Europe
Romania
Affordable EU and Schengen country with some of Europe's fastest home internet, nomad-friendly Bucharest and Cluj, and wild Carpathian hiking. Trade-offs: slow trains, rough driving and patchy English in villages.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyRONUS$1 ≈ lei4.74Details
- Price level44%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTreated and safe in big cities such as Bucharest and Cluj, though old pipes affect taste.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalConservative and discreet society.Details
- Internet276 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 83 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences valid. Most other licences accepted for short stays; rental firms often want an IDP for non-EU licences.
- Digital nomad visaYesLong-stay visa for digital nomadsDetails
Where to go in Romania
10 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BucharestCapital city | 4/5 | $1,370–2,000 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 66/100 |
| BrașovCity | 4/5 | $1,160–1,690 | Jun–Sep, Dec | 77/100 |
| Cluj-NapocaCity | 4/5 | $1,370–1,900 | May–Jun, Sep | 68/100 |
| SibiuCity | 5/5 | $1,160–1,690 | May–Jun, Sep, Dec | 83/100 |
| SighișoaraTown | 5/5 | $949–1,370 | May–Jun, Sep | 90/100 |
| TimișoaraCity | 4/5 | $1,270–1,790 | May–Jun, Sep | 74/100 |
| ConstanțaCity | 4/5 | $1,160–1,690 | Jun–Sep | 78/100 |
| IașiCity | 4/5 | $1,370–2,000 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 63/100 |
| OradeaCity | 4/5 | $1,270–1,900 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 69/100 |
| Danube DeltaRegion | 4/5 | $1,160–1,790 | Apr–Jun, Sep | 71/100 |
When to visit Romania
May–June and September–October for cities and Carpathian hiking; July–August for the Black Sea and the Transfăgărășan road; December–March for skiing.
Good to know
Entry
- Full Schengen member since January 2025: days here count toward the shared Schengen 90-in-180 limit.
- The EU Entry/Exit System takes fingerprints and a photo at your first Schengen entry; allow extra time at borders.
- ETIAS online authorisation (€20) for visa-exempt visitors is due to start in late 2026; check before you fly.
- Arriving overland from Moldova or Ukraine is a Schengen external border, so expect full checks and long queues.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Zero tolerance for drink driving: any alcohol can mean fines or prison.
- A rovinietă road vignette is required on national roads; heavy fines without it.
- Drug laws are strict; visitors have been jailed over small amounts at music festivals.
Etiquette
- A few Romanian words (bună ziua, mulțumesc) are warmly received
- Cover shoulders and knees in Orthodox churches and monasteries
- Take shoes off in homes; give flowers in odd numbers
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants, left in cash or added on the card terminal. Round up taxis; not expected at counters.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Romania
- Speedtest Global Index: Romania
- EU Travel Europe (EES and ETIAS)
- Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Visa
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.