Shopping
Overview
As in most countries, Romania has a large number of modern shopping centers. However, the larger shopping experience is offered by the traditional markets, where locals also shop. Even in the most remote villages in Romania there are regular market days. In some areas, the goods are still carted to the marketplace by horse-drawn carriage. Cheese, fruit and fresh vegetables from the region are sold at the markets. Some markets also sell local products such as embroidery, pottery, porcelain, ceramics, crystal and glassware, textiles, wool sweaters, wood carvings, leather, silver and metal items, carpets (rugs), stained glass and silk dresses. Payment is made almost exclusively in cash at the market. Haggling is definitely allowed. Bucharest has the best shopping opportunities. In addition to numerous inner-city shopping malls, there is a colorful flower market, regular craft events and a thriving antique trade. There is a wide range of galleries and antique shops on Strada Hanul cu Tei, a narrow cobbled street in the historic city centre. Those who like it more luxurious are drawn to the Calea Victoriei, where you will find high-priced jewelry stores and designer boutiques. The prices in Romania have increased significantly in recent years, but even today you can still find high-quality handcrafted jewelery at a reasonable price in some areas. In the Hala Centrala in Iasi (Internet: www. halacentrala.ro) there are numerous jewelery shops – if you are looking for a traditional yet inexpensive souvenir, you should look for a Romanian amber set in Turkish silver. On the other side of the country, Timisoara is famous for its artisan scene. There is a wide range of shops in town where you can buy local art, ceramics and handmade jewellery.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Romania. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
Opening hours
Most shops open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, some shops open Sun 6am-12pm. There are seasonal differences. Some supermarkets close to the city are open until late in the evening.
Culinary
Overview
Romanian cuisine is a successful mix of different cultural influences. Elements of Turkish, German and Hungarian cuisine are clearly recognizable. Traditionally, Romanians tend to eat hearty and meat-heavy meals. Eggs are almost always available for breakfast, either boiled, fried, scrambled or in the form of an omelette filled with either cheese, ham or mushrooms.
Regional specialities
Despite significant regional differences, there are some national dishes such as ciorbã de perisoare (meatball soup), ciorbã tãrãneasc (sauerkraut and vegetable soup served with sour cream), lamb bors, poultry giblet soup, and numerous fish soups. Mititei (charcoal griddle) and patricieni (charcoal grilled sausages) and steamed stuffed vine leaves are often on the menu. Seafood dishes such as nisetru la gratar (grilled Black Sea sturgeon), raci (freshwater crayfish) and scrumbii la gratar (grilled herring) are also recommended. Other specialties include: Tocana (pork, beef or mutton goulash with onions). Ghiveci (over 20 different kinds of vegetables, fried and served cold). Moldovan parjoale (spicy and richly garnished meatballs). Sarmale (cabbage rolls)
Useful information
It can sometimes be difficult for vegetarians to find something suitable to eat, as almost everything is prepared with meat. Some restaurants serve mancare de post, a fasting dish that does not contain any animal products at all.
Tip
Restaurant bills include a 12% service charge; if not, 10-15% of the invoice amount is reasonable. The wine waiter also receives a small tip.
Regional drinks
Regionally different varieties of Tuicã (plum brandy) are often served with the appetizers. Romanian wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Murfatlar wineries are world famous. The Grasa and Feteasca wines from the Cotnari wineries (Moldova) and Romanian beer are also recommended.
Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages
In Romania, you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotel vouchers should be purchased from travel agencies that are contractual partners of the Romanian Tourist Board. The best way to confirm a booking is by telex or fax, as unconfirmed bookings are often not accepted. Further information from the Romanian Tourist Offices (see addresses) and from the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation, 7 Bulevardul Gheorghe Magheru, 3rd Floor, Room 40, RO-70165 Bucuresti. Tel: (01) 312 05 70. (Internet: http://www.fihr-romanianhotels-org.ro/) Categories: Hotels are classified by awarding them from 1 to 5 stars.
Camping
There are about 100 campsites. The vouchers valid from May to September can be obtained from authorized travel agencies.
Other accommodation options
Most youth hostels are only open during the travel season, some all year round. For more information, contact the following organizations: Tourist Office for Young People, Strada Onesti 4-6, RO-Bucuresti. YMCA Hostels, Strada Silvestru 33. Tel: (01) 210 09 09. Fax: (01) 321 41 34. Youth Hostel Association Romania, Casa de Cultura a Studentilor, P-ta Lucian Blaga no. 1, First floor/AITASS, Cluj-Napoca. Tel: (0264) 58 66 16. (Web: www.hihostels-romania.ro. Vila Helga Hostel, Strada Busolei 7A, Tel: (021) 212 08 28. (Web: www.rotravel.com/hotels/helga) Information can also be obtained from the tourist offices and special tour operators.
Culture
Religion
Romanian Orthodox (86.8%). Catholic (4.7%), Protestant (7.5%), Greek Orthodox, Islamic and Jewish minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: When greeting someone shakes hands. Women are greeted with a kiss on the hand. The usual forms of politeness should be observed. People address each other as Domnule (Mr.), Doamna (Mrs.) or Domnișoară (Miss.) along with their last name, and when meeting casually they use their first names. With an invitation, the host is given a gift, for example wine or liqueurs, flowers or chocolates for the lady of the house. Flowers are always given in odd numbers. Many Romanians smoke, so that western cigarettes are usually gladly taken. History is a touchy topic of conversation, it is better to praise modern society and good development of the country. Clothing: Dress is generally conservative, smart casual wear is acceptable. Swimwear always belongs on the beach or pool. Nude bathing is permitted on many beaches on the Black Sea coast. Some hotels offer their own nudist beach sections. Photographing: Military or police facilities may not be photographed, the same applies to security-relevant facilities such as airports, bridges or government buildings. People should be asked before being photographed. Some tourist attractions may only be photographed as a visitor for a fee. Smoking: While smoking is banned in public places, like in many Eastern European countries, Romanian smokers don’t take the law too seriously. In public transport such as airplanes, buses, Smoking is not permitted on subways and trains. Some hotels offer designated non-smoking rooms. Bars and restaurants are either completely non-smoking or smoking is allowed inside. Tipping: A service charge is usually included in the hotel or restaurant bill, but an additional tip of 10% is expected. Porters and taxi drivers also expect a tip. however, an additional tip of 10% is expected. Porters and taxi drivers also expect a tip. however, an additional tip of 10% is expected. Porters and taxi drivers also expect a tip.
Climate
Best travel time
continental climate.
Summer temperatures are tempered on the coast by constant sea breezes. It can get very hot on the inland plains. Very cold winters in the Carpathians, milder winter temperatures on the coast. Snow falls from December to April.
The best travel time starts in May and ends in September.
Country data
Phone prefix
+40
Area (sq km)
238391
Population
19,237,691 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
91
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
yes
Main emergency number
112
