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In Bucharest, and to a lesser extent in other places, there are many stray dogs. In Bucharest only the toughest and strongest hounds survive, so do not make eye contact with them as they'll probably be aggressive. If confronted by a wild dog your best bet would be to appear big and strong and maybe throw a rock.
If you have to go to the hospital make sure you have some cash on you. Things wil go alot smoother if you give a litte money. There has been cases that some people have not been given any medication or help because they did not pay the bribe. Its sad but true. Im not sure if the docs woud be ike that to foreigners but to locals I do know thats true. Same with the police, if you get in trouble the same applys. Also some guides will make a agreement with the hotel people to overcharge foreigners and split the profit with them.
If you're considering the possibility of going to Romania and have already done some research for your trip, you've probably heard a lot of people telling you to be careful when using taxis because they usually overcharge foreign tourists. Well, unfortunately, that's true...At the airport, some taxi drivers wanted to charge us 3 times more than we payed to a named company. I had already read a lot about this danger, so we just left and used the services of a taxi with the name of a company written on it.However, in Brasov's train station, we kind of accepted being deceived. The guy told us the price, we knew it was overpriced, but accepted because we were tired and just wanted to get to the hostel soon. And because it was a quick ride and the price wasn't so high...
I was a little worried about traveling to Romania myself, but there is not to much of threat. I lived in Gaesti at a orphanage for 3 months, and I met a really nice guy, that to etremely great care of me. Even though Gaesti has only about 15000 people, I was never allowed to walk alone.... I am very glad that my friend made that rule for me, because even when I was with him and other guys, the gypsies were pretty straight forward about what they would like to do to you. If you are a single female, please do not walk alone at night, it would be a very bad mistake. Also watch out for the crazy drivers and be prepared that when you go back to your own country you will develope a very bad case of road rage since being used to having to drive like a crazy person. Make sure that you bring a mastercard, or visa with a pin #, if it does not have a pin, good luke on getting money. Oh, and one...
I experienced considerable difficulty changing American dollars in Romania. Outside of Bucharest, many of the exchange houses would not change the money. The worst experience was at the Bank of Romania office in Sighisoara, a good sized tourist city. The bank refused to change much of the money claiming that each little fold, tear, mark, etc made the bill void. Despite advising them MY bank in the USA gave me that money, they refused to change it. Then, when attempting to get Romanian money on my Visa card, despite calls to Visa, the Bank refused to give me more than the equivalent of $150. Very often, shops DO NOT take visa cards. Even in Bucharest, many stores did not accept the card. If possible, be sure you have brand new bills, or immediately change your money in Bucharest before traveling elsewhere.
You can see them in most of the cities, roaming around and sending their children to beg for money. According to the locals, the main source of gipsies' income is theft and they can easily spot the unwary foreigner. When they approach you, watch for your wallet.
Romania has the largest gypsy population in Europe. Gypsies originate from India and have noticable darker skin than locals. You may feel inclined to give them money, but be warned, they will continue to ask for more and more and you may very soon find yourself being swamped by 4 or 5 of them.
Romania is home to a LOT of homeless children, but some may attempt to steal from you, especially at train stations. Always be aware, alert and avoid being totally alone. If you want to give money to begging kids, consider making a donation to a local organization that will help them, or make sure to NEVER pull out your wallet.
We were ripped off by a taxi driver in Brasov and almost ripped off by another will driving village to village. ALWAYS check for meters or agree on a price beforehand. Don't look like you don't know what you're doing.
Romania has a particularly bad problem with stray dogs, locals may try to reassure you by insisting the government exterminated a lot of the dogs, well perhaps this is true, but if it is they are nowhere near getting on top of the problem.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel Bucharest
7 Reviews and 147 Opinions The Bucharest Marriott Grand Hotel is primarily a business hotel, located close to the main business...
Bella Muzica Brasov
6 Reviews and 59 Opinions We stayd at this hotel in february 2010. The hotel was perfectly located in the the senter of...
Hotel Binder Bubi Sighisoara
21 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Romania attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Romania sightseeing.
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Q: Buna Ziua all! It's the marshmallow/Christmas-tree/asks-too-many-questions guy! Lol! So, I feel I asked about this once but,...
A: Ooops, I didn't mean "dinner" for 2 but, MEALS for 2. :p
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