General Info about Bucharest, Romania

Visa Requirements
Citizens of the EU intending to visit Bucharest just need to show a current passport or an identity card issued by their home country. US, Canadian, or Australian residents will need a valid passport to visit Bucharest, and can visit for a period of up to ninety days. Nationals of all other countries or anyone intending to work or study in Bucharest should contact the relevant Romanian consulate in advance of your visit.


Currency
The currency used in Romania is the leu (with lei as the plural) or RON which is made up of 100 bani. Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 lei and coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50 or 100 lei.


Language
Romanian is the official language of Bucharest, and English is also very widely spoken.


Climate
The climate in Bucharest is a continental one, which leads to cold winters and hot summers. In summer, temperatures tend to hover around 23ºC but can sometimes go as high as 35ºC or more. Winters can be windy and cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. July and August tend to be the hottest months, January and February the coldest, and May and June the wettest.


Medical Care
Visitors from EU countries are entitled to medical treatment under the EU Reciprocal Medical Treatment agreement. Before you travel you should collect a form, E111, from your local social security office.


Time Zone
Bucharest is in the Eastern European Time Zone, which is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.


Opening Hours
Shops in Bucharest generally open from 9.30am or 10am until 5.30pm or 6pm. Some small shops close for lunch. Fridays are generally late night opening nights.


Tourist Offices
Bucharest doesn’t have any tourist offices as such. Information can generally be obtained from the place you’re staying, or alternatively you can try the European Union Information Centre on Piata Revolutiei.


Tax
Value added tax in Romania is 19%, with a reduced rater of 9% applying to some things like hotels, books and medicine. Non EU-nationals are entitled to a tax refund after leaving the country. In order to qualify you must get your invoice stamped at customs and post it back to the shop.


Currency Exchange
For the best rates, exchange your money for local currency at one of the various banks or use one of the numerous ATMs throughout the city.


Electricity
The electricity used in Bucharest is at 220 V, 50 Hz. A two-pin plug should be used here.


Telephones
The international code for Romania is +40. The area code for Bucharest is 021. If you're calling from outside Romania, dial the international code of the country you’re in, drop the first 0 for Bucharest and dial the number.

If you’re dialling overseas from within Bucharest, dial 00 (international access code), the country code, then area code and the local number.


Post Office
The main post office is located at Str. Matei Millo 10. It opens Mon-Fri from 7.30am-8pm and on Saturdays from 8am-2pm.


Tipping
A tip of 10% is generally expected when eating out in Romania.


Public Holidays
It is worth noting what the public holidays are before you travel to a country as the majority of businesses, banks and shops usually shut for the day. In Romania they take place on January 1st and 2nd, the Monday following Orthodox Easter, May 1st, Rusalille which is celebrated 50 days after Easter, August 15th, and December 1st, 25th and 26th. It is a good idea to check the particular area too as certain towns and cities also shut down during special events.