring their continuation.

Engaging with Culture

Participate in local festivals, visit folk museums, and attend cultural performances to experience the living heritage of Romania.

Mindful Travel

Every decision you make as a traveler impacts the local ecosystem and community. Choose consciously to leave a positive mark and authenticly connect with the destination.

Bucharest Travel Tips