Romania | Europe

Romania is located in Southeastern Europe, bordering Ukraine to the north, Moldova to the northeast, the Black Sea to the southeast, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, and Hungary to the west. It is defined by the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube River, and its emerging status as a regional IT and manufacturing hub, with Bucharest serving as the capital city.

History & Culture

Romania achieved modern independence from the Ottoman Empire on May 10, 1877. Significant political eras include the Kingdom of Romania (1881–1947), the Communist period under Nicolae Ceaușescu (1947–1989), and its 2007 accession to the European Union. 81% of the population identifies as Eastern Orthodox. The primary national holiday is Great Union Day (December 1). Social etiquette emphasizes formal address using titles, the removal of shoes when entering a home, and the presentation of an odd number of flowers as gifts (even numbers are reserved for funerals).

Language & Communication

The official language is Romanian, a Romance language with significant Latin roots. English proficiency is High among the youth and in urban centers like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara. French and German are also common second languages in specific regional pockets, such as Transylvania.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 19 million, with 54% residing in urban areas. Top export commodities are vehicle parts (Dacia), insulated wire, and car engines. GDP per capita is approximately $18,500 USD ($41,000+ in PPP terms). The economy is driven by the automotive industry, IT services, and agriculture (maize and wheat).

Visa & Entry Policy

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area (since March 2024 for air/sea), Romania allows visa-free entry for citizens of the US, UK, and EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Non-exempt nationalities must apply for a Schengen Visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Card payments and contactless "tap" systems are universal in cities. Cash is necessary for rural markets, small kiosks, and some public restrooms. ATMs are abundant in urban areas; major banks include Banca Transilvania and BCR.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is primarily conducted via the state-owned rail network (CFR Călători), though travel times can be slow due to aging infrastructure. An expanding motorway system (A1, A3) connects major hubs. Domestic flights operated by TAROM and HiSky connect Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Orange, Vodafone, and Digi. 4G coverage is nearly universal; 5G is widely available in all major cities. Romania consistently ranks among the world's top ten for fixed broadband speeds.

Climate & Seasonality

Romania has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot, frequently exceeding 30°C. Winters (December–February) are cold and snowy, especially in the Carpathians. The most rainfall occurs in May and June.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry. Environmental risks include ticks in forested areas (Lyme disease) and occasional seismic activity in the Vrancea region. The universal emergency number is 112.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Transylvania: Hubs: Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara.

Muntenia (Wallachia): Hub: Bucharest.

The Black Sea Coast: Hub: Constanța.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 3.50 RON ($0.76 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 10.00 RON ($2.18 USD)

1 Sim Card (Prepaid Data): 35.00 RON ($7.65 USD)

Facts & Legends

Romania is home to the world's heaviest building, the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, which contains over 700,000 tonnes of steel and bronze. Local folklore is dominated by the legend of the "Strigoi" (troubled spirits) and the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century Prince of Wallachia who served as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.