Colin Shaw of Roving Romania
is a founder member of the
Association of Ecotourism
in Romania
Roving România
Strada T. Vladimirescu, Nr.36,
Comuna BOD,
RO-507015 Brasov,
Romania
Telephone: +40 (0)724 348272
or +40 (0)744 212065
E-mail: [email protected]
www.roving-romania.co.uk
Roving România
Adventure Travel & Exploration
ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS TO ROMANIA
Roving Romania offers adventure travel in a country still largely unexplored by foreigners. Romania is beautiful and often unpredictable so our itineraries are flexible. Western luxuries are sometimes hard to find. Come with this in mind and you will have the experience of a lifetime!
Magura and
Piatra Craiului
in the Autumn
Health:
It is essential you list on the booking form any health or medical problems, e.g.: asthma, heart problems, etc. Bring all medicines and essential toiletries with you. It is advisable to check with your GP prior to undertaking the trip particularly with regard to ensuring any vaccine requirements are up to date. It is recommended that you bring a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses, should you wear them. Lost contact lenses cannot be replaced easily in Romania; and contact lens solution should also be brought.
Visa:
You need a full passport with, at least six months’ validity left on it, in order to enter Romania. Holders of UK, EU and USA passports no longer need a visa to enter Romania as tourists. Holders of other passports must check with their nearest Romanian embassy.
Baggage:
Rucksacks, holdalls and soft bags are best, as luggage space in the Land Rover is limited. Rigid suitcases may have to be carried on the roof rack where they are exposed to the weather (and theft!). Do not over pack – bring only what you need. In spring and summer, sun cream, a good insect repellent, and a sun hat are essential. We also suggest you carry either toilet roll or tissues.
Clothing:
It can be cool in the mountains (up to 7000 ft) even in summer, and it can snow on the highest peaks even in August! Equally summer temperatures in Bucuresti and the south often exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Bring easy practical clothing, which must include one warm pullover, one pair of jeans or warm trousers and a waterproof/windproof jacket. Walking boots or strong shoes (well worn with good ankle support) and a small towel are also essential. Formal wear is not needed but the space is! You will not find washing, drying, or ironing facilities!
Photography:
If you are using film, bring plenty – you’ll need it! Print film can be found in most towns, but it is cheaper to buy before you leave home. Slide film is very difficult to obtain in Romania and black and white film is no longer found. Camera batteries can be hard to find without wasting much time hunting for them. Memory cards for most digital cameras are available in Romania, but batteries may not be.
The Black Pottery, Marginea (Bucovina)
Electricity:
Romania uses the European 220 volt, 2-pin (round pin) system. The Land Rover carries a 220-250 volt AC inverter for re-charging mobile phone and camera batteries – again using the 2-pin system.
Spending money:
Prices of drinks, refreshments, traditional craftware and souvenirs are remarkably low, and many things are included in your tour price. You will not normally need a vast amount of spending money unless you want to buy expensive souvenirs. Bring, Euro, GB Sterling, or US Dollars and only new or nearly new notes (printed after 1990 in the case of $USD). Old, worn, damaged, and written-on notes – even notes with a tiny tear along the edge – are refused. USD $1 bills are difficult to exchange and often only half their value is given. Advice found in guide books saying that anything can be bought in Romania with small denomination $USD bills, is out of date! Foreign coins are not accepted. Euro banknotes are the best foreign currency to bring.
Travellers’ cheques and credit cards are generally NOT accepted in Romania except at the largest hotels and some petrol stations. There is an extensive network of cash-point machines in most towns and cities that give Romanian money and accept VISA, Mastercard, Link, & Cirrus. You MUST have your PIN number for all cards. We recommend that you bring sufficient (not excessive) cash. We also recommend you change some initial currency (about Euro 50) into Romanian Lei (RON) before leaving the airport, but not more as the rates are poor. Your passport will be needed when exchanging money and you must keep the receipt.
Tipping:
It is normal in Romania to give a tip (around 10%, or round-up price to nearest round figure) for meals and drinks at restaurants and bars, for taxis and drivers, and it is nice to leave a small gift for families you stay with. These are for you to arrange – they are NOT included in your Roving România tour price!
Diesel-hauled train in the Vaser Valley
(Maramures)
Piata Mare in Sibiu – after a summer storm
Discover the REAL Romania with Roving Romania!
E-mail: [email protected]