Romania Travel Safety

Road safety

Driving can be hazardous due to aggressive drivers, erratic driving behaviour and high speeds. Do not drive after dark outside of major cities due to unsafe conditions. These can include horse-drawn carts without lights and wandering livestock on the road. Road conditions vary throughout the country. With the exception of major city streets and intercity highways, many roads are in disrepair, poorly lit, narrow and without marked lanes.

Identification

You must carry adequate identification at all times. A photocopy of your passport is acceptable, and will help in case of loss or seizure of the original document.

Taxis

At the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, arrange for a taxi from the taxis booth within the arrivals terminal to get a fair rate. Don't hail a taxi on the street, instead, order one from your hotel. Avoid travelling alone in a taxi to remote areas. Rail services safety standards are generally good. Use only licensed metered taxis that display their price lists. Verify the tariffs on the taxi's window before boarding and ensure that the meter displays the correct tariff. Tariffs are more expensive at night and when travelling outside of the city limits.

Women's safety

Romania is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel. If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available.

Scams

Individuals posing as plain clothes police officers may ask you to see your foreign currency and passports. Politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station to sort out the issue. Some bars and night clubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards: pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

Crime

Violent crime is rare. Organized groups of thieves are particularly active in public transport hubs, such as train and bus stations, and subways. Theft can occur on intercity trains. Don't leave your compartment unattended. Always lock the door from the inside. Don't travel on your own, particularly on overnight trains. Pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging occur, particularly in Bucharest and other urban centres. Be vigilant in crowded areas such as busy streets, public transportation, train stations and airport terminals. Avoid walking alone after dark. Theft from hotel rooms is common. Make sure your valuables are always locked away if leaving them in the room while you're away. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

Spiked food and drinks

Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely. Targets could include:government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

LGBT

Romanian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. The country has made significant progress in LGBT rights legislation since 2000 including wide–ranging anti-discriminatory laws, equalising the age of consent and laws against homophobic hate crimes. Bucharest's annual Pride, usually accompanied by a LGBT film and art festival, has grown in recent years and is gaining the support of more public figures. Since 2017, a Pride event has also been held in the city of Cluj. The country remains generally socially conservative resulting in the majority of LGBT people not being openly gay and there being very few gay bars or clubs in Bucharest or the other main cities.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is illegal to photograph government buildings and military installations, unless prior permission has been obtained from local authorities. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences of up to 15 years and heavy fines. There are harsh penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. The age of consent in Romania is 18. It is illegal to change money on the streets. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.

Driving

Traffic laws are strict and local authorities carry out frequent road checks. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences, and your driver's licence may be confiscated immediately. It is illegal to refuse a breathalyser test. A driver's licence is valid in Romania for up to 90 days. A local driver's licence is required for longer stays. Romanian residents must have a local driver's licence. You must carry vehicle registration and proof of insurance. A motorway vignette (locally known as a rovinieta) is required to travel outside major cities. You may purchase these at border points, post offices and large gas stations. Headlights must be on at all times when driving, regardless of the time of day or weather. Winter tires are mandatory during winter months. You must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car.