Wander Across Romania – What to Expect

It’s time to get excited!

Your exciting trip to Romania is just around the corner, promising to be a truly memorable experience! Please read this document carefully as it contains important information to help you get ready for the journey ahead.

Entry Requirements

Passport Information

You will need a passport to travel to Romania. Your passport should be valid until at least April 2025 and it should have 2 full empty pages.

If you don’t have empty pages, please contact us and we will send you instructions for getting a new passport in time for the tour.

Visa Information

Citizens of the USA, Australia, New Zealand and most European Countries are allowed to enter Romania without a visa. Starting on March 31st, 2024, Romania became part of the Schengen Zone, a European zone consisting of 29 countries. As a citizen of any of the mentioned countries above, you are allowed to spend 90 days out of any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone as a whole.

Arrival / Departure Airport

Please note that both the arrival and departure airport for this tour is the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).

Immunizations

Romania doesn’t require any immunizations to enter the country. However, as is the case when traveling to any country, it is always good to speak with a medical professional about what immunizations might be right for you and to ensure you are up-to-date with standard immunizations such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus.

Country Information

What Should You Expect?

Get ready to embark on this 12-day adventure through Romania, where we’ll delve into the many layers of the country’s history, vibrant culture, and captivating landscapes. Romania, a land of diverse contrasts, will surprise us with its blend of medieval charm and natural beauty, alongside a heritage deeply rooted in tradition and community interaction.

Our journey will begin in Bucharest, a city where history and modernity intersect. Here, we’ll explore lively markets and secret passageways, setting the stage for the adventures ahead. From here we’ll continue to Brașov, where enchanting cobblestone streets and medieval architecture will provide us with a window into Romania’s rich history. Our next stop is Corund, where we’ll learn about local craftsmanship from experts who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their art. In Sighișoara, the magic of its fortified walls and ancient towers will come alive as we stroll through its historical lanes. We’ll then move on to Sibiu, where Renaissance facades and animated squares reveal a rich cultural mosaic. Finally, our trip will conclude with a scenic drive along the Transfagarasan Highway, traversing the Carpathians with breathtaking views and significant historical landmarks.

However, what will truly make this tour memorable are the authentic interactions and personal connections we’ll form with the people of Romania. From sharing traditional meals in the homes of locals to spending time with craftsmen in their workshops, and even joining farmers during their daily routines, each experience will draw us closer to the heart of Romanian culture. This journey isn’t just about visiting Romania, it’s about engaging with its people, understanding their traditions, and creating lasting friendships.

Facts About Romania

• Population: 19.12 million people
• Religion: The predominant religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, practiced by 87% of the population. There are also smaller communities of Roman Catholics, Protestants, and a small percentage of Muslims and other faiths.
• Languages: Romanian is the only official language, with Hungarian, Romani, Ukrainian, and German also spoken by minorities. English is increasingly understood and spoken, especially among younger generations, in urban areas, and within the tourism sector.
• History: Romania’s history is a tapestry of influences, including Roman and Ottoman rule, and its existence as a principality under the Habsburg Empire. It achieved full independence in the 19th century, went through a period of communism post World War II, and saw a significant political shift after the Romanian Revolution of 1989.
• Politics: Romania is a unitary semi-presidential republic. The President, Klaus Iohannis, is the head of state, while the Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, is the head of government. The political structure combines democratic principles with parliamentary processes.

Accommodation

From 4* hotels to high-end guesthouses, you can always expect comfortable accommodation at unique properties. All rooms have private bathrooms. 

Transportation

During the trip, we’ll travel in comfort with our deluxe, air-conditioned van. There will always be plenty of space for each guest, while traveling in a vehicle that gives us access to areas that buses simply can’t reach. We’ll also take one 2-hour train journey.

Food and Water

In Romania, tap water is generally safe to drink, meeting all safety standards. However, many locals prefer to drink bottled water, often due to a preference in taste.

The food in Romania is both safe and fresh to eat. The country is known for its high-quality fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally grown, reflecting the diverse agricultural regions across Romania. 

Money

The local currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 4.60 LEU.

In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $30 – $35 USD per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.

As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which are located throughout urban areas around the country. However, check with your bank at home as many banks charge high foreign transaction fees every time you withdraw money overseas.

If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD, Euros or GBP to exchange at money exchange offices in the cities.

*Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, cafes and shops throughout the country.

Tipping

Tipping is not widely practiced in Romania but it is appreciated. Below is a general guideline:

• Restaurants – 10% only if a service charge is not already added to the bill.
• Hotel staff – 5 – 8 LEU if someone helps you with luggage or anything else.
• Our drivers – At the end of the trip, we recommend that everyone gives a $50 USD tip for our drivers. We will collect this on the last day and give it to our driver before we say goodbye.
• Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative.

*Tips for local guides and waitstaff at included meals are already included.

Safety

Romania is a very safe country and the chances of anything happening are very slim as long as you use the same common sense you would use at home.

➜ Watch your stuff – Always keep an eye on your stuff and avoid putting a wallet or phone in your back pocket. Keep your purse or shoulder bag on your front hip and make sure the zippers are zipped on your backpack. Simple as that! You can also leave valuables in your room while out and about each day as the hotels we use are all very safe.

➜ Scams – Most “scams” in Romania are nothing major, however, it’s always a good idea to be cautious if approached by overly friendly individuals offering unsolicited help or services, as this can sometimes be a distraction technique for pickpocketing. Also, be wary of taxi drivers who don’t use the meter or claim it’s broken, as they may overcharge you. As with any travel, if a situation doesn’t feel right, it’s best to politely refuse and walk away.

Weather

You can expect moderate temperatures throughout the tour. September in Romania offers comfortable weather during the day and cooler evenings. This month is a great time to visit, as it usually features less rain and the landscapes, particularly the mountains, are stunning. Outdoor activities are still very enjoyable thanks to the pleasant weather. Here are the average temperatures for each destination we will visit:

• Bucharest: 77F/25C high – 55F/13C low
• Brasov: 64F/18C high – 50F/10C low
• Corund: 72F/22C high – 48F/9C low
• Mesendorf: 68F/20C high – 46F/8C low
• Sibiu: 72F/22C high – 48F/9C low

Clothing and Packing

While traveling in Romania, you are free to wear whatever clothing you wish as Romanians generally dress as they do in any Western country.

➜ Laundry – Laundry service will be available in most major urban areas. When available, it costs approximately $20 USD per load.

We recommend packing the following items:

Additional Information

Cameras/Drones

You may bring your camera bodies and lenses into Romania as a tourist.

Although highly regulated, you may also bring your drone into Romania. However, to do so, you must first register with the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR), as well as have every planned flight pre-approved by the Ministry of National Defense. For more information on Romania’s drone laws, please visit this page of the RCAA website.

Outlet Adapters

Romania uses standard European plug outlets (Plug Types “C” and “F”), so if you’re coming from the US or Canada, you will need a plug adapter. You can easily find cheap ones online, so we’d suggest shopping around. 

As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230V If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Staying Connected

Romania has some of the fastest internet in the world, so you’ll be able to easily connect in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, and even parks.

If you wish to have a data connection on your phone throughout the trip, we recommend that you either activate the international plan from your network at home or buy an online E-Sim for Romania. These two options will ensure you have a good 5G connection throughout the tour.

Is There Any Free Time?

Yes! Most days will include time together as well as free time for you to enjoy a destination at your own pace. With that said, your tour leader will always be available to offer personal recommendations and suggestions as to things you might want to do or see, places to eat and other interesting activities that you might want to check out when there is free time.

WhatsApp Group

We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.

That’s it for now and we hope you are continuing to get more and more excited about this incredible adventure, just as we are!

If you have any questions about anything, please reach out to team@wanderingearl.com